Events hope to convince people to move

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo boosters will be out in big numbers this weekend, talkin' proud about a city that has a lot to celebrate.

You won't find many people bashing Buffalo this weekend, or Niagara Falls for that matter. Two major events are now underway to lure natives back home for good.

Convincing tourists and former residents that Niagara Falls is an amazing place isn't a tough sell, nor is it when you show them the many gems in the Buffalo area. But getting people, especially natives, to return and stay is the challenge.

Niagara Homecoming Organizer Colleen Kulikowski said, "We have to give them the opportunities and reasons why it's so great to live in western New York."

Two events are now underway in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The goal? To persuade former residents to relocate. In the Falls, Niagara Homecoming kicked off with a job fair. Obviously, people can't relocate without work.

Kulikowski contended, "Opportunities are everywhere. You've got companies here starting up, small start up looking for employees."

Last year, seven families relocated to Niagara County after attending the event. These 75 employers claim they're hiring. That's good news to recent graduate David Craig.

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said, "One thing we've recognized is that even in depths of recession you have jobs unfilled in private sector."

Buffalo Citybration is also shining a light on the city's job opportunities. Finding work in the high tech industry looks good, as we learned at this forum.

Bioinformatics Business Development Director Marine LaVigne said, "For example, we already launched over 50 new life science companies since 2001. Many people don't know that. They're small and medium companies, and that's where the bulk of employment is in the United States."

While the events were set up to bring former residents home, current residents are just as crucial in the process. That's why both events want to reacquaint residents with the region. Old Falls Street is worth visiting. And of course, who can resist the appeal of the Falls.

Right now in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, social gatherings are underway. There will be a number of other events taking place through Sunday, including a job fair Friday in Buffalo as part of Citybration.

>>Find out more about Citybration here

>>Find out more about Niagara Homecoming here