Speaker - Joe Mesi 6/17/15

Joe Mesi from Mesi Agency, Inc. brings over 28 years of personal lines insurance expertise to his home town agency located in Cheektowaga NY which has over 20 insurance companies to shop from for a customized and personally taylored insurance policy . Topic of discussion for the Synergy Group attendees included a concentration on the major differences of homeowners insurance policies available to his current clients and the general consumer. With Western NY having such a wide varity of weather conditions that change in as little as an hour in some instances , it is important to pay particular attention to the exsposures we are confronted with . It is imparative that all homeowners know the differences in protection from the severe elimants that we all  have expierienced during the winter months . It isnt necessarily the dwelling and contents coverage limits when speaking about winter related homeowner losses , it is the policy type that triggers reportable and payable claims through ones coverages . In short , anyone that owns a home in the Buffalo NY area , must strongly consider to obtain a HO-3 homeowners policy to insurae that most winter losses sustained would be eligle for claim payment should such an event occur . One should ultimatly try to obtain a HO-5 homeowners policy that will ensure the best levels of protection not only for dwelling related losses but also contents related losses ! By visiting the Mesi Agency, Inc. website , contact and agency information along with other insurance realted topics are there for the viewing .

Speaker - Eric Adams 8/20/15

Eric Adams did a fantastic job today discussing synergy among businesses as well as telling us more about the services provided at Picture Your Walls. Here is a recap of his presentation. 

For more Information contact Eric Adams at (716) 202-1134 or check out his website at www.pictureyourwallswny.com

The LITTLE things that COUNT:

The Store…only 184 steps away from ZJ’s

• Convenient location in the village of Hamburg

• Parking lot

• Places to sit

• Convenient hours

• Appointments

• WiFi

• Coffee & water

The Staff…over 50 years of experience helping customers

• Linda Petrie, the designer

• Cathy McDorman

• Eric Adams

Custom Framing & Photo Restoration…communication, communication, communication

• Listen, listen, listen

• Questions we ask

• Last minute orders

• Quick turn around

• Vendor partners

• Delivery

• Take your purchase out to the car

• Allow you to take samples of mats & frames home

• E-mail photos & status

• All projects are wired & w/ courtesy hooks

Quoting / Pricing… competitively priced, even compared to the deep discounts of the big box stores

• Offer some discounts (i.e, volume)

• Will look for deals w/ vendors & pass the savings on

• Price adjustment down

Other LITTLE things… all set Picture Your Walls apart:

•Lend equipment (brad nailer, easels)

• Repair old frames

• Remounting, new glass, replace mat

• Help find a print or a photo

• Order & pay for a print from a website

• We’ll find a way…if we can’t do it we will direct you to who can; often doing the research

• Goal is to meet the customers expectations

• Lay away

• Gift certificates

Wall Décor Solutions… where not only the LITTLE COUNT, but it’s ALL that we do that sets us apart

• Listen, listen, listen

• Help choose a theme

• Work forward & backward…

• Work in concert with or separate from Interior Decorators

• Free consultation

• We will help position the work on the wall & even HANG the artwork on your walls

Speaker - Dr. Bradley Hopkins 8/6/2015

Dr. Brad grew up in the town of Orchard Park and has lived in the western New York area for the past fifteen years. He is a graduate of Orchard Park High School and also received his Eagle Scout award as a member of Troop 230 at Nativity of our Lord church.

Dr. Brad is a graduate from the New York Chiropractic College (NYCC). Prior to attending NYCC he attended the University at Buffalo where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies. Dr. Hopkins has also received his Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition from the New York Chiropractic College’s School of Nutrition and holds his Certification in Kinesio Taping.

In addition, Dr. Brad is a professor at the New York Institute of Massage located in Williamsville, NY.  The courses he teaches include Neurology, Myology, Pathology and Nutrition. He also works with the school in regards to student preparation for the New York State Massage Licensing Examination. In his free time, Dr. Brad enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Brooke. He is also an avid Hockey and Football fan.

