The 20th class of 40 Under Forty

Business First by James Fink

Date: Friday, September 9, 2011, 4:23am EDT - Last Modified: Friday, September 9, 2011, 8:44am EDT

A diverse group of rising leaders in Western New York were selected for the 2011 Business First 40 Under Forty class. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual program.

This year's winners include attorneys, educators, real estate developers and leaders of several nonprofit agencies. The 2011 class will be honored at a Nov. 10 luncheon at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The luncheon is sponsored by Citizens Bank.

"This year's group of individuals has made it their mission to contribute in extraordinary ways to their communities and the quality of life we all enjoy in the Buffalo Niagara region," said Jack Connors, Business First publisher and president.

Honorees are:

• Shandra Spicer, S&W Contracting of Western New York Inc.

Six judges chose the 40 winners this year. Chairman of the committee was Michael Faso of Independent Health and a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2002.