LIFT Community Connections 5/5/2026

Community Connections – Cinco de Mayo Celebration Invite a Friend for the Meet & Greet Networking Event for Women *You may also purchase an additional ticket for $25 for donation to help someone who is just getting started! * Raffles & Giveaways! Male allies we......More

Community Connections – Cinco de Mayo Celebration Invite a Friend for the Meet & Greet Networking Event for Women *You may also purchase an additional ticket for $25 for donation to help someone who is just getting started! * Raffles & Giveaways! Male allies welcome! All professional women are invited for an evening of open networking, to share experiences, and inspire each other's success while learning more about women-focused non-profits. There will be women from all different industries! The event will take place on Tuesday, May 5th, from 4-7 pm, at Trocaire College.  The 4-7pm event window is intentional to assist with scheduling responsibilities and you are welcome to attend for an hour or all three hours! Tickets are FINAL SALE>> No Refunds  

Trocaire College

ProNet 1st/3rd Wednesday

ProNet provides a forum for you to expand your marketing base for your product or service through networking.  It is a fantastic way to get to know other chamber members and provide a casual setting in which to promote your business and develop leads. Each ProNet grou......More

ProNet provides a forum for you to expand your marketing base for your product or service through networking.  It is a fantastic way to get to know other chamber members and provide a casual setting in which to promote your business and develop leads. Each ProNet group meets twice a month in the morning.  

Amherst Chamber of Commerce 400 Essjay Road, Suite 150 Williamsville, NY 14221

LIFT Book Club: 5/6/26 8:30am

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) is a women's networking group that focuses on the core values of Empowerment, Education, Connection, Inspiration, and Inclusion of our WNY community. ......More

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) is a women's networking group that focuses on the core values of Empowerment, Education, Connection, Inspiration, and Inclusion of our WNY community. We welcome you to engage with this group to find self discovery and contribution to your professional journey. The mission is to support professional women so they can succeed. Male Allies welcome. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LIFT Book Club: Each session is limited to 10-12 seats Join us for more than just a book club—this is a space where women lift each other up, share stories that spark courage, and build meaningful connections within our Chamber community. Together, we’ll explore ideas that challenge and inspire, creating an intimate experience that celebrates growth and empowerment. Book Choice: "The Edible Woman" by Margaret Atwood *FICTION* ISBN    9780385491068  |  Published on Mar 16, 1998 |  Published by Vintage  |  Pages 320 Participants would be required to borrow or purchase their own Book or eBook from any notable retailer. Most sessions are VIRTUAL on Wednesdays. The link will be emailed prior to session start. The final session on Tuesday, June 23rd, will be in-person at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce at 12pm for ALL sessions to review and conclude the readings. Lunch will be served. 8:30am Session Facilitator: Lauren Schellinger, Impressia Bank Time: 8:30-9:15am Date: Bi Weekly Virtual Wednesdays 5/6/2026 5/20/2026 6/3/2026 6/17/2026  6/23/2026 *Tuesday Due to Small Business Awards on Wednesday, 6/24/26* End Lunch Joint Session: In person at Amherst Chamber on Tuesday at 12:00pm on 6/23/2026 Book Description The novel that put the bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments on the literary map. The Booker Prize winner’s first novel is both a scathingly funny satire of consumerism and a heady exploration of emotional cannibalism. Marian McAlpin is an “abnormally normal” young woman, according to her friends. A recent university graduate, she crafts consumer surveys for a market research firm, maintains an uneasy truce between her flighty roommate and their prudish landlady, and goes to parties with her solidly dependable boyfriend, Peter. But after Peter proposes marriage, things take a strange turn. Suddenly empathizing with the steak in a restaurant, Marian finds she is unable to eat meat. As the days go by, her feeling of solidarity extends to other categories of food, until there is almost nothing left that she can bring herself to consume. Those around her fail to notice Marian’s growing alienation—until it culminates in an act of resistance that is as startling as it is imaginative. Marked by blazingly surreal humor and a colorful cast of eccentric characters, The Edible Woman is a groundbreaking work of fiction.    

Virtual. Link will be sent prior to session start

LIFT Book Club: 5/6/26 12pm

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) is a women's networking group that focuses on the core values of Empowerment, Education, Connection, Inspiration, and Inclusion of our WNY community. ......More

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) is a women's networking group that focuses on the core values of Empowerment, Education, Connection, Inspiration, and Inclusion of our WNY community. We welcome you to engage with this group to find self discovery and contribution to your professional journey. The mission is to support professional women so they can succeed. Male Allies welcome. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LIFT Book Club: Each session is limited to 10-12 seats Join us for more than just a book club—this is a space where women lift each other up, share stories that spark courage, and build meaningful connections within our Chamber community. Together, we’ll explore ideas that challenge and inspire, creating an intimate experience that celebrates growth and empowerment. Book Choice: "Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes *NON-FICTION* ISBN 9781476777122  |  Publish date 9/13/2016 | Publisher S&S/MarySue Rucci Books  | Pages 352 Participants would be required to borrow or purchase their own Book or eBook from any notable retailer. Most sessions are VIRTUAL on Wednesdays. The link will be emailed prior to session start. The final session on Tuesday, June 23rd, will be in-person at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce at 12pm for ALL sessions to review and conclude the readings. Lunch will be served. 12pm Session Facilitator: Amanda Popovski, CPC Time: 12-12:45pm Date: Bi Weekly Virtual Wednesdays 5/6/2026 5/20/2026 6/3/2026 6/17/2026  6/23/2026 *Tuesday Due to Small Business Awards on Wednesday, 6/24/26* End Lunch Joint Session: In person at Amherst Chamber on Tuesday at 12:00pm on 6/23/2026      About The Book In this 10th Anniversary Edition, Shonda Rhimes, executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte, and more, not only revisits her galvanizing New York Times bestseller but gives readers an extraordinary cache of brand-new stories that showcase the continuing power that saying YES has had on her life. In Shonda’s own words: “This book is the same as before, but it also is not. It is brand-new. It has changed. Transformed. Evolved. Grown. Just like me.” In 2015, Shonda Rhimes, the trailblazing creative force behind some of television’s most beloved series, took on a challenge that would change her life forever. She decided to say yes to everything for a year, and the results were exhilarating. Hailed as “honest, raw, and revelatory” (The Washington Post) and “as fun to read as Rhimes’s TV series are to watch” (Los Angeles Times), Year of Yes quickly became a New York Times bestseller, captivating readers everywhere and inspiring them to undertake their own YES journeys. In this celebratory and expanded anniversary edition, you’ll find more wildly candid and transformational chapters that reveal how the mega-talented Shonda, once a self-described introvert, achieved badassery worthy of a Shondaland character—and how you can, too.

Virtual. Link will be sent prior to session start

United Way Board Leadership Training 5/6/2026

Step into non-profit leadership by signing up for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s 2026 Board Leadership Training. This three-part training series returns in May and will be held in person for the first time since 2019! This hands-on program helps you build the......More

Step into non-profit leadership by signing up for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s 2026 Board Leadership Training. This three-part training series returns in May and will be held in person for the first time since 2019! This hands-on program helps you build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to serve effectively on a nonprofit board through three engaging sessions. https://www.uwbec.org/resources-and-training/board-leadership-training/

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

Bridal Chateau 50th Anniversary Open House 5/6/26

To celebrate our 50th year in business, we are holding an open house for new customers, past customers, friends, and family to celebrate! We will have charcuterie, desserts, and champagne refreshments.

