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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 19, 2011                                                                        

Economic Differences Between NYC and Upstate to be Highlighted at Accelerate Upstate Conference

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, in conjunction with title sponsor BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, is presenting “Accelerate Upstate,” a two-day community conversation involving stakeholders from across the state, on August 4 & 5 in downtown Buffalo. On the first day of the conference, law firm Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP will sponsor a session on“What Motivates Us – The unique conditions in NYC and Upstate” at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.

“One of the biggest challenges facing the Upstate business community is the difference between metro New York City and the rest of the State,” said Andrew J. Rudnick, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “Our focus in this panel session is to not only identify the business, social and political drivers for metro NYC and Upstate, but also to determine how we can make state policy that helps both. This is no small charge, but one we must undertake in order to create a more business friendly Upstate.” 

Confirmed speakers include: Brian Sampson, Executive Director, Unshackle Upstate; Kathy Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for NYC; E.J. McMahon, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute; and Amy Allen, Managing Director, Advocacy and International Business, The Westchester County Association. Lawrence Meckler, Of Counsel, Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP, will moderate the session.

The event’s attendees will be invited to submit comments, observations and ideas throughout the conference via comment cards or social media channels. Feedback and ideas gathered at the conference will be reviewed at the conference’s closing session, and then compiled into an Accelerate Upstate action agenda to be delivered to Albany and Washington following the event.

Working with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership to present Accelerate Upstate are City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Executive Chris Collins, Visit Buffalo Niagara, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and Buffalo Place. Accelerate Upstate is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

To contact:

Andrew J. Rudnick - 716.852.7100

Brian Sampson – 585.256.4606

Kathy Wylde – 212.493.7511 (attn. Michael Scotto)

E.J. McMahon – 518.434.3100

Amy Allen – 914.948.1168

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ABOUT THE BUFFALO NIAGARA PARTNERSHIP

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 Albany, and Washington, D.C., for policies and resources to increase private sector investment and jobs. The Partnership also offers programs and services to its members to increase their chances for business success.