NEW VIDEO POST SERVICE - Get your YouTube video on Niagara Buzz! We now do posts featuring videos of your business, which also get listed on Video.NiagaraBuzz.biz. This gives your video even more exposure to search engines on the web, which means more people could be watching it. Niagara Buzz members can just send me their YouTube video url (web link to the video). If you don’t have a video about your business, we can make one for you like we did for Deja Vu Salon.
AND AGAIN, EVEN MORE VIEWERS – And we still keep adding more viewers and September 2011 tops the charts. *smile*
TWITTER GOAL MET - Cheers for Niagara Buzz because we are now over 700 followers on Twitter and growing.
NEW THIS MONTH – Niagara Buzz news and a listing in the Niagara Business Directory are now two different services. I appreciate all of my members who joined Niagara Buzz when it was brand new – you will always have both services together as my thank you for getting onboard. New customers will join for news postings and/or for a business listings as two services.
SEPTEMBER’S STRANGEST SEARCH TERMS: mary jane candles (Mark has them at The Candle Nook) and dirty carpet (which I have at my house and need to call The Carpet Doctor about.)
SEPTEMBER’S 10 MOST POPULAR SEARCH TERMS: These are just some of the things people poke into Google that bring them to Niagara Buzz:
neat repeats middleport ny, niagara buzz, sweet sixteen café, pet replicas, knitted toys, fort hyde kennels, high def laminate countertops, biofreeze lotion, www.ourfarm.niagarabuzz.biz, hairitage salon middleport ny, middleport lawn mowers
SEND IN YOUR NEWS ITEMS – REMINDER
Send me your updates, events or special promotions. Niagara Buzz news posts have your website link at the end of it to drive traffic your way, as well as getting exposure on our Social Media sites like Twitter and Facebook and now, at Examiner.com.
** I am really cheating with Mills Jewelers. Their “Love Stories” posts really took places 5, 6 and 7. I put them altogether to give the rest of us a fighting chance . Congrats to Mills Jewelers for such a great idea!
Be sure to add us to your friends, fans and followers list and don’t forget to comment on our Facebook posts. It’s good for all of us!All of our news posts are Twittered (sometimes multiple times) and we also post our news on Facebook. This is great extra exposure for your business news and we get a lot of traffic from both Twitter and Faceook.
Like us on Facebook. We are OVER 1000 friends now. Our new goal? 1500.
Follow us on Twitter. More than 700 followers. We are now aiming for 800.
And please check out and “like” The Candle Nook on Facebook if you have not done so already!
Not a member of Niagara Buzz yet? Get onboard with news, exposure and promtion of your business and events. Call me at (716) 622-2470 to get started. Read more
That’s what the told me when I mentioned that Maedl’s Woodcrafts makes kitchen cabinets. While they do, and their customers brag that they have a Maedl Kitchen, apparently there are people who brag about their Maedl’s den, office or bathroom cabinets too.
And then they added that Maedl’s Woodcrafts also is known for their custom counter tops, not just cabinets, so I was a bit more than red faced.
It seems that many people, instead of moving to a new home, are updating their homes more now that the economy is a bit tighter. They aren’t only redoing kitchens, they are updating bathrooms, dens and office spaces too.
Of course, the cabinets and counter tops are focal points in each of these spaces, and here is where Maedl’s can help the most by custom fitting cabinets to your space. Store bought cabinets out of a chain store come in specific sizes and you install them where they fit.
Get the most from your dollar too, because the prices for Maedl’s and the box stores cabinets are NOT that different. Call (716) 735-7631 to schedule a visit with Maedl’s Woodcrafts.
Maedl’s Woodcrafts
MaedlsWoodcrafts.NiagaraBuzz.biz
33 Mechanic Street
Middleport, NY 14105
When you want something special sent to a loved one, you need to call Apple Blossom Florist, 530 Main Street in Medina.
My Floral Arrangement – Gift From My Hubby
This is my floral arrangement that my husband sent to me last week to mark a special event in my life. He asked for something with a fall feeling that was bright and cheerful AND reasonably priced. He did very well! I love it and these flowers caught every visitor’s eye when they came into my kitchen.
