February Newsletter                                                                              News and Notes THANK YOU TO OUR GAME CHANGERS Thank you to the gentlemen of Game Changers who shared their inspirational stories of entrepreneurship with BN360 Young Professionals. The evening's featured speakers included Joel Colombo, President of 360 PSG; Dan Gigante, President and Owner of You and Who?; and Trace George, President and CEO of VSP Graphics and Marketing. The session included a question and answer period and reflections on the trials and tribulations of starting your own business. Dan Gigante shared this wisdom with the audience: "Figure out what it is that inspires you and make it your career." Inspirational advice indeed! The entrepreneur series resumes on March 28 at the Innovation Center with the ladies of Game Changers. Speakers will include Shandra Spicer, President and CEO of S&W Contracting; Stephanie Simeon, Executive Director of Heart of the City Neighborhoods; and Katherine Lucas, Executive Producer and Owner of Emedia Studios. Register. BN360 HEADS TO ALBANY BN360 will travel to Albany on February 15 as a delegate of We Live NY, our strategic partner association. We will meet with New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy to begin work on a statewide agenda focused on attracting and retaining the best and brightest talent to New York State. We will convene with representatives from across the state to identify initiatives that encourage young professionals to network more openly with their peers, collaborate amongst various and diverse organizations, and become more engaged in their communities. Stay tuned for insight from this exciting meeting of the minds. A HAPPY HOUR INDEED Congratulations to our Events and Service Committee who planned January's successful Happy Hour For-A-Cause. Our friends at the Adam Mickiewicz Performing Arts Circle/Torn Space Theaters hosted the happy hour, which raised more than $700 in net proceeds to benefit the Theater of Youth. Proceeds from January's event will help to offset the cost of tickets and transportation for disadvantaged, inner city youth to attend TOY's last performance of the season, "Charlotte's Web." Our next Happy Hour-For-A-Cause is February 23. See below in our Upcoming Events section.  In the Spotlight Chris Choi, Roswell Park Cancer Institute - Chris Choi, Director of cGMP Facility and Assistant Professor of Oncology, was part of a Roswell team that recently announced the development of an investigational vaccine that possesses the potential to eradicate cancer cells and prevent disease relapse. The NY-SEO-1 dendritic cell vaccine will be tested under Choi's direction to treat multiple types of cancer - including bladder, brain, breast, esophageal, gastrointestinal, hepatocellular, kidney, lung, melanoma, ovarian, prostate, sarcoma and uterine tumors. Orlando Perez, Skyview Learning - Orlando Perez, President of Skyview Learning, has been recognized by the Hispanic Coalition New York Team as one of the state's 40 Under 40 Rising Latino Stars for 2012. He will be honored for his dedication and efforts in the community at the NYS Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, Annual Somos el Futuro Legislative Conference on March 24 in Albany. Shandra Spicer, S&W Contracting - Shandra Spicer, BN360 Spotlight Professional and President and CEO of S&W Contracting, was recently recognized by the Amherst Business Resource Council for outstanding achievement, success and work within the community as part of their Member Success Showcase.   Upcoming Events MOVERS & SHAKERS: UB2020 - WHAT'S NEXT? - FEBRUARY 17 Partnership President & CEO Andrew Rudnick and SUNY at Buffalo President Dr. Satish Tripathi will discuss what's next for UB2020 and the impact it will have on our regional economy. Register. THE HOBNOB & CEO SILENT AUCTION - FEBRUARY 28 Join the Partnership for our region's premier networking event: Featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and "HobNobbing" with the best in Buffalo Niagara. Tickets are $30 for members, $60 for non-members and at the door. Register. HAPPY HOUR FOR-A-CAUSE - FEBRUARY 23  Our popular young professional networking series will take to the stage of Torn Space Theater in the famous Adam Michiewicz Library. Enjoy Eastern European eats, microbrews and unique ales while networking to raise awareness and funds for Torn Space Theater.Register. Strategic Partner News and Opportunities Volunteer at Buffalo Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival - February 11 & 12 Help make this year's event a success by volunteering to work cleanup, food areas and in the Kids Zone. If you are interested in helping out, email Liz at Callahanel@gmail.com. UB Non-Profit & Government Fair: Internships & Career Opportunities - February 17 This event is open to any 501c3 organization or government agency seeking candidates for meaningful summer internships, part-time or full-time positions. For more information contact Joe Meyer at (716)645-4644 or meyer6@buffalo.edu. Register. Medaille Homeland Security: Emergency Management & Disaster Response - February 22 This lecture series is designed to educate the community about homeland security and related topics. Featured are veteran law enforcement specialists who have a strong understanding of emergency preparedness and management. FREE, limited seating.Register. Irish Classical Theater Company's Annual Fundraiser: The Wake - February 24 Join ICTC for The Wake to celebrate the passing of a dear, departed fictitious friend. Tickets include complimentary wine and beer all night. The evening will feature live music with popular Celtic rock band Poor Ould Goat. Special discount rate for BN360 members, order tickets by calling (716)853-ICTC and mentioning BN360. Click here for more information. Buffalo State College Bengal 5K Scholarship Run March 29 & March 31 The BSC Alumni Association is seeking sponsor and volunteer support for the Bengal 5K Scholarship Run. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups for pre-race and race day activities. For more information contact Landrum Beard at (716)878-6001orbeardlw@buffalostate.edu. Click here for more information.   Program Sponsors   Underwriter:   The Buffalo Niagara Partnership recognizes that a skilled and diverse professional talent pool is essential to the growth of the regional economy. That's why the organization launched Buffalo Niagara 360, a unique program for the next generation of local business leaders and innovators.   Sign up for Buffalo Niagara 360.  To unsubscribe from this e-newsletter please email BN360@thepartnership.org with the subject line: 360 unsubscribe              www.buffaloniagara360.org                                               www.thepartnership.org