AMHERST, NY – The year was 1969. The founders of Northtown Automotive Companies were looking to open their first car dealership in Amherst on Sheridan and Bailey, but they were met with some resistance. The town would only allow them to sell new cars that no other car dealership was selling. That left them with one choice: Toyota. So, they opened the area’s first Toyota dealership and the rest, as they say, is history! Today, Northtown Automotive Companies offer 17 car brands at nine dealerships with two collision shops!
Amherst Chamber of Commerce President/CEO A.J. Baynes announces that Northtown Automotive Companies will be named “Business of the Year” at “The Event”, the Chamber’s annual Celebration of Business Excellence on Monday, October 22, 2018.
The Event will be held from 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.
“We are so proud to recognize this stellar group of honorees,” says Baynes. “The Chamber chose these award winners for their steadfast commitment and contributions to our region that make life better for us all.”
Other honorees include:
Schutte Hospitality Group, Hospitality Award-Who hasn’t enjoyed at meal at Creekview Restaurant? But owner Dave Schutte, who also runs Oliver’s Restaurant and Sear, isn’t stopping there. He is planning to open a brewery on Main St., further adding to the economic vitality of the Village of Williamsville.
ACV Auctions, Entrepreneur Award-What a Cinderella story! Just a few years ago, the company was recognized at our Small Business event and its growth since then has been monumental. The online car auction went from three founding members to 400 employees. It will soon take over an entire floor of the administration building at the former Trico plant in Buffalo.
Allegra C. Jaros, Oishei Children’s Hospital President, Woman of Distinction Award-Besides guiding state-of-the-art care for our youngest patients, Ms. Jaros oversaw the building of the beautiful new hospital on the Buffalo Medical Campus and the flawless transfer of patients from its former location.
Wendel, Innovation Award– Based in Amherst, but this engineering and architectural firm has 14 other offices across the country, not just helping to build communities, but doing it in an environmentally responsible way.
BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, Community Service Award– The health insurer invests more than $2 million in the regions it serves, offering all kinds of free programs and fun activities to help us stay active, healthy and able to “Live Fearless!”
The Chamber prides itself in helping to promote the next generation of leadership, and this year we will also be utilizing The Event to highlight our Emerging Business Leaders Class of 2018, as the twenty-nine young professionals wrap up a year of grooming and experiences that will help take them forward in their careers.
