See Talented Young Local Filmmakers This Weekend

Hamburg Film Festival One Of The Few Localized Festivals in Buffalo

Two winners at last year's Hamburg Film FestivalThere are very few places in the Buffalo area for aspiring young filmmakers to express themselves.  That's why Sarah Reynolds-Seweryniak created the Hamburg Film Festival. 

"Sarah's love of film led her to bring something to the community that would help inspire young minds,"says a quote from the Festival's website.  Sarah Reynolds-Seweryniak is a fulltime member of the Hamburg Sun newspaper, so organizing the festival is a personal passion. 

The festival is specifically designed for high school and college students with an interest in film.  The festival's site even provides young filmmakers with tips and "how to" instructions, including a walk through on making a film with Windows Movie maker.

See the full list of instructional videos here. 

The festival will take place Saturday July 17 at the Palace Theatre, located at 31 Buffalo Street in Hamburg.  The festival starts at 1 PM. 

In addition to organizing the festival, Reynolds-Seweryniak also serves as a judge.  Last year other judges included Jay Rouf, Palace Theater owner, Matthew Chander of the Buffalo Law Journal and Erie Community College professor John Harrigan.   

Last year, the theatre was packed and the judges gave out over 10 awards.  There also was a people's choice award as voted on by the viewers.

Visit the Festival's site or their Facebook Page.  Good luck to all who entered!

Celebrate Buffalo This Weekend

Citybration Festival To Showcase Buffalo's Best

This weekend is the time to celebrate the great city that is Buffalo, NY. 

The annual Citybration Festival will bring together people from all facets including business, the arts to highlight what makes Buffalo unique.  There will forums, city tours, award ceremonies and even hot air balloon rides over the city, among other events.

"We want to showcase the region’s many assets, highlight the opportunities here and celebrate our many successes," said Citybration representatives. 

The Citybration festival will take place starting this Thursday June 24 ending Sunday June 27th.  Each day has a diverse mix of events focusing on a different aspect of Buffalo life.

The festival starts off on a strong note as the Buffalo Spree "Best of WNY" party will take place at Sheas Performing Arts Center.  The event will featured food from nearly 20 local Buffalo restaurants including Sample and The Snooty Fox. 

Friday will feature a career fair at ECC City Campus and a free live interactive forum discussing Buffalo's successes at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Auditorium. 

"The forum will first frame our regional successes in terms of where we’ve been over the past year, tell the stories of where we are now, and will connect the dots needed to generate even more successes over the coming years," said Citybration representatives.

Saturday will feature an indie marketing in Bidwell Park off of Elmwood avenue.  Local artists will display their products and goods, most with a Buffalo theme.

The event will cap off on Sunday with hot air balloon rides starting in historic Delaware Park. 

For a full list of Citybration events, visit them online today. Get out and celebrate Buffalo, the city deserves it. 

WNY Family Offers Story Of Hope

Schultz Family Shows Power of Loved Ones During Setback

We found this inspiring story about one of our customers and felt the need to share it with anyone we could.  We thank the Schultz family for their support and wish them luck in their future. 

Tonawanda resident Don Schultz broke his ankle in 2004.  Multiple surgeries later, part of his leg is now amputated.  Schultz suffered through multiple infections, including one in his blood.  What got him through this ordeal was the support from his family.

"The man went through 18 surgeries in 5 years, no one should have to do that," his son Brandon, age 17, recently told Channel 2 WGRZ. 

Despite the multiple setbacks, Don Schultz maintained his life well. In fact Brandon credits him for not missing one of his athletic events throughout the entire ordeal.

"My dad really is my hero," Brandon Schultz said. 

Don Schultz now walks with a prosthetic after overcoming the multiple infections.  The entire process actually inspired Brandon to change his career path. He once dreamed of working as a history teacher.  He now volunteers at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and aspires to enter the nursing field.  He credits the medical staff who helped his father as part of the the motivation.

"He wants to give back and take care of people like they took care of me.  I think he will," Don Schultz said. 

Subaru Winning Safety and Performance Awards

Buffalo Subaru Dealer Now Featuring Award Winning Cars

The words "best" and "Subaru" are appearing in the same sentence a lot these days. 

First, the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy was named to the "Best Family Cars for 2010" list by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com.  The Subaru Legacy scored points for its low, wide-opening trunk for easy stroller removal, a rear seat big enough for three children. 

Kiplinger's Personal Finance recognized two Subaru vehicles as "Best" in their categories in its annual buyers' guide, "2010 Cars: Where the Deals Are."  The 2010 Subaru Legacy won "Best New Car" in the $25,000 - $30,000 category, while the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback won both "Best in Class" and "Best New Wagon" in the "Wagons" category. Winners are chosen on a basis of performance, value, safety, power, fuel efficiency, exterior design, interior room and cargo space.

"We can't think of a better endorsement by not only true automotive experts, but by parents who put our cars through the rigors of family life day after day," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO for Subaru of America, Inc.

Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV recently took the 2010 Legacy for a test drive.  He praised the car as a step up from past models and called it the class of it's segement.

"Subaru has put out a car that emphasizes everything on a consumer's checklist; economy, performance, sporty feel and quality workmanship," Douthit said. Check Out his full video review above.

West Herr Subaru Kia in Orchard Park is featuring all these fine cars plus the staples that have made these companies consistently excellent.  Take a look at this blue 2010 Subaru Legacy, available at West Herr, your Buffalo Subaru dealer.  Visit us online today. 

