Business First of Buffalo articles from May 2000

Business First of Buffalo archives from May 2000

Decision paralysis.(Buffalo, New York, leadership)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Big projects slip away as debates rage on Western New York's leadership can't make a decision. Want proof? Look at the raging debates concerning the Peace Bridge and the proposed downtown convention center. Throw in questions and...

Businesses fight state health care mandates.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Small businesses in Western New York and across the state are joining a grassroots effort to stop what they say is increasing the cost of health insurance: mandated coverage. They are getting the word out through the Employer Alliance for...

HSBC chief touts bank in world market.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Marine Midland Bank became HSBC Bank USA on March 29, 1999. But going into the second year, Western New Yorkers are still struggling with the collection of initials making up the new moniker and identity. Keith Whitson, the chief executive...

5th Coast.
May 1, 2000... Thumbs up [ldots]to U.S. Customs for finally processing the paperwork and doing all the necessary checks to hire 25 more border agents in time for the summer crush. Some might say that with more booths open this summer, we will not need a new...

On the Street.
May 1, 2000... On the Street Promises, promises edition Subject Word on the street Destroyers It's not that we think there's anything wrong with spending summer indoors,...

Singing the body unionized.
May 1, 2000... Pop diva Kathie Lee Gifford, that ingenue to mediocrity, has said it all. So there's nothing left to do but quote her and worship her from afar, preferably very far. What do we mean? Simple (hey, how apt it is to use that word for her), as she...

Warsaw-based bank targets Erie County.(Wyoming County Bank)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Wyoming County Bank is launching a strategic drive into Erie County and is seeking regulatory approval for a branch at 5385 Main St., Williamsville. Jon Cooper, president and CEO of the Warsaw-based bank, said a second location also is...

Bank building office at Salamanca location.(Cattaraugus County Bank)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Cattaraugus County Bank has started construction on a new location for its Salamanca branch office. At 550 Broad St., the branch will be free-standing. An opening is expected in the summer. The office, which will replace the present...

Charter One Financial will repurchase stock.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Charter One Financial Inc., which has banking offices in the Buffalo area, said it will repurchase up to 7.5 million shares of its outstanding common stock in a buyback program recently authorized by directors. The Cleveland company has...

CTG OKs dividend on common stock shares.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... CTG's board of directors announced at its annual meeting of shareholders it has approved a 5 cents per share annual cash dividend on its common stock. The dividend will be paid May 26 to shareholders of record as of May 10. CTG provides...

Sheridan Meadows expanding.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... With one of its premier office parks at capacity, Uniland Development Co. is planning is first major expansion of the Sheridan Meadows Corporate Park in more than a decade. The new section is being constructed across Sheridan Drive, one of...

ElderWood awaits state OK for purchase of nursing home.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The Amherst-based ElderWood Affiliates Inc. is about to add a 14th long-term care site with the acquisition of the Amherst Health Care Center. Pending state approval, ElderWood will begin operating the 83-bed nursing home at 4459 Bailey...

BNE hopes to make a splash at New York trade show.
May 1, 2000... After months of behind the scenes fine tuning, the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise is ready to make its grand debut at an international trade show being held this week in New York City. The BNE, a primarily private sector-led economic...

'Twister' is latest thrill ride to debut at Darien Lake.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The construction cranes that are dotting the landscape around Six Flags Darien Lake are signs that the amusement park is gearing up for another season. In continuing a tradition of adding at least one new ride per season, Six Flags Darien...

NYC medical practice funding health clinic.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... A New York City health care practice is putting money into a primary care clinic that is expected to open in the Delaware district in Buffalo this summer. Promesa Inc. of the Bronx is in the process of buying the building at 897 Delaware...

HSBC realigns top management.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... HSBC Bank USA has announced a realignment of its top executive management, a move that also expands the duties of the $90.2 billion-asset bank's four regional presidents. In Buffalo, the changes involve: * Alexander "Sandy" Flockhart,...

