THE TONAWANDAS

NEW YORK

livability.com/tonawanda

Location is Everything

Riviera Theatre blends area history with entertainment

PERFECt HARMONY

Locals have easy access to top spots

2014 | SPONSORED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF tHE TONAWANDAS

CONTENTS

THE TONAWANDAS
Editor | Mitch Kline Contributing Writers | AJ Donahue, John McBryde Copy Editor | Jessica Walker Boehm Staff Writer | Kevin Litwin Marketing Coordinator | Lauren Zimmerman Lead Designer | Kacey Passmore Senior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers | Jackie Ciulla, Lindsey Higgins, Matt West Creative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary Lead Photographer | Michael Conti Senior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers | Wendy Jo OBarr, Frank Ordoez, Michael Tedesco Color Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager | Jerrica Lugo Advertising Production/ Sales Manager | Katie Middendorf Sales Support Coordinator | Christina Morgan Ad Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Web Project Manager | David Day Digital Project Manager | Jill Ridenour Digital Products Designer | Erica Lampley Web Developer I | Nels Noseworthy Web Designer II | Richard Stevens Chairman | Greg Thurman President/Publisher | Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President | Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales | Todd Potter, Jarek Swekosky Senior V.P./Client Development | Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester Senior V.P./Digital | Michael Barber V.P./Content Operations | Natasha Lorens Creative Services Director | Christina Carden Photography Director | Jeffrey S. Otto Web Creative Director | Allison Davis Controller | Chris Dudley Senior Accountant | Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinators | Diana Iafrate, Becca Sweitzer IT Director | Daniel Cantrell Database Director | Debbie Woksa Executive Secretary | Kristy Giles Human Resources Manager | Peggy Blake

2014 EDiTiON

VOlUME 2

NEW YORK

1 Welcome

Things to Do

3 Arts & Culture: Cultural Renaissance Shines

4 Riviera Theatre Perfect Harmony

6 Sports & Recreation: Game On 7 Local Flavor: Feast First

4 3

Living

8 Attractions Location is Everything

Business

10 Manufacturing An Industrial Showplace 12 Chamber Report Busy for the Business Community

Livability: The Tonawandas is published by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas 15 Webster St. N. Tonawanda, NY 14120 Phone: (716) 692-5120 www.the-tonawandas.com Visit Livability: The Tonawandas online at livability.com/tonawanda Copyright 2014 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member The Association of Magazine Media Custom Content Council

13 Community Profile

PLeAse RecYcLe tHIs MAGAZIne

Member The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas

At A GLAnce

The Tonawandas, New York

A quick, comprehensive overview of whats great about the community
A historic waterfront atmosphere, extensive recreational opportunities, excellent schools, affordable housing and proximity to big-city amenities draw many new residents to the Tonawandas. Separated by the Erie Canal, the twin cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda offer a high quality of life bolstered by cultural venues, independent restaurants, parks and community events. At tHe CenteR oF It ALL Both residents and visitors enjoy the convenience the Tonawandas provide to attractions including outlet malls, sports teams and natural wonders like Niagara Falls. Award-winning wineries, historic sites and renowned art galleries are just a short drive away. During the summer, free concerts entertain locals and the boaters who drop anchor at Gateway Harbor Park. Each July the cities host the Canal Fest, and paved trails allow bicyclists, runners and walkers to follow the Erie Canal and Niagara River into nearby towns. OppoRtUnItY to PRospeR The Tonawandas are part of the Buffalo-Niagara Region, which has a workforce of more than 750,000 people. Each year more than 20,000 graduates from the areas 30 colleges and universities are available for highly skilled jobs. Economic development groups like Lumber City Development Corp. work with local business leaders to create job opportunities and attractive sites for manufacturing and tech companies. ALWAYs IMpRoVInG From planting trees along streets to renovating store fronts and constructing new offices and living areas, the Tonawandas are constantly being improved. Read on to learn more about what makes the Tonawandas a great place to live, work and play.

62

NIAGARA COUNTY

Nia

62

ga

ra

Riv

er

North Tonawanda
Niagara Falls Boulevard

Tonawanda

Erie Canal

190

ERIE COUNTY

290

Tonawandas
LocAtIon
Situated between western New Yorks major metropolitan centers, Buffalo and Niagara Falls, the Tonawandas offer a great diversity of recreational, cultural and entertainment opportunities, as well as a thriving business climate.

POPULATION

46,289
DIstAnces to tHRee MAJoR cItIes neARBY
Cleveland, OH: 200 miles Albany, NY: 285 miles New York, NY: 395 miles

TIMe Zone
Eastern

AnnUAL RAInFALL

37.5

National Average: 30

FoR MoRe InFoRMAtIon

AccOlADE
The eight-day Canal Fest of the Tonawandas encompasses a two-mile radius, making it the largest festival of its kind along the Erie Canal.

Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas

15 Webster St. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 Phone: (716) 692.5120 www.the-tonawandas.com

livA B ilit Y. C O M / t O N AWA N D A

THiNgS TO DO
The Tonawandas must-do attractions, activities and dining

Set Sail and Ride the Waves

Go boating along the Erie Canal at Gateway Harbor, a popular recreation destination during the warm weather months. The harbor in North Tonawanda has undergone recent upgrades and now hosts numerous free events and entertainment throughout the summer.

Paths and Trails

Museum

Live Music

Shops and Attractions

GO BIKING
Pedal along bike paths found throughout the Tonawandas, including a nine-mile Riverwalk stretch from downtown Buffalo to the north side of Tonawanda. Other top pathways grace Grand Island, Buckhorn Island State Park and along Robert Moses Parkway.

TAKE A SPIN
Gaze at artifacts on exhibit at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, with handcarved wooden carousel figures and a 26-photo display from when North Tonawanda was the capital of carousel horse construction during the 1890s to 1930s.

Dont MIss A BeAt

Listen to concerts on the waterfront at local parks, with the largest being the Wednesday Canal Concert Series at Gateway Harbor Park in North Tonawanda. The series runs from June through August, with free concerts staged from 6-10 p.m.

SHOP And EXpLoRe DOWNTOWN

Visit the downtown North Tonawanda shopping district along Main and Webster streets to check out stores, restaurants and attractions such as Partners in Art Galleries & Studio and the Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Arts Center.

T H E T O N AWA N D A S

THInGs To Do: aRts & cUltURe

Appreciate the Artistry

Located in a century-old building, the Carnegie Arts Center showcases some of the finest contemporary art exhibits from local to international artists. Included on the National Register of Historic Places, the Carnegie Arts Center is one of the many engines of the Tonawandas ongoing cultural resurgence.

Cultural Renaissance Shines

AttRACtiONS iN tHE TONAWANDA REgiON KEEP AUDiENCES ENtERtAiNED As one of the major engines behind the Tonawandas economic redevelopment, the regions art scene offers cant-miss culture and loads of fun. From local theater to international art to fantastic festivals, the Tonawandas have something for everyone.
Ghostlight Theatre Festivals

EnJoY QUALItY EnteRtAInMent

Founded in 1972, the Ghostlight Theatre a 100-plus-year-old one-time Methodist church is one of the premier homes for local theater in North Tonawanda. Every year, the resident Starry Night Theatre company produces a series of five season-specific shows. North Tonawanda History Museum

Attend An eVent
North Tonawanda offers family-friendly fun all year. Swing by the Haunted Harbor for trick or treating; grab a bite at the Smokin Eagles International BBQ Festival; ring in Jan. 1 at New Years on the Canal; or indulge in treats at the Taste of the Tonawandas in June. Partners in Art Gallery

DIscoVeR tHe LocAL HIstoRY

Offering a full history of the Tonawandas as a cultural and economic center of the early American landscape, the North Tonawanda History Museum draws visitors interested in this countrys formative decades. Long Homestead

CReAte A MAsteRpIece
Home to a gallery, classes, a frame shop and an art supply store, the Partners in Art Gallery is a haven for fine arts in North Tonawanda.

AdMIRe tHe cRAFtsMAnsHIp

With nearly 200 years of built-in history, the Long Homestead is maintained by the Historical Society of the Tonawandas. The restored home is open for scheduled tours between Labor Day and November 23.

livA B ilit Y. C O M / t O N AWA N D A

THInGs To Do

Perfect Harmony
by AJ DonAHUe

RIVIera Theatre blends area hIstOry wIth entertaInment

North Tonawandas Riviera Theatre draws popular artists and features the WurliTzer Opus 1524 Theatre Organ.
Staff Photos by MIcHAeL ContI

