BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Two sales professionals have joined the Zenger Group, a leading print and marketing communications services provider, in newly created positions.  Tom Surwill is vice president, Business Development, responsible for leading the sales team and formalizing its sales system, and Elley Widmer is an account executive reporting to him.
Surwill reports to Stephen R. Zenger, president and CEO of the Zenger Group.

“My late father, brothers and I have been our primary sales force since the company was founded in 1980,” said Zenger of the family-owned business. “Tom Surwill is the seasoned professional we need to develop our first formal sales system and build a team of professionals who use it effectively. And Elley Widmer is a fine addition to our team who is well-known in the Buffalo business community.”

About Tom Surwill

In addition to managing the Zenger Group sales force, Surwill is responsible for developing key accounts, particularly in direct marketing, where he has considerable experience.  He has worked for more than 20 years in business development, sales, marketing and management, mostly in graphic communications.

Surwill comes to the Zenger Group from Gardei Industries, L.L.C., a leading supplier of die-cut products to the abrasives industry in North Tonawanda, N.Y., where he was vice president and general manager. Prior to that he held senior positions with DDM Direct and Mosaic Marketing of Buffalo; Cathedral Corporation, Rome, N.Y.; and IMPCO Direct Marketing, Stamford, Conn. He has also held sales positions with MSP (Mailing Services of Pittsburgh) and the Computer Task Group, Buffalo. Surwill has a bachelor’s degree in political science from John Carroll University, Cleveland.  He lives in Buffalo.

About Elley Widmer

Widmer joins the Zenger Group from General Motors Corp., where she has worked for GM Powertrain, Tonawanda, N.Y. since 1973. Most recently she was product readiness coordinator, Global Supply Chain/Quality. Widmer also has been manager, education and training; coordinator of Manufacturing Engineering Clerical Staff and Functions; statistician/analyst of Appropriation Control, Industrial Engineering Department; and a member of the Human Resources Department, holding various positions.  She also handled a number of special assignments.

Prior to joining General Motors, Widmer was a recruiter for A.P.A. Agency Inc, Buffalo.  In recent years, she has been active in the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, as a board of directors member and chair of the Manufacturer’s Council. Widmer lives in East Amherst, N.Y.