Dr. Brad provides Chiropractic Treatment with a variety of techniques to suit the needs of the patient. His chiropractic treatment also involves a spinal specific form of diagnostic muscle testing. This allows Dr. Brad’s treatments to be very specific and allows him to find the root of the patient’s problem quickly. This type of care also allows Dr. Brad to treat every patient as an individual and allows him to shy away from a “Cookie Cutter” approach to treatment.

It is important to remember to never let yourself become comfortable with pain. No matter your situation, relief is always available. We are able to provide pain relief to patients who may not feel that there is any hope available. Let the work done by Dr. Brad at the Lake Shore Chiropractic Center allow your body to achieve an overall state of health and well being.

Always remember that when customized treatments are given for your specific condition, you

“Allow Your Body to Achieve Health.”

Speaker - Mark Brice 7/9/15

When the love for photography was combined with childhood love of flying, an innovative business was created.  Buffalo born and raised, the owner and operator of Buffalo Aerial Pictures, shows a “Bird’s-eye View on Life”, with his outstanding photography from above.  His skillful use of quadcopter devices manipulates our typical take on photography, by creating expansive pictures and videos from hundreds of feet above ground.  He captures the beauty of special moments in life with a unique perspective. Mark has created elegant wedding day photographs, prime real estate and landmark pictures including hundreds of breathtaking scenery pictures in and around Buffalo.  If you don’t see the size you want or you want it printed on a different material, please contact us. If you would like another landmark location picture, like the Central Terminal, don’t hesitate to contact us, chances are we have it in stock. Or if not, we can custom shoot that for you as well! Welcome Buffalo Aerial Pictures into your home or business with the perfect signature picture and/or video!

For more information about Buffalo Aerial Pictures, please email us at mark@buffaloaerialpictures.com, or call at 716-674-4271.

Speaker - Bill Rogala 6/25/15

I am very hopefull that I gave everyone some knowledge of the big picture as far as a roof and ventilation and gutter system and how important it is to the integrity of your home. All three of these items need to work together for your home to be properly maintained for the interior! It does not matter how nice the inside of your house is unless you are protected from the elements on the exterior! It has been a pleasure working with everyone from SYNERGY and  I look forward to many years of being a part of this group.

Bill Rogala

Speaker - Jay Brewer 5/28/15

It's your information but everyone has it - Identity Theft isn't an if it's a when!

Identity theft topped the Federal Trade Commission’s national ranking of consumer complaints for the 15th consecutive year in a row.

Identity Theft Resource Center Breach Report hits record high in 2014 and surpasses more than 5,000 reported breaches and 675 million records exposed since 2005. The number of U.S. data breaches tracked in 2014 hit a record high of 783 in 2014 a substantial hike of 27.5 percent over the number of breaches reported in 2013 and a significant increase of 18.3 percent over the previous high of 662 breaches tracked in 2010. It's calculated that there is a new victim in the United States every 3 seconds. Breaches continue to occur in several sectors including Business, Education, Government/Military , Medical/Healthcare and Banking/Credit/Financial.

It's important for individuals, and families to have an effective monitoring and restoration program in place. LegalShield’s IDShield offers the most features and best value for individuals and families, including coverage for up to eight children.

To learn more about the pland and to sign up visit  www.jaybrewerlsa.com

Speaker - Shari Steck: 4/30/15

At Remedy Intelligent Staffing, we "get" people. We understand what it takes to help people get a great job that matches their interests and career goals. We know how to recruit top performers for our clients that will minimize workforce costs and protect their bottom lines. It is through our industry-leading expertise inon-site programs, risk management, human resources, and employment law that we are able to do all of this.

As a leader of staffing services, we provide our clients and associates with the most up-to-date technology and practices. We are the first to offer video interview technology, a service that benefits both our job seekers and clients by allowing a shorter interview process and allowing candidates to stand out among competition.

There are currently four locations to help serve the Buffalo area. These locations include: 6165 West Quaker St., Orchard Park, NY; 3035 Genesee St., Cheektowaga, NY; 2309 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda, NY and 403 Main St., Suite 106 (in the Brisbane Building), Buffalo, NY.

To help in any of your hiring needs or if you’re currently seeking a career change, email Shari Steck at shari.steck@remedystaff.com or call (716) 364-6032.

