A lot is happening across our community this summer, beginning with our Small Business Awards Luncheon, which is happening June 24th. It is already shaping up to be the most successful in our Chamber's history. More than 400 members, guests, and partners have registered, at a record pace, to honor the small businesses and individuals advancing the prosperity of the Buffalo Niagara region. The day opens with a vendor show from 10am to 12pm (free and open to the public with no membership required), followed by the luncheon at noon. There is still room, and I would love for you to join us, so please register by <clicking here>.
This year, we are proud to recognize an outstanding group of honorees who embody the creativity, resilience, and mentorship that defines small business ownership in Western New York. Minuteman Press will receive our Small Business of the Year Award; Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care, the Family-Owned Business Award; TripleTrack HR Partners, the Commitment to Excellence Award; Chuck Mauro of Siena, the At Your Service Award; National Fire Adjustment, the KeyBank Sponsor's Award, and Sarah Just of Horizon Health, who is receiving our Friend of the Chamber Award for her continuous support in everything that we do.
The New York legislature concluded its 2026 session in early June, passing hundreds of bills in its final days, along with the state budget just a few days before the month began. Several pieces of legislation with real implications for employers now await Governor Hochul's action. We are watching two closely:
- a measure requiring larger employers to disclose how they use artificial intelligence and its effect on their workforce, and
- legislation restricting the use of personal data and AI in setting consumer prices.
While there are challenges every year with additional regulations on businesses, there were wins on a few of the issues the Chamber was supporting on our Economic Development and Public Policy agenda. We saw the Governor push through SEQRA reform, which should positively impact future development by streamlining the environmental review process. As well as auto-insurance reforms, with an intended goal to lower the cost of auto-insurance for all New York State residents.
One development that carries real significance for our region's economic future: the Responsible Data Center Development Act. If signed, it would impose a one-year statewide moratorium on new permits for the largest data centers and make New York the first state to enact such a pause while it studies their energy, water, and community impacts. That caution is understandable, but it is worth weighing against states that have embraced this type of investment. In Pennsylvania, industry analysts credit data centers with adding roughly $14 billion to the state economy in a single year, helping anchor tens of thousands of construction jobs and some $90 billion in announced energy and technology investments. Reasonable people can disagree on the balance, and as the conversation continues, we want New York to capture this economic potential rather than cede it to our neighbors. If this issue is important to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
I am thrilled to share one of the most exciting initiatives we have launched in years: a completely revamped Business After Hours, with our Business Showcase. We are kicking off our inaugural Business Showcase with Chamber Investor Lippes Mathias and partnering up with Visit Buffalo Niagara and the Buffalo Bisons. The goal for this event is to showcase a business in our region with a unique space, create an evening for those who attend to mix and mingle, and then take advantage of downtown activities. We expect a tremendous turnout, and with discounted Buffalo Bison tickets being offered, you can hop the metro rail right out in front of the office and head to the stadium. We have already generated a tremendous response to this event, and I hope you will consider joining by registering here.
None of this, the luncheon, our work in Albany, or this bold new Business Showcase, would be possible without you. Thank you for your membership and your commitment to our shared success. I look forward to seeing you on the 24th, and as always, my door is open.
This Year's Honorees
- Small Business of the Year — Minuteman Press. Owned by Wes Froebel, who has grown his business through dedication, smart decision-making, and strategic acquisition.
- Family-Owned Business of the Year — Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care. A third-generation business with an impeccable reputation for caring for our loved ones during some of life's most tender moments. The Heathwood name has become synonymous with compassion in our region, and this honor is long overdue.
- Commitment to Excellence Award — TripleTrack HR Partners. A reflection of the standard they hold themselves to and the meaningful impact they've had on the businesses they serve.
- At-Your-Service Award — Chuck Mauro. We talk a lot at the Chamber about mentorship and the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats, and few embody that better than longtime Western New York restaurateur Chuck Mauro, owner of Siena, 800 Maple, Rocco's, and JT's. Chuck receives this honor for his unwavering dedication to helping others in his industry succeed.
- Friend of the Chamber — Sarah Just, Horizon Health. Instrumental to our Emerging Business Leaders Council and a generous volunteer for all things Chamber-related.
- Sponsor's Award — National Fire Adjustment. Presented by KeyBank, our returning event sponsor, in recognition of NFA's contributions to the business community.