AMHERST, N.Y. (WBEN).....The calendar read August and temperatures were approaching 80 degrees under blue skies, yet for hundreds of those involved in the snow removal business - the talk and focus was on the white stuff that, in a few months, Mother Nature will be dumping on the region.
Winter weather was the focus of the fourth annual "Buffalo Snow & Ice Management Conference" being held all day Thursday at Banchetti's by Rizzo's in Amherst.
"It's great to talk about snow when you don't have to worry about snow," said Phil Tripi, owner of Tripi's Landscaping of Blasdell and conference chairman. "You do want to prep for snow now - months in adnace."
The conference drew 17 vendors ranging from those selling heavy duty snow removal equipment to outdoor, cold weather apparel.
It was more than just a trade show.
There were planned guest speakers covering such topics as insurance coverage and alternatives to traditional rock salt.
The big thing is networking, Tripi said.
"Networking means more than anything else," Tripii said. "It's about making honest connections with your peers."
In the opening hours, networking was clearly taking center stage.
"In some ways, it's about planting seeds," said Rob Hausrath, co-owner of Bison Turf Equipment.
But, it is also about showcasing new products,said Tim Myers from Tonawanda's PlowRubber.com.
PlowRubber makes custom rubber snow deflectors and cutting edges found on most plows. It is a true niche product.
Myers said getting in front of so many current and potential customers is huge.
"It is a big part of our plan," Myers said.
Vendors, operators gather for annual snow management conference
Vendors, operators gather for annual snow management conference
