In a significant recognition of leadership and influence, Beth Hollis, the distinguished President of West Herr Automotive Group, has been prominently featured at the pinnacle of Business First’s comprehensive ranking of the most powerful female business leaders within the region for the year 2026. Her ascension to this prestigious role earlier this year marked a pivotal moment in the company’s strategic succession plan orchestrated by CEO Scott Bieler. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Hollis dedicates considerable time and effort to various community initiatives, demonstrating a profound commitment to philanthropic endeavors. She is an active and influential participant in organizations such as the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation and lends her expertise to the Western New York Women Making History Committee, underscoring her broad impact on both the business landscape and local charitable causes.
Meanwhile, the economic landscape, particularly concerning fuel costs, has seen modest shifts. Gas prices in the Buffalo area experienced a minor decline over the past week, dropping a mere 2 cents to settle at an average of $4.21 per gallon, as reported by AAA. This slight downward trend was mirrored across the state, where prices collectively fell by 3 cents to $4.13 per gallon. Conversely, the national average for gas prices saw a slight uptick, rising 5 cents to reach $4.06. These fluctuations, while minor, reflect the dynamic nature of the broader energy market.
In other notable news from the region, Roswell Park, a renowned institution, has garnered significant accolades from Forbes. It proudly secured positions on two highly regarded lists: "America’s Best Employers for Women" and "America’s Best In-State Employers." The rigorous selection process for these distinctions involved extensive surveying, with 146,000 women contributing their insights for the "Best Employers for Women" list, and a substantial 245,000 individuals participating in the survey for the "Best Employers by State" list, highlighting Roswell Park’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment for all its employees. These recognitions further solidify Roswell Park’s reputation as a leading employer. For additional business news and updates, submissions to the West Herr WBEN Buffalo Business Report can be sent directly to newsroom@wben.com or lucas.buckley@audacy.com.
