What does this chamber of commerce do?

The organization represents business interests through policy advocacy, promotes economic development, and provides member services including networking and educational programs. Operating with $9.4M in annual revenue and 168 employees, it serves as the voice of business community in regional policy discussions.

Who can become a member?

Membership is open to businesses and organizations operating in or interested in the regional market. Members gain access to networking events, advocacy representation, educational programs, and resources supporting business growth while contributing to regional economic development initiatives.

How does the chamber advocate for business?

The organization monitors legislation and regulatory issues affecting business community, develops policy positions, and advocates before government entities. Staff and volunteer leaders engage with elected officials and policymakers to represent member interests and promote pro-business policies.

What economic development activities does the chamber conduct?

Economic development efforts include marketing regional business advantages, supporting business attraction and retention, promoting workforce development, and partnering with public and private stakeholders on infrastructure and quality of life improvements that strengthen economic competitiveness.

The Buffalo Club

Buffalo, NY · Founded 1867

Private social club fostering fellowship and community engagement since 1867

Primary audience

Businesses

Work area

Economic Development

Topic

Business Advocacy

Contact

Kevin Pinkert

Website Contact

About Organization

Based in Buffalo, NY, The Buffalo Club provides members with dining, social events, and networking opportunities in a historic private club setting. Founded in 1867, the organization reported $4.7 million in revenue for 2023, maintaining a tradition of excellence in hospitality and member services with 66 employees serving the Western New York business and civic community.

What They Focus On

Policy Advocacy

Represents business community in policy discussions and advocates for legislation supporting economic growth and favorable business climate.

Economic Growth

Promotes regional economic development through business attraction, workforce initiatives, and infrastructure investment advocacy.

Member Engagement

Connects business leaders through networking events, educational programs, and resources supporting member success and collaboration.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$9.4M

+8.3% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$8.8M

+7.4% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$15.9M

+1.7% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

168

-0.6% vs 2023

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2024	$9,378,870	$8,842,913	$15,891,401	168
2023	$8,656,502	$8,231,911	$15,623,763	169
2022	$8,910,156	$7,006,973	$15,426,918	141
2020	$6,275,131	$5,627,245	$15,046,958	144
2019	$8,504,115	$7,788,717	$15,362,838	206
2018	$7,777,601	$7,709,103	$14,488,609	212

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Engage Members

Recruit and serve business members through networking events, programs, and advocacy representing their interests.
02

Advocate Policy

Monitor legislative issues and advocate for policies supporting business growth and favorable economic conditions.
03

Promote Region

Market regional advantages to attract businesses, investment, and talent strengthening local economic competitiveness.
04

Measure Impact

Track economic indicators and demonstrate value of business advocacy and development initiatives to stakeholders.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by The Buffalo Club

Business Advocacy

Represents member interests in policy discussions and advocates for pro-business legislation at local and state levels.

Economic Development

Promotes regional business climate, attracts investment, and supports job creation through partnerships and initiatives.

Member Services

Provides networking events, educational programs, and resources supporting member business growth and connections.

Community Leadership

Engages business leaders in civic initiatives addressing regional challenges and quality of life improvements.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind The Buffalo Club.

Kevin Pinkert

Director Of Finance

Full-time

Compensation: $176,837

Amy Habib-Rittling

President

1 hrs/week

Joseph M Anain

Third Vice President

1 hrs/week

Michael J Montante

First Vice President

1 hrs/week

Thomas D Wischerath

Second Vice President

1 hrs/week

Matthew Werth

General Manager

Full-time

Compensation: $227,209

Kevin Sippel

Executive Chef

Full-time

Compensation: $186,002

Milestones

1867

Organization Founded

1867

Established to represent business interests and promote economic development in regional market.

1990

Expanded Programs

1990

Grew membership services and advocacy capacity addressing evolving business needs and policy issues.

2024

Current Operations

2024

Operating with $9.4M in revenue and 168 staff serving member businesses.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Craig A Harris Director 1.00 hrs/week

Darlene Jerge Director 1.00 hrs/week

David D'arata Director 1.00 hrs/week

James S Nowak Director 1.00 hrs/week

Joseph V Saffire Director 1.00 hrs/week

Jourdan L H Stevenson Director 1.00 hrs/week

Kevin B Quinn Director 1.00 hrs/week

Kevin J Cross Director 1.00 hrs/week

Lisa Felgemacher Director 1.00 hrs/week

Lynne Marie Finn Director 1.00 hrs/week

Michael Szymoniak Jr Secretary 1.00 hrs/week

Nicole Gavigan Assistant Secretary 1.00 hrs/week

Ravi K Desai Director 1.00 hrs/week

Ricky P Luthra Director 1.00 hrs/week

Rocco N Diina Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

Steven J Carmina Director 1.00 hrs/week

Yvonne Minor-Ragan Director 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$642K

Highest Paid

$251K

Matthew Werth

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Matthew Werth	General Manager	$227,209	$23,629	$250,838	40
Kevin Sippel	Executive Chef	$186,002	$19,040	$205,042	40
Kevin Pinkert	Director Of Finance	$176,837	$9,469	$186,306	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Matthew Werth	General Manager	$206,082	$25,656	$231,738	40
Kevin Sippel	Executive Chef	$182,421	$22,824	$205,245	40
Kevin Pinkert	Director Of Finance	$162,583	$8,616	$171,199	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Kevin Sippel	Executive Chef	$193,091	$23,989	$217,080	40
Matthew Werth	Director Of Operations/Gm	$195,815	$18,667	$214,482	40
Kevin Pinkert	Director Of Finance	$155,327	$8,348	$163,675	40
Lori Fischlein	Director Of Membership DEV	$124,989	$15,026	$140,015	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel Moriyama	General Manager	$191,788	$13,615	$205,403	40
Kevin Sippel	Executive Chef	$163,372	$17,725	$181,097	40
Matthew Werth	Director Of Operations	$126,877	$11,774	$138,651	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel Moriyama	General Manager	$213,698	$13,317	$227,015	40
Kevin Sippel	Executive Chef	$163,241	$14,556	$177,797	40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Contact

Get in touch with The Buffalo Club

Phone

(716) 886-6400

Social

Visit Website

388 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202

The Buffalo Club

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Engage Members

Advocate Policy

Promote Region

Measure Impact

Programs and Initiatives

Business Advocacy

Economic Development

Member Services

Community Leadership

Team & Leadership

Kevin Pinkert

Amy Habib-Rittling

Joseph M Anain

Michael J Montante

Thomas D Wischerath

Matthew Werth

Kevin Sippel

Milestones

Organization Founded

Expanded Programs

Current Operations

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Contact

Phone

Social