Suppliers short circuited by new energy taxes.(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2000... Energy providers say the deregulated market continues to evolve despite the imposition of new taxes and often futile efforts to lure customers from current suppliers. "It's hard to take customers away," said Michael Riester, account...

Southern Tier merger creates bank network.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Two banking companies in the central Southern Tier where M&T Bank, HSBC Bank USA, Fleet Bank and KeyBank also operate, have agreed to a merger that would create one of upstate New York's largest independent community banks. Norwich-based...

Declining sales snuff out landmark tobacco store.
May 1, 2000... Bernstone's Cigar Store, a smokers mecca in downtown Buffalo for almost three quarters of the 20th century, has closed. Its last owner, Kathleen Silver of Blas-dell, said the business, which began in the 1930s during the Depression and sold...

Great Arrow finds good news in greeting cards.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Great Arrow Graphics keeps running out of space. Since moving from the Pierce Arrow complex on Elmwood Avenue to the Tri-Main Center on Main Street in 1995, the manufacturer of contemporary greeting cards continues to grow. The company...

Sale of Dresser-Rand expected by year's end.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... A final sale of Dresser-Rand Co. by owner Ingersoll-Rand Co. will likely run into the third quarter of this year, a few months later than first expected. While shopping Dresser-Rand around and deciding to extend the bidding deadline to May...

Colleges, universities take part in job fair.(www.collegecentral.com/nyjobs )(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Colleges and universities throughout the state are participating in an online job fair designed to help graduating college students find entry-level employment in New York state. More than 200 colleges and nearly 400 employers are taking...

Ryder location draws market appeal.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The latest street buzz in real estate circles is that the soon-to-be former Ryder Truck and Rental Leasing property is attracting a lot of interest. The 3.4-acre parcel on Anderson Road in Cheektowaga is drawing interest for a number of...

Crawdaddy's making a comeback.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... After nearly two years of uncertainty, the fate of Crawdaddy's restaurant in Buffalo's Waterfront Village has been decided. Specialty Restaurants Corp., the California-based owners of the once popular eatery, confirmed it will be spending...

Adelphia acquires first radio station.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Adelphia Communications Corp., which in recent years has acquired many of its competing cable operators, has added its first radio station and moved the Buffalo Sabres broadcasts to the station. Adelphia, whose chairman and CEO John Rigas...

Uncertain future faces child advocacy agency.
May 1, 2000... As the parent of a developmentally disabled child, Max Donatelli learned through the Parent Network of WNY all about his role, rights and responsibilities as a parent. The nonprofit agency has provided services to parents of children with...

Bank of Castile branch will open in Medina.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Bank of Castile has been granted authorization by the state Banking Department to open a commercial loan office in Medina. The office, which will be the banks 13th branch location, initially will operate as a small business and agriculture...

Six Flags markets concert licenses.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The Six Flags Darien Lake Performing Arts Center is about to break new ground -- and it has nothing to do with expansion or a revolutionary booking. Metropolitan Entertainment Group, owners and operators of the 21,500-seat venue, the...

Niagara IDA takes over troubled park.(Industrial Development Agency)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Plans to move the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency's offices into an IDA-run industrial park are under way. The agency authorized Bergman Associates to begin preliminary work on a new location in the Vantage Pointe Industrial...

MBA students take trip to China.
May 1, 2000... A trip overseas for many people is a once in a lifetime event. Ancient civilizations and remote destinations usually dominate an itinerary for relaxation, but not all trips abroad are without their lessons. A group of 17 executive MBA...

Acme Electric accepts stock buyout.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Acme Electric Corp. said it has accepted a $49 million stock buyout offer that will take the East Aurora electronics maker private. The offer, which was disclosed April 26 by the company, is from Acme's Chairman and CEO Robert McKenna in...

Niagara Falls hospital gains accreditation.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The child care center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has been granted accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Memorial Child Care Center, at 621 10th St., is one of 300 programs in the...