T H E T O N AWA N D A S

alling an institution with nearly a century of operating history the heart of North Tonawandas very modern cultural movement may sound a bit counterintuitive, but the Riviera Theatre is just that. As one of the premier destinations in western New Yorks thriving arts and culture scene, the Riviera is a testament to the power of blending beauty both old and new.
But perhaps the biggest of todays stars to step out under the Riviera Theatres lights is Justin Bieber, with an appearance that garnered coverage by both TMZ and The Oprah Winfrey Show. It was probably the only event weve had where you could hear the screaming through the brick walls down the street, Cannata says. THe MIGHtY WURLITZeR In addition to the Riviera Theatres robust performance schedule, the building also houses the WurliTzer Opus 1524 Theatre Organ. Serving as one of the original demonstrator models, the organ was seen by many potential clients visiting the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. factory, once located only a few miles from the theater. The Mighty WurliTzer still stands today and remains a featured component of many performances at the hall. HIstoRY MoVes FoRWARd With such an outstanding history, its hard to imagine the Riviera Theatre getting any better, but plans are already underway. We have a 23,000-square-foot expansion that were planning on breaking ground for in the next year, Cannata says. The expanded space will feature new facilities and amenities, as well as a black box theater for smaller productions and short-run shows. The Riviera Theatre has shone as the jewel of the Tonawandas cultural crown, and with major improvements on the horizon, its sure to shine even brighter.
livA B ilit Y. C O M / t O N AWA N D A

A CoMMUnItY OpeRAtIon WItH InteRnAtIonAL AppeAL Opened in 1926, the 1,100-seat Riviera Theatre sits on both the New York and National Registries of Historic Places. Now operating as a not-for-profit organization, the theater has community-first ethos thats helping the region grow. Offering a home for everything from school theater productions to some of the worlds most popular performing artists, the Riviera Theatre has been instrumental in North Tonawandas continued growth. Its become an anchor for economic redevelopment, says Frank Cannata, executive director of the Riviera. The Riviera recorded a jump from less than 12,000 patrons to more than 100,000 in only the last two years. Perhaps even more impressive, however, may be the theaters impact on the area. With nearly a dozen restaurants recently opened within walking distance, the age-old stage has cemented its reputation as a cant-miss attraction. BRIGHt LIGHts, BRIGHteR StARs While the buildings beauty and spirit have been important to its success, the artists whove graced the stage also deserve plenty of credit. Playing host to performances from the likes of Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Carlos Mencia and Dionne Warwick, the Riviera Theatre has proven itself to be a destination for some of the worlds top talent.

THInGs To Do: spoRts & RecReatIon

Game On

Recreation includes fishing, skating, golf and bowling Gorgeous parks, scenic rivers and top-notch facilities provide residents of the Tonawandas with many recreational activities to choose from.
Parks and Facilities

EnJoY tHe oUtdooRs

Among the five parks in the city of Tonawanda is Niawanda Park , which overlooks the Niagara River and provides access to a waterfront pathway. Gateway Harbor Park hosts summer concerts and allows overnight boat parking. Veterans Park features shelters, a playground area, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and grills. The city also has a skatepark, adult softball leagues, a senior citizens' center and the Kohler Youth Center. North Tonawanda oversees Deerwood Golf Course and four parks Gratwick Riverside Park , Mayor's Park, Pinewoods Park and Raymond Klimek Veterans Park. All the parks have playgrounds. Bowling and Skating

Let Loose And HAVe FUn

The Tonawanda Bowling Center, a 42-lane facility, is the closest bowling center to the University of Buffalo and hosts leagues for kids, men, women and seniors, along with open bowling. Also available within the Tonawandas is Rainbow Rink inline skating and entertainment center (it includes roller derby matches), and Waterbike Adventures, which features electric boats and kayak rentals at the Gateway Harbor.

With eight courses in the region, golf enthusiasts have plenty of options. Deerwood Golf Course (pictured) in North Tonawanda is two venues in one an 18-hole public layout and a nine-hole course. Tan Tara Golf Club, an 18-hole private course, was once a wheat and dairy farm. Other nearby courses include: Brighton Park Golf Course, Sheridan Park Golf Course, Country Club of Buffalo, Park Country Club and Westwood Country Club. Fishing

Hit Em Long and Straight

GRAB YoUR GeAR And cAst A LIne

The region includes many good places to fish such as Isle View Park, Niawanda Park and the Tonawanda Launch in Tonawanda, while North Tonawanda features Canal West Niagara County Park, East Pier Marina and Gratwick Riverside Park. One of the biggest regional events each year is a Hooked On the Tonawandas fishing tournament that occurs for two days in late July on the banks of the Erie Canal.

Sportsplex

Get CoMpetItIVe
The Sportsplex, an indoor arena in North Tonawanda, features a full-length soccer field and six tennis courts, and hosts leagues for adults, coeds and youth.

T H E T O N AWA N D A S

THInGs To Do: Local FlavoR

Feast First

LOCAl EAtERiES BRiNg MUCH tO tHE tABlE The cuisine scene sizzles in the Tonawandas, with a large number of independent restaurants that can accommodate diners of all tastes.

Taste Tonawandas Barbecue

Smoke on the Water in Tonawanda has become a hotspot for barbecue lovers. The eatery serves dishes such as smoked turkey, smoked chicken, pulled pork, pork belly tacos, caprese salad and blackened grouper.

The Hideaway Grille

SAVoR tHe FLAVoR

The Hideaway Grille, an upscale North Tonawanda restaurant, features menu items like filet mignon, chicken cordon bleu, salmon Florentine and char-grilled barbecue ribs, which Executive Chef Edward May recommends. Crazy Jakes Remington Tavern Websters Bistro & Bar

TRY A neW BReW

Crazy Jake's lunch and dinner menus feature items ranging from steaks to pub grub, plus there are several wine options and more than 50 draft beers with names like Flying Bison Buffalo Lager and Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald.

EnJoY A MeAL WItH A VIeW

Remington Tavern Seafood Exchange features a scenic overlook that provides patrons with a great view of the Erie Canal. The menu includes mussels, oysters and calamari, along with entrees such as cider-brine pork chops and Milanese chicken cutlets.

IndULGe A LIttLe
Webster's Bistro & Bar features a French/American atmosphere with upscale entrees that include duck breast, shrimp penne and beef bourguignon. Bananas Foster and chocolate mousse are among the dessert choices.

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

Cipriano Realtors www.ciprianorealtors.com Cornerstone CFCU www.cornerstonecommunityfcu.org Fichte, Endl & Elmer www.fichte.com Liberty Cab www.libertycab.com

Buying or selling? Call us today!

Cipriano sells throughout western New York.
Licensed in the state of New York

Ann Kwitchoff Lic. RE Broker (716) 622-8139

Family Owned for More Than 50 Years

Mary Ann Hassett April Gampp Salesperson Salesperson (716) 417-3032 (716) 946-6230

58 Main St. Tonawanda, NY (716) 692-9464 www.ciprianorealtors.com

livA B ilit Y. C O M / t O N AWA N D A

LIVING

Location is
Everything
LOcals haVe easy access tO tOp spOts

esidents of the Tonawandas are never far from great entertainment, cultural amenities and natural attractions. In fact, theres a saying when visitors stop at the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas and ask how far something is away Were 15 minutes from everything.

Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas

is located in North Tonawanda on the Erie Canal.

T H E T O N AWA N D A S

SOUth (BUffalO)

CocA-CoLA FIeLd BIsons 19 mINs

Among the largest stadiums in minor league baseball, Coca-Cola Field is home to the Buffalo Bisons, a Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

WALden GALLeRIA 18 mINs

With an assortment of brand-name stores, chain restaurants and a movie theater, this mall offers many entertainment and shopping options. www.waldengalleria.com

DARIen LAke 40 mINs

A 208-foot-tall coaster climb, 50-foot plunge into water and 80-mph slingshot into the air are just some of the experiences offered at this amusement park, which features thrill rides. www.darienlake.com

RALpH WILson StAdIUM BILLs 31 mINs

As the home field of the NFLs Buffalo Bills, this arena seats more than 73,900. It is located in Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo.

NORTH WEST

NIAGARA FALLs InteRnAtIonAL AIRpoRt 25 mINs

Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines offer flights from this less-congested airport, which opened a new $31.5 million terminal in 2009. www.niagarafallsairport.com

FIRst NIAGARA CenteR HockeY 20 mINs

When the Sabres, a National Hockey League team, isnt playing here, the center hosts events ranging from concerts to wrestling matches and lacrosse games. www.firstniagaracenter.com

FAsHIon OUtLets 15 mINs

More than 150 designer and namebrand stores fill this outlet center. Because sales are direct to consumers, prices are often lower than they are in department stores. fashionoutletsniagara.com

BUFFALo IntL. AIRpoRt 20 mINs

Passengers can pick from approximately 110 daily flights with nonstop service to 23 other airports from major airlines such as American, Delta, United and Southwest. buffaloairport.com NORTH

ALBRIGHt-KnoX ARt GALLeRY 17 mINs

Curated tours, classes and a variety of inspiring and engaging exhibitions attract art lovers throughout the year. Founded in 1862, The Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, which oversees the gallery, is among the countrys oldest public arts institutions. www.albrightknox.org