I Sent Flowers to Buffalo From Apple Blossom
Yesterday, I called Apple Blossom Florist at (585) 798-2421 to order flowers for my daughter whose last day of work was this week. I asked for something in purples and lavenders, her favorite colors, and oh! What she got was spectacular. I will post that picture too in a future article.
And if you want to make your floral arrangement even more unique, you can have candy from Barker Chocolate Box or candles from The Candle Nook LLC in Medina be worked into your arrangement. Talk about special! Flowers and candy or candles in one package – that’s a winner.
Reverse-a-Purse In Appleton at Gifts From The Village
You may have heard about Reverse-a-Purse, the unique way of stretching your stylish wardrobe by changing or reversing covers. You will fool everyone with your seemingly endless cache of purses but you will know that you just performed some fashion magic.
Now you can carry a stylish, colorful reversible and interchangeable purse that matches every outfit in your wardrobe. Simply flip the interchangeable/reversible decorative cover to completely change your look. Or, remove the cover for simple elegance. And we have them at Gifts From The Village, 1904 Hess Road in Appleton!
Nice Stop On The Trail
Gifts From The Village carries the Reverse-a-Purse in our quaint little shop that is a perfect side stop when you are visiting wineries on the wine trail. Gifts From the Village is near Marjim Manor and Black Willow Winery. We have some wine-themed items and any one of them would be a perfect momento of your trip on the trail.
Gifts From The Village is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 4:30.
Who doesn’t love fudge? And the fudge from Barker Chocolate Box is creamy, delicious and simply melts in your mouth. And now you can get your fudge fix at Apple Blossom Florist, 530 Main Street in Medina and the two newest locations, Niagara Emporium’s Olde Country Store, 10867 Main Street in Clarence and at Black Willow Winery, 5565 West Lake Road in Burt.
Why the Winery?
Because people have discovered the taste sensation of pairing wine with chocolate – especially a nice red wine – and you need to have a bit of fudge from Barker Chocolate Box handy at Black Willow Winery to do that. When paired together, the tastes become richer, more full-bodied and give the taster even more enjoyment. (Maybe it’s not “a minute on the lips” in this case. The tastes seem to last longer when paired. It will eventually get to the hips.)
What About the Emporium?
They carry a lot of the gift items you can find at their mall store, but this new store has an atmosphere like no other. Right now there are three rooms chuck full of items and the store will grow bigger as we renovate the rest of he building. A courtyard will also be open by spring. W e carry more antiques here from lamps and glassware and silver to costume jewelry and taxidermy mounts – stuff is hanging everywhere. And there is fudge from Barker Chocolate Box!
Barker Chocolate Box BarkerChocolateBox.com
9704 Townline Road
Barker, New York 14012
Phone: (716) 572-4940
While our name is Fort Hyde Kennels, at Fort Hyde located at 8513 Ridge Road (Rt. 104) in Gasport, we have so much more for your pets.
We offer a complete line of services for both your dogs and cats including:
pet boarding
pet grooming
professional daycare
a modern facility with heating and air conditioning
large comfortable runs
separate cattery
exercise yards
24 hour attendance
quiet section for special needs pets
special diet and medications
special long-term rates
pet shipping
Not sure about us? We ask that you come and visit to see for yourself our impeccably clean, comfortable home-away-from-home for your pets. Just call us at (716) 772-2356.
And if you have any questions about our training programs, yappy hour, birthday parties for pets at Fort Hyde or our Pet Health line of products, check our website using the link below or just call us – we don’t bite.
Fort Hyde Kennels
FortHydeKennels.com
8513 Ridge Road
Gasport, NY 14067
Phone: (716) 772-2356
Over this past year, you’ve read post after post and tweet after tweet about what you should be doing to better your marketing efforts. Well, 2012 is just around the corner (crazy, right?), and it’s time to actually take action on beefing up your marketing for the upcoming year. While planning your marketing for 2012, here are a few ideas from Summit Print & Mail, 6042 Old Beattie Road in Lockport, to incorporate into your plan.
QR Codes
Quick Response Codes aren’t something new, but that doesn’t mean you’ve tried them yet. It’s time to realize that using QR codes isn’t about slapping one on a marketing piece and waiting to see what happens. You need to use them strategically to grow your business. Make sure you create a landing page on your website for each QR code you have so visitors that took the time to scan have a specific call to action and you can measure results. Need help? Give us a call at Summit Print & Mail at 433-1014.
