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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.

Tips for Small Businesses – Navigating Tariffs

Tips for Small Businesses – Navigating Tariffs

by | Jul 11, 2025 | Chamber News, News

Tips for Small Businesses on adapting to today’s economic “new normal”

Tariffs.

It’s a small word raising loud alarms in business communities across the country. And, while many people think only large businesses are impacted by tariffs, small to mid-sized businesses right here in Western New York are and will be affected.

As your local Chamber, we feel it is imperative that our businesses arm themselves with the knowledge on how to adapt to what our local U.S. Small Business Association is callng the economic “new normal.”

Recently, we invited our Chamber Members to attend a round table discussion at the Roycroft Campus with Victoria Reynolds,

District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Dr. Susan A. McCartney, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State University, on how businesses can navigate tariffs and market uncertainty.

The first piece of advice they provided was that businesses should not wait to adapt. It’s not like the pandemic, Reynolds told us. There is no certainty the current economic turbulence will settle. “You cannot put your head in the sand and ignore it. This is not a storm. This is the norm.”

While many small businesses aren’t seeing a tariff impact currently, some of our mid-sized businesses – many of whom are seeing disruptions in their supply chain or/and exorbitant price increases – are feeling the pinch. And it’s worrying.

Reynolds and McCartney gave the following tips on what small businesses should do to ensure they survive:

Revisit your business model.

  1. Check on your breakeven point. How much price fluctuation can your business sustain and remain viable?
  2. Reassess your supply chain. Who is the cheapest, who is fastest, who is adapting? Are there other sources and can you negotiate with your suppliers?
  3. Implement artificial intelligence tools to reduce your fixed costs. “At this point in time,” Reynolds said, “if you don’t use AI you will be ‘AI’d.’”
  4. Do a competitive analysis. Look at what your competition is doing – are they adjusting prices, are they boosting services, are they doing nothing? “Find out if your special sauce – that competitive advantage – is still special in today’s economic climate?” she said. If not, then it’s time to adapt. And alter your thinking – it may be an opportunity especially if the competition is waiting for things to settle down.
  5. Evaluate your pricing and your target market. Understand your value proposition and be careful about publicly passing on price increases to your customers. Understand what the “perceived” value of the products/services you provide. Customers have a threshold, according to Reynolds, and small businesses need to know their target market. This means learning the characteristics of your customers and your perceived value.
  6. Stay close to your finances – past, present, and future (projections). “Your numbers are talking. Your numbers are telling you something. If you aren’t listening to that story, you are missing out on a strong management tool,” Reynolds said.

Expand Your Opportunities.

Look for new customers and new revenue sources. Tariffs aren’t placed on services, so introduce a new service or experience. Pair a product with an experience. Again, know your target market – have your customers’ buying habits changed? Do your customers have a “shadow” – someone who is making the purchases for them such as a parent or spouse?

Collaboration and partnership with other businesses and organizations is a must. Look where you can partner with other businesses to build experiences around your product or service.

And, don’t stop talking to your customers. Constantly communicate your value proposition. Now is not the time to stop your marketing (or your Chamber membership!). Businesses should invest more in marketing and/or spend their marketing dollars smarter.

If you want to learn more about how you can navigate this “new normal,” please reach out to the Chamber. We can send you the slide show provided by the SBA and SBDC as well as put you in touch with experts who can assist you.

You are not alone.

Pine Street Palooza

Pine Street Palooza

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

“Pine Street Palooza” scheduled for Saturday, July 12th

With work nearly completed on the reconstruction of Pine Street, local
businesses and residents are ready to celebrate. Neighboring businesses on and
around Pine Street will be hosting “Pine Street Palooza”, a full day of music, activities,
and special offers.

The much needed reconstruction of Pine Street, funded by Erie County, began in late
March and included the repaving of the road and reconstructions of curbs and
sidewalks.

For the past few months, traffic and access to local businesses was limited
from Main Street to Porterville Road.

According to John Cimperman, Founder of 42
North Brewing Company, “It’s been a trying few months for the businesses, the residents, our vendors, and our customers. But kudos to the construction crews for getting this work done. It’s now time to get folks back to the East side of town.”

Pine Street Palooza participating businesses include 42 North Brewing Company, Vidler’s, MuseJar, Stella & Brooke, the Dress Shop, ERLO Contemporary, and the recently opened Ethyl Wine Shop on Persons Alley.

All participating businesses will offer special
discounts to customers and 42 North will host live music beginning at 4 pm.

Cimperman adds, “This event is free to everyone. We just ask that you stop by the local businesses and reintroduce yourselves to them.”