Strictly Business

From Business Today:

Sovran Self Storage is a tidy little company - a real estate investment trust - that buys and operates a successful collection of storage facilities around the country under the name Uncle Bob's Storage. The Amherst-based firm has weathered the storms of the stock market quite well and now has partnered with a Chicago investment firm to build a war chest to go out and buy more facilities. They are distinguished by their bright yellow doors and the trucks with Uncle Bob's logos.

Columbus McKinnon is another well-run local company. It's latest earnings include an astounding fivefold jump in profits. The company makes hoists, chains and other material handling equipment.

Northtown Automotive  will be the region's Fiat dealership. The showroom  in Amherst will start selling the European styles compact car, the Fiat 500. More models are expected to be release in the U.S. in the future.

A giant $66 million jury verdict for a Cheektowaga woman against fitness equipment maker Cybex has been put on hold during the appeal process, but the judge required the company to set aside a $10 million bond to ensure a minimum payment. In December, a jury awarded Natalie M. Barnhard the largest jury award ever in Erie County after she was paralyzed when a machine fell on her while she was working as a physical therapy assistant at Amherst Orthopedic.

Who is getting hired, promoted and honored?