Speaker - Alison Pierce: 4/16/15

Toshiba Business Solutions is a total technology provider. We offer printing, copying and scanning devices along with digital signage, point of sale systems, thermal label printers, document management systems and much more. Toshiba is a world leader in technology and invests 9% of its annual revenue in research and development every year. We are a large company with a small business feel. Our decisions are made by local leadership, so there is no “corporate” office controlling our day to day operations. This means that when our clients need something, or have a question, a local representative is always available to help and has the resources to get a resolution quickly. There is a high number of competitors locally in WNY, but many of them are seeing their business decline as many businesses are seeing a decrease in their paper usage as documents migrate toward electronic storage and retrieval. Toshiba Business Solutions however, continues to see an increase in our business year over year.

                We strive to provide a collaborative business relationship. This means we work with each of our clients to come up with the best solution for their business. We take a consultative approach to our sales to ensure we are acting in the clients best interest. Our goal is to provide long term customers that will happily refer us to their friends and colleagues. 

Speaker - Jay Berghold: 3/5/2015

KeyBank has many programs designed for businesses to help them with whatever their needs may be. Of course KeyBank has checking and savings products as well as loans to help businesses, but there are many other programs offered at Key that most businesses are unaware of.

1.       Key@work program-Offers discounts to the employees and the employer on KeyBanks Deposit and credit products.  

2.       Health Savings Accounts- One of the only banks in the area that offers a FREE health savings account. Great supplement to an employee with a High Deductible Health Plan.  Money grows tax deferred and rolls over year after year

3.       Key2Payroll Card-Offers employees a mastercard that can be pre-loaded with wages. Saves the employer the cost of paper checks and offeres convenience for the employee

4.       KeyFleet Card- Gas card that allows the employer to really control and monitor the fuel expenditures of its employees. Is not confined to 1 certain gas station. Can be used at over 250,000 locations.

5.       Merchant Services- Is used to set up debit and credit card processing for businesses. Offer competitive rates on service and products

6.       Key4Women Program- Monthly forum where women business owners can get together to network and share ideas/successes. Also offers discounts on business products through KeyBank

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how KeyBank can help your business, please feel free to give me a call

Jason Berghold

Jason Berghold

Branch Manager 
French-Borden Keycenter 
Mailcode:NY-00-99-0735
Phone:716.608.3121
Fax:716.668.0286

Speaker - Nancy Cox 1/8/15

Working in the public accounting field for over 12 years, I recently realized what keeps me interested in what I do. Aside from the variety of clients I am able to work with on a day to day basis, the knowledgeable individuals I am able to learn from every day and the continuous learning opportunities I am provided, for me, it is all about the people. At Bonadio, we focus on four cornerstones as part of our strategic plan. The people part of that plan connects everything together – from clients to co-workers, as well as my own work/life balance. I’m not discounting the importance of the technical side of my job, obviously that is just as important, I just wanted to focus on the other part of what I do.

First a little about the Bonadio Group. Tom Bonadio started our firm 35 years ago, around his kitchen table with one partner and his mother as the firm’s administrative support.  Since then, we have grown to approximately 500 professionals in several offices throughout New York State.  We are CPA’s, Consultants & More. The “& More” part comes in because we strive to, not only deliver a quality product for traditional accounting and tax services, but also to be a value added business partner capable of helping with everything from set up of the business to succession planning and everything in between. As discussed above, we have grown substantially through strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as organic growth throughout the years. However, our motto is simple:

Big Firm Capabilities, Small Firm Personality.

Bonadio provides their employees with endless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I am recently graduated from Leadership Buffalo, which was a huge time and money commitment, but Bonadio saw the value in providing me with this opportunity. Bonadio provides employees with summer hours (half day Fridays), staff appreciation days (bonus Fridays off in the summer), early leave before holidays and flexible work opportunities. I have worked part time since my son was born 6 years ago. During that time I was promoted twice and still encouraged to participate in outside activities, such as Leadership Buffalo. Our firm has its own internally developed leadership program, The Bonadio Leadership University. This is a 2 year commitment and worth every minute. Tom Bonadio and many of the managing partners and committees take time to participate in the program to develop the next generation of firm leaders. We have a culture club that puts together events for the employees to bond – such as paint ball on a Saturday in the fall, tubing on a Friday night during busy season, and of course happy hours. I could go on all day about the reasons I love my firm, but I wanted to give you a few.

