Business First of Buffalo articles from February 2000

Business First of Buffalo archives from February 2000

And in this corner ... Buffalo's Iron Talun.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Is professional wrestling a sport? I ask that question now because wrestling, in the cyclical nature of things, seems to be sweeping close to the top of the popularity charts. Is it because Jesse Ventura was elected governor of...

Turning a dream into reality.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Coming up with a viable idea for a new business is the easy part of the equation for most entrepreneurs. Finding financing for the venture is a tougher challenge. If you are poor, inexperienced in the intimidating world of business...

Technology, content will be joined at hip.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Have the "new media" really won? It would appear so after the blockbuster announcement that America Online plans to buy Time Warner for a cool $160 billion, making it the largest corporate merger in history. Most everyone sees the union as...

WNY economy stumbles on.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... The nation enjoyed another year of economic expansion in 1999. Western New York did not. The Business First Economic Index registered an average score of 1,232 points last year, putting it 1.2 percent below 1998's average of 1,247. The...

SBA creates opportunities.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Leroy Wiggins is about to introduce a new product to the world: the ToiLite, an illuminated toilet paper holder. Don't laugh. Wiggins and his partner, Clifton Gulley, are serious enough about this product that they've spent four years in...

Sales of used vehicles fall in region.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Special manufacturer's buyer incentive programs helped boost Buffalo-area new car sales to a 1999 record but are suspected of having the opposite effect on used car departments at many of the same dealerships. Used vehicle sales at Erie...

Failure to file is taxing issue that demands a solution.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Those income statements and W-2 forms coming in the mail can only mean that April 15 is fast approaching. But for one in 15 individuals and businesses across the country, it is and has been a meaningless date on the calendar because they...

5th Coast.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Thumbs Up to the Boys & Girls Club of the Tonawandas and the Town Boys & Girls Club for an agreement to merge the two organizations. The merger will give more opportunities and provide more services to youth in the Tonawandas and the Black...

What's right with WNY edition.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... What's right with WNY edition Subject Word on the street Commute An independent study gave Buffalo a C- rating in how the city is managed. But the study didn't look at what's right with the...

Traffic at Visitor Center increased during 1999.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The downtown Buffalo Visitor Center reported a steady increase in visitor inquiries and walk-in traffic through 1999. Figures by the Greater Buffalo Convention & Visitors Center showed the Visitor Center, located at 617 Main St., recorded...

Nixon Peabody merges with Virginia law firm.
February 7, 2000... The Nixon Peabody law firm has merged with a Virginia firm that specializes in intellectual property law. Nixon Peabody has 10 other offices, including one in downtown Buffalo. The merger with Sixbey Friedman Leedom & Ferguson of...

Golf fever yet?(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... If you're part of a charity golf tournament this season, send us the information for our annual Golf Almanac, which will be published March 27. Just include the following information: Name of tournament, date, time, golf, course, cost,...

Office space guide.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Calling all developers, landlords and real estate agents. Business First is compiling the list of commercial properties for our annual Commercial Leasing Guide, published March 20.

Clarifications & amplifications.(Correction Notice)
February 7, 2000... * Concrete Central, a massive grain elevator on Buffalo's waterfront, was built in 1915 by Nisbet Grammer, president of the Eastern Elevator Co. Grammer worked closely with John Rammacher who became president of the company when Grammer...

Hamburg firm gets Super results.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Does advertising during the Super Bowl have its rewards? An area company that controls an Internet site, wnyjobs.com, believes it does. The Hamburg company, which also publishes "JOBS Weekly," became a late entrant into the Super Bowl...

Towne plans BMW dealership for Clarence.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... After 31 years of building its business base in the South Towns, Towne Auto Group is aiming soon to set up shop in the northern suburbs. The 10-franchise dealership has purchased four acres on Main Street in Clarence adjacent to Great Lakes...

Vito's signs sandwich deal with Delaware North Cos.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... After a three-year absence, Vito's Gourmet Market is coming back downtown. Vito's has signed a licensing agreement with Delaware North Cos. Inc. to bring its sandwich shop to the lobby of the Key Center at Fountain Plaza complex. Delaware...

