"This week we held, as part of continuing statewide effort, a three-day forum in Buffalo regarding what has essentially become the region’s largest export; our young, educated, and ambitious. There are countless reasons behind the "brain drain", as some have come to label it. From the lack of current professional opportunities, to the disintegration of the local and national manufacturing base from which the remainder of the economy relies, to reasons as simple as the weather and the negative civic perceptions we all tend to harbor. These issues are not new, and it doesn’t take three days of meetings with organized labor, private sector business leaders, and the academic community to identify the challenges we face.
But things emerged from these three days, wonderful things, types of things that have little immediate effect but are integral to any long lasting, substantive progress. We all know how great this area is.
Almost no one "wants" to leave Buffalo, but "has" to leave for various reasons. Over the course of this week I had the privilege of interacting with a variety of groups who are trying to structure this affection for our city into an organized and concerted effort to economically, culturally, physically and numerically grow Buffalo. Buffalo Niagara 360, Buffalo2032, The B Team, Leadership Buffalo, and a host of others are committed to the prosperity of Buffalo, particularly its younger residents. I am thirty-one, and I know this city is where I’ll continue to spend my days. But I also know that I am one of the lucky ones who get to spend their days advocating and working on behalf of a region I love. This is why I implore all of Western New York’s students and young professionals to embrace this area, recognize its assets and believe in its future."
- Jack Quinn
Member of Assembly
Check out a video detailing this event at the Partnership's YouTube channel.
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