Preview The Jaguar XJ Sedan

Early Reviews Declare New Jaguar Will Change The Marketplace

Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal can't stop fawning over the Jaguar XJ.  Neil recently took the XJ sedan for a test drive and now believes it's the top car in its class.

"The Jaguar XJ easily replaces the Maserati Quattroporte as the most beautiful car in it's class," Neil. said.

The XJ features a gorgeous virtual driving gauge display with all types of practical graphics to make the driving experience better.  Most models will also feature an option for a  1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system. 

Neil not only praised the car for it's aesthetics, but for it's handling and power as well  He specifically mentioned the cars weight and it's effect on the handling.  

"The lighter the car, the more honest the handling, the more predictable and secure its transitional behavior, the more satisfying it is to drive..." Neil said.  

For Jaguar needs in Buffalo, visit West Herr Jaguar in Amherst.  West Herr has won the Pride of Jaguar award nine times. The Pride of Jaguar is based on customer care, sales and marketing and business management. 

As a Buffalo Jaguar dealer, we're even more excited about the XJ Sedan than David Neil of the Wall Street Journal.    

"This car is a brilliant automobile and the rare example of a consumer item that reaches beyond design into art," Neil said.

Buffalo Business Focus: Media Pros

Local Media Agency Thriving in Western New York

It could be a radio ad. It could be a billboard.  It could even be a street team.  Pick the medium, and Media Pros of Western New York have a hand in it.  Thats why they've become a prominent Buffalo business with both local and national clients. 

"We like to be presented with challenges on the best way to reach an audience," said Matt Dobmeier, Media Pro's VP.  "We'll use all forms of media to get the job done." 

Media Pros are the minds behind the West Herr ads featuring Buffalo Bills legend Steve Tasker.  The agency boasts a diverse group of other local clients including Beachwood Continuing Care, Martin's Fantasy Island and Faherty's Bar on Elmwood. 

On a national level, Media Pros handles the Mentholatum Company and their multiple product lines.  The national business has given Dobmeier and his crew opportunities to travel and gain new experience.

"This line of work is never boring," Dobmeier said. "Last year I got to go from the Duke campus to Las Vegas all within a few weeks.  It was amazing." A sample of Media Pros' work for the Mentholatum company

Established in 1993 and based in Orchard Park, Dobmeier and his father Ken run the business.  Dobemeier points out that advertising agencies are rarely a family business. 

Given the family focus, Dobmeier finds his roots in Western New York despite all the traveling and national exposure. 

"It sounds cliche, but the people in Buffalo are amazing," Dobmeier said.  "People here truly care and they love to live here.  It lends itself to the work they do." 

Media Pros has recently done work for The United Way and SABAH as well.  For more information on Media Pros visit them online today.

Dressing Down To Support A Cause

5 Ways To Support The Variety Kids Charity

Around the West Herr Toyota Williamsville offices on Thursday, customers may have noticed employees dressing a little more casual than usual.  That's because West Herr employees wore jeans and special pins to support the Buffalo Variety Kid's charity.

Toyota Williamsville employees organized an internal fundraiser called "Dress Down Thursdays" for the charity.  Employees gave personal donations of $10 and wore special pins dedicated to spreading the Variety Kids message.  

Dress Down Thursdays also allowed employees to wear jeans as a show of support and unity.  The second of two Dress Down Thursdays will happen next Thursday March 18th.  So drop by Toyota Williamsville and check out our great looking pins. 

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support the annual Variety Kid's telethon which will take place Sunday March 28th. Channel 7 WKBW will broadcast and sponsor the event.  The theme of this year's telethon is "Help Our Kids Smile."

"It is always great to see a smileon the beautiful face of a child and with the continued generosity of the people of Western New York," said Variety Kid's representative Stephen Podosek in a press release. 

Dress Down Thursdays is just one way to support the Variety Kid's Charity. 

Prior to the telethon, the Variety Club will also host a corn beef dinner Sunday March 14th to coincide with the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Other upcoming events include:

-The Women's Club Kick Off Cocktail Party

-The Sattelite Division Dinner

-The Lunch with "Mr. Food" at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. 

To make a donation or get involved with the Western New York chapter of the Variety Kid's Charity, visit them online today. 

Help Support Buffalo Business

Local Restaurant Week Offers Local Flavor To Western New Yorkers

"Dine Local, Dine Often, Dine Well" is the slogan for this year's Local Restaurant Week in Western New York.  Restaurants all over the greater Buffalo area are offering special deals and discounts from now until Sunday March 14th.  The staff at Localfoodservice.com are the main organizers of the event.

Businesses located as far as Eden, Youngstown and even Rochester are involved.  Most restaurants are even offering a special multi-course meal priced exactly $20.10.  

Food is not all Western New Yorkers can enjoy.  Many prominent wineries and breweries, including Sam Adams and Blue Point, are also taking part in Local Restaurant Week. 

Late winter and early spring are notoriously slow times for restaurants, so this week offers owners a chance to build rapport with consumers for now and the future.  Customers, in turn, get to sample new food and refreshments while supporting the local economy. 

Local Restaurant week is a national event, yet Buffalo is now one of the largest events with more than 150 restaurants taking part.  The majority of the restaurants are located in Buffalo's historic Elmwood district. 

Community response has been so overwhelming that today it was announced on the event's Twitter page that the event site will have to be moved to another server. 

"In the parlance of the industry we are slammed," said Vince McConeghy, community manager at LocalFoodService.com and administrator of the Twitter page. 

Visit the event online for a full list of participating restaurants, or join the conversation on Twitter now.