HTN: Mining Company Wins Court Case

Mining operations will be allowed to expand at a quarry in Cheektowaga. New York State's highest court has sided with Buffalo Crushed Stone, allowing the quarry to excavate land across Indian Road. The court stated that it was unrealistic and unreasonable to require the quarry to have mined all of its 280-acre land before town zoning codes restricted operations in 1969. The high court's ruling also allows for mining on two parcels near Como Park Boulevard.

HTN: Buffalo Convention Business Mixed So Far

The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau says convention business is up, but visitor count is down. The organization says 108 new conventions, meetings, special events or amateur sporting events have been booked since the beginning of the year. That's a 27-percent increase for the 85 during the same time last year. Potential visitor bookings, however, are down by 24-point-three-percent from last year. The CVB is working with 180 new groups; that could bring 88-thousand-575 visitors to the area.

HTN: Buffalo Business on "Inc. 100 " List

Two Buffalo businesses have been recognized among the country's fastest growing inner city companies. Advanced Educational Products Inc. placed ninth on the 2009 "Inc. Magazine" Inner City 100 list. Buffalo-based SLR Contracting & Service placed 15th.

HTN: WNY in Running for Yahoo Data Center

Western New York has a chance of landing Yahoo's Northeast data center. The center is expected to employ between 50 and 100 people, possibly more after it opens. Several sites in Genessee, Niagara and Orleans counties have been considered, though there are no Erie County candidates. The center could be as big as 60-thousand-square-feet, with room for future expansion. Also in the running are Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

HTN: Controversial William Street Business

Buffalo zoning officials have put the stamp of approval on the opening of a slaughterhouse on William Street. The Common Council will also likely approve the business' license. Unanimous approval did come with conditions. No outdoor animal pens are allowed, roof and walls must be insulated to prevent odors from seeping outside, and a vent must be installed. All the proper permits must be obtained from the city, county and state. The slaughterhouse will include a butcher shop and farmers' market.

HTN: New Owner Says Labatt USA to Stay

The new owners of Labatt USA have vowed to keep the company's offices in Buffalo, and also hope to grow its employment. New York City-based KPS Capital partners bought Labatt USA, as well as High Falls Brewing Co. in Rochester, from InBev, the parent company of Anheuser-Busch. Labatt USA handles the importing and marketing of Labatt's Blue and other Canadian brands. The US Justice Department has required InBev to divest Labatt USA in order to complete its acquisition of Anheuser-Busch.

Reason with Scott Leffler

The Buffalo chapter of the Better Business Bureau talks about holiday scams and much more.

HTN: Just Pizza not just in Buffalo?

A Buffalo-based pizzeria chain may be adding locations in Florida and Las Vegas. Locally, Just Pizza operates eleven Western New York locations, plus two satellite "express" locations in downtown Buffalo. The chain has had previous interest from metro areas such as Chicago, San Antonio, and North Carolina. Former Buffalo residents will run the Sarasota and Las Vegas locations, after receiving training here. A new location in Hamburg and a three-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres to sell at HSBC Arena have just been sealed. Just Pizza was founded in 1992.

Blue Print for Buffalo-Niagara

Local leaders from the Buffalo Niagara region say they've found a way to help the state get out of financial crisis. Their "blueprint" includes expanding the University of Buffalo by 2020. That plan is considered "the future of the Buffalo Niagara Region." Business leaders are saying the plan is a good thing, since it won't require state money to complete. UB is looking to be able to establish their own tuition policies, and approval of the move would cost the state nothing.

Last WNY Krispy Kreme Kloses

Krispy Kreme has closed its last store in Western New York. 2021 Walden Avenue went out of business on Saturday. Two dozen employees lost their jobs. Now, the closest Krispy Kreme to Buffalo is in Erie, P-A.

Chef's Plans Expansion, Drive-Through

Chef’s is going to add a drive-through to its popular location at Seneca and Chicago Street. The classic Italian restaurant also plans a significant addition to the front of its 75-year-old building, including a new handicapped-accessible entrance. Chef's kitchen will be relocated, and there will be more seating space. The plan awaits the approval of the Buffalo Planning Board.