Bridal Chateau 1687 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221

LIFT ProLIFT 5/7/2026

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) is a women's networking group that focuses on the core values of Empowerment, Education, Connection, Inspiration, and Inclusion of our WNY community. ......More

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers (LIFT) is a women's networking group that focuses on the core values of Empowerment, Education, Connection, Inspiration, and Inclusion of our WNY community. We welcome you to engage with this group to find self discovery and contribution to your professional journey. The mission is to support professional women so they can succeed. Male allies welcome! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   The next ProLIFT meeting will occur on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 (8:30am-9:30am). Facilitator: Jeannie Parent | Launch Leadership Topic:  Gossip, Spot It, Stop It! Breaking the Cycle of Harmful Workplace Communication Transform your workplace culture by understanding and addressing the hidden impact of gossip on your team's success.  Workplace gossip may seem harmless, but its consequences are real. In this session, we’ll explore the root causes, the ripple effects across an organization, and proven approaches leaders can use to shift cultures from rumor to clarity, curiosity, and accountability.

Amherst Chamber of Commerce

SUNY Erie Roundtable 5/7/26

SUNY Erie Industry Roundtable Breakfast:  Insurance and Risk Management Curriculum Register by clicking ......More

SUNY Erie Industry Roundtable Breakfast:  Insurance and Risk Management Curriculum Register by clicking this link Join SUNY Erie and fellow insurance industry leaders for an engaging breakfast discussion on workforce readiness and how SUNY Erie can address the growing need for foundational risk management training. Audience: Mid-to-high level industry professionals who work in the insurance/risk management. Group to discuss the hiring/training needs of their organizations.   Date: Thursday, May 7th, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Location: SUNY Erie Community College - North Campus, Statler Dining Room Hosted by: SUNY Erie Community College Sponsored by: Jeanne M. Vinal, Esq., Erie County Legislator- 5th District Hot Breakfast buffet provided by the SUNY Erie Hospitality Department   RSVP Here by April 30th     Questions?    Please contact Kelly Andolino-Perry at: [email protected]

Small Business Appreciation Lunch 5/7/2026

National Small Business Week is May3rd - 9th. As a token of appreciation, we invite you to lunch with our staff and President & CEO, A.J. Baynes. No agenda, no presentation. Simply lunch to converse, share feedback and for the opportunity for the Chamber's staff ......More

National Small Business Week is May3rd - 9th. As a token of appreciation, we invite you to lunch with our staff and President & CEO, A.J. Baynes. No agenda, no presentation. Simply lunch to converse, share feedback and for the opportunity for the Chamber's staff to enjoy some time with the members.  

Amherst Chamber Conference Room

Child Care Resource Network Appreciation Dinner 5/7/2026

Salvatore's Italian Gardens

UB: Dancers Workshop 5/7/26-5/9/26

Dancers Workshop Directed by Lauren Guarna as part of our Student Directed Series May 7 - 9, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. May 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. UB Katharine Cornell Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=dancers+workshop+katharine+cornell+theatre $25 Adul......More

Dancers Workshop Directed by Lauren Guarna as part of our Student Directed Series May 7 - 9, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. May 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. UB Katharine Cornell Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=dancers+workshop+katharine+cornell+theatre $25 Adults | $20 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employees $15 Students/Children | $10 UB Students (Ticketmaster fees apply when purchasing online.) Founded in 1977, Dancers Workshop is an annual student-run showcase led by UB Dance majors, extending to all undergraduates, for a unique dance show experience. The 48th installment includes work from a substantial cohort of choreographers working with a sizable cast of dancers in a variety of styles. Dancers Workshop is a fun way to celebrate diverse talent at UB beyond the Department of Theatre and Dance and to commemorate the end of a successful year for all students. The UB Theatre and Dance 2025-2026 season is sponsored in part by Fox Run at Orchard Park, celebrating its seventh year in support of the department.