NIAGARA WIne TRAIL 25 mINs

At 43 degrees north latitude the cool temperatures and long days between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario creates a suitable climate for grapes. Visitors can stop at 18 wineries along the trail to sample unique styles. niagarawinetrail.org

NIAGARA FALLs StAte PARk 20 mINs

Visitors can experience breathtaking views and walk trails or take a boat ride to come within feet of the most powerful waterfalls in North America at the countrys oldest state park. www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

SHeAs PeRFoRMInG ARts CenteR 21 mINs

This trio of theaters includes the grand Sheas Buffalo Theatre, a National Historic Site that first opened in 1926 and has hosted legends like Frank Sinatra, The Marx Brothers and Bing Crosby. Today the theaters host Off-Broadway shows, concerts, movies and other events. sheas.org

EAST

BoULeVARd MALL In AMHeRst 12 mINs

More than 100 specialty stores and restaurants draw shoppers from across the Tonawandas to this mall. www.boulevard-mall.com

Check out more fun things to do in the The Tonawandas at livability.com/tonawanda.

livA B ilit Y. C O M / t O N AWA N D A

BUsIness

Showplace
by JoHn McBRYde

An Industrial
ManUfactUrIng Is mOVIng rIght alOng In the TOnawandas

he roots of manufacturing in the Tonawandas stretch back nearly 200 years, to when a major water route was being developed.

Made in the Tonawandas

Audubon Machinery Corp., headquartered in North Tonawanda, manufactures oxygen generating systems, cage and rackwashing equipment, and other products.

10

T H E T O N AWA N D A S

Staff Photo by MIcHAeL ContI

North Tonawanda is an ancient industrial area that dates back to when the Erie Canal opened in 1825 and ended in North Tonawanda, says Doug Taylor, president of Taylor Devices. That made us a real center for commerce. Its been a thriving center ever since. Even though the bustle of manufacturing has dwindled like the rest of the country in recent years, the Tonawandas are still producing a variety of goods used all over the world. Weve kind of resurrected ourselves into light manufacturing, high-tech manufacturing and service industries, says Taylor, a lifelong resident of North Tonawanda and a board member on the Lumber City Development Corp. InteLLIGent WoRkFoRce With 110 employees and 100,000 square feet of space including a $3 million expansion completed in September 2013 Taylor Devices is one of the regions leading manufacturers. It was founded in 1955 by Taylors father, Paul Taylor, and today makes products that are used to help buildings or bridges withstand earthquakes or vibrations from a power plant, as well as other similar uses. Customers include those in industrial, aerospace and automotive throughout the world. Its history in the Tonawandas notwithstanding, Taylor Devices benefits from other factors here as well. The workforce is an intelligent blue-collar workforce thats readily available, Taylor says. The proximity of North Tonawanda to the Amherst campus of the University of Buffalo gives us access to graduates in engineering, business and science that are top level. John Siegel, president of SR Instruments, would concur that the regions access to hard workers is certainly a plus for manufacturing. I think the big thing is the workforce here has been really talented, says Siegel, whose father started the company in the early 1970s. Training and education

have been fairly good, and theres abundant water and power. SR Instruments, which has 50 employees, designs, produces and sells custom instruments such as scales for the medical and veterinary industries throughout the world. It has also created the VioLab PitchMan, an electronic tuner to serve the special needs of professional and amateur early music instrumentalists, ensemble leaders and organ tuners. Were one of the few companies that still actually designs load cells, Siegel says of the design used in its weighing systems. We can actually design the load cell to fit the conditions and what kind of data you want to collect. OtHeR IndUstRIes The diversity of industry in the Tonawandas can also be seen in other manufacturers. Oxygen Generating Systems Intl., for instance, makes and sells on-site oxygen generators for a variety of uses. Founded in 1995, it now has oxygen plants in more than 70 countries and serves markets such as hospitals, fish farms, mining, ozone water treatment, waste treatment and metal cutting. Benders Technical Detailing, which does structural steel detailing for industrial and commercial industries, prides itself on having a staff of highly experienced detailers and checkers that began their steel experience in a fabrication shop or as steel draftsmen.

