NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. (June 3, 2008) - The Niagara University Family Business Center will be honoring the Perry family and Perry's Ice Cream Co., Inc. at the 2008 Family Business of the Year at the Center's 5^th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, June 17, 2008.   

Brian T. Perry, Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman will be on hand to accept the award.  The event will be held at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, 25 Nottingham Court, Buffalo, NY, from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Vincent Agnello, Director of the Center said, "Perry's Ice Cream was selected 2008 Family Business of the Year for its commitment to family business and to the Western New York.  In addition to it growth and economic base it provides to the area, Perry's Ice Cream is also committed to making life better for the community. The company sponsors charitable teams, supports nonprofit agencies and donates products to community organizations throughout Western New York."

Established in 2003 the Niagara University Family Business Center is dedicated to serving the needs of family and privately owned businesses in Western New York and Southern Ontario through the exchange of knowledge.

The Center's mission is to develop and exchange relevant information on family business issues in order to strengthen the stability and long term viability of family and privately owned businesses through education, research, and service.  More than 90 % of all American businesses are owned and operated by families.  

For more information about the event or to RSVP call 286-8160.  There is no charge to attend, but space is limited.

For more information, contact Vincent Agnello, director of the Center at 716-286-8172 or web at www.niagara.edu/fbc.

Contact:  Vincent Agnello, Director                                             

Tel: 716-286-8172

Cell Phone:  716-946-3937

Email: agnello@niagara.edu