Latest news with #BigDitchBrewingCompany
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State official to tour downtown revitalization sites
Flagship locations of Lockport's downtown revitalization efforts will receive a visit from New York's Secretary of State Walter Mosley today. Mosley will attend a ribbon cutting for Big Ditch Brewing Company, visit the Palace Theatre and Harrison Place lofts, view the Lock Tender's Tribute statues, and stop in at several other city sites that received state Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds. Mosley's visit recognizes the completion of $1.8 million renovation of the Historic Lockport Post Office. 'We've heard a lot about the progress,' Mosley said of the post office. 'This was a project that we felt was critical in revitalizing the economic development of Lockport. We believe it has tremendous benefit economically and socially.' New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is an economic development program to help turn around downtown cityscapes across the state. 'The DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity,' according to a state website. 'These compact, walkable downtowns are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.' Lockport received $10 million in DRI funding in round 3 of the initiative. Other Lockport projects included the Spaulding Mill building near the canal locks, the F&M Building, the Pine Street corridor, the South Street pedestrian crossing, and the Tuscarora Club on Walnut Street. 'We want to make sure that people understand that the process they went through is being recognized,' Mosley said. 'We understand that government works best when it works from the ground up.' Mayor John Lombardi III said he will have an opportunity to briefly meet with the secretary, although it won't be to discuss further development.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chamber Honors Awards Gala coming up on May 8
The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2025 recipients of its Chamber Honors Awards, celebrating the businesses, individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of Niagara County. Chamber officials say this year's list of honorees reflect the innovation, leadership and community commitment that power the region's economic and civic vitality: • Business of the Year: Mount St. Mary's Lockport Memorial Hospital Campus • Business Person of the Year: Bob Confer • Groundbreaking Award: Big Ditch Brewing Company • Father Joseph L. Levesque Award for Community Advocacy: Kory Schuler • Excellence in Leadership Award: Michael Casale • Collaboration and Innovation Award: Arlene Doss • Green Manufacturing Award (sponsored by National Grid): Kerry, Niagara Site • Chairman's Award: Wurlitzer Events 'These honorees represent the very best of Niagara County,' said Craig Turner, interim executive director of the Niagara USA Chamber. 'Their work creates jobs, strengthens neighborhoods, and brings people together. We've got a wonderful slate this year, and we're honored to celebrate their accomplishments and the lasting impact they have on our community.' Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Chamber Honors Awards Dinner taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Niagara Falls on May 8. The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and an inspiring awards program. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at To reserve your seat, sponsor the event, or learn more, visit or contact Elena Woods at 716-285-9142 or ewoods@
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Ditch Brewing's Lockport Tap Room is open for business
Big Ditch Brewing Company has officially opened its Lockport Tap Room and Brewery at the Historic Post Office building at 1 East Ave. Together with the nearby Historic Palace Theater and Cornerstone Arena, the area forms a new leisure, entertainment and dining destination in Niagara County. 'We're thrilled to bring Big Ditch to the City of Lockport and Niagara County,' said Matt Kahn, president and co-founder of Big Ditch Brewing Company. 'This city has a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a growing demand for great beer and food.' The Lockport Tap Room offers seating for 250 guests across two levels, a spacious bar, a main dining area, an outdoor covered patio, and private event space. The venue also features a small brewery dedicated to brewing experimental beers, providing patrons with the exclusive opportunity to be the first to taste new creations from Big Ditch. 'Discussions held early last year with local officials convinced us that the stars were aligned for Big Ditch to establish a venue in Lockport,' Kahn said. 'As Big Ditch is named for the Erie Canal, the location and timing of the opening of the tap room and brewery coincides nicely with (the Erie Canal's) bicentennial anniversary.' The historic rehabilitation of the building was undertaken by Iskalo Development and was made possible by funding from the City of Lockport via the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative with further support from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency. The hours of operation at the Lockport Tap Room are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays). For more information, visit
