By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Economic and political leaders are pressing the Cuomo administration to name Sam Ferraro to the soon-to-be-created Western New York Regional Economic Development Council.

Ferraro is executive director of the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency and commissioner of the Niagara County Department of Economic Development.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as part of his economic development strategy, wants to create 10 regional councils that will oversee and direct business and economic development initiatives. Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, the former Rochester mayor, will serve as Cuomo's pointman for the councils.

All will fall under the domain of Kenneth Adams, the new head of Empire State Development Corp.

"I can speak, firsthand, to the skill set that Sam brings to the table," said Henry Sloma, IDA chairman and interim chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

Ferraro has more than 33 years of planning and economic development experience in the county, including a stint as Niagara Falls director of planning and economic development.

The state's economic development councils will consist of a coalition of local leaders, including those from the private and public sectors. They are expected to be activated later this year.

"Sam is extremely well-qualified and he will be an asset to the council in its efforts to enhance economic development opportunities not only for Niagara County but all of Western New York," said state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane.