News

Amherst Chamber Celebrates Grand ReBranding of Storybook Academy of Amherst

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes,joins Chamber member Storybook Academyalong with the communityat 3:00pmonTuesday, July 1stat Storybook Academy, 903 Hopkins Rd., Amherst, NY 14221. Storybook Academy of Amherst, along with Brierwood Childcare Center in Hamburg, was acquired by First Learning on January 1, 2025."At all First Learning centers, our mission is to provide a caring and stimulating learning environment that meets the highest standards while creating growth opportunities

Amherst Walmart to Celebrate Grand Re-Opening 6/5/2025

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, joins Chamber member Walmart Inc. – Amherst along with the community at 8:00am on Friday, June 6th at 3290 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, NY 14226. This ribbon cutting will celebrate the grand re-opening, following a full remodel.   “It is exciting to see the world’s largest retailer make meaningful investments in our area.” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “Walmart continues to evolve the shopping experience for

Ribbon Cutting: State Farm Eric Houlahan Insurance Agency, Inc

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, joins Chamber member State Farm Eric Houlahan Agency, Inc along with the community at 12pm on Friday, May 1st at 5888 Main St., Suite 101, Williamsville, NY 14221. “We are thrilled Eric is expanding his business and chose to expand in Amherst.” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. With 18 years of experience in the Insurance Industry, Eric Houlahan’s number one priority is to help people protect themselves and

Ribbon Cutting: It's My Birthday

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, joins Chamber member It’s My Birthday play place along with the community from 3-6pm on Friday, March 21st at 3190 Niagara Falls Blvd., Suite 19, Amherst, NY 14228.“It is exciting to see the entrepreneurial spirit of Andrew and Brittany Merolillo. ” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “It’s My Birthday offers parents a unique space for those monumental events, that happen in our children’s lives. We are thrilled they

Ribbon Cutting: Kathy Walker Books

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, joins Kathy Walker Books along with the community at 9:30am on Thursday, August 22nd at 400 Essjay Rd, Suite 150, Williamsville, NY 14221.  “We congratulate Kathy on her latest book,” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “She has done a fantastic job of sharing her life story, as well as providing guidance for people as they navigate the challenges of having a loved one in an assisted living

Snyder Track & Field Announces Grand Opening State-Of-The Art Indoor Track & Field Facility

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, joins Snyder Track & Field, along with the community, at 5:00pm on Thursday, August 22nd at 76 South Long St, Williamsville 14221.      “What an incredible journey for Kelsey and Pete over the past few years as their passion for track and field has created an incredible asset for those athletes,” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “Kelsey and Pete are not only helping these athletes improve

Grand Re-Opening & Remodel of Buffalo Optical

Grand Re-Opening & Remodel of Buffalo Optical in Williamsville       Williamsville, NY – The Amherst Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the remodel and re-Grand Opening of Buffalo Optical in Williamsville, part of the Your Local Eye Doctor network, on Thursday, June 20th at Buffalo Optical located at 5350 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221.  “Buffalo Optical is an incredible success story for small businesses in our area,” said A.J. Baynes, President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “their

The Establishment Ribbon Cutting

The Establishment Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting  Amherst Location opens at Corporate Parkway.  Amherst, NY—The Establishment CEO Joe DiLeo will join Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes at their new location, 300 Corporate Parkway, Suite 216N Amherst, NY 14226, on Tuesday, May 7, at 5:00 p.m. to cut the ribbon on this new location!     "It is exciting to see The Establishment continue to grow its footprint across Western New York with this new location in Amherst," said A.J. Baynes.

Clarity Group Grand Opening

Clarity Group expands and relocate Amherst office.  Amherst, NY—Clarity Group owners Sally Stier, Lisa Giancarlo, and Karen Olson Emily will join Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes at their new location, 3140 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, at the corner of Sheridan and Alberta, on Thursday, April 11, at 4:00 p.m. to cut the ribbon on this new location!    "Since 2017, Clarity Group has grown to five offices in our area, and we are thrilled they are expanding in Amherst," said A.J.

Ribbon Cutting: Your Family Fertility

Your Family Fertility, LLC Expands    Amherst, NY – Dr. Krystene DiPaola join Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes at their expanded and renovated location in Amherst, NY, located at 630 Frankhauser Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 on Thursday, March 21 at 5:30pm to cut the ribbon on their expanded office.  "We are thrilled that Your Family Fertility has decided to expand its fertility clinic here in Amherst," said A.J. Baynes. Their work is vital for so many people looking to either start

Lace & Day Grand Opening

FOR RELEASE 2/8/2024 LACE & DAY AMHERST GRAND OPENING Lace and Day expand and relocate to Amherst.Amherst, NY – Founders and sisters Emily Constantine Doren and Holly Constantine Ortman join Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes at their new location in Amherst, NY, located at 7974 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 in the Premier Plaza on Thursday, February 8 at 3:30pm to cut the ribbon on this new location!   "We are thrilled that Emily and Holly have chosen Amherst to expand their

GRAND OPENING: Senior Advocate Services opens their newest location in Amherst

Senior Advocate Services to continue with the tradition of aiding and assisting Seniors.   AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes joins Chamber member and local owner Patricia Mascaro in announcing the Grand Opening of Senior Advocate Services at 5pm on Thursday, October 14 at 2185 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY 14228  “It is wonderful to welcome this service to Amherst, especially at this time,” said Baynes. “With nearly 20% of the population in Erie County over the age

News Release: 8/24/2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  The first truly eco-friendly junk removal service, The Junkluggers, is Now Open and Serving the Northtowns and the Greater Buffalo area!Williamsville, New York. (August 24, 2021) – The Junkluggers is rapidly growing throughout the United States and is proud to now service residential customers and businesses in the Buffalo area, with a special focus on the Northtowns!The fast-growing eco-friendly junk removal company is on a mission to make Buffalo a little greener and eliminate 100%

Rachel's Mediterranean 7/20/2021

Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill -- ANOTHER ONE?!  EAST AMHERST, New York - Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill will be opening its thirteenth location on Thursday, July 29th, 2021. The public is invited to celebrate the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Josh Allen Wyoming jersey giveaway. The event is located at 8250 Transit Road, on the corner of Maple and Transit in the Eastview Plaza in front of HomeGoods and Lowes.   We will begin the day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will take place at 10:30

Buffalo’s First Woodshop, Retail Store & DIY Class Center to Open 5/28/2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Seven One Six Wood Design LLCScott Erikson716-217-4498716-343-0950 (cell)www.sevenonesixwooddesign.comsevenonesixwooddesign@gmail.com  Buffalo’s First Woodshop, Retail Store & DIY Class Center to OpenSeven One Six Wood Design expands to its first commercial location, in Williamsville  Williamsville, NY: On Friday, May 28th and into Memorial Day weekend, Buffalo will welcome Seven One Six Wood Design, the first of its kind woodshop and retail showroom located in Williamsville. Found

SELFIE WRLD GRAND OPENING 5/7/2021

GRAND OPENING: Selfie WRLD to fill Vacancy in the Boulevard MallPRIVATE EVENT @ Selfie WRLD, A Do-It Yourself Photography Studio with a variety of backdrops AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes joins Chamber member and owners Kelly Burke and Jennifer Lynch in announcing an “invite only” Grand Opening of Selfie WRLD at 1:30pm on Friday May 7, located at the Boulevard Mall 730 Alberta Drive, Amherst NY. “I am encouraged and inspired by Kelly and Jennifer, even during a

Spruce on Main Ribbon Cutting: 4/29/2021

GRAND OPENING:Spruce on Main takes over formerEverything Elmwood Amherst location  Spruce on Main collection of modern yet classic home décor, accessories & giftsAMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, A.J. Baynes, joins Chamber member and owner Krista Sobon in announcing the Grand Opening of Spruce on Main, 11am on Thursday, April 29th at 4446 Main Street in Snyder, NY.  Spruce on Main quickly became a reality for Snyder resident Krista Sobon. While taking walks with her daughters

Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill - New location opens 3/15/21

Contact: Brandon Guzda                                                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ph: (716) 239-2235 March 11, 2021 Email: brandon@rachelsgrill.com www.rachelsgrill.com Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill - New location opens Monday! GETZVILLE, New York - Getzville, get ready for your Rachel's Grand Opening in Crosspoint Business Park. It'll be the first building facing North French, near Millersport Highway. Rachel's Mediterranean Grill is extending an invite to the public on Monday, March

PETER MAEVE – GRAND OPENING NEW OPTICAL BOUTIQUE

-A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER- AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes joins Chamber member and local business owners Chasen Lee and Ryan Pritchard in announcing the Grand Opening of Peter Maeve, on Monday, August 31, 9am located at 6815 Main Street in Williamsville. This brand new high-end optical boutique will be the first of its kind in the area. The shop will be equipped with top-of-the-line brands and cutting-edge technology allowing for touchless eye exams. “It is

Rachel's Mediterranean Ribbon Cutting

Uniland/Hampton Inn Amherst Ribbon Cutting

A New Standard for Sports Tourism and Hospitality in Buffalo NiagaraUniland Development Company opened its new $14.4 million, 107-room Hampton by Hilton hotel, the first in North America certified in Universal Design. The Hampton Inn Buffalo-Amherst at The Northtown Center athletic complex is isUD certified in Universal Design, an emerging standard for socially responsible design.   Uniland and the University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center) worked on the

JADA BLITZ FITNESS HOLDS GRAND OPENING

AMHERST-Jada Blitz Fitness, owned by Buffalo couple Justin and Ashley Draper, is hosting a Grand Opening celebration in its newly expanded space on Saturday, February 1 starting at 8 a.m. A Ribbon Cutting ceremony takes place at 11 a.m.The new location at 4687 Transit Rd. features 30,000 square feet of carefully curated areas. The expansive lobby features a shake bar, supplement and apparel shop, physical therapy room and a full café featuring Balanced Body Foods, the meal prep company also owned by the

FRESH CATCH POKE OPENS DOWNTOWN BUFFALO LOCATION!

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the second location for Fresh Catch Poke Co. at the new 500 Pearl/Aloft Hotel building in downtown Buffalo on Friday, October 25.   Fresh Catch, the area’s first dedicated poke bowl restaurant, opened its first location in 2018 at 5933 Main Street in Williamsville. Its downtown Buffalo restaurant is a refined casual experience with a full bar, offering curated wines, cocktails and mocktails

FREY ELECTRIC NAMED ‘BUSINESS OF THE YEAR’ FOR SPARKING BUFFALO RENAISSANCE!

AMHERST, NY –You may have noticed more construction cranes in the air, more places to live and shop, new hospitals, new hotels, new restaurants and the list goes on and on.   That is the Buffalo renaissance.   It’s real and it’s what we are celebrating at The Event this year.   “Each of our award winners has contributed to the growth and quality of life in our community, and we are proud to take this opportunity to honor their success and #LetItShine, says Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

HEALTHY PET SUPERSTORE OPENS SECOND BUFFALO STORE IN WILLIAMSVILLE

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Healthy Pet Superstore located at Williamsville Place at 5397 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville.    Healthy Pet Superstore has four locations in the Rochester area. Its first Buffalo area store is located at 3213 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park.    “I’m so glad that we could open another store in the area where I grew up,” says Russ Herman, Healthy Pet Superstore CEO. He and his wife, Brenda

HEATHWOOD EXPANSION ADDS ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS IN AMHERST

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of newly-expanded Heathwood Assisted Living at 815 Hopkins Road in Williamsville.  Heathwood recently completed construction on its new three-story addition of 42 assisted living apartments. Together with its original campus, Heathwood now provides more than 120 apartments for those needing assisted living, enhanced assisted living and memory care services.  “Heathwood has a long legacy in

