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

Fed up with playing second fiddle to downstate political and economic development interests, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is teaming with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Chris Collins to create a two-day workshop on how Upstate can thrive, given the overriding influence of such places as Westchester County, Nassau County and midtown Manhattan.

The conference, set for Aug. 4-5, will kick off an "Accelerate Upstate" initiative to create an action plan and deliver it to the appropriate state leaders in Albany, New York City and elsewhere.

"What's different about this conference," said Andrew Rudnick, president and CEO of the partnership, "is that rather than rehash and focus on the challenges we face, the two-day dialogue will focus on agreeing upon solutions and positive steps that the 'Upstaters' can take together and move forward."

Collins said he eagerly supports the conference and its intended outcome.

"For too long, Upstate New York has been at the mercy of Albany politics dominated by downstate interests," Collins said. "We all know too well the impact that has had on our Upstate communities."

Brown said the conference should give Upstate a stronger voice on key issues in Albany.

The conference will focus on its unique role as a Canadian border region and how other states deal with a dominating metropolitan region such as New York City. It also will cover how to use the higher-education system as an economic development driver and separating the unique economic conditions between Upstate and the New York metropolitan area.

Private- and public-sector leaders from across Upstate New York are expected to attend the conference, which will be held in various sites and locations.