UB Katharine Cornell Theatre

EBL Leadership Program 2026

Applications for the 2026 Program are now being accepted. Apply Here! As you advance down your career path, it's imperative that you buil......More

Applications for the 2026 Program are now being accepted. Apply Here! As you advance down your career path, it's imperative that you build your leadership strengths and learn new ways to achieve greater impact. The EBL Leadership Program consists of monthly classes that cover a variety of topics. Each class will give the participants the tools they need to work through workplace conflict, managing a team, managing time while creating enhanced leadership skills that can be carried throughout one's career. The Amherst Chamber also recognizes that bonding with classmates is essential and often should occur outside the classroom, so there will be networking (both online and in-person) opportunities throughout the program.  For planning, classes and commitments for 2026 are as follows - typically 2nd Friday of the month (8am -10am) except first class that is 2/6/2026: 2/6/2026 *First class = 1st Friday of February (8am-11am)* 3/13/2026 *Daemen University Symposium (10am-4pm)* 4/10/2026 5/8/2026 6/12/2026 7/10/2026 8/14/2026 9/18/2026 10/16/2026 10/2026 (Date TBD) EBL Leadership Program Celebration at the Amherst Chamber The Event - Celebrating Business Excellence (5:30pm-8pm) Plus 2 volunteer/community service commitments  (multiple options to accommodate participants schedules)   EBL Summer ProMix July 2026 (Not included in tuition)

Amherst Chamber of Commerce 400 Essjay Rd Ste 150 Williamsville, NY 14221 *Some classes will be held offsite at partner locations* **Participants will receive schedule on 1st day of class**

Buffalo Marriott Niagara: Mother's Day Brunch 5/10/2026

Celebrate the women who mean the most with a relaxed yet refined Mother’s Day Brunch at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara. Join us for a beautifully curated brunch experience featuring chef-inspired classics, seasonal selections, and thoughtfully crafted dishes — all ser......More

Celebrate the women who mean the most with a relaxed yet refined Mother’s Day Brunch at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara. Join us for a beautifully curated brunch experience featuring chef-inspired classics, seasonal selections, and thoughtfully crafted dishes — all served in an elegant, welcoming atmosphere designed for gathering and celebrating. Enjoy: • Elevated breakfast & brunch favorites • Chef-attended stations • Fresh seasonal salads & sides • Carving station selections • Decadent dessert display • Mimosas & specialty beverages available Sunday, May 10, 2025 Seating at 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM $46.95 Adults | $21.95 Children Let us take care of every detail while you enjoy meaningful time with family in a setting that feels special — yet comfortably inviting. Reservations are required and seating is limited. To Reserve your table: https://forms.gle/Qb4wj3FsFjubbo939 . Make this Mother’s Day effortlessly memorable.

Buffalo Marriott Niagara

Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Buffet at Salvatore’s 5/10/26

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable dining experience at Salvatore's Hospitality. Join us for a Brunch & Dinner Buffet featuring a wide variety of chef-crafted stations, seasonal favorites, and classic Salvatore’s dishes — perfect for the whole family. Ev......More

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable dining experience at Salvatore's Hospitality. Join us for a Brunch & Dinner Buffet featuring a wide variety of chef-crafted stations, seasonal favorites, and classic Salvatore’s dishes — perfect for the whole family. Event Details Adults: $69.95 Kids (ages 3–12): $34.95 Children under 3 are free Brunch Selections: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Dinner Buffet: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM What to Expect • Carving Station (Strip Loin, Rack of Lamb, Salmon, Turkey) • Seafood Station (Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Salmon & more) • Omelette & Waffle Stations (available during brunch hours) • Pasta Station + Brick Oven Pizza • Fresh salads, sides, and seasonal dishes • Kid-friendly options available • Dessert platter served to your table Enjoy a traditional Salvatore’s dining experience in an elegant setting — perfect for celebrating Mom. Reservations Required Book online via RESY: https://resy.com/cities/buffalo-ny/venues/italian-prime-at-salvatores/events/mothers-day-brunch-dinner-buffet-69-95-per-person-in-italian-prime-2026-05-10?seats=2&date=2026-04-06  Or call: 716-635-9000

6461 Transit Rd, Depew, NY, United States, 14043

UB: Dance Senior Showcase 5/10/26

Dance Senior Showcase Directed by Grace Rezin and Adriana Vetcha as part of our Student Directed Series May 10, 2026 at 4 p.m. UB Katharine Cornell Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/000062E898C342D4 $25 Adults | $20 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employe......More