NURSE PRACTITIONERS OPEN ADVANCED INTEGRATIVE CARE, FEATURING HOLISTIC AND TRADITIONAL WELLNESS

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Advanced Integrative Care, a provider of primary and wellness care at the Stonegate Medical Park, 8207 Main Street in Williamsville.   Advanced Integrative Care offers science-based traditional and holistic medicine that focuses on the whole person, including all aspects that influence health, wellness and disease. Founder Sherry Ann Verostko-Slazak, Adult Nurse Practitioner has partnered

MASIS STAFFING SOLUTIONS ADDS SECOND NY OFFICE IN AMHERST

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Masis Staffing Solutions at 3551 Sheridan Drive in Amherst.   This is the second location in New York for the HR company, which is headquartered in Massachusetts and now has a presence in 14 states. Its first New York office in Rochester opened four years ago.   Masis Staffing Solutions is a family-oriented, service-driven staffing firm dedicated to delivering custom solutions for

AGLOW SALT SPA AND WELLNESS OFFERS WILLIAMSVILLE'S FIRST SALT THERAPY BOOTH

Williamsville, NY  July 18, 2019 - The media and public are invited to the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of AGLOW Salt Spa and Wellness on August 16, 2019.​This celebratory event will take place at 8665 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221 between 1pm and 3pm.  Guests will be treated to discounts, raffles and mini service sessions.  Appetizers and drinks can be enjoyed while taking time to explore all the services and meet new friends.  Also, gain firsthand knowledge about how Halotherapy,

WILLIAMSVILLE SPA EXPANDS SERVICES AND MOVES TO BIGGER LOCATION

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at B Well Massage and Esthetics in its new location at 5684 Main Street in Williamsville.  Owner and founder Brittany Fruchtel, a Williamsville native, started the business in 2017 after becoming a licensed massage therapist at the New York Institute of Massage. She worked from a rented space at a skin care shop until recently hiring eight employees and moving across the street into the former

STORMING CRAB CUTS RIBBON ON NEW LOCATION

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Storming Crab restaurant on Wednesday, May 22 in Amherst.  The Cajun seafood restaurant at 4125 Maple Road will feature made-to-order seafood that is boiled with potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage in different flavors at all heat levels.  This will be the sixth location for the crab chain that first opened in Clarksville, Tennessee. The Amherst location is only the second Storming Crab

INSPIRE CAREERS OPENS OFFICE IN WILLIAMSVILLE

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Inspire Careers, a career coaching agency located in the Village of Williamsville.   Owner Cathy Lanzalaco took over the Inspire Careers business in October of 2018, after launching her first career management business, Write-Resume-For-The-Job in 2017. Lanzalaco has now rebranded both companies under the Inspire Careers banner.   “I am putting my spin on the Inspire Careers brand, taking

NEW LA QUINTA OFF INTERSTATE OFFERS BIGGER ROOMS AND LOWER RATES

AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening celebration at La Quinta Inn & Suites Buffalo-Amherst on Wednesday, March 13.   Construction on the new hotel was completed last July. It is located at 145 Innkeepers Lane, conveniently positioned off I-290 with easy access to I-190. Its 68 rooms are spacious with a modern atmosphere and can be booked during the off season for as low as $89 a night.   This new La Quinta hotel joins two

WILLIAMSVILLE'S FIRST HEMP-ONLY STORE OFFICIALLY OPENS

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Your CBD Store, the first and only store in Williamsville solely dedicated to the purchase and sales of CBD hemp products.  Your CBD Store is a franchise and one of the leaders in the global hemp market that is rapidly growing among people who believe in its healing properties.  Its products are made with cannabidiol (CBD) which is derived from the cannabis plant without the mind-altering

VERIZON AGENT ‘CELLULAR SALES’ OPENS THIRD STORE IN AMHERST

THE STORE JOINS ELEVEN OTHER CELLULAR SALES STORES IN WESTERN NEW YORK AS VERIZON’S LARGEST RETAILER AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Cellular Sales, a Verizon authorized agent in Amherst. The store at 2155 Eggert Road is the third Cellular Sales store in Amherst, two others are in the Village of Williamsville, and there are stores in Buffalo, Hamburg, Depew, West Seneca, Blasdell, Albion and Wellsville. Cellular Sales

