Women's business organization first of its kind in state, located in Amherst

The national headquarters of the American Business Women's Association, based in Kansas City, Mo., and one of the nation's largest organizations supporting working women, has formed its first New York State Express Network Affiliation Group, which will be located in Amherst.

WNY Businesswomen Express Network is under the leadership of Formation Chair Tricia Cwiklinski of Calamar Development. She is an Amherst resident.

The mission of ABWA is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.

The monthly programs are designed to focus on business topics relating directly to the members' professional needs. Meetings are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Millennium Airport Hotel, 2040 Walden Ave., next to the Walden Galleria Mall, Cheektowaga.

The following members hold office within the organization: Debby LaMendola of Kenmore, Mary Kay sales director, vice president of marketing; Susan Ferry of Kenmore, University at Buffalo, vice president of communication; Amy Strusa of Kenmore, pharmaceutical territory manager for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, vice president of finance; Ann Medinec of Williamsville, Ann Medinec Interior Design and Linda Wilson of East Amherst, Weekenders, co-chairs, respectively, of program and hospitality.