Amherst Chamber's Emerging Bus. Leaders holds awards gala; Hickok of Uniland among those honored

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Business Leaders, a program for young professionals, held its first annual Awards Gala recently, at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. The gala presented four young professionals and one local company with awards at the event. The following individuals and company were awarded top honors throughout the evening: Young Professional of the Year: Therese Hickok, senior marketing manager at Uniland Development Co. Hickok was honored for her work with Uniland Development as well as her involvement in the community. She is actively involved with Canisius College and was a founding board member of Road Less Traveled Productions. Entrepreneur of the Year: Joel Colombo, president and founder of 360 PSG. Colombo opened his first retail store at the age of 19, moving into website development and starting an Internet application company that produced everything from websites to custom-based web software. Community Impact Award: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills/Brian Moorman PUNT Foundation. Moorman's activity in the community extends far beyond the field at One Bills Dr. His PUNT Foundation supports pediatric cancer research, treatment and social programs and is affiliated with RPCI and Carly's Club. Rising Star Award: Lauren Byrd, founder and event coordinator with Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week. Best Place to Work for Young Professionals: Travers Collins & Co. is an integrated marketing communications agency. The event, like nothing the WNY business community has experienced before, was a success. Attendees experienced live music from hometown band More Than Me, music from emcee DJ Tony Mamaluke of Kiss 98.5, swag bags, a photo booth, Pinnacle Vodka tasting stations and signature drink, chair massages from Massage Envy, food stations and a three hour open bar.