Business people / Hires, Promotions & Honors
The law firm of Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham and Coppola named John R. Condren and Michael T. Feeley partners, and Nicholas L. Mineo an associate. Condren, a trial attorney concentrating his practice in insurance defense, is a graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. Feeley also is a trial attorney with a practice in the areas of insurance defense litigation, municipal defense and commercial litigation. He is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law. Mineo focuses his practice on insurance defense issues including premises liability, automobile accidents, and labor law. He is a graduate of the Albany Law School of Union University.
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Hodgson Russ partner Pamela Davis Heilman, a long-time advocate for the advancement of women in business, received the Organization of Women in International Trade Woman of the Year Award. This honor is given annually to a woman who has furthered international trade through excellence and innovation and has enhanced the status of women in international trade and business. Heilman was presented with the award during OWIT’s 17th Annual World Conference in Monterrey, Mexico. OWIT is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women by providing networking and educational opportunities.
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CB Richard Ellis, a commercial real estate brokerage firm, named Gregory
M. Michalek senior vice president at its Buffalo office. Michalek worked for M&T Bank for nearly 21 years, most recently as administrative vice president, group manager for the bank’s Western New York Commercial Real Estate Financing unit and headed up its affordable housing financing efforts. A certified public accountant, he is a graduate of Canisius College.
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The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas elected Rhonda Ried of Cornerstone Research and Marketing and Ruth Diamond Marketing president of the board of directors for the 2008-2009 term. Other officers: First vice president, Steven Pantoja, HSBC Bank; second vice president, James Weber, Wizard Communications; treasurer, William Reece, Shannon Enterprises of WNY and immediate past president, Dave Burgio. Also, the chamber named Susan Downing the 2008 Citizen of the Year; Shannon Enterprises of WNY, Business of the Year and Hodgepodge Gifts and Home Decor, 2008 Small Business of the Year. The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Wednesday.
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Independent Health, an Amherstheadquartered health plan provider, named Nora B. Sullivan to its board of directors. Sullivan is the founder and president of Foxwood Capital, a Buffalo investment banking company.
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HoganWillig, an Amherst law firm, has added Karl F. Koford, a certified public accountant, to its staff. Koford, a University at Buffalo MBA graduate, will assist with the day-today financial operations of the firm, including preparing estate and client tax returns.
