Senator Kennedy Applauds Appointment of Robert Gioia to Serve on Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Board of Directors

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, released the following statement highlighting the appointment of Robert D. Gioia, president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, to serve on the Board of Directors of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

“Western New York has long benefitted from the dedicated leadership and relentless hard work of Robert Gioia,” Kennedy said. “Our community has relied on his vision and energy as he has spearheaded countless important projects and initiatives. Channeling Mr. Gioia’s talents into waterfront development at ECHDC will be a great boost to ongoing efforts to revitalize our economy starting at the water’s edge.

“Buffalo and Western New York are in the midst of an economic transformation, and there is no place where it’s more visible than at our waterfront,” he added. “Western New Yorkers are taking advantage of our waterfront assets. Visitors from out of town are learning about all that Buffalo has to offer. Developers and investors are committing time, capital and energy to create and expand businesses. And you get the feeling that the best is yet to come. Collaboration, vision and hard work have driven us this far and must remain the forces moving our community forward.

“I applaud Governor Cuomo for selecting such a well-qualified and enthusiastic candidate for this appointment. Congratulations to Mr. Gioia, I look forward to working together to ensure continued progress on waterfront development initiatives.”

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 58th District, which is comprised of the towns of Cheektowaga, Eden, Hamburg and West Seneca, the city of Lackawanna and parts of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.