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Loptr LLC

by | Mar 18, 2026 | Chamber News, Member Blog, News

Loptr LLC Names One of Buffalo’s Best Places to Work

East Aurora-based Cybersecurity Firm Loptr LLC Awarded Second Place in Competition

Loptr LLC, an East Aurora-based cybersecurity services company, has been recognized as one of the region’s Best Places to Work by Buffalo Business First. The 15-member firm, founded in 2013 by local East Aurora resident Dave Newell, took home second place in the Micro category (companies with 10-24 employees).

The Best Places to Work award honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional workplace culture, employee engagement, and a strong commitment to supporting their teams.

At Loptr, employees work together to deliver advanced cybersecurity services that help
organizations strengthen their defenses and navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape. The company’s collaborative environment, focus on innovation, and commitment to professional growth have helped create a workplace where employees thrive.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make Loptr what it is,” said Dave Newell. “Our team’s dedication to both our dozens of clients and each other is what drives our success.” Loptr is also known for its colorful 5-suite office space, where creativity meets technical prowess. 

Loptr is proud to contribute to Buffalo’s technology community and remains committed to investing in its people and mission. Learn more at www.loptrllc.com.

Try Cross-Country Skiing at Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets in Varysburg

Try Cross-Country Skiing at Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets in Varysburg

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Member Blog, News, Newsletter

We have a lot of snow, and we know that you want to enjoy the outdoors as 2026 kicks in.  You want to go skiing, but downhill skiing can be expensive.  Have you tried cross-country skiing?  It is a great sport where you exercise at your own pace, enjoy beautiful and quiet nature.

Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets, a public golf resort in Varysburg, just 35 minutes South of Buffalo and a short drive east of East Aurora, is now a winter playground ideal for cross-country skiing.

Byrncliff stands out as one of the region’s only cross-country centers featuring PistenBully-groomed trails, delivering world-class conditions for both classic skiing and skate skiing. With more than 12 miles of scenic terrain stretching across rolling hills, woodlands, and a beautifully maintained golf course, skiers can expect reliable grooming and a consistently smooth, enjoyable experience.  Byrncliff also offers night skiing trails from Thursday through Saturday to 8 pm: a fun and different experience!

“Cross-country skiing remains one of the most affordable ways to enjoy winter, stay active, and get outside,” said Lindsay Eddy, VP of Sales & Marketing at Byrncliff.  A daily ski pass ticket costs just $22 as opposed to much more for a downhill ski pass.  “We’re excited to welcome both newcomers and returning guests to experience the quality of our grooming, the beauty of our trails, and the warm hospitality that makes Byrncliff special.”

Byrncliff offers full rental equipment, including classic skis, skate skis, and snowshoes, making it easy for first-time visitors to step right onto the trails. Lessons are available for individuals or small groups who want to learn the basics or improve their technique.

After a day in the snow, guests can enjoy Byrncliff’s restaurant, bar, and cozy lodge, or book a winter getaway with the resort’s overnight packages. The all-inclusive packages pair trail access with a warm meal and accommodations at the on-site hotel—perfect for romantic winter escapes, family outings, or snowmobile-friendly weekends.

“With the rising cost of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is a refreshing alternative that’s accessible, peaceful, and great exercise,” Eddy added. “We’re proud to continue offering a high-quality, affordable winter experience right here in Western New York.”

More details and Trail conditions are updated daily at www.Byrncliff.com.

About Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets

Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets is a four-season destination in Varysburg, NY, offering an 18-hole golf course, hotel, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and extensive winter activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Situated in the rolling hills of Wyoming County, Byrncliff has welcomed outdoor enthusiasts for more than 50 years with year-round hospitality and scenic beauty.

Great Erie Federal Credit Union 2026 Scholarship Available

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Member Blog, News

Great Erie Federal Credit Union Announces the Great Erie 2026 Scholarship through NYCUA

The Great Erie Federal Credit Union is proud to once again announce our partnership with NYCUA for the New York Credit Union Association 2026 Scholarship Program, an exciting opportunity for our high school members.

Just like in 2025, we will once again join with 64 credit unions and four chapters through the New York Credit Union Association to award $32,250 in college scholarships to 50 bright, hardworking young credit union members. The recipients in 2025 were the top scorers among the over 1200
applications submitted by credit unions across the state.


This scholarship ranges from $250 to $1,500, with a Great Erie scholarship, as well as the potential for a chapter-level
and state-wide scholarship. Last year, our Great Erie member was awarded all three through NYCUA!

Students will be scored on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, honors, community service, leadership, and writing.