Start a Blog
What better addition to your website is there than a blog? Okay, that was rhetorical—you don’t need to answer that. Having a blog on your website is a great way of building your brand and positioning yourself as an expert in what you do. Posting, even just once a week, shows that your website is not stagnant and that it’s constantly being updated. Plus search engines will find you for the specific area of expertise; and that means your potential customers will as well.
Send Out Newsletters
No matter what those bullies on the web are saying, print isn’t dead. Direct mail is still an effective way to attract customers. Sending out a newsletter is a great way to keep your company in the minds of your customers. Make it fun and educational, with content that your readers would appreciate. Heck, you can even include posts from that blog you just started. Remember to keep the newsletter short enough to read in just a few minutes so it doesn’t get thrown in the read later pile. We specialized in eye-catching newsletter and and help you get yours out to reach your customers. Call Cookie and see how easy it is for Summit Print & Mail to help you get your newsletter working for you.
Think these marketing tactics through, try them out and watch your marketing, along with your business, grow. Get 2012 off to a great start by feeling great about your marketing. You should see some leads start to pour in—and that’s not a bad thing.
Summit Print & Mail, LLC
SummitPrintMail.com
6042 Old Beattie Road
Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: (716) 433-1014
At Ace Spalding Hardware, we have everything you need to fix, remodel, paint, freshen up, rewire, your home but we don’t stop there. We also have something very special for the bird lover in your home – our new Bird Niche. If you have someone who just can’t get into your home repair or improvement projects, but loves the birds and the bees, bring them to Ace Spalding Hardware and they won’t want to leave. There will be too much for them to see from amazing bird feeders, displays, backyard lawn and garden decorations and the food to attract your fine feathered friends for every season.
Love the birds?
You will love the Bird Niche! The best part of any home and garden collection cannot be bought in a store, but “it” can be enticed by an inviting backyard set-up. The Bird Niche has everything you’ll need to bring nature to your yard and watch it from your window or patio.
Stop in to visit the Bird Niche inside Spalding Ace Hardware at 215 Davison Road in Lockport, and you will be amazed at the selection of great items to make your place a real bird haven!
Spalding Ace Hardware
215 Davison Road
Lockport, New York 14094
Phone: (716) 433-8155 And check out: Standish-Jones Building Supply
and Always Christmas
4440 Central Ave, Gasport, NY 14067
Phone: (716) 772-2611
Points Acupuncture, now at two locations, makes acupuncture more afforable for everyone of any means.
Stacey Austin of Points Acupuncture, has just adopted the sliding scale method seen in ‘community style’ acupuncture settings.
There is a sliding scale fee of $35-55 per treatment with a one-time $20 paperwork charge for the first visit (so sliding scale fee of $55-75 for first treatment).
“With this method I hope that anyone intereted in trying acupuncture before who thought they couldnt afford it, can now do so. Each individual person decides what they can afford, no questions asked, no proof of income needed,” says Stacey.
The most important thing is that people are coming through the doors getting treatment to help them get better, the sliding scale allows them to pay whatever they can budget so they are able to get through the doors and get treatment. With a sliding scale, she cannot bill insurance BUT if their insurance company will cover acupuncture, Stacey will give them a superbill and reciept to submit to their insurance company and they can get reimbursed directly.
Stacey adds, “I am excited about this because I want more people to come and try acupuncture and see the benefits of it no matter what their means.”
Points Acupuncture
2658 No. Main Street
Newfane, NY 14108
Phone: (716) 628-3802
Or
Christopher Family Chiropractic
350 Alberta Drive Suite 204
Amherst, NY 14226
There’s a story behind every engagement ring and this video from Mills Jewelers, 51 Main Street in Lockport, is a great place to find out more. In fact, their website (see link below) is full of some amazing love stories that will warm anyone’s heart. But for now, watch this…
Start your story at Mills Jewelers, 51 Main St. in Lockport, NY. Call 800-859-3135 today.
Mills Jewelers
51 Main Street
Lockport, New York 14094
Phone: (716) 433-6456
If you use a computer, you probably know that prolonged use of a computer keyboard can lead to muscle aches and discomfort. There are a few things you can do to help prevent these common problems.
