It is with great pride that I share with you the success of our first Explore Buffalo Niagara economic development forum, September 12 - 14, 2007, and extend heartfelt thanks to each member of the Planning Committee, all of our Sponsors and Partners, and every Volunteer.

Explore Buffalo Niagara drew interest and participation from 30 persons representing businesses in the United States, Japan, China, Jamaica, Lebanon, Russia, Malaysia, France and Dubai. The overarching message delivered to participants is that the Buffalo Niagara region is serious about business and serious about growth. The individuals who came here to explore regional assets, resources and business opportunities have indicated that they intend to return and/or remain in touch with the contacts they have made.

Through the superb efforts of co-chairmen, United Auto Workers Assistant Regional Director Kevin Donovan, and Samuel Ferraro, Commissioner of the Niagara County Center for Economic Development; and of Explore Coordinator, Janice Barrett, Executive Director of the Economic Development Group, our event concluded within the budget we prepared based on allocations from our funding sources.

Explore Buffalo Niagara attracted extensive news media coverage. We fully expect, as business relationships that began here last week are solidified in the weeks and months ahead, that the news media will credit our economic development forum's important role in facilitating these positive events.

From the start, our grassroots volunteer committee developed Explore Buffalo Niagara to assist and support the area's professional economic development entities by personally welcoming potential job-creating businesses to Erie and Niagara counties. Since then, we have received requests from other counties in Western New York to be included in future forums. It is our intention to continue to enthusiastically advocate for our region.

Be assured that you will be invited to join us in our future economic development activities and events.

Sincerely,

David A. Roll, Chairman