Gisel thrives in expanded role at Rich Products.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... William Gisel had a whirlwind week as chief operating officer of Rich Products Corp. In just a matter of days, he: * Oversaw final negotiations that brought J.W. Allen & Co. into Rich Products. J.W. Allen, like Rich, is a family-run food...

CSX battles high costs, negative public image.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... When it comes to image and public perception, CSX Transportation Inc. feels it is getting railroaded. CSX, which last year was one of the railroad operators to buy the former Conrail transportation network and routes, has been alternately...

Financial services centers added to 7-Eleven stores.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... 7-Eleven convenience stores, including 25 in the Buffalo and Rochester areas, are broadening their business by adding "financial service center" to the description. Beginning in 2001 and carrying through year's end, about 5,000 7-Eleven...

B'way Market plans renovations.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... For the first time since Ronald Reagan was president and Jimmy Griffin was mayor, the Broadway Market will be getting a dramatic facelift this year. The historic East Side market, on Feb. 1, announced plans for a $l.3 million renovation...

Nutritional database feeds Amherst business.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... "You gotta eat healthy foods." As a kid, how many times did you hear it? As a parent, how many times have you uttered it? At any age, how many times have you ignored it? Sometimes, it can't be ignored -- as Darwin Dennison discovered...

Development program targets small communities.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Without a lot of fanfare, the Empire State Development Corp., the state's primary economic development arm, has laid the ground work for a new program that will offer aid to smaller communities. Empire State created the Empire State...

Kudos to Cannon.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The areas largest architectural and engineering firm, Cannon Design, was recently honored by American School & University magazine. The magazine presented Cannon with the William W. Caudill Citation for its work on the James Madison School...

Pyramid Brokerage Co.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... User Friendly a computer sales, service and training store, with an outlet in West Seneca's Southgate Plaza, has leased 5,000 square feet on Broadway in Cheektowaga that will serve as a sales office and warehouse. The deal was brokered by...

Beau Geste Restaurant.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The former Beau Geste Restaurant on Transit Road in Depew has been sold to Phil Heerdt and Chris Ganje, who plan on reopening it as Portabello's, another restaurant.

Chopin Singing Society.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Tudor also has the listing on the Chopin Singing Society of Buffalo's banquet facility on Old Union Road in Cheektowaga. The building has a 400-person seating capacity and parking for about go vehicles, on site. Tudor said several parties...

Carriage House.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Speaking of long remembered local eateries, the former Carriage House on Genesee Street in Cheektowaga has been sold. The United Auto Workers No. 424 purchased the 11,837-square-foot building for the new union hall, replacing an older facility...

UB athletic department ready to take your pledge.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... UB goes calling for dollars. Now in its fifth year, the athletic fund-raising arm for the University at Buffalo department of athletics is ready to conduct its appeal to alumni and program supporters. The Blue & White Club has rounded up about...

Delaware North adds Ohio park.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Add Deer Creek State Park Resort Complex in Ohio to the list of Delaware North Parks Services Inc. clients. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation awarded a 10-year contract to Delaware North to operate...

Wisconsin company adds Alzheimer's units.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... A Wisconsin senior residence company is adding two locations in Western New York for people with Alzheimer's disease. Alterra Healthcare Corp. of Milwaukee opened a 46-unit apartment building on Nash Road in Wheatfield on Jan. 29 and...

Relief sought for seller-financing.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The effort to undo a tax law change that makes it harder for small-business owners to sell their enterprises found a powerful ally in Congress. Rep. Bill Archer, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, asked President Clinton to...

Clinton proposes credit for small biz pensions.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... President Clinton wants to give small businesses a tax credit worth 50 percent of the qualified contributions they make to the retirement plans of rank-and-file employees. Businesses with 100 or fewer employees would be eligible for this...

Center site gets boost from property owner.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... One of the major property holders on the site of the proposed downtown convention center said he supports the project and is willing to move his business to prove it. Whitworth Ferguson Jr., president of Ferguson Electrical Construction...

