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Home > NEWS > Press Room > PRESS RELEASES > Buffalo to Host Two-Day Work Session to Accelerate Upstate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
~ Leaders with diverse perspectives invited to develop action plan for hastening economic growth and priority community projects Upstate ~ (BUFFALO, NY) – Buffalo will be host to a two-day conference of Upstate leaders in August to develop an action plan for accelerating priority projects and economic growth in the 40,000 square miles that compose Upstate New York. The leaders will focus on how Upstate can thrive given the state’s particular political balance and the resulting limited political clout Upstate, said Andrew J. Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, while announcing the conference with Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. The conference will be held August 4 and 5 in downtown Buffalo. Within six weeks of the conference, the Accelerate Upstate action plan will be distributed to event attendees and delivered to the capitol in Albany. “What’s different about this conference?” asked Rudnick. “Rather than rehash and focus on the challenges we face, the two-day dialogue will focus on agreeing upon solutions and positive steps that the Upstaters can take – together -- moving forward.” Erie County Executive Chris Collins said, “For too long, Upstate New York has been at the mercy of Albany politics dominated by Downstate interests. We all know too well the impact that has had on our Upstate communities. I commend the Buffalo Niagara Partnership for organizing this conference to develop an action plan for moving vital projects and policies forward for the benefit of every Upstate New Yorker.” “I look forward to welcoming leaders from across Upstate New York to Buffalo to discuss issues that are affecting our communities,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “The conference provides Upstate with a stronger voice and the opportunity to present regional concerns to state lawmakers. This collaboration will make New York State stronger as a whole.” The Partnership organized the Accelerate Upstate conference after encountering universal frustration – expressed by Upstate business leaders, labor leaders, municipal and school leaders, environmentalists, not-for-profits, farmers and more – over the region’s inadequate political clout, and the negative impact of it. Consider the following:
Accelerate Upstate will include sessions held in locations throughout downtown Buffalo, moderated by leaders from diverse perspectives. Topics include: “What Motivates Us – The unique conditions in NYC and Upstate” Identifying the business, social and political drivers metro NYC and Upstate – and how do we make state policy that helps both? “Our Connection with Canada” What does collaboration with the northern side of the border mean to New York’s economy? What actions can Albany take to strengthen the relationship between New York, Ontario and Quebec? “Big City: Bigger State – Best practices from other states facing an 800-pound gorilla” New York is not the only state that is dominated by a single major metro – how are similar states creating policy that benefits their entire states? “An Education in Education: Higher Ed as an Economic Driver” Several governors now have emphasized that a strong SUNY system is essential to the state’s growth – what can be done in New York to help higher education reach its full economic potential, and what happens if we don’t help? “Where’s Our Future Workforce? Who’s Going to be Running New York in 2020?” “Brain drain” has already had its impact on the state’s workforce, with key industries looking for skilled employees – what do we need to do to ensure that New York has the appropriate workforce (in number and in skill) for the years ahead? “Jobs and Investment – What is the right recipe for New York’s economic growth” How can the various sectors in Upstate work together to create an environment that is fruitful for job creation? In addition, the event will feature a working session of Mayors and County Executives from across the state. The first night of the conference will include an Accelerate Upstate bash on Buffalo’s waterfront – a social event designed to foster networking and a collaborative spirit among the diverse participants. Visit Buffalo Niagara is an event partner, to ensure the region’s assets are shown off to attendees, who are expected from every corner of Upstate. Additional information is available online at www.thepartnership.org/accelerateupstate ### ABOUT THE The Buffalo Niagara Partnership includes nearly 2,500 employer members, working for improved business competitiveness and expanded economic activity in the region. The Partnership advocates, locally, and in
ACCELERATE UPSTATE PROGRAM (as of May 17, 2011)
Day 1
Noon – 1:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks (lunch) Location: Buffalo Niagara Convention Center Welcome: Andrew Rudnick, Buffalo Niagara Partnership Introduction to Event: (invited) Gov. Andrew Cuomo 1:30 – 3:0 Concurrent Sessions/Workshops “What Motivates Us – The unique conditions in NYC and Upstate” Location: Hyatt Regency Buffalo Identifying the business, social and political drivers metro NYC and Upstate – and how do we make state policy that helps both? Confirmed speakers: Brian Sampson, Unshackle Upstate; Kathy Wylde, Partnership for NYC; E.J. McMahon, Manhattan Institute “Our Connection with Canada” Location: HSBC Tower What does collaboration with the northern side of the border mean to New York’s economy? What actions can Albany take to strengthen the relationship between New York, Ontario and Quebec? Confirmed speaker: Marta Moszczenska, Canadian Consul General, Buffalo 3:30 – 5:00 Concurrent Sessions/Workshops Location: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (downtown) New York is not the only state that is dominated by a single major metro – how are similar states creating policy that benefits their entire states? Confirmed speakers: Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President – Corporate Relations, Allegheny Conference (Pennsylvania); “An Education in Education: Higher Ed as an Economic Driver” Location: Erie Community College - Auditorium Several governors now have emphasized that a strong SUNY system is essential to the state’s growth – what can be done in New York to help higher education reach its full economic potential, and what happens if we don’t help? Moderator: Marsha Henderson, University at Buffalo Confirmed speakers: Nancy Zimpher, SUNY Chancellor; Anne Kress, Monroe Community College 6:00 – 8:00 Reception Location: USS Little Rock, Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park Day 2
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