• Invest Buffalo Niagara Unveils Updated “Welcome to Buffalo Niagara” Relocation Guide

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    BUFFALO, NY– Invest Buffalo Niagara—the nonprofit, privately funded economic development organization representing the eight counties of Western New York—unveiled the 2016 “Welcome to Buffalo Niagara Relocation Guide.”

    “Our region has seen remarkable economic development activity in recent years, and as a business attraction organization, we aim to capitalize on that momentum to continue to drive growth,” said Tom Kucharski, president and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara. “We offer this guide as an encyclopedia of Buffalo Niagara’s many cultural, economic, and geographical assets. It’s a valuable tool in our work to attract new business and will help companies attract new employees. As a region we’ll reach new audiences and tell Buffalo Niagara’s story as a great place to live and work.” 

    Totaling 90 pages in length, the Relocation Guide covers the counties of Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming. The contents include details for each of the eight counties, in the areas of real estate, education, public utilities, seasonal attractions, culture, transportation, health care, and employment. 

    The guide showcases Buffalo Niagara’s regional assets with comprehensive lists of resources, useful statistics (“205 average sunny days per year”), and fun elements, including local jargon (“The Scajaquada (Skuh-jack-quah-duh): The 198:”). With engaging imagery from several well-known local photographers including Nancy Parisi, Douglas Levere and Joe Cascio, the piece also features various community figures such as Autumn Lewandowski, WKBW meteorologist, Daniel Shani, founder and CEO of 43North winning company Energy Intelligence, and Shandra Spicer, president and CEO of Spicer Group, among others. 

    “We want to make it as easy as possible for local employers to attract qualified talent to their workforces,” said Kucharski. “By compiling stories of success from ex-pats, re-pats, area entrepreneurs—and sharing compelling workforce and industry statistics—we hope people from outside the region will see it in the same captivating light that we do.”

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    The Relocation Guide includes the following themes:

    Welcome to a Great Life

    Buffalo Niagara’s location within New York State and close proximity to Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Toronto is demonstrated in a map of the Northeastern region of the U.S. For Buffalo Niagara, an overview of each of the eight counties is provided as well as descriptions of the cities, towns, and neighborhoods within each.

    A Place to Call Home

    Information about the region’s housing market, renting, home buying and home building resources, as well as senior living information and a moving checklist.

    More to Learn

    Area public school districts and the private and charter systems, including enrollment requirements, rankings, and NYS educational assessment information, are summarized. One of Buffalo’s most unique educational initiatives—Say Yes to Education—is explained in detail, child care and after school programs are included, and higher education institutions are listed and labeled within a map.

    Settle in for While

    For those who have relocated to Buffalo, resource information is catalogued for the DMV, public safety, pet information, banks, utilities, voter registration, libraries, broadcast TV channels, and AM/FM radio stations. A cost of living comparison chart is also included.

    Celebrate all Seasons

    The guide details attractions for every season, tips for what to wear, and weather statistics related to average temperature, mean snowfall and rainfall, and elevation. 

    Life as it Should Be

    Arts and cultural institutions are listed along with Buffalo Niagara’s professional sports teams, shopping destinations, the region’s food and drink specialties, the Olmsted park system, waterfronts and waterways—including Niagara Falls. There is also a section dedicated to Canadian get-aways (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Wine Trail, Toronto, etc.).

    Easy Come, Easy Go

    A list of Buffalo Niagara’s modes of transportation is provided: airports, trains, Thruway travel, and public transportation. A special section focuses on bicycle offerings including bike paths, bike clubs, and group megacycles.

    Healthy Living

    The guide lists recommendations for ways to find doctors, insurers, urgent care facilities, hospitals, specialized healthcare facilities, and a map of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. 

    Love What You Do

    Economic statistics, such as salaries and wages, Buffalo Niagara’s top businesses, leading business sectors, and chambers of commerce are listed, as well as employment resources, entrepreneurial resources, and a section entitled “Starting a Business Here.”

    The guide was produced with grant support from Invest Buffalo Niagara investors National Grid and NYSEG. View the electronic version or have your company request a hard copy on www.BuffaloNiagara.org or by contacting Alexandra Williams, Senior Administrator /Investor Relations Coordinator at awilliams@buffaloniagara.org or 1-716-541-1708.

