OVERVIEW

During the fall of 1979, Erie County Legislator Joan Bozer met with the Women's Coalition of Rochester, a civic organization comprised of representatives of various community and social groups in the Rochester area. The Coalition had spearheaded a beautification program, master signage plan and similar efforts aimed at improving the image of the city. Impressed with the Coalition's efforts and the focus on bringing the views of women into the city planning process, Joan invited a cross section of women active in civic and governmental affairs in Buffalo to meet with her to discuss the development of a Buffalo "coalition."

 

Following a series of community organizations' meetings held during the fall of 1979, Women For Downtown was born. Gail Johnstone was asked to serve as the Chairperson of this diverse group of women interested in the improvement and revitalization of Downtown Buffalo. The group set their agenda, selected a name, wrote by-laws, and were incorporated as a not-for-profit (501)(c)(3). In spring 1980, the first election of officers was held.

 

The goals for Women For Downtown (WFD) were established as promoting Downtown Buffalo and assisting in the area's cultural, commercial, residential and aesthetic improvement.

 

In April 1998, Women For Downtown members voted to change the name of the organization from Women For Downtown to WFD... Working For Downtown. The current registered name is "Working For Downtown, Inc."

 

A HISTORY OF FIRSTS

Members of WFD have taken an active role in Downtown Buffalo issues since 1980, and their accomplishments are noteworthy...

  • WFD's first accomplishment was a survey of the attitudes and concerns of Buffalonians regarding downtown. It was the first time citizens had asked other citizens to document their views for actions by City and County officials. Over 2,000 responses were received. The data from that study was a valuable planning tool.
  • In 1981, WFD researched, designed and printed the first Downtown Buffalo map to be made available to the public in years. Over 135,000 copies were provided to the citizens of WNY.
  • The Junior League and WFD were the innovators of the Farmers Market, a successful venture that eventually moved to the block on Main Street between Court and Church streets. The Farmers Market, administered by Buffalo Place, has become a mainstay of the summer and fall downtown scene.
  • WFD was the catalyst for the first CityFest celebration in 1982, ImagiFest, and co-chaired the five days of activities with the Junior League and Chamber of Commerce. From CityFest came the idea for UpDowntown, a party for downtown office workers that was held for many years.
  • WFD has worked since its inception to bring a new sense of style and life to downtown during the holidays by distributing Christmas lights to small businesses, and was the first to brave an outdoor event in December, Victorian Holiday.
  • In January 1991, the first Buffalo Forum was held with a lively debate on the proposed locations for the new hockey arena. Prior to this initiative, programs were held to present plans for Lafayette Square, the Waterfront and the Theater District. The objective of the Buffalo Forum/Buffalo Talks Series is to inform, educate and stimulate discussion on topical issues.
  • The Bright Spot Award, initiated in the early 1980s and later renamed the Fernbach Award, recognizes deserving organizations that participate in the aesthetic revitalization of downtown.
  • WFD developed "Downtown's Heritage," a self-guided walking tour map of Downtown Buffalo's architecture (in conjunction with the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier). Over 60,000 maps have been distributed to residents and visitors.
  • The Joan K. Bozer Award was initiated in 1995 to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving Downtown Buffalo.
  • In 1996, WFD initiated WaterFest, the first downtown waterfront festival of family activities.
  • WFD initiated the Bricks for Buffalo project to celebrate WFD's 20th anniversary.
  • WFD initiated Thursdays in the City, a Business and Social Hour. This networking party for downtown residents, workers and others is held on Thursday evenings in a Downtown restaurant during the fall, winter and spring.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Public Relations

The Public Relations committee serves as the external voice for the organization. It is responsible for preparing media releases for all events, membership programs and social functions. Additionally, the public relations team will provide support and guidance to all WFD sub-committees, fundraisers and special events.

Membership/Nominating

The Membership/Nominating Committee is responsible for developing, recruiting and maintaining the organization's membership. Additional responsibilities include distributing membership material to prospective members and organizing new member orientations and social events with the Program Committee. The committee also coordinates the slate of officers and board members to be presented at the Annual Meeting.

By-Laws

The By-Laws Committee considers and/or initiates proposed amendments to the by-laws for presentation to the membership for adoption in accordance with Article IX.

Administration

The Administration Committee is responsible for the daily organizational duties of WFD, as well as maintaining the membership database and master mailing list.

Historian

This committee is responsible for maintaining the records of events and activities of WFD, including photographs, articles and press releases.

Website

The Website Committee manages the existing WFD website to ensure information is current with regard to membership, committee activities and events. Additional responsibilities include managing the membership list serve and sending informative e-mails to the members relating to special initiatives and upcoming events.

 

AD HOC COMMITTEES

Program Committee

The Program Committee plans and organizes the Brown Bag Lunch Series, quarterly membership meetings and other activities. The Brown Bag Lunch series is held monthly at a downtown location. Other events include tours of downtown facilities and member social events planned in conjunction with the Membership/Nominating Committee. These events provide an excellent opportunity to network with other WFD members and guests. The committee is also responsible for Thursdays in the City, a weekly B.A.S.H. (business and social happy hour) that focuses on bringing downtown residents and professionals together. Get-togethers occur every Thursday in a downtown establishment from September through April.

Downtown Neighborhoods

The Downtown Neighborhood Committee focuses on issues that promote and develop downtown as a neighborhood. The objective is to improve the quality of living, working and visiting Downtown Buffalo. The mission includes the Buffalo Walks Tour series, improving the aesthetic appearance of Downtown Buffalo and promoting the neighborhood concept by developing and improving amenities that make downtown a desirable destination. In 2001, this committee planted the garden located in front of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.

Waterfront

The Waterfront Committee is responsible for issues relating to the development of the Buffalo waterfront. The committee monitors and reports on various waterfront projects, including the Inner Harbor, Peace Bridge and Plaza expansion, and the City's development of a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan. The committee is also responsible for Bricks for Buffalo, which was initiated to celebrate WFD's 20th anniversary. Located at the NFTA's DL&W terminal (behind HSBC Arena) on the Buffalo River, Bricks for Buffalo includes a Women's Walkway and a Plaza Walkway. Both walkways contain engraved bricks and other items purchased by current and former WNY residents. All proceeds from the sale of the Bricks go toward a downtown public art fund. Committee members assist in implementing and marketing the project.