Press Releases

Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Inaugural “Gala for the Southtowns”

Celebrating Local Businesses, Educators, and Future Leaders

HAMBURG, NY – The Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new annual event, the Gala for the Southtowns, a premier celebration honoring the businesses of today and the leaders of tomorrow.

This premier banquet will bring together the Southtowns community for an evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration.

This new event reflects the Chamber’s continued commitment to strengthening the Southtowns through visibility, growth, and community connection.

“The Gala for the Southtowns is about celebrating what makes our region special — our businesses, our educators, and our young leaders,” said Matt Heidt, Executive Director of the Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to create an event that recognizes excellence while investing in the future of our community.”

The evening will also include the presentation of the Chamber’s annual high school scholarships, reinforcing its dedication to workforce development and supporting future talent in the Southtowns.

Nominate your favorite local business, non-profit, emerging leader, or educator today! Nominations accepted until April 16, 2026.

✨ What to Expect

Recognition of outstanding local businesses and nonprofit organizations
Honors for educators making a difference in our schools
Awards for high school students demonstrating leadership and service
Presentation of SRCC High School Scholarships
Networking with business and community leaders from across the region

🎯 Event Purpose

The Gala for the Southtowns is designed to:

Celebrate excellence across business, education, and community impact
Strengthen connections within the Southtowns region
Support workforce development and future leaders
Elevate the visibility of organizations making a difference

📅 Event Details

Date: May 20, 2026
Location: Michael’s Event Center, 4885 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, NY 14075

🏆 Award Categories

Community Impact Award (Business)
Emerging Leader Award (Individual – under 40)
Small, Mid-Sized, and Large Business of the Year
Nonprofit of the Year
Educator of the Year

📣 Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of this exciting new tradition:

Submit a nomination — Nominations accepted until April 16
Attend the Gala
Sponsor the event
Support our scholarship program

Sign up for our Newsletter

Autumn Expo 2024 Vendors

Participating Vendors Include

EarthWise Pet – Show Sponsor!
Bright Green Roof of WNY – Show Sponsor!
Picture Your Walls – Show Sponsor!
Bec’s Bath & Body Boutique – Show Sponsor!
Henna by BK – Show Sponsor!
Elements Dance & 4Life, Hamburg Skatepark Project with demos!
World Class Karate – Entertainment!
Performing Arts Dance Academy – Entertainment!
Crazy Christine Balloon – Twisting Fun!
Henry’s Garden – Photo Fun!
Verona Blu
Optavia – Marie Aungst
Missy’s Original Jewelry
Creations from Crow
Tastefully Simple – Jennifer Shine
Loving elida
Mead People 716
Buffalo Boards
Dream Co
Katie’s Krafty Needle
Ark Wholesale
Createido
Purely Scentual Soaps and Gifts
Jodie’s Homemade Jam & Salsa
Cindy Marie’s Sweets
Kathleens Jewels/For the Love of Beads
Shaded Periwinkle Candle Co. LLC
Polka Dot Palette
Love’s Jewelry Boutique
Diamonds by Jean
Forest & Meadow Designs
Creations By Tatia
Marciamagic
Red Aspen
All Things Buffalo… and a little bit more
Rain Forest Air Plants
Compass Road Designs
Hello From Buffalo
Paradise in Pink Boutique
Sugar & Spice Gourmet
Sammi Jeans Closet
BFLO Branded
Signature Homestyles
Dizmanwoodworks
Freedom Gypsies Farm Winery
Vines of the Times
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling
Cherished Legacy Creations
Black Button Distilling
Divine Nosh by Gibby
Snack Bandit Desserts
Your CBD Store – Hamburg
A & A Sparkles
Mary’s Lakeside Designs
Unique NY
Jenny’s Hand Crafted Creations
Scentsy
Scentfully Crafted
Queen City Glitz
Hello Beautiful
Eutierria Candle Co
Gnomes by Felt Sew Real
Nickel city Makers
Gems and Goods by Acee
WNY Federal Credit Union
Evolution Health and Wellness
Vibrational Beings
The Naked Tree
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Plexus
JH Designs
Norwex
Laney Rose Jewelry
Creations TOO-Tell You About
Everdry Waterproofing
Equitable Advisors: Michael DeLong
Flourish Gift Shop
Suzanna M Rodriguez’s metal garden décor.
A little bit of
Tupperware
Kilted Eagle Woodworking
S & P Designs
Marcia Smith Coaching & Consulting
We R Nuts
Heart Jewelry and Craft
Buddy’s Creations
Euphoric Life
Kreesta Bee Crochet
Punny Girl Creations
Cityview Creations
Yonder Star Candles & Gifts
Creative Oasis
Jennifer Conklin (Author)
Bricks and Minifigs
Chaitali’s Creations
Vivian’s Creations
Vaughn Collectibles
Color Street
Alpha Importers
Simply Red Emporium
Charmed Handmade Jewelry
Arkwright Crafts
Trimex Global, LLC
Silver Lining Jewelry
Southtowns Trophy
LJZ Nature Inspired
Rhinegold Farms
Boutique by G
Victorianbourg Wine Estate
Water’s Edge Studio
DMA Homemade
Barks n Meows
South of the City Designs
Stein’s 3Designs
Korri’s Home
Hello Bootiful Designs
KDK’s
Lavender Healing and Wellness
Blasted By Design
JJL Crafts
Cutco
Apple Cove Farm
Melissa Betrus (Author)
Crazy Daisy Honey
Molly Brown Cookie Co.
Simply Red Emporium
Brundage Creations
Essentially Well Oiled
J&J Maple
Orangetherory Fitness
Tonyio – Men’s Jewelry
Me & The Girls
M&M 716 Designs
Amy’s Empty Nest
Gotcha Covered of WNY
Otterwear Originals
Broken Cabin Creations
Josie’s Jewelry
Salted Buffalo 716
Smellbound Designs
Brenda’s Lights
Mystic Gifts
Lake Effect Aluminum
Blessing’s Of The Bling

Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Inaugural “Gala for the Southtowns”