Business development forum to benefit small business owners
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

The Williamsville Business Association will host a business development forum from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Williamsville Meeting House, 5658 Main St., Williamsville.

The night will be a networking event with a formal presentation by Paul Leone and David Mingoia, said WBA board member Jason Krempa.

According to a statement from the WBA, Leone is a business development consultant under contract with the Amherst, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Concord and Lancaster industrial development agencies.

He has worked at Western New York Savings Bank and Goldome Bank for the Buffalo Enterprise Development Corp. and, until recently, served as director of business development for the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.

Mingoia has been deputy director of the AIDA since October 2005. Much of his attention is focused on business development and redevelopment activities that assist small businesses.

Prior to joining the AIDA, Mingoia served as director of business development for Empire State Development. He has worked on several Buffalo waterfront projects and helped secure the GEICO investment in Amherst, the statement said.

The event is open to all in the Western New York community with an interest in small businesses. Hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be provided by winners of the Taste of Williamsville WBA restaurants.

For more information or for reservations, call Dan Fogel at 634-2500 or e-mail info@dbrody law.com.