     

    ABOUT INVEST BUFFALO NIAGARA

    Invest Buffalo Niagara is the area’s leading private sector economic development and business attraction organization, focused on research, marketing, and business development outreach.  With exceptional community connectivity, Invest Buffalo Niagara’s staff provides comprehensive services and project management for companies looking to expand or relocate.  From research all the way through ribbon-cutting, Invest Buffalo Niagara is the primary point of contact for economic development in the eight-county Buffalo Niagara region.  Learn more: buffaloniagara.org.

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  • Peace Bridge Authority Formalizes Contract Award with American Bridge Company for Bridge Rehabilitation Project

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    BUFFALO, NY/FORT ERIE, ON – The Board of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (Peace Bridge Authority) has awarded a construction contract to American Bridge Company for the Peace Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The $80.5 million Peace Bridge Rehabilitation Project is one component of an overall $186 million, fully self-financed, five-year capital plan approved by the PBA Board.

    “The Rehabilitation Project is a key part of the Peace Bridge Authority’s continuous effort to make passage between Western New York and Southern Ontario as efficient as possible,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “The selection of a contractor for the latest Peace Bridge improvements is an important step for ensuring a maximum flow of goods and traffic at the critical bi-national corridor border crossing.”

    “The Rehabilitation Project will be a coordinated effort between both sides of the border to ensure completion with minimal impacts on motorists, tourists, bus passengers and commercial carriers,” said the Honorable Marc Garneau, Canada’s Minister of Transport. ” I am pleased to see this project moving forward on a bridge that is so important to the economies of both countries.”

    The PBA identified the top priorities of overall project cost and maintaining operation of travel lanes when considering contractors. As part of bid submissions, contractors were required to submit the number of days within their schedule that they anticipated the bridge would experience less than three operational traffic lanes.

    “Having worked on the Grand Island bridges, this contractor knows Western New York’s labor and materials markets, as well as our region’s environmental conditions,” said Sam Hoyt Chairman of the Peace Bridge Authority Board of Directors. “American Bridge Company is also a primary contractor on the new Tappen Zee Bridge and is well prepared to undertake the Rehabilitation Project, a project that will significantly contribute to our overall capital campaign objectives and the improvement of our span.”

    “Work is scheduled to begin this month. However there will be no lane closures during the peak summer travel season”, said Ron Rienas General Manager of the PBA. “The earliest a lane closure will occur is in mid October.”

    American Bridge Company was the low bidder and selected at a project cost of $80.5 million, and based on criteria including similar project experience with deck replacement, complex bridges, and financial strength.

    American Bridge Company offers relevant, specific project experience with national and binational spans:

    • Angus Macdonald Bridge Deck Replacement – Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
    • George Washington Bridge – New York, USA
    • Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge – New York, USA; Ontario, Canada
    • Seaway International Bridge – Ontario, Canada
    • South Grand Island Bridges – New York, USA
    • Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project – New York, USA
    • Walt Whitman Bridge – Philadelphia, USA

    The company’s size, breadth of experience and their capabilities in fabrication and erection allow for efficiencies of cost, purchasing power and cross-disciplinary synergies to reduce overall project costs.

    The Rehabilitation Project will include: complete replacement of the structural slab widening of the structure, including the addition of a pedestrian walkway/bikeway and observation platform, structural steel replacement, rehabilitation and strengthening; installation of electrical and fiber infrastructure; and the installation of new architectural traffic control gantries, railings, and light posts.

    In addition to the project itself, American Bridge Company will also be responsible for all construction management, including maintenance and protection of traffic on and under the Peace Bridge.

    Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2016 and finished by 2019. Work will be completed in four stages.

    About the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority
    The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational bridge authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing.

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  • Who Was The Real Super Bowl 50 Winner?

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    Last night’s Super Bowl was a battle between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers – and the advertisers. We know who won the football game, but who won the advertising game? According to the USA Today, Hyundai’s ‘First Date’  commercial was number 1. We asked TMG and MDPR partners to share their favorite and least favorite ads. Here’s what they had to say.


    Katie MacIntyre  (and her husband Bryan)

    Marketing Director, Generations Bank

    Bryan: ‘Doritos – sonogram’

    It was hilarious that the baby was following the chip. It was absurd but it was really all about getting that chip!

