Artists Market: Sponsor Spotlight

Any philanthropic work business is involved in?
We are a company that believes in a triple bottom line method of running our business. We focus on three key metrics which are financial, Social, and environmental. A part of this is being socially responsible and engaged in the communities in which we operate; we look at how we can use beer to help drive awareness of a certain cause. Examples of some of the most recent philanthropic work we have done include Labatt USA donating $250,000 towards funding and outfitting sled hockey teams in the US, also giving back to women of the military with our Seagrams brand. In addition to we have also partnered up with local food banks in Buffalo and Rochester and donated money back per case of beer sold to help feed the homeless. These are just a few examples of some of the larger things that we do; there are so many smaller sized fundraisers/benefits that we are a part of on a local sales level that we seldom document. Being philanthropists is in our DNA.Why did the business decide to sponsor the Artists Market?
It’s always good to help support our neighboring local businesses. We feel that to be a good neighbor we have to step up in any way we can so being at the artists market was a no brainer for us. It also helps reinforce to the local community that Labatt and North American Breweries are a local company.What is the best part about working and being located in Buffalo?
Buffalo is just such a cool city with tons of things to do. The revitalization and developments happening right outside our office windows has been great to witness since we moved our headquarters here in 2007. It is such a great city to call home and we always where the Buffalo Shield on our sleeve no matter where we go.

What is the greatest feature/accomplishment of your business?
The fact that we are closing in on almost ten years of our offices being headquartered in Buffalo is pretty special.

About your Company?
Mike, my husband, and I started our florist in our present location in 1980. I have been a floral designer and florist since high school where I majored in Horticulture and Art.Favorite thing about your company?
My business is never boring. Everyday is different, the flowers are seasonal, it’s liking seeing old friends with each season. We create beautiful floral arrangements for every occasion, Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Funerals, Weddings, Parties, Proms or for any reason a person needs flowers.What is the company’s greatest accomplishment so far?
The fact that we are closing in on almost ten years of our offices being headquartered in Buffalo is pretty special.

Favorite part about spring?
Watching the world around us come back to life with the sights, sounds and smells of spring.

Any philanthropic work business is involved in?
Ko-Ed Candies regularly donates gift-baskets of chocolate to local fundraisers and benefits.Why did the business decide to sponsor the Artists Market?
The Artists Market is a great idea, giving Buffalo residents a chance to explore their local businesses in one place, and in a fun community atmosphere.What is the best part about working and being located in Buffalo?
Where to begin? There is always excitement in the air; there’s always a concert or neighborhood event bringing Buffalonians closer together; everybody wants to be here. The people of Buffalo know how to work hard, and play hard. As a company that gets to be a part of people’s good times, where better to be than Buffalo?

What is the greatest feature/accomplishment of your business?
Shipping our sponge candy all over the United States through our website, www.spongecandy.com.

Why is your business excited for the market?
We look forward to seeing our regular customers, as well as introducing our chocolate to people who may not have enjoyed it before.

Ko-Ed Candies Background Story:
Since 1947, Ko-Ed Candies has been creating some of the finest Chocolate Confections the WNY area has to offer. It started with Ed Kolher & Theodora Edington, purchased by Charlie & Phyllis Whitt in 1969, and then purchased by Mr. Whitt’s son Gary and his wife Sandy in 1985. The three families have kept that fine tradition of superior Chocolate Confections that we’ve all come to love for over 67 years.

In 2014, Gary and Sandy decided to retire. The Urban family, however, still has some time until the golden years. Though already hard at work with their day-to-day involvement with Platter’s Chocolate, they made the decision to carry on the Ko-Ed tradition from the Whitts. The Chocolate community in WNY is small and friendly, and our family has known the Whitts professionally for years. We’ve always admired the Whitt’s confectionery meticulousness, and relationship with the South Buffalo community.

Two years later, the Ko-Ed tradition is still alive and well. We are thrilled to be doing what we love, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to carry on the legacy of one of the most revered names in chocolate in Upstate New York.

About your Company?
Named after the owners daughters, Sarah Danielle was intended as an
amenity for those in the Ellicott Square Building – a convenient place for
them to grab a last minute gift or anything they might need throughout the
day. With its recent partnership with Her Story, it has quickly became a
place where people can shop, especially women, in a beautiful environment.
The boutique sells also products that are unique, as well as many from local
artists and entrepreneurs. It is a place where people can come to escape the
stress of their day, and can achieve a few minutes of relief from the chaos
of everyday life.
Any philanthropic work business is involved in?
Sarah Danielle has partnered on many events with her sister store, Her
Story on Elmwood – fundraising for Breast Cancer and creating awareness for
women’s wellness. We also like to support local women in business in the
boutique, show casing the strong voice and presence women have in our
community.
What is the company’s greatest accomplishment so far?
We think the greatest accomplishment to date is providing a beautiful
space where people can shop and relax- take a minute out of their crazy days
while supporting local business and unique gifts.
Why is your business excited for the market?
Sarah Danielle wanted to sponsor because we believe in our community, and
the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and thriving in
Buffalo. The Ellicott Square building is a beautiful and historic backdrop
for such an amazing event. This event provides a chance for people to see it
– while also supporting local business. We believe in everyone working
together to create amazing things.