At a recent NYCOM conference in Buffalo we learned about the “university connection” and the important role it can play in helping upstate New York communities achieve their goals with respect to economic development, “Main Street” revitalization and sustainable paths to local prosperity.

By the “university connection” we mean the whole constellation of colleges and universities all across the state, and the many different ways in which their resources and services can be tapped by local leaders in our towns, villages and cities. We are indeed fortunate to have here in New York one of the highest concentrations of institutions of higher learning of nearly anyplace in the whole country. Upstate New York communities - including very small communities in some of the most rural counties of the state - need to get in touch with what our universities have to offer. Read more »