Eligibility:

  • Members of Great Erie FCU
  • College-bound high school seniors at the time of application
  • Planning to attend a two-or four-year accredited educational institution, vocational, or trade school for the
    first time in the fall of 2026.
  • Applicants must obtain a Credit Union Verification Code from Great Erie to verify eligibility.

    How to Apply:

    Detailed instructions and full eligibility can be found on NYCUA’s website at https://nycua.org/uniting/scholarshipprogram/college-scholarship-program-applicants or on our website at www.GreatErieFCU.com under the Learn tab. The
    deadline to submit your application is January 9, 2026. Applications will be judged against other submissions
    statewide in early spring. The lucky winners will be announced in May.
    If you need additional information or have specific questions about this scholarship program, don’t hesitate to
    contact David Even by calling (716) 662-1311, ext. 133, or emailing david@GreatErieFCU.com.
  • About Great Erie Federal Credit Union
    The Great Erie Federal Credit Union is committed to providing exceptional financial services to our members and
    supporting our community through various initiatives and programs. We strive to foster a sense of community and
    dedication among our members

Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication Scholarship Award

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Member Blog, News, Newsletter

Great Erie Federal Credit Union Announces the Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication $500 Scholarship Award


The Great Erie Federal Credit Union is thrilled to announce the Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication Scholarship Award, an exciting opportunity exclusively for our young high school members.

This $500 scholarship is named in honor of Don Bruning, a retired Orchard Park High School math teacher who
selflessly dedicated 52 years of volunteer service within our credit union. Don not only contributed his expertise as
an educator but also served admirably on the volunteer Board of Directors and is active in our credit union today.
This scholarship is a testament to Don’s unwavering commitment, embodying the values of dedication, volunteerism,
and education. We aim to celebrate and honor his outstanding contributions by providing this unique scholarship
opportunity to our high school members, encouraging them to pursue their academic aspirations and community
involvement with the same spirit of dedication that Don Bruning exemplified throughout his remarkable tenure.

Eligibility:

  • Must be a member in good standing at Great Erie Federal Credit Union.
  • Must be a high school senior at the time of submitting the application and attending a two-or-four-year
    college/university or a vocational/technical school for the first time in the Fall of 2025.
  • Preference will be given to those pursuing a degree in Education or a related field of study.
  • We ask that the winner make every effort to make our annual dinner and will be seated with Don himself.
    How to Apply: Detailed instructions can be found on our website at GreatErieFCU.com. The deadline to submit your
    application is February 28, 2026. Applications will be judged in March 2026 with the winner being announced by
    March 31st.

About Great Erie Federal Credit Union
The Great Erie Federal Credit Union is committed to providing exceptional financial services to our members and
supporting our community through various initiatives and programs. We strive to foster a sense of community and
dedication among our members, reflecting the values that Don Bruning upheld throughout his distinguished service
on our Board.

East Aurora’s First Cannabis Dispensary Opens

East Aurora’s First Cannabis Dispensary Opens

by | Nov 7, 2025 | Events, Member Blog, News

Buffalo Kind Holds Grand Opening Nov. 15

East Aurora, NY (November 4, 2025) – East Aurora’s first cannabis dispensary is now officially open on Main Street in the village!

Buffalo Kind, located in the rear of 640 Main Street, will host a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Noon.

Buffalo Kind is a New York State Office of Cannabis Management licensed microbusiness and a member of the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

The NYS Microbusiness licensing allows the company to cultivate, process, distribute, and retail all of their own products while also showcasing other cultivators and processors through their brand, Buffalo Kind.

The Grand Opening event is open to the public; however, 

customers must be at least 21 years old to enter the store. There will be food, music, basket raffles, and various educational displays throughout the day, as well as special grand opening deals: For every $10 spent, customers will receive a raffle ticket to be used for the basket raffle. Baskets contain a variety of items from Buffalo Kind apparel, gift cards to local restaurants, and more.

The dispensary, while the first to open in the Village of East Aurora, was a long time in the making.

A family dream brought to reality, Buffalo Kind is more than just another cannabis dispensary. With three generations behind Buffalo Kind, the Krouse family has been a part of the cannabis community from Woodstock to recent legalization. When NYS started the hemp and CBD program back in 2018, it was a clear opportunity for the family.

Founder Andrew T. Krouse started Hop-N-Hemp Tea in 2018 after his experience looking for something to help with arthritis. The first product line was a herbal tea made with CBD, hops, herbs and spices. Andrew then moved into making topical salves, tinctures, and CBD pre-rolls.

