×

ECONOMY Getting creative in our region

Many area residents have lamented the loss of our downtowns. Others are disappointed with empty storefronts and a lack of pedestrian traffic in cities and villages across rural Chautauqua County.

There is, however, reason for hope. On Tuesday morning in the Williams Center on the campus of the State University of New York at Fredonia, the topic of creative placemaking will be discussed.

As part of the annual Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Local Economic Development summit, Maureen Sager, executive director for the Alliance for the Creative Economy, will be speaking about “Creating an Impact: The Creative Economy and Placemaking.” The event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Sager defines the creative economy as that set of economic activity that’s driven by creative content at its core and consists of multiple sectors. She notes that in the capital region of Albany, this type of energy is driving a rebirth of sorts.

“People are surprised that we are the fourth largest employment sector,” Sager said. “But they can see that we have a positive and beneficial effect on all the segments of the economy.”

Downtowns today cannot be like they were in the past. It is why this timely topic deserves the attention of local leaders and residents. To attend, register online at nccf-led.org.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today