Buffalo Business First

CWA campaigns for new deal at Mercy Hospital

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

Union nurses and other healthcare workers at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital have begun a billboard campaign aimed at raising awareness about ongoing contract issues.

The billboards, located on the I-190, I-290, Kensington Expressway and the Scajaq…

NHL takes step to negotiate new labor deal

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

The National Hockey League has provided the NHL Player’s Association with notice that it wants to terminate and/or modify the collective bargaining agreement, according to the SportsBusiness Journal.

The CBA deal expires Sept. 15, 2012.

An NHLPA sp…

Familiar name may be next harbor canal chair

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

John R, Oishei Foundation president Robert Gioia may be in the line to serve as the new chairman of the board at the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.

Sources said that Gov. Andrew Cuomo may make the formal announcement in the next few weeks.

If se…

Skechers settles for $45M with feds, states on claims

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sent a strong message to companies that advertise their products — be truthful, or be prepared to pay up.

Schneiderman announced Wednesday a $45 million settlement with Skechers USA Inc., makers of pop…

Earthwatch Waste owner buys Allentown property

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

An Allentown building that was once home to several radio stations including WHTT-FM and WGRF-FM (97 Rock) has been sold.

Businessman Tom Wagner, owner of Earthwatch Waste Systems, bought the 6,700-square-foot building at 464 Franklin St., and a nearb…

Ontario co. coming to Buffalo, adding 49 jobs

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

A Canadian company that specializes in making unique retail displays has targeted Buffalo as the site for its first expansion into the United States.

All Cover Portable Solutions of Beamsville, Ont., is working with area economic development officials…

Bills, Adam’s Mark extend sponsorship

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

The Buffalo Bills and the Adam’s Mark Hotel & Events Center have renewed a marketing deal, which makes the downtown Buffalo site the official hotel of the team.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Adam’s Mark has recently renovated 485 guest ro…

Perkins: Several factors lead to 6 WNY closings

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

Perkins officials have responded to the company’s decision that will lead to six Western New York restaurants to be closed as of May 20.

Vivian Brooks, Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries spokesperson, said a number of factors went into the Memphis-based…

Opening a biz with your spouse? Read this first

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

Would hiring your spouse or starting a business with him or her be a good idea?

Area companies run by husbands and wives say there’s much to think about before tying the knot between your marriage and company.

“Given the fact assumption that the busi…

NY factory output up in May

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

Manufacturing activity in the New York region expanded at a moderate pace in May, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported.

The monthly Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicated the May index for general business conditions increased 11 points …

Zemsky set as new NFTA chairman

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

Nearly five years after he was first nominated for the post, Buffalo businessman Howard Zemsky has officially been approved by state leaders as the new chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

Zemsky’s nomination passed the state S…

Federal government a big player in 12 markets, not Buffalo

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

A new report says that the federal government is a key employer not only in Washington, but in 11 other markets around the country. Buffalo is not among them.

Federal agencies, departments and services account for more than 20 percent of the total gov…

Tonawanda to stick with earlier Canal Fest closing time

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

The City of Tonawanda will not reverse its decision to close Canal Fest at an earlier hour this summer.

That’s the message from Mayor Ron Pilozzi and City Council President Carleton Zeisz, according to the Tonawanda News.

Tonawanda has approved a 10 …

New loonies and toonies don’t work in parking meters

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

There’s a problem with Canada’s latest run of $1 and $2 coins: They don’t work in parking meters.

The St. Catharines Standard reports that the new loonies and toonies are lighter than their predecessors, so most parking meters don’t register them.

“T…

Summer forecast calls for hotter-than-normal temps

by Buffalo Business First 05.16.2012

It’s going to a long, hot summer.

That’s according to AccuWeather’s new long-range forecast, as reported by the Toronto Globe and Mail.

The paper summarizes the forecast this way: “More than two-thirds of the country is expected to be warmer than nor…