The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau and Erie County Executive Chris Collins are urging local citizens to become a Buffalo ambassador and help bring a convention, meeting or sporting event to town.
These events are big business, and the people who attend them leave behind big money. In 2008, the direct economic impact of conventions, meetings and sporting events booked by the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau totaled over $65 million.
"This new Ambassador Program allows every citizen of Buffalo and Erie County to take an active role in the revitalization of our area," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "It's time for all of us to start celebrating what's great about Western New York, and to spread the word around the Country. Tourism is a growth industry in Erie County, and we must capitalize on that. I urge every Western New Yorker to tell their out-of-town friends and associates about our multitude of art and cultural attractions, our architectural treasures and our beautiful waterfront. Together, we'll set Erie County on the road to a bright future."
By helping to bring a meeting, convention or sporting event to town, Buffalo Ambassadors are contributing to the economic vitality of the community. Convention delegates, meeting attendees and sports participants spend out-of-town dollars on hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions. These expenditures mean jobs and tax relief for each and every household in Erie County.
Thousands of Buffalonians have professional affiliations, or belong to religious organizations, sports leagues, alumni associations, and hobby and affinity groups. The CVB is looking for Buffalo Ambassadors to use their connections and influence within a group to steer an event to Buffalo. By working with the CVB staff, volunteer members can help to influence the selection process in favor of Buffalo.
"This is a grassroots opportunity for the people of Buffalo to help our community," said Drew Cerza, interim president, Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We need our residents to use their associations and persuasion to help attract meeting, conventions, and sporting events. One person's efforts and love for our community can produce incredible economic rewards for Buffalo."
Participants will receive a really cool, free T-shirt, discounts to area attractions with your Buffalo Ambassador membership card, and the pride and satisfaction that comes with helping the community grow and prosper.
People
interested in learning more about the Buffalo Ambassador program, please visit
www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/ambassador/ and complete the registration form. Or
call 716. 852.0511 and ask for program director Cheryl Zanghi.
Many ex Buffalonians are little ambassadors out there, believe me! Alot of Buffalo pride is spread all over this Country and i've seen it first hand. Tim Russert was a great example of this.