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2025 Educators of the Year

by | May 19, 2025 | Chamber News, Events, News

Chamber honors four teachers as Educators of the Year

 

The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce, West Herr Buick GMC Cadillac of East Aurora, and HDE Electric are proud to present the 2025 Chamber’s Choice Educators of the Year.

Annually, the Chamber is honored to recognize teachers for hard work and unwavering support of our students. This year, the Chamber is honoring four teachers – one each from East Aurora, Holland, and Iroquois High Schools as well as the Ormsby Educational Center.

This year’s honorees are: 

  • Catherine Caligiuri, a First Grade Teacher at Parkdale Elementary in the East Aurora Union Free School District.
  • Pamela Patterson, a Science Teacher from Holland High School
  • Timothy Gastle, a Music Teacher from Iroquois High School
  • Scott Sitarek, an Automotive Technology Teacher at the Ormsby Educational Center.

 We will be celebrating our honorees on Friday, May 23, the culmination of the Chamber’s Choice Student Awards Week, with video recognitions on the Chamber’s Facebook page (@eastaurorachamber) and Instagram page (@eachamber) as well as on the Chamber’s website (www.eanycc.com) and YouTube Channel. 

The teachers honored are recognized for a variety of achievements including: 

  • Serving as a positive role model and inspiration to students, colleagues, and the broader community, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Making significant contributions to the field of education, whether through research, advocacy, curriculum development, or other initiatives that advance teaching and learning.
  • Being actively involved in the school community and beyond, participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or engaging in community outreach efforts.
  • Collaborating effectively with colleagues, administrators, parents, and community members to enhance the learning environment and promote educational initiatives. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Chamber Choice Educators of the Year! 

This event would not be possible if not for the support of the following businesses and members of the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce. We thank them for their continued support of our local teachers, students, schools, and the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

 Special thanks to our sponsors:

 Head of the Class Sponsor
West Herr Buick GMC Cadillac of East Aurora

 

Educator of the Year Sponsor
HDE Electric

 

Presenting Sponsors
WNY Federal Credit Union

 

School Sponsors

East Aurora High School – East Aurora Co-op Market, Great Erie Federal Credit Union, & Independent Nursing Care

Holland High School – Bank of Holland, Holland Hardware, & MMF Business Solutions

Iroquois High School –Aurora Sewing Center, HDE Electric, & Loptr LLC

Ormsby Educational Center –HDE Electric & Bartsch Auto Service 

Chamber’s Choice Support a Student Donors 

Bar-Bill Tavern
Hartloff Benefit Solutions LLC
Philipps & Brooks CPAs
Pizza Del Aureos
Tops Friendly Markets
Vision Development of WNY LLC
Wolf Agency

 

2025 Chamber’s Choice Student Awards

by | May 19, 2025 | Chamber News, Events, News

2025 Chamber’s Choice Student Awards Honors 40 Local High School Seniors

Chamber’s Choice Student Awards Week May 19-May 23

 

The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce, and West Herr Buick GMC Cadillac of East Aurora are proud to present the 2025 Chamber’s Choice Student Awards! 

The Chamber’s Choice honors forty high school seniors, ten each from East Aurora, Holland, and Iroquois High Schools and ten from the Ormsby Educational Center. 

This year, we will be celebrating our honorees during Chamber’s Choice Student Awards Week from  May 19 to May 23 on the Chamber’s Facebook page (@eastaurorachamber) and Instagram page (@eachamber). Each day will focus on students from one school and will feature them in a short video. The videos will be posted on social media twice a day – in the morning and evening – as well as on the Chamber’s website (www.eanycc.com) and YouTube Channel. 

  • Monday, May 19 – East Aurora High School
  • Tuesday, May 20 – Holland High School
  • Wednesday, May 21 – Iroquois High School
  • Thursday, May 22 – Ormsby Educational Center
  • Friday, May 23 – Educators of the Year 

Students honored are recognized for achievements in community service, leadership, personal growth, citizenship, entrepreneurship, and other quality traits.  The following criteria assist in the nomination: exhibits a general concern for the well-being of others, willing to go the extra mile, is involved in and demonstrates qualities of leadership in both school and community activities, and demonstrates a strong work ethic.  

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Chamber’s Choice honorees!

East Aurora High School

Riana Barron
Claire Brody
Megan Cassidy
Ruby Fisler
Cooper Gentz
Jacob Holko
Frederick Laubisch
Nathan Roorbach
Evan Saczuk
Erin Zagrobelny

 

Holland High School

Jemma Conrad
Riley Gilcrist
Sean Marthia
Caroline Massucci
Acadia Peirick
Reagan Schoenthal
Grace Teijeira
Joshua Wagner
Briana Wirth
Ava Yox

Iroquois High School

Isabelle Canaple
Ava Driggs
Meredith Guzinski
Gurnoor Ladhar
Olivia Lewis
Ryan McGoldrick
Lola Ostrowski
Logan Stanczewski
Kyra Wolf
John Zeitler, III

Ormsby Educational Center

Jacob Bansmer
Gavin Darszewski
Finnin Carney
Hayden Flierl
Leah Hyman
Jordyn Lafferty
Jocelyn Litwiniak
Hailey Miller
Payton Teluk
Justin Uebelhoer

This event would not be possible if not for the support of the following businesses and members of the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce. We thank them for their continued support of our area high school seniors and the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce. 

