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Niagara University: Niagara Global Tourism Institute advisory board announced

by jmaloni

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Mon, Feb 16th 2015 11:00 am

A 15-member advisory board formed to oversee a Niagara University-led initiative to transform the regional tourism industry was announced today.

The Niagara Global Tourism Institute advisory board will be co-chaired by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, and Christopher Schoepflin, president and CEO of USA Niagara Development Corp.

Its members include:

  • Hon. Paul Dyster, mayor, City of Niagara Falls
  • Daniel Hamister, senior vice president and chief investment officer, Hamister Group Inc.
  • Barry Freilicher, senior vice president of business development, Delaware North Companies
  • Christopher Glynn, president, Maid of the Mist Corp.
  • Deanna Alterio Brennen, president and CEO, Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce
  • Frank Strangio, chairman, Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp.; chairman, Niagara Hotels Association
  • Duncan Ross, president, Arrowhead Springs Winery
  • Sam Ferraro, executive director, Niagara County Industrial Development Agency
  • Mark Thomas, western district director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
  • Dr. Bonnie Rose, executive vice president, Niagara University
  • Dr. Tim Downs, provost and chief academic officer, Niagara University
  • Mary Borgognoni, associate vice president for operations and outreach, Niagara University
  • Dr. Eddie Friel, OBE, director, Niagara Global Tourism Institute (ex-officio)

"We are very pleased that an extremely talented and impactful cross-section of local leaders has volunteered to see this project through," Maher said. "By bringing partners together from the sectors of government, business, education and tourism, we will collaboratively re-establish Niagara Falls as the bastion of hospitality and improve the quality of life for every citizen in this community."

"It is both important and gratifying that the Niagara Global Tourism Institute is able to attract this very accomplished group of individuals to work on the startup and establishment of the Niagara Global Tourism Institute," Schoepflin said. "We are especially grateful for the group's collective willingness to serve the industry and community in this capacity."

The NGTI, launched in September 2013, seeks to leverage the university's significant history and resources in hospitality and tourism management to enhance Niagara Falls' tourism industry, which has been identified as a key economic driver by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council.

The program's development also correlates with NU's service-centered mission and the objectives of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has made the revitalization of Niagara Falls a top priority.

For more information on the Niagara Global Tourism Institute, contact Friel at 716-524-2575 or [email protected].

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