by Victoria Sturman | Jan 8, 2026 | Chamber News, News, Newsletter
We’re excited to introduce the Chamber Compass—the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s new quarterly e-newsletter designed to keep our members connected, informed, and visible.
Each issue will spotlight what’s happening across our Chamber network and communities, including:
- Member news: Events, promotions, press releases, grand openings, milestones, and more from our members.
- Chamber updates: Upcoming programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy news.
- Community highlights: Key regional events and important business information.
- Member moments: Welcomes to new members and thank-yous to renewing members.
We’re also adding a fun, high-visibility feature: Member Social Spotlights.
One or two social media posts from Chamber members will be randomly selected and featured each quarter. To be eligible, simply follow the Chamber on Facebook (@eastaurorachamber) and on Instagram (@eachamber). Then tag us in your posts—it’s an easy way to amplify your message to a broader audience.
Chamber Compass will be delivered the first month of each new quarter to more than 3,000 contacts, including Chamber members and our wider business and community list—providing meaningful exposure well beyond our membership.
To have your information included in upcoming issues, please be sure to submit your content by the deadlines, which will be clearly listed in each issue.
Want a little more exposure? By an advertisement in an upcoming issue! For more information, please reach out to our Executive Director, Victoria Sturman, at vsturman@eanycc.com or 716-652–8444.
We can’t wait to share your stories and help keep our region moving forward—together.
Welcome aboard!
by Victoria Sturman | 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.
by Victoria Sturman | 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.
by Victoria Sturman | May 3, 2021 | Chamber News, Covid-19, Events, Newsletter
See all the wonderful things the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce is doing for its members and the community! From events to new benefits to strategic planning, the Chamber is constantly working to bring broaden its scope and offerings in order to help our community and local businesses grow!
Click below to view our latest newsletter. It contains information on upcoming events, new member benefits, COVID updates, new PPE offerings, and a message from Gary Grote, our Executive Director.
Chamber Newsletter April 26 2021
by Victoria Sturman | Nov 2, 2020 | Chamber News, Newsletter
Get up-to-date on what’s happening with the 2020 Carolcade and other Chamber initiatives.
With the Christmas holiday approaching quickly the Chamber is very happy to announce it has been working on a “shop local” holiday promotion along with a plan to commemorate the 48th Annual Carolcade in the absence of a “live” event!
In early December the Chamber, as a result of strong sponsorship support from the Bank of Holland and Vidler’s 5&10, will be featuring a half-hour Carolcade TV show on WBBZ-TV.
Read more…..
by Victoria Sturman | Apr 22, 2020 | Chamber News, Covid-19, Member Blog, News, Newsletter
With the major concerns regarding Covid-19 and its impact, the Chamber has had a very busy 6 weeks addressing issues, questions, and concerns from essential business qualifications, loans, and grants to specific issues for various businesses, both members and non-members.
Scores of people have reached out to us via phone, email, and Facebook. We, in turn, have been doing our best in reaching out to our members with calls and emails just to see how they’re holding up and if there is any way we can be of assistance.
For the most part, it’s just lending an ear of understanding and a chance to talk.
We’ve been in discussions with the Small Business Administration, local banks, elected officials, County representatives, the Small Business Development Center, and other Chambers and business organizations from across NYS to evaluate the impacts of what is transpiring and how best to address it.
As a result of circumstances, we’re also relying on virtual meetings for board and committee activities, especially networking.
We’ve had a good response to our new virtual networking, which gives people the opportunity to talk about what they’re going through while also offering ideas that they’re putting into practice which may be helpful to others.
We’ve also had speakers at these meetings talking on topics specific to loans, employment issues, and likely tax impacts for 2020 and 2021 as a result of the situation we are facing. Thes virtual networking meetings are open to any chamber member. Please contact Victoria Sturman at vsturman@eanycc.com if you are interested in joining the next one, which will be May 13 at 8:30 a.m.
Our website (www.eanycc.com) and Facebook presence has become stronger and gained wider viewership with the increased valuable information and member postings that we continue to share in support of our members.
As we work our way through this unfamiliar territory the Chamber will be a partner with our business community in facing the challenges that will make us all stronger when we come out at the end.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
And as always, thank you for your support! Without it, our work on your behalf would not be possible.
Sincerely,
Gary Grote
Executive Director
ggrote@eanycc.com
(716) 562-8444