Travel/tour agencies.(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Travel/tour agencies Ranked by gross sales volume Number of: Phone agents...

Investment initiative targets inner cities.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The promised bipartisan approach to directing more investment to America's low-income communities survived a challenge from some Republicans on the House Banking Committee, which approved the creation of the America's Private Investment...

Tech lobby: Deal helps U.S. workers.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... A high-tech industry coalition's lobbying campaign on behalf of permanent normal trading relations with China includes thousands of letters to Congress from technology workers. "This is not just a CEO effort," says Dave McCurdy, president...

House allows interest on business checking.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The House passed legislation to allow banks to pay interest on banking checking accounts. Tie bill would remove the Depression-era prohibition on business checking interest in three years. In the meantime, banks would be allowed to sweep...

Insurace industry opening the 'Net.(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Insiders say agents are still needed in high-tech selling age The Internet revolution has eased the process of buying everything from food to paper clips. But for people looking to buy insurance, be it a life insurance policy or a car,...

Insurance firms cope as expenses keep rising.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Notice anything different about the cost of your business insurance renewals over the past few months? Prices have been increasing at least 10 percent and, if your business is in a hazardous category (or one with a poor track record), 10...

Many transferee spouses get help finding new job.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Organizations remain committed to spouse re-employment assistance for transferred employees, spurred, in part, by significant numbers of dual-career couples, including female transferees with working husbands as trailing spouses, according to...

Agent sees differences in insurance business.(David Bowman)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... If good timing is key to launching a successful career, then David Bowman says the early 1980s could hardly have been less promising. "Unemployment in Buffalo was 14 percent. It was not a good time to start a business, other than debt...

Form 5500 now a part of paper routine.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Employers may not be aware of the requirement to file a Form 5500 with the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor. The form reports welfare and fringe benefits. Failure to disclose such information could result in stiff penalties....

Market fluctuations can result in pension pains.(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... * Depending on how one's personal stock portfolio or retirement nest egg is structured, the market's recent up-and-down gyrations can be anything from a gut-wrenching, costly reality check to a rich opportunity for stocking that nest with some...

Small businesses are feeling a Pinch in health insurance.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... The Community Rating Bill of 1992 -- legislation intended to level the health insurance premium playing field -- and the inability of small businesses to group together to get health insurance rates plague small businesses, said Michelle Walsh,...

Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council congratulates the 2000 Pathfinders who have forged partnerships to benefit student across Western New York. These 50 honorees are weavers of dreams who create the power to change or direct...

Junior Achievement.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The 50 men and women that we honor as Pathfinders are representative of something very valuable. That "something" is volunteering, and it heartens me to see how many adults are taking the time to get involved in the lives of our young people....

Independent Health.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... I salute this year's Pathfinder award recipients for their self-sacrificing efforts to provide the best education to the children in our community. For some students, the world of business is a far-off place that they may visit after...

Buffalo Alliance for Education.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Buffalo Alliance for Education would like to extend sincere congratulations to the 2000 Pathfinder Award Winners. This year's winners include outstanding Western New York citizens from large corporations, small business, human service...

Business First.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Self esteem. Role models. School-to-work transition. Business experience. Those are the phases that appear continually throughout our Business First special publication. These phrases are used by the people who make a difference in the...

2000 RECIPIENTS.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Susan Blanchard CEO Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Student impact: Created student-operated branch of TVFW at Batavia High School. Worked with students on marketing, Power-point classroom presentations, application and...

Firms getting creative to attract new workers.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Today's employers are getting creative in enhancing their employee benefit packages. Two forces are driving those changes, according to Lyle Hanna, senior client manager for a human resources consulting firm. First, he said, medical...

Cornell professor links tipping to national traits, job anxiety.(Michael Lynn)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... International travelers confronting the age-old question of "to tip or not to tip" can find new insights in a study published by Michael Lynn, associate professor of consumer behavior at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. ...