    Katie: Audi

    I loved the tribute to Bowie with music and imagery and the tagline at the end to the ‘starman’

    Weiner doggies and #MeettheKetchups was pretty cute too!

    Jeep has been good too. #4x4ever


    Brian Straka

    Marketing Coordinator, 43 North

    Great Loans? Super Bowl commercials are oftentimes either so good that they’re unforgettable, or so bad that they’re unforgettable. This commercial was just forgettable.

    NFL family commercial – just very awkward. Nothing more than that.

    T-Mobile – Steve Harvey capitalizing on his Miss America blunder was great for both his personal brand and T-Mobile.


    John Craik

    Executive Director, P2 Collaborative of Western New York

    My favorite ad was for the Amazon Echo; I thought the dialogue was quick, punchy and very witty.  Alec Baldwin can still be a hoot, and the ending with Missy Elliott was very funny.


    Oliver Hays

    Communications and Proposal Manager, Phillips Lytle LLP

    I think it’s a tie between Avocados because it’s awesome they use their whole marketing budget on a Super Bowl ad every year, and T-Mobile because they made Drake seem likable for 1 minute.  Both were really well done.


    Matthew Pelkey

    Partner, Colligan Law

    I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky and a history geek– Audi R8 hit on both of those for me!


    Peter Burakowski

    Director of Marketing, 43North

    Tonight, I’m changing a behavior thanks to a toothpaste commercial. Colgate illustrated the impacts of wasting water in a simple, tangible, human way and nicely aligned themselves with socially-and-environmentally conscious consumers. #EveryDropCounts


    Megan Savage

    Marketing & Communications Specialist, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise

    Toyota Prius Commercial. I loved the Toyota Prius ad! In a year that was heavy with car commercials, this one really stood out. It was funny, witty and made me laugh out loud.  “The Wire” cast member reunion was a nice bonus.

     

    Mike Mule

    CEO, Designated Drivers of Buffalo

    Puppy monkey baby was my favorite. It was just so out there.  The Audi one I thought was really good as well.

     

     

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  • Ridestrong.

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    Martin Davison PR facilitated the launch of the 2016 Tour de Cure® with “Red Ride 25,” a cycling event held at Riverworks during which team captains, Red Riders, corporate supporters and elected officials completed a collective 25 hours of riding to kickoff fundraising for the Tour’s 25th anniversary. During the Red Ride 25, Revolution Buffalo hosted a sold-out, one-hour cycling class comprised of American Diabetes Association supporters and campers. A celebrity panel kicked off the event, featuring Liza Cartlidge, general manager of Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino; Dr. Michael Cropp, president and CEO, Independent Health; Steve Finch, plant manager, GM Tonawanda Engine; Tim Kennedy, senator, New York State 63rd Senate District; and James A. Ruggiero, diabetic rider and Elite team member, Team Novo Nordisk. This year’s Tour de Cure® will be held on Saturday, June 4 beginning at Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls, NY. Learn more at diabetes.org/buffalotour.

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  • The 12 “Tips” of Christmas

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    Your Holiday gift guide to a successful year of earned media in 2016

    I enjoy media relations; good old-fashioned publicity.

    It’s challenging yet very rewarding successfully pitching a feature story, arranging for an interview, positioning a spokesperson as a thought leader to address a particular topic currently in the news, or issuing an advisory that generates earned media for one of our clients or The Martin Group.

    Throughout my career as a former broadcast journalist-turned public relations practitioner, I have been privileged to work with a number of outstanding editors and reporters, many of whom I am pleased – and honored – to call friends.

    So what’s the secret to garnering media coverage? It certainly helps to have great clients with interesting stories to tell.

