From Border Advantage to Back-Nine: How WNYFTZ Turns FTZ Strategy into Local Impact

August 20, 2025 | WNYFTZ | , , , , ,

Hamburg, NY – August 11, 2025 – As golfers gather at the scenic Wanakah Country Club for the Hamburg Alumni Foundation Golf Tournament, one local company is teeing up more than just drives and putts. Lincoln Companies, through its affiliate WNYFTZ.com, proudly joins as a sponsor, blending its commitment to global trade advantages with local community investment.

At the helm of this dual mission is CEO Tim Palisano, whose leadership bridges Buffalo’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) benefits with educational philanthropy—proving that international logistics strategy can translate into scholarships, opportunities, and stronger futures for Western New York students.

Why Sponsorship Matters: Linking Trade to Education

For more than two decades, the Hamburg Alumni Foundation has raised critical funds for students, teachers, and programs. The golf tournament—its flagship annual fundraiser—has already awarded over $950,000 in grants and scholarships.

By stepping up as a 2025 sponsor, Lincoln Companies demonstrates a simple but powerful philosophy: economic growth and education go hand-in-hand. When international trade thrives through Buffalo’s strategic border position, so too does the talent pipeline feeding tomorrow’s workforce.

Quote from Tim Palisano: “Efficient trade fuels regional prosperity. Sponsoring the Hamburg tournament is one way we reinvest those gains right here at home.”

WNYFTZ: Buffalo’s Border Advantage in Action

What is a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)?

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a special designated area near U.S. Customs entry points where companies can import, store, and manufacture goods under favorable tariff conditions.

Key benefits include:

  • Duty Deferral: Pay tariffs only when goods enter U.S. commerce.
  • Duty Elimination: No duties on re-exports.
  • Weekly Entry Savings: Consolidated customs filings reduce fees.
  • Inverted Tariff Relief: Pay lower duty rates on finished goods than raw materials.

Why Buffalo?

Buffalo is uniquely positioned less than 20 miles from the U.S.-Canada border, making it an ideal hub for importers, exporters, and manufacturers.

WNYFTZ.com, operated by Lincoln Companies, provides:

  • Cross-Docking & Consolidation Services
  • Customs Bonded Warehousing
  • Inventory Management Solutions
  • Tariff Strategy Consulting

This ecosystem enables companies to save millions in duties, stay competitive, and reinvest in jobs and community programs across Western New York.

The Golf Connection: Driving Local Impact

Hamburg Alumni Foundation Golf Tournament – 2025

  • Date: Monday, August 11, 2025
  • Location: Wanakah Country Club, Hamburg, NY
  • Schedule:
    • 11:30 a.m. – Lunch
    • 12:30 p.m. – Shotgun Start
    • 5:30 p.m. – Dinner & Awards

Each foursome’s participation and every sponsorship help fund scholarships for Hamburg High School graduates and educational projects for local teachers.

By supporting this event, WNYFTZ and Lincoln Companies go beyond corporate branding—they invest in human capital.

Building Futures: Education Meets Trade Strategy

Workforce Development

Buffalo’s logistics industry is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade. From warehouse technicians to supply chain analysts, today’s students will become tomorrow’s logistics leaders.

Supporting the Hamburg Alumni Foundation ensures that more students gain access to:

  • STEM scholarships
  • Teacher enrichment programs
  • After-school mentorship

This aligns perfectly with Lincoln’s long-term vision of building a skilled workforce pipeline to support the growth of FTZ #23 and its operators.

Community Partnership

Lincoln Companies has always believed in “Purpose-Driven Logistics.” The company doesn’t just manage freight—it nurtures futures. Sponsorship of the golf tournament is a reflection of its values-driven leadership.

How FTZ Savings Create Local Ripple Effects

Example: Manufacturer Impact

A Buffalo-based manufacturer imports electronic components.

  • Without FTZ: Pays duties immediately on each shipment.
  • With FTZ: Consolidates entries, delays duty, and re-exports some goods duty-free. Savings: Hundreds of thousands annually—capital reinvested into hiring, equipment, and training.

Example: Apparel Importer

An apparel distributor imports fabric and assembles garments in Buffalo.

  • Inverted Tariff Rule: Finished goods tariff is lower than fabric tariff. Result: Duty rates fall, profitability rises, and more jobs are created locally.

These savings don’t just stay in boardrooms—they fuel scholarships, sponsorships, and community giving, like the Hamburg Alumni Foundation tournament.

A Century of Leadership: The Palisano Family Legacy

Founded in 1914, Lincoln Companies has grown from a small regional logistics provider into a trusted sixth-generation family enterprise.

  • Global Reach: WNYFTZ.com serves importers and exporters across the U.S. and Canada.
  • Local Commitment: From Hamburg to Buffalo, Lincoln Companies has continually reinvested in Western New York communities.
  • CEO Tim Palisano: Leading with vision, Palisano bridges international trade efficiency with grassroots philanthropy.

Quotes & Testimonials

“The Hamburg Alumni Foundation’s mission is about more than scholarships—it’s about lifting entire communities. Sponsors like Lincoln Companies make this possible.” – Hamburg Alumni Foundation Representative

“We believe trade is only as strong as the people behind it. Supporting Hamburg’s students is an investment in Buffalo’s future workforce.” – Tim Palisano, CEO, Lincoln Companies

Call to Action

Businesses across Western New York are encouraged to explore FTZ #23 advantages through WNYFTZ.com, and to join Lincoln Companies in supporting local education through future Hamburg Alumni Foundation events.

About Lincoln Companies: Founded in 1914, Lincoln Companies is a sixth-generation family-owned enterprise providing logistics, warehousing, and trade solutions across the United States. Its affiliate, WNYFTZ.com, serves as the region’s premier Foreign Trade Zone operator, helping businesses reduce tariffs, streamline imports, and expand global competitiveness.

About WNYFTZ.com WNYFTZ.com is Western New York’s link to Foreign Trade Zone #23, offering import/export solutions, customs bonded warehousing, and duty-saving strategies. Located near the U.S.-Canada border, WNYFTZ helps businesses lower costs while reinvesting in local growth.

About the Hamburg Alumni Foundation Since its inception, the Hamburg Alumni Foundation has raised over \$950,000 for Hamburg Central Schools. Its mission is to provide scholarships, teacher grants, and student support through community events like the annual golf tournament.

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