Upward Niagara provides forum for elected & business leaders to discuss cross-border tourism solutions

Well-attended ‘Lunch with Leaders’ at Apple Granny Restaurant brings community principals together to find common ground

Article and Photos by Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Additional Photos by Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce Board Member Kevin Krisnosky

Apple Granny Restaurant’s dining room was filled Thursday with local dignitaries looking for a stronger cross-border partnership with their Canadian counterparts. The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce welcomed business owners and elected officeholders to its Lewiston “Lunch with Leaders” forum, providing them an opportunity to share concerns and discuss solutions.

Talk of tariffs between the U.S. and Canada this year caused a decline in the number of international visitors shopping, dining or attending events in the River Region.

“Lunch with Leaders” moderator Michael Ragusa, chairman of the Upward Niagara Chamber’s government affairs committee. (Photo by Kevin Krisnosky)

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“Lunch with Leaders” moderator Michael Ragusa, chairman of the Upward Niagara Chamber’s government affairs committee, initiated the conversation by saying, “Our region has such a unique relationship with our Canadian neighbors, especially with tourism, shopping and hospitality.”

He asked participants, “What can we do as a region to foster a stronger, more-welcoming, ‘welcome back’ attitude toward our Canadian visitors, as cross-border traffic continues to rebound?

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt said he got engaged at Niagara-on-the-Lake, so “Canada's a special place to me. I think to a lot of us here in Western New York, we've always thought of Canada as really part of our larger community.”

He continued, “I think advocating to our national leaders is just the best thing we can do, is to reinforce to them (the concern over political rhetoric and strained cross-border relations). All politics is local – the old adage – I think we live in a moment where that's really been tested because of social media. The way information travels, sometimes it feels like we're just all part of this large national conversation. I think the danger for elected officials is to remember, ‘Well, I don't work or represent someone in Texas or Louisiana,’ however they may feel. ‘I represent constituents here who depend on that cross-border traffic.’

“I think it was always a proud testament that it was the safest, busiest border anywhere in the world. And I think we want to make sure that continues economically.”

Ortt said U.S. and Canadian residents share culture and many of the same values. Though they may have different approaches to problem-solving, political differences can be navigated to find a common solution.

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley and Chairman of the Board Matt Villnave are joined by Modern Disposal Services leaders.

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Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “There's the national narrative, but you can look at the local narrative; and I think that the camaraderie in this room today shows us we're not part of that national narrative.”

He complimented the Upward Niagara Chamber for holding the forum, and for its work on behalf of local businesses. Morinello suggested additional meetings could be held in Niagara-on-the-Lake or Niagara Falls, Ontario.

“Let's change the narrative, tone down the narrative, and bring it more to a regional basis,” he said.

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello with Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley. (Photo by Kevin Krisnosky)

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Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy said, “We've spoken a lot here today about this issue and the Canadian traffic, Canadian sentiment, but it's a number of things that's affecting us, as well: International sentiment, economic uncertainty domestically – there's a number of spokes on this wheel that are affecting us. But a lot is Canadian, because we are affected on a small business level. I think what we're seeing, on a national basis, international basis, is that time does heal. … People forget a little bit when that rhetoric calms down.”

He suggested putting forth the message “that we are still open for business; that we are friends and neighbors; that camaraderie – that connection – is still there. We're only separated by bridges of 500 to 750 feet. They're like a neighborhood to us, and vice versa. And so, we have to get back to that really homespun, grassroots effort, and maybe we can play a role in that, along with a lot of you, coming to the table and figuring this out on just even a grassroots effort.”

Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said the two cross-border communities have common ground to build upon. He invited attendees to Canada for another round of conversation.

“The last couple weeks, I heard something about culture, values and beliefs – and that's exactly where we line up,” Zalepa said. “I'm committed to taking back to Ontario that we want to really do more relationship-building here. And we got a great chamber in Niagara-on-the-Lake and in Niagara County. And so, I'm committing that we're going to do that – we're going to follow up – and we're going to get our businesses talking more, because that is the answer.”

Other attendees at “Lunch with Leaders” included Niagara County legislators Irene Myers and David Godfrey, plus Legislator-elect Michael Casale; from the Town of Lewiston, Supervisor Steve Broderick and Councilman-elect Bill Burg; from the Village of Lewiston, Mayor Anne Welch, trustees Vic Eydt and Jim Fittante, and Clerk Shannon Fundis; Town of Porter Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston and Councilman Timothy Adamson; Village of Youngstown Trustee Catherine Stella; Town of Niagara Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso; and Lewiston-Porter Superintendent of Schools Paul Casseri.

The event was sponsored by Modern Disposal Services. CEO Derek Veenhof offered welcoming remarks.

Modern Disposal Services CEO Derek Veenhof speaks at “Lunch with Leaders.”

Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt and Village of Lewiston Mayor Anne Welch.

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt with Lockport businessman Brian Yaiser.

Dr. Brian Michel, assistant to the president for governmental relations and strategic initiatives at SUNY Niagara; Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers; and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. (Photo by Kevin Krisnosky)

Town of Niagara Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso and Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA Marketing Manager Susie Swiatkowski. (Photo by Kevin Krisnosky)

Modern Disposal Services CEO Derek Veenhof, Town of Porter Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston, and Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers. (Photo by Kevin Krisnosky)