Business Spotlight
CUSTOM BEAUTE
Skin and wellness treatments accommodate the customers at Custom Beaute in North Tonawanda, with services like permanent makeup, air brush spray tans, enzyme peels, Botox, Juvderm and medical weight loss. www.custombeaute.com

WALKER BROS. & MONROE JEWELERS

The fine craftsman store has been a part of the North Tonawanda community since 1925 and still specializes in selling clocks, watches, jewelry and gift items along with clock repair. walkerbrothers andmonroe.com

BUDWEY'S SUPERMARKET
This grocery story in North Tonawanda is open seven days a week, and also on site is Flora's Cafe with menu items like pizza, fried chicken, wings and submarine sandwiches. www.budweysmarkets.com

DEGRAFF MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Situated on the border of Erie and Niagara counties, DeGraff Memorial Hospital in North Tonawanda offers services that include critical and long-term care, surgery, orthopedics, urology, cardiac care and rehabilitation. www.kaleidahealth.org/degraff

BUSINESS

strial Showp lace

by JOHN MAN UFAC MCBRYD E RIGH T ALON TURI NG IS MOV ING G IN THE TONAWAN DAS he roots

An Indu
T

of manufa cturing in stretch back the Tonawa ndas water route nearly 200 years, to when a major was being developed.

Tonawandas Audubon Machiner y Corp., headquart ered in North manufactu Tonawand res oxygen a, systems, generating cage and rackwashi equipmen ng t, and other products.

Made in the

10

THE TO N AWA

NDA S

Staff Photo

by MICHAEL

CONTI

North Tonawand a is an ancient industrial area 1970s. Training when the Erie that dates back to and education Canal opened have been and ended fairly good, in 1825 in and theres abundant says Doug North Tonawanda, water and Taylor, power. SR Instrumen Taylor Devices. president of ts, which has That made employees center for commerce 50 , designs, produces us a real sells custom . and Its been a instrumen scales for the ts such as since. Even thriving center ever though the veterinary medical and manufactu bustle CUSTOM industries ring has dwindled of BEAUTE throughou the world. the rest of t It has also Skin and like the country created the wellness VioLab PitchMan, in recent years, the treatment accommo Tonawand s an electronic tuner to serve date as are still producing Custom Beaute the customers at the special a variety of profession needs of in North goods used all over the al and Tonawand world. music instrumen amateur early a, with services Weve kind permanen like talists, ensemble leaders and t makeup, ourselves into of resurrected air brush organ tuners. spray tans, light manufactu enzyme Were one high-tech manufactu Botox, Juvderm peels, ring, of the few that still actually companies service industries ring and and medical weight loss. designs load cells, Siegel lifelong resident , says Taylor, a www.cust says of the design used in its ombeaute of North Tonawand weighing systems. .com a and a board can actually the Lumber We WALKER member on design BROS. & MONROE City Developm fit the conditions the load cell to Corp. JEWELER ent and what kind S data you want of The fine craftsman to collect. INTELLIG store has been a part ENT WORKFO OTHER INDUSTR of the North With 110 employees RCE Tonawand a communit The diversity IES square feet and 100,000 y since 1925 and of of space industry still specializes Tonawand in the including million expansion as can clocks, watches, in selling completed a $3 other manufactu also be seen in jewelry and September items along in rers. 2013 Taylor gift with clock Oxygen Generatin one of the Devices is repair. walkerbro regions leading g Systems Intl., for instance, thers manufactu andmonro rers. on-site oxygen makes and sells e.com 1955 by Taylors It was founded in father, Paul variety of uses. generators for a and today BUDWEY makes products Taylor, 'S SUPERMA now has oxygenFounded in 1995, used to help RKET it This grocery buildings or that are than 70 countriesplants in more story in North withstand bridges Tonawand earthquak a is open es or vibrations markets such as and serves from a power seven days week, and a also on site farms, mining, hospitals, fish similar uses. plant, as well as other Cafe with is ozone water Customers menu items Flora's treatment, those in industrial, include like pizza, fried chicken, waste metal cutting. treatment and wings and aerospace automotiv submarine and e throughou sandwiche Benders Technical t the world. Its history s. www.bud weysmark Detailing, which does notwithsta in the Tonawandas ets.com structural nding, Taylor steel detailing for DEGRAFF benefits from Devices industrial MEMORIA other factors commercia and L HOSPITA well. here as l industries L , prides itself on having Situated on The workforce a staff of highly the border experience is an intelligent blue-collar and Niagara of Erie d detailers workforce counties, and checkers that began thats readily available, DeGraff Memorial their steel Taylor says. Hospital in experience a fabrication proximity The North Tonawand in of North Tonawand a offers services draftsmen shop or as steel the Amherst include critical . that a to campus of the University care, surgery, and long-term of Buffalo orthopedi gives us access to graduates urology, cardiac cs, care and in engineerin business and rehabilitat g, ion. science that level. www.kale are top An Industri idahealth. Show al org/degra John Siegel, place ff president of LEISURE Instrumen T SR LIVING ts, would concur Internet sales regions access that of pool supplies to hard workers the remain the certainly a plus for manufactu is primary business Leisure Living, I think the at ring. where 150 big thing is employee workforce the s at the Tonawand here company talented, says has been really a DIGITAL MAGAZIN take Siegel, whose pool products orders and ship started the E father company in to customers Read it online 48 states. the early in or on your

