By Kevin Nadrowski
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Executive Chris Collins says his upcoming budget recommendation will include an 18 percent increase in county funding for the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Word of the funding increase followed an announcement yesterday that an Ambassador Program is being re-established. Collins is asking area residents to spread the word about Buffalo to friends and colleagues elsewhere. He says even people who live here are often unaware of the region's attributes.
Collins says thousands of people here have professional affiliations who can use their connections to steer conferences to the Buffalo area.
Last year, conventions, meetings and sporting events booked by the CVB had an economic impact topping $65 million.
People who sign up to be an ambassador will receive a free T-shirt and membership card entitling them to discounts at area businesses.