[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9288-9289]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 2015 AMHERST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SMALL BUSINESS AWARD 
                               RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the honorees of 
the 2015 Amherst Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Awards Luncheon 
here today. Each business and business leader has done their part to 
lead by example, demonstrating leadership in the business community and 
a shared dedication to improving the economic conditions of Western New 
York.
   Marketing Technologies of Western New York is dedicated to provide 
the best technology and services to fellow businesses. In recent years 
the company has been rapidly growing, in result Marketing Tech has been 
expanding its services and improving quality of support to businesses 
across Western New York. I commend this year's Trailblazer Award 
recipient, Don Papaj, The President and CEO of Marketing Technologies 
of WNY.
   Allen Dembski from Buffalo First Wealth Management, LLC has utilized 
his expertise to better serve his clients and his strong record of 
accomplishments have led him to being recognized here today. Mr. 
Dembski's ability to go beyond his role to ensure the small businesses 
in the community thrive is exemplary. His contributions promote the 
continued prosperity of other small businesses in the Western New York 
community. I am pleased to recognize this year's Small Business 
Advocate of the Year, Allen Dembski of Buffalo First Wealth Management.
   Cure the Blue of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Association sets out to 
raise awareness of prostate cancer in the Western New York Region and 
beyond. The foundation has devoted superior dedication to research, 
awareness and early detection of prostate cancer. It is my honor to 
recognize Booker Edgerson of the Cure the Blue, Buffalo Bills Alumni 
Association as this year's Presidents Award recipient.
   O'Connell and Company functions as a theatre company, although it 
exceeds that title by having an expansive impact on the community. 
O'Connell and Company's mission is to give back to the community which 
it entertains, by organizing fundraisers to aid women and children's 
charities. O'Connell and Company invests deeply in its community and 
strives to make Western New York a better place to work and live. I 
commend this year's Award of Excellence recipient, Mary Kate O'Connell 
founder of O'Connell and Company.
   Empire Genomics is on the precipitous of genomic research and 
technology. They strive to utilize the best in genomic technologies to 
advance research in their field. Empire Genomics is a global leader in 
the field of personalized medicine and assists clinicians, drug 
developers and researchers to answer key questions in disease 
diagnostics, prognosis and disease therapy. I applaud the work of 
founder Dr. Norma Nowak, and all those at Empire Genomics and 
congratulate them on their Sponsor's Award presented by First Niagara 
Bank.
   Tony Martin Awards, Inc. provides high quality services for all 
customers throughout Western New York. Tony Martin Awards has been 
serving the Western New York community for over 50 years with 
extraordinary contributions to the regional economy and professional 
expertise. I am pleased to recognize Tony Martin Awards, Inc. as the 
recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award.
   Santora's Pizza Pub and Grill has been a staple in Western New York, 
since 1927. They have been dedicated members of the community since 
their inception and it is my honor to commend this year's Family Owned 
Business Award recipient, Paul Santora of Santora's Pizza Pub & Grill.
   This impressive list of Small Businesses being honored at this 
year's Luncheon and Showcase deserve the extra recognition and I thank 
the Amherst Chamber of Commerce for bringing these distinguished 
business leaders

[[Page 9289]]

together. I ask my colleagues to join me and wish the award recipients 
continued success in the years to come.

                          ____________________