A little about myself - I grew up outside of Pittsburgh and worked at KPMG in Pittsburgh for 3 years out of college. When I married a man from Buffalo, I thought it was time for a job change along with the move. Starting at The Bonadio Group 9 years ago was the best decision I have made professionally. For more information on Bonadio – please see our website, www.bonadio.com.

Speaker - Steve Batorski 10/30/14

Custom Services

Design - Build - Remodel – Repair

Custom Services provides homeowners and small businesses

with a wide range of services from electrical, plumbing, carpentry,

drywall, painting, tiling and custom woodworking.

Quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, dependability

and total customer satisfaction is what I pride myself on.

No job is too big or too small...one call does it all!   

Providing complete services including:

– Commercial and Residential repairs

– 110/220 wiring, run new outlets, switch’s, phone lines  

– Plumbing, replace clogged drains, new supply lines, repair leaks   

– Remodel kitchens and bathrooms

– Drywall and plaster repair including installation of new drywall

– Painting, interior and exterior

– Tile work for kitchen back splashes and bathroom showers

– Windows and doors

– Custom woodworking, designing and custom built cabinets

– Basement cracks

– Seamless gutters, repair and installation

– Power washing

– Automotive collision and restoration services

– Custom welding and fabrication / rusted car frames

Custom Services

Personal attention from start to finish.

Whether you need something installed, built, fixed or maintained,

I am your reliable and trusted partner for all your home or

business maintenance, repair and renovating needs.

Quality work isn’t Cheap...Cheap work isn’t Quality!

Speaker - Jim Bitten 10/16/14

Who We Are

44 Communication Design is an advertising, design and communication business with over 30-years experience servicing both small and large clients. We offer a hands-on personal approach that provides a high level of client service, creativity and affordability, while working together with your marketing effort to produce a creative solution that is imaginative and effective in meeting your business objectives.

What We Can Do For You

44 Communication Design can help you create a new image, build awareness for your business and develop advertising and marketing materials that transmits a clear, persuasive message to your customers.       

Whatever the project, it will make a quality statement, and it will be well planned and efficiently produced.

Services provided:

Print advertising

Digital advertising

Brochures

Direct mail  

Pocket folders

Newsletters

Trade show graphics

Logo design

Identity programs

Posters

Menus

PowerPoint presentations

Signage

Packaging design

Publication design

Photography

Photo retouching

Technical copywriting

Promotional products

Video production

Media planning

Media placement

Want To Talk?

To find out more how 44 Communication Design can help to build awareness for your business by creating a strong professional image through advertising and

marketing communications, call 716-440-4849, or visit our website at www.44communicationdesign.com.

Speaker - Steve Wischmann 9/18/14

Steve Wischmann of Horizon Performance Solutions gave a great presentation on Thursday discussing the benefits of working with a leadership and organizational development consulting company. 

Horizon Performance Solutions will help you achieve success – as an individual, group, or
organization. Through our services you will receive personal attention, tailored support,focused engagement, and thoughtful assistance to optimize your leadership and organizational performance. Your success is our success.Horizon Performance Solutions is ideally suited for corporate teams, small businesses, government agencies, public service organizations,and individuals. We will provide leadership training, organizational design assistance, team facilitation, and performance support to aid you in realizing your success. We will assist you in your pursuit of extraordinary performance. Our Be Successful Today program will focus your energy on your immediate performance and impact. It will help you better recognize the importance of today. It will prepare you to bring your best self to the tasks at hand and make you more effective now so that your tomorrows are better realized. It will help make you successful today.

How we can help.

Needs Assessment - Identifying how we can assist you achieve success

Leadership Development - Enhancing the quality of leadership at all levels

Organizational Development - Examining organizational design and assisting with strategic                                                           development

Team Facilitation - Increasing productivity within work groups

Executive Coaching - Ensuring that desired objectives are being met

Be Successful Today - Focusing on the first things first – today

Horizon Performance Solutions is committed to supporting your pursuit of excellence – as an individual and for your organization. The core of your success is leadership – today,
tomorrow, and always. Through leadership development and attention to organizational design and alignment every team, business, or agency can increase its capacity.