Now, with Buffalo Kind, the family is jumping into the recreational cannabis market right here in East Aurora.

Andrew T. Krouse, president and founder, has a hand in all departments. From cultivation to retail, Andrew has immersed himself in the industry and is constantly learning through the process. Derek Krouse, Andrew’s youngest son, is the operations manager and cultivation lead at Buffalo Kind. Overseeing cultivation, product development and processing, Derek has a background in Terra Cotta manufacturing before getting involved in the Hemp & CBD program in North Carolina.

Tisha Broska, Andrews oldest daughter, has been Buffalo Kind’s head compliance officer since the company stepped into the recreational market. Tisha has a background in environmental science and wildlife. Lastly Tyler Krouse, Andrew’s grandson, manages the retail location while also handling public relations and sales. Tyler received a business management degree from Niagara University and has a background in operations management and retail.

Delivery services are offered as well as in-store pick up through their brick-and-mortar location in East Aurora. Whole flower cannabis products are brought to customers through locally grown indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor cultivation practices at various price points.

Buffalo Kind also provides a variety of quality THC & CBD focused edible products, gummy lines, chocolate, and beverages. They make strain specific cannabis concentrates that are used in their edibles, pre-rolls, and their all-in-one vaporizers and cartridges.

“Whether it’s setting up a home grow for a customer or talking through different scenarios regarding their grow, we want to create an interactive relationship with customers and local growers in the community,” said manager Tyler Krouse. “We are honored and grateful to be a part of the local cannabis community as legalization progresses and the stigmas toward cannabis continue to change. Buffalo Kind wants to be a part of that change.”

The dispensary will also be offering educational workshops, talking about various cultivation techniques, different processing methods, and much more.

Buffalo Kind is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Customers must be 21 years old to enter the store.

For more information on Buffalo Kind, please reach out via phone at 716-345-2374, email at help@buffalokind.com, or website: buffalokind.com.

Carner Development Completes Ownership Transition of The Bank Hotel and Event Venue

by | Aug 4, 2025 | Member Blog, News

Carner Development Completes Ownership Transition of The Bank Hotel and Event Venue

Carner Development Group (CDG) is pleased to announce the completion of its transition to full ownership and operations of The Bank, a historic East Aurora landmark, operating as a boutique hotel and event venue on Main Street. Following a year-long collaborative period with previous owner Todd Stine, CDG is now firmly at the helm, ready to continue and enhance the exceptional guest experience The Bank is known for.

During the last year, CDG has worked diligently to ensure a smooth handover. This involved a comprehensive year-long partnership with Stine, during which the CDG team immersed themselves in every facet of The Bank’s operations. This invaluable collaboration allowed them to thoroughly understand the intricate business processes, communicate with existing clientele to ensure continuity, and update all necessary documentation.

“We are incredibly grateful to Todd for his unwavering support and guidance throughout this transition,” said Rachel Krajewski, President of CDG. “His vision in restoring and operating The Bank created a truly unique venue, and we were committed to honoring that legacy while strategically implementing enhancements for the future. The past year has been instrumental in ensuring we are fully prepared to deliver the high standards of service and unique experiences guests expect.”

In addition to learning the ropes from the previous owner, CDG has also focused on a number of key initiatives to elevate The Bank’s offerings:

  • Dedicated Director of Hospitality: Andrew Burke is the Director of Hospitality focused on further streamline planning and execution for all events, from weddings and corporate gatherings to private celebrations. Along with spearheading all event aspects of The Bank, Andrew will also lead the team operating Beneath the Bank Boutique Hotel rooms.
  • Enhanced Branding and Visibility: Guests will notice new signage gracing the exterior, reflecting The Bank’s renewed vibrancy under CDG’s ownership.
  • Expanding Operations at Restored Historical Locations in East Aurora: CDG is proud of their work to restore and repurpose historical properties in East Aurora. With the acquisition of the Twin Elms Estate, CDG now owns and operates three Main Street historical properties, including The Liberty Building of EA.

The Bank continues to offer its distinguished blend of historic charm and modern luxury, featuring an elegant event space, a fabulous Art Deco wet bar, and seven uniquely themed hotel rooms inspired by 1920’s bank robbers. The professional caterer’s kitchen, bridal suite, courtyard, private parking, and ADA-compliant restroom remain integral to its appeal.

Carner Development Group is excited for this new chapter and looks forward to welcoming both returning and new guests to The Bank of East Aurora. They are confident that their dedicated team and enhanced operations will continue to make The Bank the quintessential destination for unforgettable events and stays in East Aurora.

For event inquiries visit https://www.bankofea.com.