Works of James Tissot coming to Albright-Knox.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The Albright-Knox Art Gallery will present a major special exhibition of works by 19th century French painter James Tissot. The exhibition begins March 25 and continues through July 2. The exhibition is the first North American...

St. Bona builds support in corporate sector.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... It's like a trip back in time. To those crazy '80s when attending a sporting event meant you could talk to those next to you during a break in the action. It was a time when you weren't bombarded by ads, subliminal and real, that wanted...

Candidates' tax policies offer medley of choices.
February 7, 2000... The tax policies of the leading presidential candidates range from Steve Forbes' proposal to "end the IRS as we know it" to Bill Bradley's plan to eliminate corporate tax shelters. But the only issue that seems to have hit a nerve with...

Florists.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Florists Ranked by 1999 floral orders Phone Rank Web site ...

Searching for an oasis.
February 7, 2000... Region's still seeking more and better jobs There's confidence in the local job market, thanks to a near-record low unemployment rate coupled with a regional marketing initiative aimed at creating tens of thousands of jobs Within five...

Permanent paper trail is needed for temps.
February 7, 2000... Temporary workers and independent contractors can serve as human scud missiles: brought into a business to hone in on a particular problem or task, they neatly resolve the issue, then pack up when the job is done. Attracted to the...

Exec has a read on banking careers.
February 7, 2000... David Chamberlain is a huge fan of literature. Want proof? Ask his golden retriever, Whitman. Or check out his English degree from Canisius College. So why is this booklover holed up in an office at M&T Bank instead of in a classroom...

Choices aren't taxing for managers of LLCs.
February 7, 2000... Once upon a time, business people had to choose their poison. Corporations protected shareholders from personal liability, but didn't allow deduction of losses and taxed those shareholders twice, through corporation and income taxes....

Don't stay in a shell if opportunity arises.
February 7, 2000... Charles Schultz retired the Peanuts gang this year, reminding us that time passes on and familiar things change. Poor Charlie Brown, he never got to kick the football! How many times in our own lives have we blinked and realized we did not get...

Internet site aims to link people with current employment topics.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The Institute of Management and Administration (www.IOMA.com) recently partnered with JobOptions LLC (www.joboptions.com) in Cleveland to more easily access human resource-related information and jobs online through the co-branded site...

Tax tips for that time of year.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... 1. File early td receive any federal tax refund that is due. Processing time is approximately four weeks. 2. IRS toll-free telephone assistance is available around-the-clock beginning Jan. 3 through the 2000 Filing Season. Taxpayers can get...

Niche in the kitchen.
February 7, 2000... Custom cabinets are main entree for Lockport manufacturer What's up: Candlelight Cabinetry is a custom manufacturer of kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers and bathroom vanities. Who's who: John Yakich, 46, is president and co-owner....

'Junk' mail works for business, if done right.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Some may deride it as "junk" mail, but guess what? Direct mail works. However, sending out large direct mailings can be a time-consuming process. Writing the mailing piece and getting it printed, selecting mailing lists, and preparing the...

Adelphia Business Solutions.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Adelphia Business Solutions honored three employees for exceptional third quarter performance: Michael Hunt, a network facilities engineer; Tisha Freeney, a customer service administrator; and Chris Odien, a technician. The awards were...

Bonnie Clement.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Bonnie Clement, who was the top real estate sales agent in Western New York based on 1999 sales volume, received the Ultimate Achievement Award at Stovroff Realty's Corporate Awards Luncheon. She is a broker associate with the company.

Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Mike O'Neill received Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation's Marrano Sales Person of the Year Award for 1999. He is based at the company's Country Woods community in Hamburg, and earned top sales in both number units and dollar volume among Marrano...

R.J. Gullo & Co. Inc.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Russell Gullo was named Exchange Educator of the Year. The owner of R.J. Gullo & Co. Inc., he has 20 years' experience as a national exchange trainer.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Vice President Al Gore and the National Partnership for Reinventing Government honored U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, employees Donald Borkowski, John Bresnahan and Kelly Maccarone. The three were part of a team that developed...