We’re here to help.

Speaker - Alex Foster 9/4/14

Alex Foster had a fantastic presentation on EBC: Insurance, Payroll and HR Services.

Here is some information about the company:

EBC Background
• Celebrating 10 years as architects of customized employee benefit offerings, HR consulting services, and payroll processing
• 4th Largest Employee Benefit Consulting Firm in WNY and one of the Fastest Growing companies in WNY.
• Mission: To serve clients in an unparalleled manner based on:
▫ Superior Knowledge & Experience ▫ Unequaled Service ▫ Outstanding Communication Strategies ▫ Proactive Approach to Controlling Cost ▫ Collaborative approach with Unions

Employee Benefits

Healthcare costs have risen an average of 11.1% and now comprise 14.6% of employees' mean gross annual salary according to a survey from ‘Salary.com.’
• The high cost of health insurance is the #1 concern among small business owners, according to a study released in August by the National Federation of Independent Business.
• Healthcare Reform is confusing the marketplace and increasing non-subsidized health plan premiums
• Carriers are introducing more and more options…more and more confusion and frustration.  Employers spend today more than ever while employees are less satisfied

Benefit Considerations
• Management of prescription drug costs • Medical & prescription cost analyses & management • Employee communication & education • Network management & consultation • Human resources assistance • Carrier access • Compliance assistance • Long-range strategic planning • Wellness/disease management programs & promotion • Alternative plan modeling technology
Value-Added Services
Our value-added services are what set us apart from other benefits brokers. Simply by partnering with us, you will be introduced to a wealth of insurance, employee benefits, and human resource tools and information.
• Plan Administration/Legislative Compliance Resources • Custom Communications • Employee Benefit Lifeline • Pharmacy Benefits Management • Human Resources Tools • Risk Management and Wellness Services

An end-to-end solution providing healthcare reform readiness, compliancy & Payroll Services…

 Determining the most cost-effective plan

 Communicating and implementing effectively with employees

 Employer Shared Responsibility Testing

 Employer Affordability Testing

 Compliance with SBC, SPD, Uniform Glossary, etc.

 Direct Deposits and Online Paystubs

 Waiting period regulations

 Management & Agency Reporting

 Access to Private and State Based Exchanges

 Management and reporting of W-2 HCR data

For More Information Please contact Alex Foster at (585) 610-6891

Speaker - Ben Gernatt 7/7/14

 

 

 

About Buffalo Exterminating

Our history, Our future, Our commitment

Buffalo Exterminating has been solving pest problems for Western New York homes and businesses since 1954. With more than a half century of experience behind us, we have learned a lot about managing pests. Today we're a 75+-person professional pest management provider built upon the core principles of ongoing training, developing professional personnel, effective service systems, and, above all, paying attention to consumer opinions about our company and our industry.

With the opening of the new Rochester Exterminating division, the tradition of excellence in quality and service has been extended to Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Genesee and Orleans counties.

In fact, your complete satisfaction is our number one priority. Courtesy, responsiveness, friendliness, reliability and professionalism are more than buzz words; they're the way we treat you. That's what being "tough on pests, easy on you" is all about. And that's why nearly 70% of our new customers come to us through referrals from happy customers like you.

A better way, all the way.
Being the absolute best pest management company in Western New York is an absolute must for us. Here are a few of the benefits you'll enjoy when you choose our integrated pest management system:

• Quality Pro Certified - one of about 400 companies nationwide.
• Accredited Better Business Bureau - so you know we do things right, and do the right things.
• Customized service - your program is designed to meet your particular needs
• Over 60,000 service calls this year - the experience to best serve you.
• Over 60 service vehicles throughout WNY - when you need us, we're there.
• Same day emergency service - for urgent situations so you don't have to wait.
• One call scheduling- for your convenience; no waiting, no phone tag.
• Uniformed professionals - our image is your image.
• Pest Guard Binder- documentation customized to keep you informed.
• Over 55 years experience - your seasoned professionals since 1954.
• Testimonials - we appreciate how our customers appreciate us.
• References - customers willing to speak with you about Buffalo Exterminating.
• Money back guarantee backs every service - your satisfaction is guaranteed.
• National Safety Council member - we are serious about our safety and yours.
• Bonded service personnel - for your protection and peace of mind.
• Professional and industry affiliations - so you know we're always up to date.
•  Green Pro Certified - Environmentally Responsible service Plans 