Maintain good posture – Sit all the way back in the chair, against the backrest. Keep your knees equal or lower than your hips.
Avoid overreaching – Keep the mouse and keyboard within reach. Keep the most used section of the keyboard directly in front of you.
Position the monitor correctly – Center the monitor in front of you at arm’s length. You should be able to view the screen without tilting or tipping your head up or down.
Rest your eyes – Take breaks every once in a while.
Take breaks – Build in a one or two minute break every 20 to 30 minutes and a five minute break every hour.
And when you have a printing project that you would like to turn out fantastic, call Cookie at Summit Print & Mail in Lockport for quality printing for your business or non-profit.
Sign up to receive Summit Print & Mail’s “$ummit Matter$” newsletter by calling Cookie at (716) 433-1014 or send and email to info@summitprintmail.com.
Taking Your Message to the World
Summit Print & Mail, LLC
SummitPrintMail.com
6042 Old Beattie Road
Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: (716) 433-1014
I always look forward to Autumn, it’s my favorite time of year. Western New York’s weather isn’t as hot and humid as some areas, but we get our fair share of temperatures in the high 80s with close to 100% humidity. Cooking can be a challenge in that kind of weather, and we eat a lot of cold soups, salads and sandwiches when the mercury rises.
My younger son, 18, isn’t a picky eater, never has been, but my older son, even after two years of culinary arts education, is still pretty picky. These recipes satisfy both of their appetites, as well as my picky husband.
My oldest son, now almost 22 years old, was never a big fan of baked macaroni and cheese when he was young. He didn’t like the sharp flavors of Cheddar cheese, and the macaroni and cheese recipe was developed by him when he was about 9-years-old, making it a family classic. When my boys were small, we would split this recipe into two batches and they would eat their share right out of the pot, and the grownups would bake their share in the oven. This is usually the first dish gone at any family get together or potluck supper.
The Salisbury steak with gravy recipe can be made in the slow cooker, but I’ve also included instructions for the oven, too. My husband has always been a fan of Stouffer’s Salisbury steaks, but they can be expensive. This recipe makes a lot, and can be halved, if desired. I like to make the entire recipe and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. The leftovers also freeze well for another dinner.
Mills Jewelers, 51 Main Street in Lockport, has collected hundreds of romantic engagement, anniversary, and proposal stories from couples all over the world and we have posted them on our website.
It was going to be our 10 year anniversary and I wanted to find the perfect gift. I had been tossing around the idea of getting my wife a new diamond ring or a piece of fine jewelry.
I browsed through catalogs and searched various websites on the internet, but nothing struck me as being that perfect gift. Then one day I decided to go to the jewelry store to see what they had. There were so many things to look at. I thought I was going to have a very tough decision ahead of me.
As I scanned the jewelry cases there in front of me was a piece of jewelry that caught my eye. This WAS the perfect gift. It was a beautiful necklace that had diamonds representing the past, present, and future. I knew that I had to get this piece of gold jewelry for my wife. I bought the necklace and they neatly wrapped it up in a box for me.
Perfect!
The morning of our anniversary I woke up early, as I was filled with excitement. I couldn’t wait for her to open the little box and to see her expression when she saw what was inside. I knew that she was going to like it.
I presented her with the symbol of our life together, perfect. Slowly, she opened the box and began to smile. She absolutely loved it and wears it everyday to keep me close to her heart when we are not together.
Get your perfect gift item from Mills Jewelers in Lockport. If you can’t think of the perfect item, we have ideas that will help you make your own perfect gift selection – stop in and ask for us to assist you.
Mills Jewelers
51 Main Street
Lockport, New York 14094
Phone: (716) 433-6456
October means that soups are back on the menu at the Alternative Grounds Caffe, 17 Main Street in Middleport. People in this wonderfully relaxing place to enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage surrounding by friends, great music and the ambiance of the Alternative Grounds, can now have their wish – soup!
Yes, the regulars have been asking for soups to return to the menu and now they can enjoy their favorites. Whether it’s Roasted Red Pepper (my favorite), homemade Chicken Noodle, Tortilla Chicken, Mushroom Brie or the other warm and satisfying soups, there is a bowl of comfort waiting for you.
While you are enjoying your soup, ask if you can see the upstairs banquet room. It’s the perfect place for your Christmas or Holiday Party.
