Western New York Regional Economic Development Council announces 'Path Through History' public input sessions

The Western New York Regional Council has announced that its workgroup on tourism will host three public input sessions to seek feedback on the "Path Through History," a program aimed at increasing heritage tourism across New York state.

The "Path Through History" project was launched last year by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a statewide roadmap that ties historically and culturally significant sites, locations and events throughout the Empire State, and will also promote tourism and economic development in communities in every region of the state.

Under the auspices of the WNYREDC, a work group has been developing a local vision plan to be advanced and is seeking input from stakeholders in the cultural tourism sector.

The meetings will be held as follows:

Monday, March 18

• 3-5 p.m.
• Conference Center Niagara Falls
• 101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls

Tuesday, March 19

• 3-5 p.m.
• Buffalo History Museum
• One Museum Court, Buffalo

Thursday, March 28

• 2 to 4 p.m.
• Jamestown Community College, Cutco Theatre
• 260 N. Union St., Olean

Though registration is not required, it is suggested and can be done by visiting http://www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/western-new-york.

About the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, which is made up of five counties - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara - was created by Cuomo as a key component of his transformative approach to economic development. Western New York's council is one of 10 regional councils, all of which represent a different geographic area across New York. Each council is a public-private partnership made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government and non-governmental organization. In 2011, Western New York was named a best plan awardee and received $100.3 million for the implementation of its plan, "A Strategy for Prosperity in Western New York." As part of round II of Cuomo's Regional Council initiative, the WNYREDC was awarded $52.8 million for 58 projects.

"A Strategy for Prosperity" leverages the region's strategic advantages in key industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, binational logistics, energy, health and life sciences, higher education, professional services and tourism. The plan focuses on strategies that promote smart growth, are oriented to young adults, build upon regional strengths, have a regional impact and improve the region's image.

To learn more about each regional council and their economic development plans, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.