Candidates environmental views similar.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Despite Al Gore's "far more inflammatory rhetoric," the environmental policies of a Gore administration would not differ greatly from those of a George W. Bush administration, predicts Thomas Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of...

EPA gives small firms more time on violations.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Environmental Protection Agency will now give small businesses 21 days to report violations under its self-disclosure policy. The program waives or reduces penalties for businesses with 100 or fewer employees who disclose environmental...

Safety engineers: OSHA's ergonomics rule flawed.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The American Society of Safety Engineers favors an ergonomics standard for the workplace, but not the one proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA wants to require employers to implement programs to reduce...

Dynamic leadership fed resurgence elsewhere.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Decision paralysis could have stagnated expansion in other communities of similar size and economic base. But instead, bold leadership has lead to renewal and growth. Douglas Obletz has seen, first-hand, how a mid-ranged urban area can...

The Office of Urban Initiatives.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Office of Urban Initiatives is holding its annual membership drive. The group delivers services to minority and women business enterprises and helps to enhance the relationship between the public and private sectors. Membership includes a...

rTheory.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... rTheory was awarded a $1.2 million contract with Rhode Island-based Webster Stables Inc. for the creation of a multimedia CD-ROM and companion Web site. The information technology company, opened in 1995, is located in the city's Byte Belt in...

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara launched its 2000 annual membership campaign with a goal of raising $12,000. Membership support enables the organization to continue to expand and enhance the quality of its services, including employment...

McGard Inc.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... McGard Inc. of Orchard Park achieved registration to the QS 9000 automotive quality standard through NSF-ISR. The standard is the fundamental quality system for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors and is a requirement for direct suppliers.

Perfect Fit Glove Co. LLC.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Perfect Fit Glove Co. LLC, a subsidiary of Bacou USA Inc., received ISO-9001 certification. The company designs, manufactures and sells non-disposable industrial gloves and specializes in cut-and abrasion-resistant work gloves.

CTG.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... CTG's Web site was named a Macromedia Site of the Day for its use of Macro-media Inc.'s Flash technology. The site, redesigned in February, includes motion, sound interactivity and graphics.

Southern Tier West Business Resource Center Inc.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Southern Tier West Business Resource Center Inc. landed a new tenant in its Center for Regional Excellence. Cattaraugus/Allegany County BOCES moved into a 4,000-square-foot space in the Salamanca center. Additional space is still available at...

Erdman Anthony Consulting Engineers.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Erdman Anthony Consulting Engineers earned ISQ 9001 certification for all five company offices. The standard applies to businesses with design, production, inspection and service capability.

Broad-Elm Tire Centers.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... All seven Broad-Elm Tire Centers are now affiliates of American Car Care Centers. They are the first ACCC facilities to offer a full range of automotive services in addition to tire sales. The company performs New York state inspections and...

SEV/Sherwin-Greenberg Productions.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... SEV/Sherwin-Greenberg Productions completed a new series of television commercials to highlight The Buffalo News' Buffalo.com Web site. Created by Eric Mower & Associates, the commercials were videotaped and edited at SEV under the direction of...

Motivational Marketing Associates LLC.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Motivational Marketing Associates LLC expanded its Web-hosting capacity with the addition of two Sun Microsystems Ultra 5 servers. The expansion brings the company's server capacity to nearly 50 gigabytes and allows clients to utilize scalable...

Shifts must occur to score in the next century.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... You don't always have to win -- but you must score to stay in the game. In sales, ring is getting more difficult. The defense (competition) is getting faster, smarter, shrewder. And the cost of playing the game -- not to mention the equipment...

Landowner liability bill limits exposure to suits.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Lawmakers left the Capitol this week without final agreement on a state budget for the new fiscal year, which began on April 1. Negotiations will continue, and hopefully be wrapped up, when the lawmakers return from their Easter and Passover...