Superior technology.
Whether in your home or business, today's low-impact pest management products such as growth regulators, organic materials and insect baits provide more effective, less toxic, longer-lasting control while posing less risk to you and our environment. Our state-of-the-art equipment permits precise application of materials deep into pest living spaces, while specialized equipment like fiber optic scopes, moisture meters and bar code scanning computers allow us to offer the most technologically advanced service available.

Preventing pest problems.
More than simply solving pest problems, we keep them from coming back with ongoing pest prevention service plans:

Commercial clients: Our Pest Guard system, designed to monitor and detect pest activity even between visits, allows us to provide the most efficient, effective and cost conscious service

Residential clients: our Home Protection and Home Protection Plus programs help prevent residential pest problems by focusing control efforts outside where pests normally originate. 

Speaker - Joe Mesi 6/26/14

At the Mesi Agency Inc., we pride ourselves as a small company with very large values.  With over twenty-seven years’ experience as a successful hometown agency that was once limited to one major corporate affiliation, our desire to meet the growing and ever-changing needs of our customers motivated us to form an Independent Insurance Agency.

We understand the important role insurance plays in providing peace of mind and financial security.  At the Mesi Agency, we feel that need can best be tailored by having a selection of quality insurance companies and products to choose from, as opposed to a “one size fits all” program, which was common in the past.

Through the years, the confidence of our customers has made it possible for the Mesi Agency to grow, thanks to their generous referrals.  We are glad that the voice of our satisfied customers speaks clearly to the Western New York community.

Our vision and values have resulted in reputation for providing a personal touch.  In this complex industry, that is the kind of reputation that can only be earned with consistent performance and customer satisfaction.  The motto “We really do care” speaks to our spirit of delivering the best combination of price consciousness and customer service.

At the Mesi Agency, we will always show that an individual’s need for quality products and customized coverage supersedes the “cookie cutter” proposals presented by corporate “captive” agencies and the sales persons scrunched into 800 # cubicles.  As an Independent Agency, we are self- employed and paid on commission which means all of the staff have an economic interest in our clients .  We proudly represent several insurance companies, which enables us to customize a policy based on your individual needs !

Speaker - Vicki Kurek 6/12/14

Golden Paws Pet Care Services presented information last week on their private dog

boarding and daycare business. They showed pictures of their facility and gave examples of their affordable rates that accompany their top notch services for clients.

Golden Paws offers "at your home"  services for residents throughout WNY. Dog walks,  day visits, nail trims, and many more services are options that can be done at your home! They also offer compete invisible pet fence installation to help keep you and your furry companions safe!

Their property is also home to their horse barn, where horses are also boarded and private riding lessons are being offered. Golden Paws provides all of your pet care needs, from cats to dogs,  birds to horses,  they've got you covered!

Speaker - Nancy Cox 05/15/14

I’m a CPA with the Bonadio Group. Trying to put together presentation materials about accounting seemed a little boring (go figure), but I never actually feel like my job is boring. So what is the disconnect? Well, I realized while putting the presentation together that a good part of my job actually relates to “People” in several different ways. The People part of my job is managing relationships with clients as well as co-workers, not to mention my own work/life balance. Just to be clear, I’m not discounting the importance of client service and the technicality of the accounting and tax work - that is always the main priority, but managing relationships is also a part of what I do. Did I mention I love my job? So why do I love it? That’s what I would like to explain.

