Connolly Studios

We took the Connolly Studios team meeting on the road this morning, checking out BNP @ the cobblestone. Dottie Gallagher had an ambitious vision for the BNP’s new HQ, and it has come to life. It’s comfortable, well equipped and centrally located. In every way, it’s ideal for convening and connecting with other BNP members. We’re grateful to have worked on this project throughout the past year with Dottie, Grant Loomis, Arcadea Scott, Laura Smith and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership team. Thanks for letting us get a sneak peek today!

Next week's Women in Tech WNY conference will be a powerful reminder that Western New York can become a hub of inclusive innovation if we all actively work together to acknowledge and solve the problem of representation in the workplace, but how we use this day of inspiration, connection and conversations to drive meaningful change will be even more important for our region.

How it started ? How it's going About a year and a half ago, six-plus months of the most in-depth but gratifying work I've ever done showed up on my doorstep in the form of "Nowhere Else You'd Rather Be" – a book commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the Buffalo Bills' stadium in Orchard Park. Today, on my one-year anniversary of joining Connolly Studios, 10,200 copies of that book have been sold. While that (still growing) figure never ceases to amaze me, I couldn't be happier to share that book No. 2 will be here soon! "Taking Flight: Inside Josh Allen's Leap From No Offers to NFL MVP" is another 176-page collector's book that covers Allen's career from his humble beginnings in a small California town through the night he became MVP of the NFL, via timeless photos and extensive reporting from The Buffalo News. Pre-sale pricing lasts only two more weeks, so secure your copy before March 16 for your last chance at 20% off. And, because we're all about maximizing impact and opportunities here at Connolly Studios, our friends at The News will donate a portion of the proceeds for each book sold to our fellow friends at the Patricia Allen Fund, which benefits the Critical Care Team at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital. Link in the comments to pre-order yours today!

While some people have pinch-me moments, I've had a whole pinch-me season. And these last two weeks have only reinforced how honored I am to be a part of the team that co-produces the Patricia Allen Fund newsletter, sharing impactful stories to a worldwide community of people who have a passion for Josh Allen and OCH. When Josh was officially named MVP on Feb. 6, Brian Connolly and I seamlessly flipped into journalist-on-deadline mode to tag team a next-morning email that captured this historic moment in Buffalo sports history. H/T to Nick Schafer (Kaczmarek) for the late-night ideating and Danielle Ossher for the quality control in the morning. S/O to the other members of the PAF Pack, alexis rivera and Matthew Gorczyca, for their creativity and enthusiasm. And a huge thank you to Kristen Bieber and Erin Hartnett for all the trust they've placed in us to execute these big (and sometimes crazy) ideas. OCH reached their initial MVP goal of $17K within what seemed like a couple hours. The total today is over $100K and counting! All due to a total team effort. I couldn't think of a better way to cap off an unforgettable first year with the Patricia Allen Fund (well, maybe except for a Super Bowl). Is it September yet?

We're thrilled to support TechBuffalo and this inspiring afternoon –?free for all in our community to attend – as a workshop sponsor and host. Hope to see you there!

Some of the most meaningful work I've done has been assisting the team of passionate Buffalonians behind the fundraising success of John R. Oishei Children's Hospital's Patricia Allen Fund. Those who are able have donated millions towards lifesaving medical care for these kids. How lucky are we to have Josh Allen in our community?! What a guy... https://lnkd.in/gqHzxTRv

The journalist in me values people who are willing to patiently share their deep knowledge so that I can understand (and then help explain) a complicated topic. That’s why I appreciate conversations with Jeffrey Botteron. Time spent with him is always a master class in how to develop talent pipelines. I’m enjoying his thought-provoking insights in the TechBuffalo newsletter. Another good edition this week.

The 29-year-old me probably wouldn’t have sat near the front of the class. Wouldn’t have willingly raised his hand to contribute to group discussions. Wouldn’t have been eager to take part in a leadership development program with a room largely filled with strangers. But now, at the wise old age of 32, I’ve never felt more grateful for where I’m at in the present and confident about where my career is headed in the future. Grateful for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's new Grow program (as well as the Connolly Studios crew Brian and Danielle for their constant and uplifting support) for providing this opportunity for those seeking to continue leveling up both professionally and personally.

My workday started on location with talented, passionate Buffalonians (and a big box of Butter Block, of course). Not behind a screen. And I'm heading into the weekend reinvigorated and inspired because of it ? Creating with Corey Desiderio and Brian Connolly. Collaborating with Tom Wiley, The Buffalo News, Aleron Group - Acara Solutions, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct, Uplifter Video and Mark Mulville. Celebrating this special city we all call home by investing time, energy and expertise into a thoughtful project looking to solve a problem for our community. Thank you Scott Stenclik, Peter Petrella and Tony Dvorak for giving us your morning –?and braving 10°F without a coat for the sake of the vision. I can't wait to bring it all together and share with our community. Stay tuned!

We are proud to have helped the Buffalo Niagara Partnership seize the excitement surrounding its 2024 Annual Report to Members. The new BNP @ the cobblestone, the event and the report itself gave us an opportunity to collaborate with the talented BNP team on everything from product development to event programming – plus, of course, telling the BNP's story. Thanks also to Pete Guelli and the Buffalo Sabres for making the event special.