SPORTS TOURNAMENTS AND UB SPUR OPENING OF NEW FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES IN AMHERST

ELLICOTT HOTELS BUILT THE NEW FAIRFIELD INN TO COMPLIMENT NEARBY EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL STAYBRIDGE SUITES BUFFALO AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the new Fairfield Inn and Suites Buffalo Amherst/University. The 4-story, 107 room hotel is located at 3880 Rensch Road in Amherst near the University at Buffalo North Campus, as well as Ellicott Hotels extended-stay hotel, Staybridge Suites Amherst. “With the tremendous growth on

U.S. RENAL CARE OPENS NEW CLINIC

AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of U.S. Renal Care at 2880 Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda. The facility provides the highest quality care for patients with chronic and acute kidney disease with top-of-the-line at-home and in-center dialysis machines. This is the fifth WNY location for U.S. Renal Care that partners with local physicians, nephrologists, hospitals and advocacy groups to achieve the best patient outcomes. “The

PAINTING WITH A TWIST OPENS IN AMHERST

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Painting with a Twist. Painting with a Twist is a fun art studio for anyone interested in painting. Its classes feature local artists teaching step by step the specific painting of the day. Acrylic paints, a 16″ x 20″ canvas and other painting supplies are provided. No experience is necessary, and you take home the artwork you created at the end of the class. “We welcome Painting with a

THE IRISHMAN OPENS NEW BAR PATIO

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the new bar patio at The Irishman Pub and Eatery. The new covered patio at 5601 Main Street in Williamsville is almost twice the size of the former patio and features a fully stocked bar, high top tables, TVs and a fire pit. The dining patio that used to be in the front of the restaurant has been moved to the front parking area. The new facility is built for use in the summer, fall and

GRAND OPENING OF THE ALIX RICE PEACE PARK

AMHERST, NY –The Alix Rice Peace Park Foundation announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Alix Rice Peace Park. The 10,000 square foot free-use facility at the Northtown Recreation Center in Amherst has been built in memory of Alix Rice to provide a safe and fun outlet for skateboarding, BMX and inline skating. The California-style project that includes bowls, ramps, rails and benches has been in the works since August of 2011, a month after 18-year-old Rice was fatally struck by a drunk

EXPERIMAC STORE COMES TO AMHERST

AMHERST, NY –Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Experimac, a locally-owned franchise that repairs, upgrades, buys and sells Apple products. The store at 3220 Sheridan Drive is owned by Joseph Fiorentino of Batavia. The Canandaigua native spent 25 years in sales at Ryder before deciding he had enough of corporate America and wanted to do something on his own. “This is good news for anyone who uses Apple products,” says Baynes. “Whether

TWO SOUTHERN TIER NATIVES OPEN MY DAD’S MARKET AND RESTAURANT

AMHERST, NY-Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of My Dad’s Market and Restaurant. My Dad’s is a unique dining experience, offering patrons grab-and-go food, fresh and packaged market items and a full-service restaurant and bar. It is located in the former TGI Fridays at Main and Transit in Williamsville. The owners are two Southern Tier men who have a long history together working for Mc Donald’s. “This new endeavor by these Western New

GRAND OPENING IN WILLIAMSVILLE OF DUAL-BRNADED HILTON HOTELS, INCLUDING FIRST TRU BY HILTON IN NEW YORK

AMHERST, NY – Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of dual-branded hotels by Hilton, including the first Tru by Hilton in the state of New York. Tru by Hilton Williamsville Buffalo Airport and Home2 Suites by Hilton Williamsville Buffalo Airport are located at 48 Freeman Road, off Transit Road in Williamsville. “Being the first in the state to have this new brand hotel by Hilton is a real feather in our cap,” says Baynes. “We are proud our