AMHERST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECORD SETTING NIGHT: THE EVENT 2026 – CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

Amherst Chamber of Commerce President & CEO A.J. Baynes joins nearly 500 Chamber members and local leaders on Monday, October 26, at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043, to recognize this year’s business award winners. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with awards presented at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s an honor to recognize this exceptional group of honorees for their unwavering dedication to advancing Western New York,” said A.J. Baynes. “Their stories reflect the wide-ranging influence of our Chamber’s members, who now operate across 100 zip codes throughout the region.”

Award recipients include:
Business of the Year: LaBella Associates
Woman of Distinction: Laura Zaepfel, Uniland Development
Commitment to Excellence: Lumsden McCormick LLP
Community Stewardship Award: Child & Family Services
Family-Owned Business Award: HUNT Real Estate
Entrepreneurship Award: Top Seedz

During the evening, the Chamber will also announce the results of its On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grant program, funded by the New York State Department of Labor and administered by the Chamber across eight Western New York counties. Through the program, the Chamber deployed nearly $400,000 directly into the business community. Nearly 100 businesses received awards, and more than 1,000 employees were trained in fields including manufacturing, construction, utilities, healthcare, financial and professional services, real estate, restaurants and retail, and nonprofits.

Nearly 500 business and community leaders, along with elected officials from across the region, will be on hand to honor this year’s recipients. The Event 2026 is presented with the support of M&T Bank.

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan will open the evening by welcoming guests. Elected officials confirmed to attend include Congressman Tim Kennedy, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Buffalo Common Council President Joel Feroleto, and Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal.

Award Winners, and Chamber President A.J. Baynes will be available from 5:30-6:30 for interviews.