In February of 2011 I returned from a trip to Africa to learn that I had been nominated for a very prestigious award given by Buffalo Business First, the coveted “40 Under 40.” Every year individuals are selected by a six-person, independent panel of former 40 Under 40 recipiants and include a variety of professional occupations.

“Once again our 40 Under 40 honorees exemplify all that is good with our community,” said Jack Connors, Business First publisher and president. “Their dedication to their professions and to our community will ensure that the future of the Buffalo Niagara region remains bright and promising for generations to come.”

 I have now been inducted into an elite group of young and successful business leaders throughout the Western New York community. Each of these individuals as well as myself were selected for our management and leadership within our organizations, the community we support, the jobs we have created and more. This was a very sophisticated honor I was proud to accept and I would also like to congratulate my fellow inductees from the 20th class of Buffalo Business “40 Under 40.”