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WNYREDC Co-Chair Howard Zemsky presents on 'Buffalo Billion' to Urban Land Institute

by jmaloni

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Wed, Oct 22nd 2014 11:55 pm

ULI's fall meeting in NYC brings together thousands to hear about Buffalo's progress

Howard Zemsky, Western New York Regional Economic Development Council co-chair and Larkin Development Group managing partner, today spoke about the "Buffalo Billion" initiative at the Urban Land Institute's fall meeting in New York City.

The event attracts more than 7,000 attendees annually. It brings together every sector of the real estate industry in one place as attendees build relationships with developers, investors, architects, planners, brokers, academics, attorneys, decision-makers and government officials.

Dave Stebbins, Buffalo Urban Development Corp. vice president, moderated Zemsky's talk.

"The Urban Land Institute is recognized as one of the world's most respected sources of objective information on urban planning, growth and development, so to present to these experts was an honor," Zemsky said. "The 'Buffalo Billion' is a once in-a-lifetime opportunity to give Western New York a tremendous boost, and I was pleased to spread the message that Buffalo is truly on the move."

In 2012, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo committed an historic $1 billion investment in the Buffalo area economy to create thousands of jobs and spur billions in new investment and economic activity. This commitment to economic excellence has set a new growth trajectory for jobs and the regional economy.

"A Path to Renewal: The Buffalo Billion Investment Development Plan" serves as a roadmap for implementation of Cuomo's plan. Developed by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, it identified six high-level strategies and the unique assets that will move the region forward on the path to sustainable, next-economy growth. High-potential sectors include advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and tourism, while key enablers include entrepreneurship, workforce development and smart growth. The strategies are mutually reinforcing and, together, provide a framework that encompasses, contextualizes and aligns existing efforts while guiding future economic growth initiatives.

This funding has set up a comprehensive and diverse portfolio of investments that collectively are designed to drive Buffalo's continuing economic rebirth. Cuomo's plan is to attract large investments in high-growth industries - similar to those which made New York's Capital Region into a world-class center for nanotechnology innovation and the home of major semiconductor manufacturers.

Larkin Development Group has redeveloped approximately 1 million square feet of historic building space in Buffalo. Zemsky co-chairs Cuomo's WNYREDC, is chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, and is president of the board of the Richardson Restoration Corp. (the subject of a ULI advisory service panel in 2007) and SUNY Buffalo State College Council. Zemsky holds a B.A from Michigan State University and an M.B.A from the University of Rochester.

The Urban Land Institute, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, it now has more than 32,000 members worldwide, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. A multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates an open exchange of ideas, information and experience among industry leaders and policymakers dedicated to creating better places.

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