Business News

John Custodi of Williamsville recently won a $500 Wegmans gift card for being one of Independent Health's Good Deeds Contest grand prize winners, which rewarded those seen in the act of doing a good deed in the community. Custodi's name was drawn from more than 1,000 entries.

J. Philip Teller was recently selected to join Empire Financial Partners, based in Williamsville, as sales manager. He is responsible for recruiting, training and coaching a team of financial professionals. He is also active in several community and business organizations, such as the Business Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

The Center for Professional Development at Canisius College will offer a 30-hour course titled "Fundamentals of Fundraising," from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, from Jan. 30 to April 9 at the Canisius Center at Amherst, 300 Corporate Parkway. Tuition is $569, with some scholarships available through the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation and Canisius College. To register or for information, call 862-4600 or visit the Web site www. canisius. edu/ cpd.

David A. Kofke of East Amherst, a distinguished professor and chair of the department of chemical and biological engineering in the University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has received the 2007 Jacob F. Schoellkopf Award. The award recognizes outstanding work and service in the fields of chemistry or chemical engineering and is given by the WNY section of the American Chemical Society. UB scientists have won the award in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2005.

Lawley Benefits Group has been selected by Watertown based Samaritan Health System to provide brokerage and consulting services. Lawley Benefits Group managing partner, T.J. Revelas of Snyder, made the announcement. The group was selected from among a number of regional and national brokers and consultants.

Buffalo Discount Muffler and Brake, located in Amherst has received an honorable mention in the 2007 Carquest Excellence Awards program. The annual international competition seeks to recognize the top independent automobile service businesses in North America. This year, 400 businesses competed for the top prize. A total of 21 honorable mentions and 11 finalists were named. Buffalo Discount Muffler and Brake has been awarded honorable mentions in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 and was named a finalist in 2006.

Western Division Federal Credit Union, located in Williamsville, received the Bauer- Financial Exceptional Performance Award for the 50th consecutive quarter. The five-star rating in financial services is awarded quarterly to top financial institutions around the country.