Poloncarz, Erie County hosting CEA board, membership meeting

County Executives of America hold meetings in Buffalo for first time

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz announced Erie County is hosting the 2016 County Executives of America board of directors and general membership meeting in Buffalo today and tomorrow. County executives and directors from across New York and the country will be on hand for the meetings, which are being held here for the first time and will include presentations on economic development, tourism and public health initiatives in Erie County, along with tours of Canalside and other areas of interest to the group.

"I am honored that the CEA selected Erie County to host these meetings and look forward to this opportunity to spotlight the progress we are making, along with the opportunity to compare notes with my colleagues on effective governance and the provision of services to constituents," Poloncarz said. "Many of our guests will be making their first visit to Buffalo, so, in addition to the business of the meetings, we want to ensure that they enjoy their time here and come away with an appreciation of the energy and change happening in Erie County. We also want them to go home and spread the word about all that Buffalo and Erie County have to offer."

The CEA is a nonpartisan national association of elected county leaders that discusses and creates policy and advocates on issues that affect their constituents. CEA representatives and staff are expected to attend from Prince George's County, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Orange County, New York; Rockland County, New York; Erie County, Pennsylvania; Albany County, New York; Pulaski County, Arizona; and Pima County, Arizona.

Poloncarz was named to the CEA board of directors earlier this year and was slated to participate in the board's opening meeting, which will be followed by dinner for the group at an area restaurant. On Tuesday, the CEA membership meeting begins with opening remarks from Poloncarz and CEA Executive Director Michael Griffin, to be followed by presentations from ECIDA President and CEO Steve Weathers, Business Development Manager of Invest Buffalo Niagara Carolyn Powell, Visit Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Patrick Kaler, Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein, and others.

Conference attendees will also take guided tours of the Hotel Lafayette, Canalside and HARBORCENTER, and will be offered evening recreation at the conclusion of the conference on Tuesday.

For more information on the County Executives of America, click here.