Dance Senior Showcase Directed by Grace Rezin and Adriana Vetcha as part of our Student Directed Series May 10, 2026 at 4 p.m. UB Katharine Cornell Theatre Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/000062E898C342D4 $25 Adults | $20 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employees $15 Students/Children | $10 UB Students (Ticketmaster fees apply when purchasing online.) The annual Dance Senior Showcase provides graduating dance majors with a final opportunity to perform their own choreography for the community before their future professional endeavors in the arts. The program features more than a dozen graduating seniors who appear primarily in solo works, as well as in collaborative group pieces, as they take the UB stage a final time. Senior Dance Showcase is student-directed and produced. The UB Theatre and Dance 2025-2026 season is sponsored in part by Fox Run at Orchard Park, celebrating its seventh year in support of the department.

UB Katharine Cornell Theatre

Speed Networking 5/12/2026

New partners. New perspectives. Intentional networking. Join the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, UB CEL and CEL Alumni for The Business Connection Exchange, an event that brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, commu......More

New partners. New perspectives. Intentional networking. Join the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, UB CEL and CEL Alumni for The Business Connection Exchange, an event that brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, community partners, CEL alumni and industry leaders for a morning of intentional, high-impact networking. This collaborative event strengthens relationships across WNY's entrepreneurial ecosystem and opens the door to connections that can grow your business and expand your network in meaningful ways. UB CEL AA Is handling the registrations for this collaborative event. Register here!

Buffalo RiverWorks

SUNY Erie Celebrates 5/13/2026

  Here they are!  The 2026 SUNY......More

  Here they are!  The 2026 SUNY Erie Celebrates Award Winners! Join us on May 13th at The Admiral Room in Downtown Buffalo as we recognize an incredible group of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community leaders who are making a lasting impact. 🕗 Doors open at 8:00 AM | Program begins at 8:30 AM   Honorees include:   ✨ Distinguished Alumni & Community Hero Scott Bieler – President & CEO, West Herr Automotive Group   ✨ Distinguished Alumni Tara Burgess – President & CEO, EPIC   ✨ SUNY Erie Faculty Jason Januszkiewicz- Professor, Business Administration   ✨ SUNY Erie Staff Andrew Sako – Chair, Building Trades   ✨ Student – Heart of SUNY Erie Ilmira Pazailova ‘26   ✨ Inaugural KAT Scholar of Excellence Tai Washington   ✨ Community Heroes AJ Baynes –President and CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce Darnell Haywood – Community Responsibility Officer, BankOnBuffalo Elizabeth McPartland – President and CEO, Child & Family Services WNY Foster Closet   🎟️ Get your tickets today: https://www.ecc-foundation-about.com/suny-erie-celebrates Let’s come together to celebrate the people who make our community stronger!    

Admiral Room Buffalo, NY

ProNet 2nd/4th Wednesday

ProNet provides a forum for you to expand your marketing base for your product or service through networking.  It is a fantastic way to get to know other chamber members and provide a casual setting in which to promote your business and develop leads. Each ProNet grou......More

ProNet provides a forum for you to expand your marketing base for your product or service through networking.  It is a fantastic way to get to know other chamber members and provide a casual setting in which to promote your business and develop leads. Each ProNet group meets twice a month in the morning.  

Amherst Chamber of Commerce

United Way Board Leadership Training 5/6/2026

Step into non-profit leadership by signing up for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s 2026 Board Leadership Training. This three-part training series returns in May and will be held in person for the first time since 2019! This hands-on program helps you build the......More

Step into non-profit leadership by signing up for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s 2026 Board Leadership Training. This three-part training series returns in May and will be held in person for the first time since 2019! This hands-on program helps you build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to serve effectively on a nonprofit board through three engaging sessions. https://www.uwbec.org/resources-and-training/board-leadership-training/

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County