Governor David Paterson is trying to help local leaders weather these harsh economic times with his new program, the Governor's College. The program is being held throughout the state in Westchester, Utica, Syracuse, Poughkeepsie, and here in Buffalo. Every Tuesday, the University at Buffalo will host events geared towards helping people learn how to use state resources to help their business or organization.
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The free sessions are aimed at local government leaders, business owners, partnering agencies and contractors. The weekly events are also perfect for leaders of smaller organizations, like faith-based communities, block clubs and grassroots organizations.
The events are held in "trade fair" style, with members of various state agencies at tables so that participants can meet the agency representatives to discuss what the agency does and how it can help their group. Janique S. Curry, Paterson's regional director for WNY, said there are numerous agencies available to help local groups that most people are not aware can help or even exist.
The Governor's College spans a wide range of topics from municipal finance, to energy, to education. Gov. Paterson said, "These forums will provide real-time guidance on how we can work together to resolve the challenges we face."
Prior registration is not necessary, but it's preferred that those interested in attending please e-mail Curry prior to the event. The sessions are held from 10AM to noon every Tuesday in UB's Gateway building downtown (pictured above), located at 77 Goodell Street.
The complete schedule:
July 7: Crime and Corrections - Connect with police agencies and corrections to build safer communities.
July 14: Economic Development - Help grow and retain the economy by using state resources and incentives.
July 28: Energy - Discussing the implementation of "45 by 15" and other programs.
August 4: Municipal Finance - Learn currently available financing options and opportunities.
August 11: Youth Programs & Employment - Learn about the Governor's Youth Congress, summer youth employment and inter-agency cooperation activities.
August 18: Education - Information on the distribution of ARRA stimulus funds for school districts, as well as NYHELPS.
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Im going to reach out and discuss something that BuffaloRising simply will not discuss or promote.
Pressuring UB to open its 2nd and 3rd off campus research center.
There has been no discussion of YAHOO! choosing Lockport for its multi-million dollar data center. Combine that with Verizons phone and network center and the fact that Buffalo is the center of the voice and data network between the US, as well as, the Ultrafast networks between the US and Canada for national defense and research. CAN THERE BE ANY BETTER REASON TO USE OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND OUR NATIONAL NETWORK AND INTERNET ASSETS AS THE BASIS FOR A RESEARCH CENTER THAT COULD LAUNCH A PERIPHERY OF INDUSTRIES THE WAY THE COE FOR LIFE SCIENCES IS DOING.
There has been no discussion of Globe Metallurgical starting silicon manufacturing in Tonawana which can be used for computer chips or solar cells. Now its announced SUNWORKS is going to build a 300million utility class solar factory. Now in our region we have coal, oil and gas in the southern tier, ethanol and biodiesel at riverwright and others, hydro and wind, heat pumps or passive geothermal and now solar. CAN THERE BE ANY BETTER REASON TO USE OUR EXISTING ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A RESEARCH CENTER IN POWER GENERATION, POWER DISTRIBUTION AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT.
And I dont put this on UB alone, additional research centers of excellence should be a regional effort and include where possible Niagara University, Buffalo State and even Canisius.
And I dont put this on UB alone...we have the proceeds for the Seneca Niagara Casino, the future Buffalo Creek Casino and the sale of surplus power from Niagara Power Project...which could help build the infrastructure for these off campus research centers.
Extending our light rail and adding additional off-campus research centers should be our regional priorities.