BUFFALO, NY (Nov. 27) – World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) president Craig Turner announced today that at the organization’s annual meeting on Wednesday, November 14, the WTCBN Board of Directors elected Steve Briggs, VP of Sales for Dynabrade, Inc., as its new Board chairman. Nancy Dempsey, of Unifrax, who has served as chair for the past two years, stepped down recently for personal reasons.
“The only thing that cushions the blow of losing a fantastic Board chair is replacing her with another fantastic Board chair,” said Turner. “Nancy’s positive impact on WTCBN will be felt for a long time, as her vision for the future, coupled with a conscientious attention to detail, has put this organization on the right track for growth. Steve has been one of WTCBN’s most enthusiastic champions, and we’re looking forward to his leadership as we navigate a confusing, and often tumultuous, trade environment on behalf of our members.”
Dempsey was elected to the position of Chairperson in January, 2017 and re-elected earlier this year. Under her leadership, the organization underwent a leadership change at the executive position, moved forward the regional conversation surrounding the concept of a World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara building, and strengthened its presence through its entire territory, including Southern Ontario.
“It has been an honor and privilege to work with the WTCBN board of directors, staff and partners as chair, and I know the organization is in good hands with our incoming chair, Steve Briggs,” said Dempsey. “As with most organizations, how WTCBN has achieved success and progress in the past does not necessarily translate to the needs of importers, exporters and service providers in today’s environment, and I believe wholeheartedly that WTCBN is prepared for the next evolution of global business.”
“Nancy’s leadership over the past two years has been essential in not only putting WTCBN in a stronger place financially, but also recruiting staff, board members and stakeholders intent upon growing international trade opportunities in our region,” Briggs. “I look forward to building on the great work that she and our Board of Directors have done in positioning this organization for significant and impactful growth over the next few years.”
The WTCBN Board also voted to nominate six new Board members, who will begin their terms in January, 2019. The new Board members are:
Kenneth Graham, Senior Associate, Phillips Lytle LLP
Eileen Martin, Partner, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman
Tim Palisano, President & CEO, WNY Foreign Trade Zone Operators
Damon Piatek, President & CEO, Welke Customs Brokers USA
James Resetar, VP of Finance & Administration, Eastman Machine Company
Steve Weathers, President & CEO, Erie County Industrial Development Agency
WTCBN’s 2019 Annual Meeting and 30th Anniversary Celebration focused on the organization’s accomplishments on behalf of the region’s international trade community, the past year’s activity, and a look ahead to 2019.
