Amy Kedron began Buffalo First in 2006. She is a Buffalo native. She began researching local ownership in 1998 at the National Center for Economic and Security Alternatives in Washington DC. Kedron started working in the nonprofit sector in 1996 as vice president and later treasurer of Sub Board One Inc. at the University at Buffalo. She has two master's degrees from Columbia University, a law degree and she is finishing a PhD in American Studies. She is passionate about blending academic theory and action.

"We can facilitate greater social justice often by ensuring that the 'little guy' in our communities has not only access to but control over neighborhood resources. This is why 'local' matters to me. When a community is able to own their neighborhood businesses, schools, government, organizations and media, it thrives. People not only have a say in how things happen but they feel a greater sense of responsibility to and respect for the people and environment around them."

"The thing I love most about Buffalo First is the members that I interact with on a daily basis. Many of them are independent shop owners. To them business is far more than a way to make money—it is their lives. Some are so passionate about their business that they will work a second job, just to keep the doors open. They often have relationships with patrons that go back years—even generations. They know not only the names of their employees but the names of their employees' children. They are engaged: they keep up on the decisions of the local neighborhood association and their elected officials. They have pride in what they do and they have pride in where they are. They work to make our communities healthy, vibrant and meaningful because they are part of it."

A proud native of Buffalo, New York, Rebecca Newberry joined the Buffalo First staff in 2009.

Rebecca has a strong passion for community organizing and engagement. She established her footing as an organizer with the Buffalo Activist Network in 2001. Her work with B.A.N led her to educate, both locally and nationally around issues of fair trade and corporate globalization.

Rebecca received her undergraduate degree in Health Science from SUNY Brockport. In 2007, she founded the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley's CampusOUT program, an organizing and advocacy program for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) and ally students. In addition to working with students, Rebecca engaged youth service providers to formulate a response to LGBT youth homelessness in the Monroe County area.

Her work as a interim administrative organizer with the Rochester-Genesee Valley Labor Federation (AFL-CIO) in early 2009 resulted in the formation of Next Generation United, a coalition of younger Labor that increases the visibly of younger workers through education, engagement, and mobilization for social and economic justice.

Rebecca returned to Buffalo in 2009, where she is currently working on her Masters in Communication and Leadership at Canisius College. Rebecca is excited to contribute to Buffalo First's mission for the development of a a socially responsible, community owned economy in Western New York.

Sarah Bishop has served in the capacity of Director of Operations at the Institute on Religion and Public Policy in Washington, D.C., an international, non-profit organization that works globally to promote human rights--specifically religious freedom. During Bishop's tenure at the Institute, she worked tirelessly to highlight the plight of the poor as well as issues particularly pertinent to women, which lead to her regular contribution to The Grieboski Report. Bishop has also been published in The Cutting Edge News, an online news source, for her astute insight on the subject matter.

Upon returning to Buffalo, Bishop joined Envision Productions as a PR/Marketing Assistant; there she diligently researched, evaluated, coordinated and assisted in the management of client portfolio. She also spent considerable time and gained invaluable experience in the realm of international business, media outlets, public relations and editing.

Bishop's non-profit experience, public policy expertise and educational background will be advantageous in furthering the mission of Buffalo First. She is excited to be part of such a dynamic team that is committed to thriving the local economy with the help of a strong, involved and socially conscious Buffalo community.

Sarah Bishop holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science and Intercultural Studies from Houghton College.

Originally from Syracuse, NY, Heather Gring moved to Buffalo to attend Buffalo State College in 2004. Throughout her education, Heather has been involved with many art and architecture projects and strongly believes in the importance of civic engagement. After receiving a Bachelors of Arts in Art History with a minor concentration in Museum Studies in 2008, Heather joined WNY AmeriCorps for a year-long term of service. Her desire to be placed at Buffalo First stemmed from her appreciation of the culture, arts, and people of western New York, and the potential inherent here.