This summer, millions of Americans will travel to numerous destinations, but unfortunately, few will travel to Erie County to tour the attractions located here. This is not for a lack of places to see or things to do, but more as a result of our region’s failure to properly market itself and our assets. I am glad to report that with the assistance of the County Executive and the support of the Legislature, the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau has been reorganized and fully funded to right the wrongs of the past.

With taxpayer support, significant efforts are being made to improve tourism in Western New York and give people around the country good reasons to visit the towns and villages we call home. Because of economic uncertainly, the entire country is facing a decline in the tourism industry, and that is why we must redefine and market why this area is worth hosting a convention, day and weekend trips, or a family vacation. We have so much to offer, and too often we fail to remind people what has made Western New York a great place to live, work and raise a family.

I have already taken important steps to promote our region, including a district-wide tour of interesting locations. Recently, I toured towns and villages in my legislative district with Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, the new president of the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau. I chose to show her some of the gems that I believe are unique and could be a draw for visitors. The tour included Russell’s Steak House and Hotel, Lancaster Opera House, Marilla General Store, Earl’s Drive-In Restaurant, Erie County’s Sugar Shack and Saw Mill, Sprague Brook Park and Campgrounds, Holland NASCAR Motor- Sports Complex, and the new Made in America Store. I believe these were just a small sampling of the great locally owned and operated places we have to offer.

While the tour was very centralized to the towns and villages I represent, I also voted for a resolution that will further promote and support a wider approach to regional tourism. In July, the Legislature approved a measure that strongly encourages passage of the Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act by Congress. The TRIP Act would reinvigorate domestic tourism and create jobs by allowing local tourism promotional organizations to partner with other regional tourism entities to put together a proposal for a matching grant to market their destination throughout the United States.

Certified copies of the resolution were sent to our federal officials, members of the local state delegation, and the Erie County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The resolution stated that tourism needs to act as an economic driver for our region, and we need our representatives in Congress to recognize the importance such a recognition will have on our local economy.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts about tourism in District 5 and Erie County. Please feel free to call me at 601-3030 or e-mail dino.fudoli@ erie. gov.