First a little about the Bonadio Group. Tom Bonadio started our firm 35 years ago, around his kitchen table with one partner and his mother as the firm’s administrative support.  Since then, we have grown to approximately 500 professionals in several offices throughout New York State.  We are CPA’s, Consultants & More. The “& More” part comes in because we strive to, not only deliver a quality product for traditional accounting and tax services, but also to be a value added business partner capable of helping with everything from set up of the business to succession planning and everything in between. As discussed above, we have grown substantially through strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as organic growth throughout the years. However, our motto is simple:

Bonadio provides their employees with endless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I am currently participating in Leadership Buffalo, which is a big time and money commitment, but Bonadio sees the value in giving me this opportunity. Bonadio provides employees with summer hours (half day Fridays), staff appreciation days (bonus Fridays off in the summer), early leave before holidays and flexible work opportunities. I have worked part time since my son was born 6 years ago. During that time I was promoted twice and still encouraged to participate in outside activities, such as Leadership Buffalo. Our firm has its own internally developed leadership program, The Bonadio Leadership University. This is a 2 year commitment and worth every minute. Tom Bonadio and many of the managing partners and committees take time to participate in the program to develop the next generation of firm leaders. We have a culture club that puts together events for the employees to bond – such as paint ball on a Saturday in the fall, tubing on a Friday night during busy season, and of course happy hours. I could go on all day about the reasons I love my firm, but I wanted to give you a few.

A little about myself - I grew up outside of Pittsburgh and worked at KPMG in Pittsburgh for 3 years out of college. When I married a man from Buffalo, I thought it was time for a job change along with the move. Starting at The Bonadio Group 8 years ago was the best decision I have made professionally. For more information on Bonadio – please see our website, www.bonadio.com.

Speaker - Dr. Bradley Hopkins 05/01/2014

Dr. Brad Hopkins grew up in the town of Orchard Park and has lived in the western New York area for the past fifteen years. He is a graduate of Orchard Park High School and also received his Eagle Scout award as a member of Troop 230 at Nativity of our Lord church.

Dr. Brad Hopkins is a graduate from the New York Chiropractic College (NYCC). Prior to attending NYCC he attended the University at Buffalo where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies. Dr. Hopkins has also received his Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition from the New York Chiropractic College’s School of Nutrition and holds his Certification in Kinesio Taping.

Dr. Brad provides Chiropractic Treatment with a variety of techniques to suit the needs of the patient. His chiropractic treatment also involves a spinal specific form of diagnostic muscle testing. This allows Dr. Brad’s treatments to be very specific and allows him to find the root of the patient’s problem quickly. This type of care also allows Dr. Brad to treat every patient as an individual and allows him to shy away from a “Cookie Cutter” approach to treatment.

It is important to remember to never let yourself become comfortable with pain. No matter your situation, relief is always available. We are able to provide pain relief to patients who may not feel that there is any hope available. Let the work done by Dr. Brad at the Lake Shore Chiropractic Center allow your body to achieve an overall state of health and well being.

For more information call Dr. Brad at (716) 646-4000 or visit his website at drbradhopkins.com

Speaker - Rich Hilliman 04/17/2014

Buffalo Sailing Adventures Inc. owns and operates the 73’ foot traditionally-rigged schooner Spirit of Buffalo in the Buffalo Harbor. Spirit of Buffalooffers sailing excursions in Buffalo’s outer harbor from May through October and will let you step back in time to experience life on the water under full sail. Public sails are offered several times daily, including wine tastings every Wednesday hosted by some of Niagara County’s best vintners.Spirit of Buffalo is also available for charters and events including corporate charters, family reunions, birthday parties, weddings and rehearsal dinners and we can offer a full bar and catering menu to meet your needs. Our family also owns and operates Buffalo River History Tours, offering daily history cruises and grain elevator walking tours, and the Queen City Ferry Company, providing harbor ferry service between four waterfront stops, and we partner with Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education to provide educational programs for schools and youth organizations.  Come aboard and experience Buffalo like you never have before…from the water!

Visit www.spiritofbuffalo.com, www.queencityferry.com, and www.buffaloriverhistorytours.com for more information about our cruises!  Also, please visit the following sites for some great video coverage of our operations.

Queen City Ferry  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeSPMkiSOyw

Spirit of Buffalo  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfKwNXCNI-M

Best Regards,

Capt. Rich Hilliman

rich@spiritofbuffalo.com

(716) 796-8092