By Carmella Boykin SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Thursday, the Downtown Committee of Syracuse held the Semi-Annual Progress Breakfast to discuss how local organizations are working to build economy and reduce poverty in downtown Syracuse.
“The event is all about connections and how we work together to position downtown Syracuse for future growth,” said event organizer Alice Maggiore.
The breakfast featured three speakers and a discussion panel from of three executives of companies that are building businesses, job opportunities, and community spaces downtown — specifically on South Salina Street.
The event will have an impact “by bringing awareness first and foremost, and then, two, by bringing folks into the room that are capable of making those collaborations happen,” said Rickey Brown, Executive Director of the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance.
Roughly 37 percent of Syracuse lives in poverty and by sparking interest in collaboration with the local community, Brown said it can create a stronger influence.
“We have an economy that has a demonstrated one-sided effect and impact in terms of economic opportunity that’s here,” said Brown.
Speakers at the breakfast discussed new developments, including a market, business office, and housing complex from the Allen Family Foundation. They also discussed a renovation of the building where the Post-Standard used to be printed by VIP Structures. And they talked about hiring for Upstate Minority Economic Alliance projects that would encourage the employment of people of color and impoverished people.
The new developments spread the forward-thinking business mindset that the Downtown Syracuse Committee hope to spread throughout the city.
“Downtown is where you could argue everything starts,” said Maggiore. “What happens downtown sends ripple effects throughout the entire community.”
