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Maziarz, Ceretto set date for initial marketing task force meeting for Wallenda walk

by jmaloni
Tue, Mar 6th 2012 05:00 pm

Committee will work to promote event and area to ensure local economic impact 

New York State Sen. George D. Maziarz and New York State Assemblyman John D. Ceretto today announced that the date has been set for the initial meeting of a task force dedicated to the marketing and promotion of Nik Wallenda's upcoming walk on a high wire across the Niagara Gorge. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 23, at the Niagara County Center for Economic Development.

Joining Maziarz and Ceretto on the task force will be Winston Simone, manager for Wallenda, and the Niagara USA Chamber. Invitations to join the task force have also been extended to the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the City of Niagara Falls Tourism Advisory Board, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster and various stakeholders within the local tourism industry.

"This task force will work with local agencies, officials, and other interested parties to promote Niagara Falls and the surrounding area," Maziarz said. "We are working together to ensure an immediate and lasting economic impact for all areas of our local community. We must capitalize while the eyes of the world are upon us."

Maziarz and Ceretto introduced and passed legislation in June of 2011 to allow Wallenda to traverse the gorge on a high wire. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law in September of that same year. In February, the event was approved by the Niagara Parks Commission in Ontario, giving Wallenda the necessary approval on both sides of Niagara River.

Upon approval of the Niagara Parks Commission, Maziarz and Ceretto initiated the formation of a task force dedicated solely to the marketing and promotion of the Wallenda walk. The task force hopes to gain input from local hoteliers, restaurateurs, business associations, tour group operators and other entities with a vested interest in the event.

"For Nik Wallenda's event to be successful, our local economy and residents must feel the economic impact," Ceretto said. "This event alone is not going to solve our problems and hardships, but working together and marketing our regional assets is a good start. This collaboration under the task force created by Senator Maziarz and I is important, and I am confident we will see a strong economic benefit, not just the week of the event, but lasting rewards from a professional and dedicated marketing campaign."

There is limited space available to attend this meeting. Those who wish to reserve a spot at the task force meeting on March 23 may RSVP to the office of Sen. Maziarz at 716-434-0680.

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