Business News

The Schwartz Group, a provider of marketing services to the healthcare industry, located in Amherst, announce that Ira J. Wood rejoined their management team as director of operations. Previously, he worked at the Schwartz Group from 2002-2006 before leaving to work at a leading medical communications firm.

Mark A. Maier has been named vice president of Good Samaritan CareGivers, Inc., a senior companion care company providing in-home, non-medical services, located in Williamsville. He previously held responsibilities as the general manager for Century Golf Partners and Arnold Palmer Golf Management.

Kevin Valazza has joined MetLife, located in Williamsville, as a financial services representative. He is a New York State Life, Health and Securities licensed representative, and licensed in New York State for Property and Casualty insurance.

Carr Marketing Communications Inc., a public relations and marketing consulting firm in Amherst, has been awarded a Silver Excalibur Award from the Buffalo/ Niagara Chapter of Public Relations Society of America for the development of a regional senior care Web site, WNYSenior- Care.org.

Esther S. Takeuchi of East Amherst, Ph.D., Greatbatch Professor in Power Sources Research in the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has been selected as a 2008 recipient of an Astellas USA Foundation Award, administered by the American Chemical Society. The $30,000-award carries an invitation to deliver an award address as part of a symposium during the 236th ACS National Meeting. She is being recognized for development of silver-vanadium-oxide battery technology that enabled the development of lifesaving implantable cardiac defibrillators.

The Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners has installed its new officers: Suzanne Witnauer, president; Nicole Fiorella, president-elect; Jean Powers, past president; Nancy DeTine, secretary, and Renee Cerullo, treasurer. Directors are Michelle Bonn, Kristine Buchband, Marilyn Cote-Miller, Joyce DeLong, Celeste DiStefano, Barbara Maira, Maryann Salvadore and Carolyn Valenti.

Univera Healthcare recently received three Excalibur Awards from the Buffalo/ Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for its Fun 2B Fit program. Univera received a gold Excalibur for the Fun 2B Fit program in the Community Relations category, a bronze Excalibur in the Brochure category for a Parent Information Card and a gold Excalibur for a feature story entitled "Healthy Options on the Lunch Line."