SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. used its fall progress breakfast to conclude its 50th anniversary celebration. The event was held Thursday morning, Oct. 23, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and included three speakers who discussed history and storytelling. The progress-breakfast series — held twice a year — aims to “leave attendees […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. used its fall progress breakfast to conclude its 50th anniversary celebration.
The event was held Thursday morning, Oct. 23, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and included three speakers who discussed history and storytelling.
The progress-breakfast series — held twice a year — aims to “leave attendees feeling invigorated and more connected” to downtown Syracuse. This year’s event marked the conclusion of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“Reflecting on the history of Downtown has provided valuable insights into not only the current landscape of Downtown Syracuse but also how we have leveraged these elements to create a truly exceptional district,” the Downtown Committee said in its announcement.
The progress breakfast speakers included Natalie Stetson, executive director of the Erie Canal Museum. In her remarks, Stetson discussed how the Erie Canal flowed directly through Syracuse two centuries ago (occupying what is now known as Erie Boulevard) and how it played a pivotal role in shaping downtown Syracuse.
Those gathered at the fall progress breakfast also heard from Robert Searing, curator of history at the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA), who led a virtual walking tour through downtown Syracuse, providing an understanding of the downtown district and its history.
In addition, Katrina Tulloch, editor of Syracuse.com’s life and culture department and editor-in-chief of
This is CNY, discussed how she embraces storytelling to engage audiences of all ages and “create a meaningful impact” in downtown Syracuse, per the Downtown Committee announcement.
“As an organization whose mission is Downtown’s revitalization and continued vibrancy, today’s presentation was truly inspiring,” Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. said. “It highlighted the vision and collaboration that have driven the evolution of Downtown Syracuse and will undoubtedly continue to do so.”
The Downtown Committee partners with National Grid (NYSE: NGG) in presenting the Progress Breakfast Series. Presenting sponsor National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the U.S., serving more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts.
“National Grid understands the value of a thriving city center, that’s why our commitment to Downtown Syracuse remains strong. We take pride in supporting local businesses and working with partners like the Downtown Committee of Syracuse who create initiatives that support Downtown Syracuse,” Alberto Bianchetti, CNY regional director, external affairs for National Grid and a Downtown Committee board member, said in the announcement.
The fall progress breakfast also included distribution of the “Revitalize Syracuse 2025” edition of
The Central New York Business Journal, which served as a media partner for the event. Other sponsors of the breakfast included community sponsor: Canandaigua National Bank, and corporate sponsors: AmeriCU, CXtec, FustCharles, and Tompkins Community Bank.
The nonprofit Downtown Committee of Syracuse describes itself as a professional downtown-management organization representing all property owners and tenants within the central business district. The Downtown Committee says it undertakes programs to improve downtown’s image, strengthen its economic base, increase its attractiveness, and ensure that it’s clean, safe, and accessible.