Business Spotlight

LEISURE LIVING
Internet sales of pool supplies remain the primary business at Leisure Living, where 150 employees at the Tonawanda company take orders and ship pool products to customers in 48 states. www.poolsupplies.com

BUSINESS

MANUFACTURING RIGHT ALONG by JOHN MCBRYDE IN THE IS MOVING he roots TONAWANDAS of

manufacturing stretch water back nearly in the route 200 years, Tonawandas was being to when developed. a major

Audubonin the Tonawandas Machinery headquartered Corp. manufactures in , North systems, oxygen Tonawanda, cage generating equipment, and rackwashing and other products.

Made

10

THE

TO N

AWA

NDA

Staff

Photo

by MICHAEL

CONTI

North industrial Tonawanda area that is an ancient when the and endedErie Canaldates back 1970s. to Training says Doug in North opened in have been 1825 and Taylor, Tonawanda, Taylor abundant fairly good,education president center Devices. That water and SR Instruments, and power.theres for commerce. made of Its been us a real employees, a since. sells customdesigns, which has Even thriving center produces 50 though manufacturing scales instruments the bustle ever and for the rest veterinarythe medical has dwindled such as of years, of the country the world. industries and like the producing Tonawandas in recent VioLab It has also throughout CUSTOM a variety are still all over tuner PitchMan, created the Skin and BEAUTE of goods the to serve an electronic wellness professional Weve world. accommodate used the special treatments ourselves kind of music and amateur needs Custom resurrected the customers instrumentalists, of high-tech into light Beaute leaders early Tonawanda, manufacturing, in North and at service manufacturing ensemble permanent with Were organ tuners. services lifelong industries, and that still one of the makeup, spray like says Taylor, resident tans, few companies Tonawanda cells, actually designs enzyme air brush of Botox, a Siegel Juvderm the Lumber and a North peels, used in says of load weight board its weighing and medical the design City Development member Corp. loss. can actually www.custombeaute.com on fit the design systems. conditions the load We INTELLIGENT WALKER data you want to and what cell to BROS. WORKFORCE With JEWELERS collect. kind of & MONROE square 110 employees OTHER The fine INDUSTRIES and 100,000 million feet of space craftsman been The diversity expansion including a part store September Tonawandas Tonawanda of the has of industry North 2013 completed a $3 other one of can also community 1925 in Taylor in the regions manufacturers. and manufacturers. be seen the Devices clocks, still specializes since Oxygen leading in is 1955 by Generating Intl., for items watches, jewelry in selling Taylors It was founded along and today Systems on-site instance, father, with clock and gift walkerbrothers in makes makes Paul used to variety oxygen generatorsand sells repair. andmonroe.com products Taylor, help buildings withstand that are now hasof uses. Founded for a earthquakes or bridges from a BUDWEY'S than 70 oxygen plants in 1995, or vibrations similar power plant, in more it markets countries This grocery SUPERMARKET as well and serves those uses. Customers as other farms, such as hospitals, Tonawanda story in industrial, mining, in North include automotive treatment, week, is fish ozone aerospace and alsoopen seven throughout water waste metal Its history Cafe and days on site with cutting. treatment the world. notwithstanding, in the menu is Flora's a fried and Benders Tonawandas items chicken, benefits Technical which submarine Taylor wings like pizza, from other does and Devices well. sandwiches. detailing structural Detailing, www.budweysmarkets.com factors for industrial steel here as commercial The workforce blue-collar DEGRAFF on having industries, and is available, workforce an intelligent HOSPITAL MEMORIAL a staff prides experienced of highly itself proximity Taylor says.thats readily Situated that began detailers of North The on the the Amherst their steel and checkers and Niagara a fabrication border Tonawanda experience University campus Memorial draftsmen. shop counties, of Erie to or as steel of Buffalo of the in access Hospital DeGraff Tonawanda to graduates gives in North business include offers us services and sciencein engineering, critical level. care, that surgery, and long-term that are urology, John orthopedics, top Siegel, cardiac Instruments, rehabilitation. president care and regions of SR would www.kaleidahealth.org/degraff certainlyaccess to concur that hard workers the a LEISURE I think plus for is workforce the big manufacturing. Internet LIVING thing is the talented, here has remain sales of pool been really started says Siegel, Leisure the primary supplies the company whose business Living, DIGITAL employees where at MAGAZINE in the father 150 company at the Read early Tonawanda it

