Business News

Thomas T. Kazmierczak III, former executive director of the Lancaster Opera House, was presented the Special Merit Award on Friday during the 22nd annual Arts Awards Luncheon at the Statler Towers in Buffalo. Kazmierczak was honored for his leadership at the opera house by growing its budget from $350,000 to more than $1 million annually. He is a former Amherst resident.

Sarah Ashley Pierce, a native of Amherst, was named vice president and human resources director at First South Bank of Washington, N.C. She joined the company in April 2007. Pierce is a 2002 Sweet Home High School graduate.

The Buffalo Broadcasters Association has elected their slate of officers for the organization, including Williamsville resident Steve Reszka of Reszka & Associates as vice president and Amherst resident Don Angelo retired local sales manager of WGRZ-TV as chairman of the organization.

Larry Davis of Amherst and WNY Wedding Guide was elected as an officer of Buffalo Bridal Association. The association assists couples with the wedding process, adhering to a code of business ethics. There are currently more than 120 members. Visit, www.buffalobridalassociation.com.

Independent Health was recently named one of the 30 Best Companies to Work for in New York for 2007, according to the New York State Society for Human Resource Management in partnership with Best Companies Group. Independent Health, with a headquarters in Amherst, will be recognized and honored at an awards dinner on April 10 in Albany where the final rankings will be revealed.

ElderWood Health Care at Heathwood won a 2008 New York State Health Facilities Association Innovative Practice Award. The facility will be honored during the NYSHFA convention this summer. The facility received the award for its Customer Focus Action Plan, which was developed in response to annual resident and family satisfaction survey results. Heathwood's objective was to improve survey results in the areas of "respectfulness of staff," "care (concern) of staff" and "adequate staff to meet needs."