Knights of Columbus Insurance.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Knights of Columbus Insurance honored Robert Hill for his 1999 efforts by admitting him to the Supreme Knight's Club. He is a career field agent with the company's Gruka Agency.

Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce will present the following awards at its 34th annual Recognition Dinner Dance on Feb. 26: Large Business of the Year, Lockport Savings Bank; Small Business of the Year, Dual Printing; Citizen of the Year,...

The 'three you're crazy' rule. Who does it apply to?
February 7, 2000... You get a new job, start a new venture, or get involved with network marketing. Someone says, "You're crazy;" then, Someone else says, "You're crazy;" then someone else says, "You're crazy," and then you quit. That's the three-you're-crazy...

YWCA to open Buffalo court child care center.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... A Feb. 16 ceremony will mark the opening of the YWCA Children's Center at Buffalo City Court, 50 Delaware Ave. The YWCA, which operates the Children's Center at Erie County Family Court, expanded to City. Court in response to a need for...

Mental health coverage gains legislative support.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... Politics took a center stage in the Capitol this week as undeclared U.S. Senate candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rudolph Giuliani met with the leaders of their political parties and conducted other business. Meanwhile, lawmakers...

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE.
February 7, 2000... Bristol-Myers Squibb's Buffalo Technical Operations announced three promotions: Susan Barr, who joined the company in 1997 and was most recently compliance manager, was promoted to manager of quality assurance; Michael Munster, who was formerly...

STATS OF THE WEEK.(Upstate job growth)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... Upstate job growth The Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area took a step backward during the past year, losing 0.1 percent of its job base between December 1998 and December 1999. Upstate's other major metros all gained, led by...

BUSINESS FIRST ECONOMIC INDEX.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... BUSINESS FIRST ECONOMIC INDEX Quarter Index 4th 1999 1,204 3rd 1999 1,216 2nd 1999 1,242 1st 1999 1,264 4th 1998 1,210 The Business First Economic Index tracks the level of business activity in Erie and...

LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS Indicator Period Total 1-year trend Business bankruptcy filings (per week) Dec. 9.0 +136.8% Construction contracts (total...

STATE ECONOMY.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... STATE ECONOMY Nonfarm jobs Change since Metro area Dec. 99 Nov. 99 Dec. 98 Nov. 99 Dec. 98 Albany 449,800 451,400...

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... UNEMPLOYMENT RATES County Dec. 99 Nov. 99 Dec. 98 Allegany County 7.6% 7.0% 7.4% Cattaraugus County 6.7% 6.5% 7.0% Chautauqua County 4.8% 4.5% 5.1% Erie County ...

BUFFALO-NIAGARA FALLS METRO EMPLOYMENT.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... BUFFALO-NIAGARA FALLS METRO EMPLOYMENT Current 1 year ago 2 years ago 5 years ago Sector Dec. 99 Dec. 98 98-99 Dec. 97 97-99 Dec. 94 All nonfarm jobs 554,300 ...

MORTGAGE RATES.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... MORTGAGE RATES Fixed Adjustable Lender (phone) 30 yr. 15 yr. 1 yr. 3 yr. Alliance Mortgage Banking (684-5020) * ...

LOCAL STOCKS AND LARGE EMPLOYERS.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... LOCAL STOCKS AND LARGE EMPLOYERS Company Feb. 1 Acme Electric 5.13 American Precision 10.63 Aria Wireless Systems 0.56 Astronics 9.88 Bell...

MONEY MARKET AND CD RATES-YIELDS.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 7, 2000... MONEY MARKET AND CD RATES-YIELDS MM 6 mos. 12 mos. 24 mos. 48 mos. Bank of Akron 2.75-2.78 4.55-4.60 5.05-5.15 5.34-5.45 5.44-5.55 Bank of Castile 2.75-2.75...