Special thanks to our sponsors: 

Head of the Class Sponsor
West Herr Buick GMC Cadillac of East Aurora 

Educator of the Year Sponsor
HDE Electric 

Presenting Sponsors
WNY Federal Credit Union 

School Sponsors

East Aurora High School – East Aurora Co-op Market, Great Erie Federal Credit Union, & Independent Nursing Care

Holland High School – Bank of Holland, Holland Hardware, & MMF Business Solutions

Iroquois High School –Aurora Sewing Center, HDE Electric, & Loptr LLC

Ormsby Educational Center –HDE Electric & Bartsch Auto Service 

Chamber’s Choice Support a Student Donors

Bar-Bill Tavern
Hartloff Benefit Solutions LLC
Philipps & Brooks CPAs
Pizza Del Aureos
Tops Friendly Markets
Vision Development of WNY LLC
Wolf Agency

Member Spotlight – Brave Little Fighters

Member Spotlight – Brave Little Fighters

by | Jan 29, 2025 | Chamber News, News

Brave Little Fighters Foundation brings hope and joy to children with serious illnesses in WNY

Meet Brave Little Fighters, Inc., a non-profit member of the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce. 

Brave Little Fighters creates a place of belonging and increases hope and joy for children with serious illnesses and their families in WNY. 

We achieve this through the generosity of our WNY community which makes these carefree and innovative outings and gatherings for our children and families possible year round, all completely free of charge. 

Newly arrived East Auroran, Lizzie Agnello, founded the organization in 2019, recognizing a major gap in services for this population in our region. 

She said the children’s medical journeys are incredibly complex and time-consuming, but “our Fighters are among those who need these outlets most in order to reduce the sense of fear and isolation they face.” 

“What a privilege it is to bear witness to transformational friendships being formed among children and families and to see the smiles on their faces” Agnello said.

Contact Information

 Elizabeth Agnello
(716) 846-5129
elizabeth.agnello7@gmail.com
www.bravelittlefighters.org

Rebuilding Community: Why Shopping Small Matters Most After A Big Storm

Rebuilding Community: Why Shopping Small Matters Most After A Big Storm

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Chamber News, News

We all knew it was coming. We do live in WNY after all. Lake effect snowstorms aren’t anything new. But three weeks of storms is starting to take its toll.

As luck would have it, the first lake effect storm of the holidays hit right on the biggest weekend for our local small businesses – Small Business Saturday.

The flakes started falling early Saturday morning in the Village of East Aurora and its surrounding communities and most didn’t see clear skies until late Sunday night.

Regardless, our businesses were ready for throngs of people to visit our area to shop, play, and eat!

But they didn’t come.

At least not like usual.

Then the businesses regrouped and planned a Small Business Saturday Re-Do on Saturday, Dec. 7. Mother Nature decided to throw a wrench into that and dumped another storm on us. While it didn’t hit on the weekend, it made things difficult.

And you all know what just happened this week. Another three feet of lake effect snow caused travel bans along with school and businesses closing.

We’ve dug out three times now, put on a happy face and re-opened.

But it hurts.

It hurts a lot.

It hurts local businesses, and it hurts our communities. “Main Street” is the backbone of our community. They provide jobs, sponsor youth programs, and contribute to the unique character of our neighborhoods.

Our small businesses are now facing a huge challenge.

For many small businesses, Small Business Saturday is a make-or-break day.

The weeks following play a huge role in whether these businesses – many owned by your neighbors – will be able to keep their doors open another year.

When storms like the ones we’ve experienced hit, it’s nearly impossible to make up the loss in revenue.

But you can help!

When you shop small, you’re not just purchasing goods or services—you’re investing in your neighbors, your town, and the local economy. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a small business, more than two-thirds stay within the community, circulating among other local businesses, schools, and services.

When storms hit and people stay home, businesses lose valuable foot traffic, and people’s tendency is to shop big online sites – you know the kind – rather than venture out another day to patronize a small business.

But storms don’t define us—our response does. This is our chance to turn things around and give our small businesses the holiday season they deserve.

So, I’m here to ask everyone who had planned to visit East Aurora and our neighboring communities this past weekend to still come out and shop small.

Many of our stores are re-running Small Business Saturday sales and events.

The Chamber’s Gnome for the Holidays Scavenger Hunt is in full swing at more than 34 local businesses in East Aurora, Holland, and South Wales (visit www.eanycc.com for details and a list of participating businesses). But you have to visit the businesses to enter. Prizes include up to $500 in gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses.

So please visit our festival communities!

Shop local first.

Spread the word about our local businesses.

Purchase gift cards.

Attend local events, like our Holiday Magic in the Village Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. and Carolcade at 7 p.m., both on Saturday, Dec. 21.


And thank a local businessperson. It’s been a challenging year for them and a kind word of encouragement can go a long way.