Business Spotlight

quickly

online or on share your tablet articles and with friends.

take pool products orders and 48 states. ship to customers www.poolsupplies.com in

L I VA

BILI

T Y.CO

M/T

O N AWA

NDA

11

quickly share

articles with

tablet and friends.

www.poo

lsupplies.

com

L I VA B I L

I T Y. CO M

/ T O N AWA

NDA

11

dIGItAL MAGAZIne
Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends.

livA B ilit Y. C O M / t O N AWA N D A

11

Ad Index
7 CIPRIANO REALTORS C3 CORNERSTONE CFCU C4 FIcHTE, ENDL & ELMER 12 LIBERTY CAB

BUsIness: ChambeR RepoRt

Busy for the Business Community

SMAll StAFF RUNS lARgE CHAMBER
A key mission of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas is to inform residents and visitors about the chambers member businesses and services that exist throughout Tonawanda, North Tonawanda and Wheatfield. Tackling this challenge are Joyce Santiago, executive director of the chamber, and Beckie Lombardy, an administrative assistant. The other staff members? There arent any. Beckie and I are always busy. We like it that way, Santiago says. A nice addition for helping us get the word out is this new Livability: The Tonawandas magazine, which promotes our area and can be used as a tool to attract more businesses and residents to our community. The chamber is usually the first place people contact for information on our area, and now we have this professional, informative magazine to help with our marketing efforts. Santiago says the Livability magazine, along with the chambers Facebook page, Twitter account, e-blasts and website, are all part of a campaign to create more interest in the region. One of our biggest advantages is that the Tonawandas remain the western gateway to the Erie Canal for people who like to boat, fish or swim, plus we are lucky enough to have the Niagara River in our community, she says. The Tonawandas has the potential to become an even bigger tourism draw than it already is. RoLe oF ConnectIVItY The chamber also serves a role of connectivity, bringing people and ideas together to further draw more interest in the area. For example, we helped initiate an annual Canal Fest celebration that has turned into a huge event, Santiago says. The chamber office often provides the place and sounding board for many worthwhile projects to be discussed and then put into action, all to get more people to look at our community to live and work. The chamber also supports economic development. We have great waterfronts, golf courses, a Riviera Theatre and performing arts center, and more, so when companies are interested in settling in a community with a good quality of life, they need to consider the Tonawandas, Santiago says. It might be clich, but this is really a great place to live, work and play. by Kevin Litwin

716.877.7111 www.LibertyCab.com

Download the Taxi Magic app and schedule your next ride!

12

T H E T O N AWA N D A S

COMMUNiTY prOfilE
etHnIcItY
22% 46% 32% White Black 1.5% Hispanic Other 1.7% 3.1%

cost oF LIVInG

$49,016
Median Household Income

$99,092
Median Home Price

$736
AGE
19 and Under 20-54 55 and Over
(percentages based on the total = 206,178) (percentages based on the total = 206,178)

93%

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

Source: Onboard Informatics

TRAnspoRtAtIon
Median Travel Time to Work

TeMpeRAtURe
January Average Low July Average High

81 76

19 minutes

30 14
January Low National Low
Source: Onboard Informatics

Closest Airport Niagara Falls International Airport

July High National High

9 miles

THIs sectIon Is sponsoRed BY

LASE RC

S T URGE C A R RY A T A

More lasers, more options!

We have a monthly LASIK open house and a monthly Cataract Surgery Lunch and Learn. Visit www.fichte.com for upcoming dates.

IS
E! HER
NIAGARA FALLS
2400 Pine Ave. 716-282-1114

AMHERST
2825 Niagara Falls Blvd. 716-564-2020

LASIK & Refractive Surgery Progressive Cataract Procedures Including Laser Cataract Surgery Glaucoma & Diabetic Management Corneal Surgery Eyelid Surgery & Botox Routine Eye Exams Pediatric Eye Exams & Surgery Full Optical Shop in Both Locations