Picture: (back left) Erin Sharkey, Tim Herzog, Chris Murowski,

Jonathon Welch (front left) Erin Cala, Bob Syracuse, Amy Kedron,

and Kelly Maurer (not pictured) Alexa Wajed and Lou Santiago.

_{Photo by Michael Mulley}

Board of Directors

follow the "more" link bios and pictures

Erin Cala, UB Green

"We educate members of our community on the importance of having a locally focused economy, which prioritizes people and the environment, in addition to profits."  more

Tim Herzog, Flying Bison Brewing Company

"Buffalo First is a lightning rod for our mutual success.  The board is working (and having fun doing it) to make Buy Local much more than a slogan."  more

Kelly Maurer, Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union

"I am very proud to be part of an organization that strives to create an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect in our community."  more

Chris Murawski, Caz Coffee Cafe

Lou Santiago, Latino Business Owners Association

"The small business man...puts their survival in their own hands...This is the American dream.  Other people notice and then they may feel empowered to have their dreams too."  more

Erin Sharkey, Growing Green, Massachusetts Avenue Project

Bob Syracuse, Pizza Plant

"It is our responsibility at Buffalo First to get a singular message out, that when we buy local we thrive locally."  more

Alexa Wajed, Gallery 51 

"I enjoy knowing that the decisions I make regarding where I purchase my groceries, my clothing and gifts makes a difference and has an impact in the place I call home and where I am raising my children."  more

Jonathon Welch, Talking Leaves Books

"Buffalo First is exciting because it brings people together in our community in a concerted way to address and redress the limitations of our current economy, and to celebrate and strengthen the truly fundamental and necessary local living economy."  more

Buffalo First Staff

Amy Kedron, Founding Executive Director

"When a community is able to locally operate its businesses, schools, government, organizations and media, it thrives.  People not only have a say in how things happen but they feel a greater sense of responsibility to and respect for the people and environment around them." more. 

Maya Shermer, Intern

Brad Torchia, Intern

"With Buffalo First we have a great vehicle to educate the public on the benefits of a prosperous local economy"  more