There is nothing better than strolling our local streets with a hot steaming drink from a local coffee shop while gazing at holiday windows and shopping in boutique stores for that one-of-a kind gift, all while snow glistens.

Warm your hearts and those around you by continuing to support local businesses this holiday season!

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Victoria Sturman
Executive Director
Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Saturday kicks off with Chamber’s Gnome for the Holidays scavenger hunt

Small Business Saturday kicks off with Chamber’s Gnome for the Holidays scavenger hunt

by | Nov 27, 2024 | Chamber News, Events, News

There’s gnome better place to Shop Small this holiday season than East Aurora and Holland, NY!

This year the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce is encouraging shoppers to support our local businesses by participating in the Gnome for the Holiday Scavenger Hunt!

This fun scavenger hunt will take you to a multitude of local businesses all around the Greater East Aurora Region in search of Twinkle McJingles, our mischevious holiday gnome.

The Scavenger Hut will run from Small Business Saturday on November 30th until Christmas Eve on December 24th. Every time you scan his card and fill out an entry form, you’ll be entered into a giant gift card raffle.

When you enter the contest, you’ll have the chance to win a large variety of $25 gift cards donated by the participating businesses with 1st prize being $400 in gift cards, 2nd prize being $250 in gift cards, and 3rd prize offering $100 in gift cards.

To play, visit a participating Chamber Member business – a list is available at www.eanycc.com – , locate Twinkle McJingles, the holiday gnome, and scan the QR code provided on the gnome. Complete the online entry form with the store code to enterthe raffle. One entry per store, per person, with multiple entry locations allowed.

Mr. McJingles will be hiding out in 30 local businesses, shops and restaurants around East Aurora & Holland, NY:

189 Burger, 42 North Brewing Company, Ashley’s Lingerie & Swimwear, Aurora Paint Pot, Aurora Sewing Center, Beauty Organix, Bee Spit Meadery, Blue Eyed Baker, Blue Violet Floral Studio, Daily’s Catering, East Aurora Cooperative Market, Eight X Eight, Erba Verde Farms, LLC, Erlo Contemporary, Holland Hardware, Kickstand Culture Bike Shop, Mambrino King, Marta’s Market, Nomad Vintage Design & Antiques, Oakwood and Elm Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate, Petrocy Jewelers, Prima Oliva, R. H. Rahn Jewelers, Roycroft Campus Antiques, Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market, Spot of Tee, Taste Bistro & Coffee Bar, The Bookworm & BW Gifts LLC, The Deli, The Roycroft Inn and The Wandering Goose of Holland.

– MORE –
The festive, locally made gnomes, by Blue Violet Floral Studio and Espresso Bar, will be in different colors and styles in each business, so be sure to check all its hiding spots!

Visit as many businesses as possible to get as many entries as possible! By participating in this very merry Shop Small campaign, you not only create memories and have fun while you gift-give, but you also help support the continued vibrancy of your local businesses.

The full list of participating businesses and addresses as well as all the details of the Gnome for the Holidays Scavenger Hunt can be found at www.eanycc.com. If you have any questions, please contact The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce at 716-652-8444 or EAChamber@eanycc.com.

Annual Jingle Mingle Mixer to be held Dec. 5, 2025

Annual Jingle Mingle Mixer to be held Dec. 5, 2025

by | Nov 6, 2024 | Chamber News, News, Uncategorized

Annual Chamber Jingle Mingle set for Dec. 5

Donation collection being held for Brave Litter Fighters Foundation

Celebrate the holidays with us at The Bank of EA and bring a donation for the Brave Little Fighters Foundation!

The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Jingle Mingle Holiday Mixer at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 at The Bank, 649 Main Street in East Aurora.

Mix and mingle while celebrating the holiday season and enjoying the seasonal instrumental sounds of the Kaz Kilam Jazz Duo. Food provided by Daily’s Catering in East Aurora. Cash Bar provided by Wallenwein’s Hotel. A gift card and holiday centerpiece raffle will also take place that evening.

This year, the Chamber is partnering with the Brave Little Fighter Foundation this year.

rave Little Fighters is a non-profit organization that creates a place of belonging and increases hope and happiness for children with serious illnesses through joyful outings year-round, all completely free of charge.

The Chamber is holding a Donation Collection for Brave Little Fighters from now until Dec. 24.

Please bring a donated item for the teens served by this local foundation to the party or to the Chamber office, 652 Main Street in East Aurora! All items will be given out as gifts to children 13 to 18 years of age during the foundation’s holiday party.

Needed items include:
• Bills/Sabres related items
• Fleece blankets
• Sweaters/hoodies
• Slippers
• Books
• Art Supplies
• Gift Cards
• Winter gear (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.)
• Bluetooth headphones/ear buds
• Slippers
• Nail Polish/beauty products & accessories
• Jewelry
• Board games/card games

Brave Little Fighters founder, Elizabeth Agnello, will be at the event to talk a little bit about the organization and to answer any questions. For more information on Brave Little Fighters, please visit www.bravelittlefighters.org.

This event is open to Chamber Members and non-members. Online Registration is required. Cost to register is $50 for Chamber Members and $55 for Non-Members.

 

Register to Attend Here