Buffalo Branding Project

Most people are unaware of the incredible assets our city possesses. Could part of the problem be a “branding” issue?   Follow us as we explore some of our region’s most under “marketed” assets.

Text By Kyle Patterson.

Artwork by LJ Anderson, Kyle Patterson, Reilley Group

The perception of cities, and the mental image held of them, became active components of economic success or failure,” says Ann O'M. Bowman and Michael A. Pagano  in their book, Terra Incognito.  The fact is when it comes to building a global brand, companies like Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble and Nike have it down. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year assuring the brand names are on the tip of our tongue. The more exposure they have, the more mindshare in a consumers thoughts. Case in point—Kleenex became so good at branding, that the name, READ MORE...

Let Them LOL

An Interview with Co-Founder and Director of Let Them LOL, Kate Vacanti. Let Them LOL is a non-profit organization based in Buffalo raising funds for clean water wells in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Photos by Courtney Campbell

Sierra Leone is considered the poorest country in the world right now...what motivates or inspires you to do what you do there?

Sierra Leone has been at the bottom of the index of developing countries for a long time now. Although extremely poor, its people are some of the most inspiring, beautiful people I have ever met.

They have absolutely nothing, and yet they will give you whatever they do have. They have infectious smiles despite a daily struggle to simply survive.

There are a lot of needs in the world, we can't meet them all, but we can do something.  Nearly one billion people on our planet don't have access to clean water. The people involved with Let them LOL say that this is unacceptable. We can and we must do something to change that. Clean water gives the people of Sierra Leone a hand up, not a hand out. It empowers them to embrace a better future. READ MORE...

Church on Tap

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery offers more than just food & drinks.

By Kyle Patterson

After the dust has settled from the weekend gatherings at one of Buffalo’s premier city destinations, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, there is another type of meeting that happens each Sunday morning within the four story brick structure at the corner of Pearl Street and Seneca. This group however isn’t there primarily to eat and drink, though they do serve a continental breakfast each Sunday gathering, they are there to meet as a community of faith, sharing the word of God from the Bible and singing together about the goodness of God through Jesus. 

Church on Tap is a growing community of Jesus followers who are, in their own words, intentional about breaking down barriers that have existed between “church world” and the rest of the world. This group of believers is composed of mostly young adults ages 20-30 something, and, READ MORE...

Seven Seas Sailing Open Enrollment

For 42 years Seven Seas Sailing Center has taught families around the region the love and art of sailing. Classes are open now for enrollment. Don't miss the opportunity that living next to one of the Great Lakes affords Western New Yorkers! Enroll Today.