Downtown law firm adds Monte and Pajak.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Buffalo law firm of Chelus Herdzik & Speyer P.C. is adding two officers and two names to its shingle. The two new officers are Rebecca Monte of Orchard Park and Gregory Pajak, an Amherst resident. The firm will now be known as Chelus...

MORTGAGE RATES.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... MORTGAGE RATES Conventional Fixed Adjustable Lender (phone) 30 yr. 15 yr. 1 yr. Alexis Funding (632-7674) ...

LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS Indicator Period Total 1-year trend Business bankruptcy filings (per week) Mar. 9.0 +80.0% Construction contracts (total...

MONEY MARKET AND CD RATES-YIELDS.(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... MONEY MARKET AND CD RATES-YIELDS MM 6 mos. 12 mos. 24 mos. 48 mos. Bank of Castile 2.75-2.78 4.50-4.60 5.40-5.55 5.60-5.76 5.75-5.92 Cattaraugus County 2.45-2.48...

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE.(HSBC Mortgage Corp. employees rank high)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... HSBC Mortgage Corp. employees Gary Owens, Todd George, Tim Collins, Erika Steiniger Noreck and Steve Mendelsohn were recognized by Mortgage Originator Magazine as ranking nationally among the top 200 mortgage originators of 1999. The five...

The Comprehensive School Health and Wellness Center.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Comprehensive School Health and Wellness Center based at Erie 1 BOCES has received a federal grant of more than $160,000. The funding will be used in collaboration with the Erie County Department of health for youth prevention and...

HSBC Bank USA.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... HSBC Bank USA granted $10,000 to the Learning for Life program during Career Day at Houghton Academy, Buffalo Public School No. 69. The Learning for Life program is the education subsidiary at the Boy Scouts of America that works primarily with...

The Buffalo Museum of Science.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Buffalo Museum of Science has received a $5,000 grant from the Griggs- Lewis Foundation Inc. The funding will be used toward continued excavation at the Hisock site in Byron, NY.

Community Action Partnership (CAP) Inc.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Community Action Partnership (CAP) Inc. announced its CHAMPS (Champs Have And Model Positive Peer Skills) Puppeteers program was awarded $850 for purchase of materials. The funding was provided by the Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition.

Ketchup plays catch up in battle of condiments.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... When I discovered that ketchup had regained the national sales lead over salsa I interpreted it as a hard-won victory for the underdog and a triumph for good old boy, down home American values. After a lifetime of dominance, ketchup...

Decision gridlock stalls progress.(The Peace Bridge argument)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Would a new zoo make Western New York a better place to live and work? What about a new convention center for downtown Buffalo, a bustling waterfront development or a new Peace Bridge? Few would balk at an opportunity to improve the quality...

New laws open adoption records.(Nancy MacMahon's family history)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... My wife, Nancy, went to a new doctor recently and was faced with one of her least-favorite tasks -- filling out a medical questionnaire. Is there a history of heart disease in her family? How about cancer? She doesn't know the answers...

Adelphia financing still on hold.(Brief Article)
May 8, 2000... Still waiting. That's the progress report from Timothy Rigas, CEO of Adelphia Communications Corp., on the company's proposal to construct a major downtown Buffalo waterfront office complex that will house 1,000 new jobs. The same can...

South America and Europe in Iimak's plans.(Brief Article)
May 8, 2000... Just months after completing a leveraged buyout, International Imaging Materials Inc. is living up to its corporate name by expanding to two continents. The Amherst-based thermal transfer ribbon manufacturer recently started a Rio de...

Cruisin' for the right look.(Brief Article)
May 8, 2000... There is the hint in its appearance, some say, of a 1930s gangster car. Or a roadster. To others, the new PT Cruiser is a reminder of something seen in a 1960s surfing movie. It also has been likened to one of those high top London...

Accountants find niche in business valuation.(Brief Article)
May 8, 2000... Business valuation is a hot specialty niche for accounting firms across the country and in Western New York. What's behind the boom here is the proliferation of small business during the past decade and the retirement of longtime business...