Buffalo, NY - Mark Zawodzinski, assistant vice president with Five Star Bank, has been elected 2011 chairman of the Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS. The Taste, the nation's largest two-day food festival, is set for July 9 and July 10 along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo.

"The Taste is a favorite summer tradition in Western New York and to serve as chairman for the 2011 event is truly an honor," said Zawodzinski. "Over the past 28 years the Taste has evolved into the largest two-day food festival in the country, making it a destination for thousands of food lovers from not only Western New York, but the country."

Zawodzinski has been involved with the Taste for almost 20 years, serving the past 10 years on the board of directors. He is a graduate of Canisius College and resides in Alden.

In addition to Zawodzinski, the following were named 2011 officers: First Vice Chair Chris Hitchcock, Birdair, Inc.; Second Vice Chair Joseph Lane, AXA Advisors; Secretary Ann Hackett, aHa! Designs; Treasurer Patrick Mathews, Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP and Past Chair Mac Harman, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPA.

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The Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS is the nation's largest two-day food festival, attracting more than 450,000 people in downtown Buffalo. The 2011 Taste is July 9 and July 10 along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo. For further information, please visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com.