Business News

Tops Markets, headquartered in Williamsville, has selected SKM Group to manage and implement the company's integrated marketing communications efforts. SKM will partner with Tops in the development of a wide range of ongoing marketing initiatives, including TV, radio, print, Internet and direct mail advertising.

HUNT Real Estate ERA has again received national recognition from ERA Franchise Systems LLC, for Total Residential Units sold in 2007. Just under 10,000 residential units sold last year, HUNT ranked as the No. 1 broker in this category among all ERA brokers throughout the country. The award, received by HUNT ERA for the last seven years, was announced at the 2008 ERA International Business Conference held Feb. 24-27 in Orlando. HUNT has office branches in Amherst.

Picone Construction Corporation, headquartered in Amherst, was awarded a construction contract in connection with the new visitor's center next to the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo. Picone will be involved with completing 5,400-square-foot concrete slabs for the center.

Gilman Ciocia Inc., a provider of federal, state and local tax planning and preparation services, will hold seminars in March. Attendees receive a free lunch or dinner during the presentations. Sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 25 at Sonoma Grill, 5010 Main St., near Kensington Avenue, Snyder, and also at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Sonoma Grill.

The Skinnersville Cemetery Association Inc. will hold its annual lot owners/trustee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 17 in the White Chapel on the cemetery grounds, 490 Frontier Road, off John James Audubon Parkway near the University at Buffalo North Campus. All lot owners are welcome to attend and participate in the discussions for ongoing business the cemetery conducts. Call 472-7120.

Jeffrey Kelly, associate financial adviser with Ameriprise Financial, has achieved the professional designation of accredited wealth management adviser. His office is located in Getzville.

Timothy F. Murphy of East Amherst, a University at Buffalo distinguished professor in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has been appointed a study section member in the National Institutes of Health's Center for Scientific Review. He will serve as a peer reviewer in the center's Clinical Research and Field Studies of Infectious Diseases Study Section.

The New York State Bar Association is seeking nominees for the 18th annual President's Pro Bono Service Awards. The awards are bestowed each year upon attorneys who "best illustrate the legal profession's commitment to provide all New Yorkers with equal access to the justice system through pro bono services." This year marks the addition of a new Senior Pro Bono Service Award honoring attorneys ages 65 and older. Winners will be announced at the Bar Association's annual Law Day awards luncheon May 1 in Albany. For information, e-mail probono@nysba.org or write to Pro Bono Affairs, New York State Bar Association, 1 Elk St., Albany, NY 12207 or call 518-487-5641. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, March 19.