Governor Appoints Robert GioiaTo Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. Board Of Directors

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the appointment of Robert D. Gioia, president of the John R. Oishei Foundation and an experienced Western New York business executive and community leader, to serve on the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Board of Directors. The Governor also recommended Mr. Gioia as the next Chairman of the ECHDC Board.

“With years of experience as a successful business executive and community leader in Western New York, Robert Gioia will bring leadership and vision to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation,” Governor Cuomo said. “Mr. Gioia’s proven dedication to his hometown of Buffalo and Western New York will make him a major asset to the ECHDC Board of Directors as they work together with the community to transform the waterfront and bring new jobs, energy, and economic development to the entire region.”

The Governor’s announcement today comes after recent news that the Buffalo Sabres’ proposed development, known as HARBORcenter, and estimated to cost $123 million, has been selected by the City of Buffalo as the preferred developer of the Webster Block. The ECHDC Board is expected to act on the Governor’s recommendation to appoint Mr. Gioia as chair at its September meeting.

Mr. Gioia said, “I am honored that Governor Cuomo has chosen me to serve on the board of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. Through the Governor’s leadership, ECHDC is delivering what the people of Western New York have been craving for decades, a vibrant, family-friendly waterfront that they can be proud of. I look forward to joining my fellow board members in continuing the great momentum of developing a world-class waterfront in the city that I love.”

Mr. Gioia is president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, Western New York’s largest philanthropic organization, whose mission is to be a catalyst for change to enhance economic vitality and quality of life in the Buffalo-Niagara region. A Buffalo native, Mr. Gioia began his career in 1970 as a part of the third generation operating the Gioia Macaroni Company. From 1992 to 2007, he was a principal with the Food Group of Strategic Investments and Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Gioia was chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) from 1990 to 1998 where he pioneered the completion of the $120 million Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. In October 2007, he was appointed chairman of The Western New York Health System (renamed Great Lakes Health). Mr. Gioia has served on the boards of numerous other groups and organizations, including president of the Board of Trustees of The Nichols School, president of The Martin House Restoration Corporation, chairman of The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, chairman of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, director of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and a trustee of St. Lawrence University.

Mr. Gioia will join the ECHDC Board of Directors at a time when progress on Buffalo’s waterfront is being propelled into the next stage of development, due largely to the success of Canalside. Canalside, a 1.1 million square foot mixed use development, offers over 425 events and attractions and by estimates will bring 500,000 visitors this summer through public access, improvements to the site and public infrastructure. Current capital projects include a dock and board walk extension, the addition of Liberty Hound and Clinton’s Dish restaurants, the construction of historically aligned public canals, and the restoration of Donovan Office Building into 160,000 square feet of mixed use space. To date, approximately $160 million of private investment has been committed.

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.

As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty. For more information on ECHDC, visit www.eriecanalharbor.com.

By C. Harris-Lockwood