Synacor, a Buffalo-based technology company, named Eric Wastl a developer, Tim Kuminecz a graphical user interface engineer, Jim Brandt a lead developer, and Kurt Stangl a product manager, portal components.

Bank of Akron assistant vice president Rebecca L. Smith recently completed the BSA/AML Institute, a professional certification program, sponsored by the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Company items

Tractor Supply Co. is constructing a new 28,118 square-foot store in Alden, the Brentwood, Tenn.-based company’s 48th New York location. The store will be at 13059 Broadway St. and will employ 12 to 17 full and part-time team members.

Picone Construction was contracted by Erie County Medical Center to renovate its F and C corridors in the Behavioral Science Department. Demolition began in early April and the project is expected to be completed by July.

J. Fitzgerald Group, a Lockportheadquartered advertising and marketing agency, is seeking non-profit organizations to submit applications to receive free advertising and marketing services in the 2nd annual Western New York area CreateAthon. Last year the agency completed 26 projects for seven different charities. The deadline for applications is July

20. Interested organizations may download an application by visiting

www.jfitzgeraldgroup.com

or by calling (716) 433-7688. Patents

Title: “Organometallic compounds, processes for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof” No.: 7,547,796 Inventors: Peters, David Walter (Kingsland, Texas); Thompson, David

M. (East Amherst) Assignee: Praxair Technology (Danbury, Conn.) Date issued: June 16, 2009