One thing we always hear when people visit the Alternative Grounds Caffe for the first time, are compliments (and surprise) at how beautiful the interior of our café is. The woodworking, the glass encased countertops, the fireplace, leather furniture, or the great look out the front window perched from your stool as you watch life and boats go under Middleport’s liftbridge on the historic Erie Canal all amaze people. Yes, it is beautiful inside and we also have free Wi-Fi for you to use while you wait for your soup.
Looking for a stylist who is a Master Barber, listens to you and what you want done with your hair, and has great prices? Then you need to meet Terri at Hairitage Salon, 91 Telegraph Road in Middleport.
Terri has been a stylist and Master Barber in the area for years and has recently gone out on her own, opening her salon Hairitage in Middleport. One of her strengths is listening to what her customers want done with their hair and then being able to make that into a reality.
She has a complete line of services at Hairitage Salon including cuts, clipper cuts, permanents, color with both lowlights and highlights as well as waxing services. Stop in and see Terri for your new look and to see her prices, just take a look at how reasonable they are. Hairitage is THE place to get your kids their haircuts and not break your budget!
The Hairitage Salon
91 Telegraph Road
Middleport, New York 14105
Phone: (585) 205-1514
Royalton Bible Church has two Connection Groups that meet during the week to hear and discuss God’s word.
This is a great way to bring here and now meaning to God’s word in the Bible on a weekly basis.
We have two locations that our groups meet. The Akron Connection Group meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The Gasport Connection Group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Call us at the Royalton Bible Church at 433-8030 to learn more about out Connection Groups and how you can attend a session.
Sunday Service – each Sunday at 10:30 AM. All are welcome to attend!
Royalton Bible Church RoyaltonCommunityChurch.com
8457 Bunker Hill Road
Gasport, NY 14067
Phone:(716) 433-8030
Most folks think that having a custom kitchen is significantly more expensive than one from a large chain or a kitchen “box” store. Surprise! It’s not.
Time and time again, customers call us and are happy to find that our prices are about the same. BUT, there is one big difference.
We make us of all of your available space. Cabinets out of a box aren’t built just for your area – they can’t be. We measure and design to take advantage of what space you have available and we have some unique and different things we can do to make your space a true custom kitchen. We have years of experience in doing so that you can have put to work in your kitchen.
When you need a new kitchen, don’t write off having a custom kitchen from Maedl’s Woodcrafts. Call us at (716) 735-7631 and we can give you an estimate. Get the most for your money – call Maedl’s Woodcrafts.
We have a large hardware selection from many different distributors so that your project can have just the right finishing touch.
Established in 1975, Maedl’s Woodcrafts has been building custom cabinets that are a perfect fit for your home and your budget. We take your investment seriously – don’t settle for chipboard, flakeboard or vinyl-coated simulated “wood” cabinets. Get the most for your dollars.
Maedl’s Woodcrafts
MaedlsWoodcrafts.NiagaraBuzz.biz
33 Mechanic Street
Middleport, NY 14105
Just scan this QR code with your Smartphone or iPhone and show it to Cindy from Barker Chocolate Box at any of her events until December 31, 2011 and you can get a FREE peanut butter cone.
How? Just watch Niagara Buzz for upcoming events where Barker Chocolate Box will be and get your FREE peanut butter cone with your purchase by showing Cindy your coupon!
Special treat for anyone making a purchse with a smartphone – just scan this code!
Barker Chocolate Box BarkerChocolateBox.com
9704 Townline Road
Barker, New York 14012
Phone: (716) 572-4940
NEW VIDEO POST SERVICE - Get your YouTube video on Niagara Buzz! We now do posts featuring videos of your business, which also get listed on Video.NiagaraBuzz.biz. This gives your video even more exposure to search engines on the web, which means more people could be watching it. Niagara Buzz members can just send me their YouTube video url (web link to the video). If you don’t have a video about your business, we can make one for you like we did for Deja Vu Salon.
I always look forward to Autumn, it’s my favorite time of year. Western New York’s weather isn’t as hot and humid as some areas, but we get our fair share of temperatures in the high 80s with close to 100% humidity. Cooking can be a challenge in that kind of weather, and we eat a lot of cold soups, salads and sandwiches when the mercury rises.