    In the spirit of the season, here are 12 tips for working more effectively with the media in 2016, as told to me by members of the media themselves:

    1. “Time is the most important element to us – whether it’s breaking news or a feel-good story. Reporters are under the gun to get their story on the air. Social media has added a new urgency to our attention to ‘time.’ These days management wants it on Twitter and Facebook right away. Then on the web…and finally written and edited for air. Chop! Chop! Also, we may spend between five and 30 minutes interviewing you, but only extract a small clip or sound bite to actually air. Don’t feel this was wasted time. We use the information that was shared as background and sometimes include lengthier interviews – perhaps even the entire interview – on our website.” – Jacquie Walker, News Anchor, WIVB-TV
    1. “Understand, as we do, that you’re working for the people in your community as well as the folks paying you. What information do they need? What’s most important at a particular time? What intrigues and surprises them? What improves their lives and decision-making? Who can best deliver the information (because most reporters want to deliver it first)? And can you deliver a pitch and accept ‘no’ or ‘maybe some other time’ for an answer, with the understanding there will be many opportunities in this news-hungry region?” – Scott Scanlon, Refresh Editor, The Buffalo News
    1. “Think like a journalist and keep in mind the following two acronyms – PSS = pitch strong stories – and WIL = would I listen?” – Brian Meyer, News Director, WBFO Radio
    1. “First of all, people should understand most reporters are working on several stories at the same time, especially now, in the instant news/social media world. When we call we hope to get quick responses. Calling back days after our initial call rarely helps. Don’t BS us – we can see right through it. If you don’t have the answer, be honest and tell us. Honesty is always the best policy.” – Jim Fink, Reporter, Buffalo Business First
    1. “The ‘media’ is not one giant, faceless entity. Just like you would with any other client, take the time to find out what our needs are. Radio, TV and print/digital all have different needs and deadlines. For TV, visuals are key; for radio, it’s sound, etc. Finding out what those needs are and tailoring your pitch to them could make the difference between getting your event covered or not.” – Maria Sisti, Assignment Editor, WGRZ-TV
    1. “We’re looking for honest, straightforward answers to our questions. We’re also looking for information that will be helpful to our readers. Whenever possible, give us some information that is out of the ordinary; something that is not widely known by the public – the kind of information that grabs a reader and pulls him or her into the story.” – Dan Herbeck, Senior Reporter/Writer, The Buffalo News
    1. “Be open with us. If a story can’t happen, tell us why. There’s nothing more frustrating than not hearing anything back from a spokesperson. Email and texting have raised reporters’ expectations. If you’re pitching a story, reach out to us individually, usually through email. We’re busy too. Follow-up emails are never bad either.” – Jordan Williams, Co-Anchor/Reporter, Wake Up!, WIVB-TV
    1. “Know your topic well and make sure you have the right person or persons to conduct the interview. Make sure to answer questions as best you can. Keep responses concise and to the point. Stay on topic and don’t wander off. Responses that go off on tangents won’t make the final interview or story cut. In one-on-one interviews, let the reporter lead the way; don’t try to steer it into other topics to avoid answering any difficult or controversial questions.” – Eileen Buckley, Senior Reporter, WBFO-FM
    1. “Both taking a look at the big picture and paying attention to detail are important when reaching out to the media. For TV journalists, we are not only looking to cover newsworthy events, but we’re looking for stories that are visually appealing as well. While a press conference with speakers at a podium is informational, it’s not necessarily visual. If you can provide us with information as well as the elements we need for a story, that’s an ideal situation for us to gather everything we need in a timely manner. As an assignment editor, it’s frustrating to receive a press release that lacks basic information. We rely on public relations professionals to tell us who, what, where, when and most importantly why we should cover an event. Keep it clear, concise and accurate.” – Kaitlyn Munro, Assignment Editor, TWC News 
    1. “A good spokesperson should be well informed and passionate. Viewers will find those who are just reciting speaking points to be impersonal and fake. A good interview provides more than just the content of a press release. Emotion, personal anecdotes and a conversational story go a very long way. And remember – TV is visual. We need photos and video to go alongside the interview.” – Melissa Holmes Skurski, Co-anchor, Daybreak, WGRZ-TV
    1. “Make me care. The Internet is constantly coming at us with new information; give me something that rises above the din. Compassion and curiosity are what drive journalism, bring me into that circle and make full use of the current technology to capture images and voices to make that story a living, breathing thing. Looking ahead to 2016, we’ll continue covering education and politics for sure, and the Western New York fallout and reaction to recent Albany corruption investigations. – Aaron Lowinger, Managing Editor, The Public
    1. “As a news organization, our focus is primarily on covering the news of the day in an original way that impacts our audience. If a public relations professional is able to provide us with a “news hook” to any story – that is, give us a way to expand on the day’s events, or put us in touch with a person who can give us a unique perspective – that’s ideal.  We don’t just want to cover events or press conferences; we want to show the impact they will have on the community and the story *behind them.  Additionally, if a spectacular story comes from any of the clients you represent – perhaps a way of giving back, or an amazing tale that gets you talking – pitch it to us. All too often wonderful stories go untold, because no one thinks to pass them along.” – Katie Morse, Multi-Media Journalist and Anchor, WKBW-TV

    Happy Holidays everybody!

