Buffalo Business Report - Tuesday, July 31st 2012

Smith Travel Research reports that Nik Wallenda's wire walk was a boon for local hotel operators. Occupancy rates for Niagara Falls increased 6.7% in June; the occupancy rates for Buffalo and Erie County were up 7.7% for the period.

Mensch Capital Partners, LLC has proposed a land swap with the Town of Amherst. Mensch would consider a transfer of ownership of Westwood Country Club in exchange for 170 acres of the Audubon Golf Course. That proposal will be reviewed on August 6th.

Cleveland BioLabs and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade have reached a $4 million deal to assist development of a drug to stimulate stem-cell growth. Business First reports the contract provides three years of funding.

Montreal-based hockey equipment maker CCM has been named title sponsor for the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. 40 prospects are expected for the game, which will be played September 29th at First Niagara Center.