Nixon Peabody merges with Virginia law firm.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2000... The Nixon Peabody law firm has merged with a Virginia firm that specializes in intellectual property law. Nixon Peabody has 10 other offices, including one in downtown Buffalo. The merger with Sixbey Friedman Leedom & Ferguson of...

Optimistic about the future.
February 14, 2000... First the good news: Western New Yorkers are taking a generally optimistic view of the future. Forty-four percent of area adults surveyed by a new Business First-Goldhaber Research Associates Poll said they expect the region's quality of...

Firetrucks spark resurgence.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 14, 2000... As tradenames go, American LaFrance is one of the most famous in firefighting circles in the United States. For more than a century, the company's gleaming silver eagle trademark has emblazoned thousands of red firetrucks in Small Town...

Sale of BryLin Hospitals on hold.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2000... The sale of BryLin Hospitals to a Maryland company appears to have stalled. Officials at the private, for-profit psychiatric hospital announced in May that they were pursuing a sale to Behavioral Health Management Associates LLC of...

Iimak buyout leaves firm in local hands.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 14, 2000... The executive management team of International Imaging Materials Inc. has led a leveraged buyout of the Amherst thermal transfer ribbon manufacturer. The management team, in conjunction with its New York-based financial partners, Centre...

5th Coast.
February 14, 2000... Thumbs up ... to the AFL-CIO Buffalo Council for approving a resolution to work at finding and keeping meaningful jobs in WNY. Now the real job is to find a common path with the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise that will accomplish their dual...

On the Street.
February 14, 2000... On the Street Empire edition Subject Word on the street Empire zones The colonial office in Albany has heard some rumblings of discontent from the distant...

It's news to them.
February 14, 2000... A recently issued state Assembly report that says Western New York is in an economic slump proves New York has the best part-time Legislature money can buy. OK, sure, the rest of us have known for a few years that the touted great economic...

Computer terminal aids hospital patients.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2000... Mercy Hospital of Buffalo has installed a new computer terminal that allows access to medical information for patients to be treated at the hospital. The system features a touch screen leading to answers about various diseases and ailments...

Delphi signs deal with Australian firm.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2000... Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems has signed a technical license agreement that will allow a Fort Worth, Texas, company to manufacture Harrison's automotive heat exchange components in Australia. The company, Tripac International, makes and...

Conference at UB targets urban woman.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2000... The University at Buffalo is launching a major effort to explore the problems and needs of young urban women through a two-day national conference. The conference, scheduled for April 14-15, will be held in the Adam's Mark Hotel. It is...

Deadline is Feb.23 for leasing guide forms.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2000... Calling all developers, landlords and real estate agents. Business First is compiling the list of commercial properties for our annual Commercial Leasing Guide, set to be published March 20. The deadline is Feb. 23.

Clarifications & amplifications.(Brief Article)(Correction Notice)
February 14, 2000... Owl Homes of Allegany posted WNY revenues of $7,639,510 and had 201 WNY housing starts. The homebuilder originally included all of its revenues and housing starts in the Jan.31 Home Builders List. The Buffalo Bills' practice facility in...

Banking company expands in WNY.
February 14, 2000... Community Bank System Inc., like its bigger counterparts in banking, is expanding into a new field of financial services. The DeWitt, N.Y.-based company, which operates 10 banking offices in Western New York--including Olean, Jamestown,...

Transitown loses Chi-Chi's, lands Chili's.
February 14, 2000... The Transitown Plaza will be saying goodbye to one national restaurant chain while welcoming another. The Clarence strip center has signed Chili's Grill & Bar to replace Chi-Chi's, a Mexican food restaurant. According to plans filed...

Mohawk site gains support from private sector group.
February 14, 2000... A private sector-driven group has weighed in with support of the proposed downtown convention center on the "Mohawk site." The Feb. 9 announcement from the Coalition for Downtown Development is significant because it is a private sector...

'Technology star' Metzler not your typical accountant.
February 14, 2000... If James Metzler considers himself a success, it's not without a nod to Western Auto, Sister Dorothy and his cousin's husband. The certified public accountant said his past is rich in events that helped him reach his current vocations:...