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  • 43Northern exposure.

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    Martin Davison Public Relations (MDPR) was proud to play a part in the culmination of the second year of 43North – the world’s largest business idea competition. 43North Week offered a weeklong celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring events and activities that engaged entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalists, angel investors and the general Western New York business community. On October 29, 11 finalists pitched their business ideas to a panel of seven high-profile judges from around the country. After 11,356 registrations from around the world were narrowed to 110 semifinalists and then 11 finalists, ACV Auctions from Buffalo, NY was crowned the $1 million grand prize winner. To learn more about ACV Auctions and the 10 other finalists, click here.

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  • Ping Pong Diplomacy

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    Untitled design-246On August 28, TMG and Martin Davison PR attended the inaugural Ping Pong Diplomacy tournament at 43North, on Ellicott Street in downtown Buffalo. Staffers Matt Davison, Oliver Hays, Blake Carbone and Kelsey Hanks vied for the championship title as observers networked with resident startup companies in the 43North incubator space. Check out 43North’s Ping Pong album and our own Facebook album, as well! Keep your eye on 43north.org for the latest news and upcoming tournaments.

    ABOUT 43NORTH
    43North is the world’s largest business idea competition. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative, the competition awards $5 million in cash prizes to some of the best entrepreneurs and startups from around the world. 43North winners also receive free incubator space in Buffalo for one year, guidance from mentors in related fields, and access to other business incentive programs such as START-UP NY. 43North operates through grants of $6 million from the New York Power Authority and $1 million from Empire State Development. Additional support comes from National Grid, Orange Capital, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, Buffalo Office Interiors and several other sponsors. For a full list of sponsors and more information about 43North, visit 43north.org.

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  • Martin Davison PR a Proud Member of Rise of the Rest Organizing Committee

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    Martin Davison Public Relations is proud to welcome Steve Case, the founder of AOL and leader of “Rise of the Rest,” to Buffalo.

    In August, Case announced his 2015 Rise of the Rest Tour at the White House, and Buffalo was chosen as one of five cities for Case to tour – and give $100,000 to a local startup.

    Our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem will be showcased on a national stage as Case tours the area’s startup scene and the resources that help them: 43North, dig, Bak USA – just to name a few.

    Case will experience growing districts like Larkinville and Canalside, take a ride on the Consumer’s Craft Cruiser with some young professionals, and ultimately end up at RiverWorks, where Marnie LaVigne of Launch NY will interview him before the main event: the pitch competition for $100K. Jordan Levy of Softbank Capital NY will moderate the competition, judged by Buffalo greats including Thurman Thomas and Doug Swift.

    Good luck to all of the startups competing!

    Register to attend the pitch competition

    Register to attend the startup celebration

    About Rise of the Rest
    The Rise of the Rest tours are a nationwide effort led by Case, who is an investor and an entrepreneur, to showcase – and invest in – entrepreneurs in emerging startup ecosystems across the U.S. Through the initiative, $1.5 million has been invested in startup businesses across a diverse set of 14 cities including Detroit, Charleston, Pittsburgh and New Orleans.

    Follow #RiseOfRest and @RiseofRest on Twitter.

    MDPR is on the Organizing Committee for the 2015 Rise of the Rest Tour’s Buffalo stop.

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  • Show and Teller.

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    After Evans Bank’s Lancaster branch suffered a ravaging fire, the local financial institution decided to rebuild better than ever. Part of its improvement was the introduction of an innovative new banking experience – an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) – to enhance customer service. To help educate Evans’ clients on the ITM and raise awareness, TMG produced a 90-second video that highlighted the ITM’s benefits (easy to use, convenient, capable of handling basic banking tasks – cashing checks, making deposits and withdrawals, processing loan payments, transferring funds between accounts, providing account balances and more – with a live person on hand to help and answer questions). We also developed in-branch collateral to showcase the new ITM feature.

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