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
This committee coordinates all communication with the media. They ensure that WFD activities are publicized, through the website, community calendars, public service announcements and social media. They prepare and distribute news releases, approved by the President, to the media. The Public Relations Committee oversees contract work by our graphic artist on marketing materials and develops an annual PR budget for approval by the Board. They communicate and coordinate with other WFD committees as to their PR needs. In addition, they assist the Historian in maintaining a record of media exposure.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of the month at noon at The Gourmet Store on the 1st floor of Olympic Towers.
Committee Chair
Carolyn Powell cpowell@buffaloniagara.org
Committee Members
Craig Barber cbarber@allproparking.com
Diane Pietraszewski pietrad@bsk.com
Sarah Couch scouch@ellicottdevelopment.com
Harry King harry.king@buffalo.com
Aaron Drake aarondrake@plazagroup.net
Membership/Nominating
This Committee devises and administers a strategy for membership development and maintenance. They are responsible for welcoming new members and providing them with relevant information. Another responsibility is maintaining and updating the membership roster on the WFD website. Beginning in March, the nominating process is begun with the identification of officers and board members for the following year, as per the WFD By-Laws. Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Just Vino, corner of Main & Virginia.
Committee Co-Chairs
Bret Llewellyn bllewellyn@realtyusa.com
Joyce Jividen michoice@webtv.net
Committee Members
Jeanne Pinto jeannewfd@gmail.com
Diane Grant dgrant@bcarparking.com
Harry King harry.king@buffalo.com
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 is responsible for the planning and execution of all WFD regular and special events. They determine location, topics and speakers for WFD events. The Committee also distributes email and snail mail invitations to events, takes reservations, and staffs registration tables at the individual events. The Program Committee currently puts on the Brown Bag Luncheon Series, Membership Meetings, Thursdays in the City, the Post Holiday Social, Annual Meeting and Awards presentation, along with various special events.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. on the 19th floor of One M&T Plaza.
Committee Chair
Terri Ferrari - terriwfd@gmail.com
Committee Members
Kate Bukowski kbukowski@mtb.com
Sarah Couch scouch@ellicottdevelopment.com
Karin Cranz kcranz@mtb.com
Donna Gonser dgonser@lumsdencpa.com
Katie Johnson Hoffman kvjhoffman@hotmail.com
Terry Kazmierczak tkazmierczak@mtb.com
Christa Kopacz ckopacz@lumsdencpa.com
Carolyn Murray cmurray@huntcommercial.com
Carolyn Powell cpowell@buffaloniagara.org
Lynn Waclawek lwaclawek@mtb.com
Vicky Wienke vwinks@verizon.net
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
WFD Waterfront Committee
The WFD Waterfront Committee promotes member and public awareness of ongoing waterfront development. They work with public and private entities in the resolution of issues involving the waterfront area. Members also attend public hearings and board meetings of waterfront planning bodies. They further promote initiatives such as tours and/or public forums to generate interest in responsible waterfront development.
The WFD Waterfront Committee also oversees the planning, implementation, maintenance and marketing of the Bricks for Buffalo project.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month at noon in the Heath Conference Room on the 6th floor of the LCo Building, 726 Exchange Street. Parking in ramp behind the building.
Committee Co-Chairs
Anne Martin aem301@roadrunner.com
Sandy Wiseman swise245@roadrunner.com
Committee Members
Bill Jones billj@workingdowntown.com
David DeBoy ddeboy@buffalodesigncollaborative.com
Dawn Csati csatid@litelab.com
Diane Pietraszewski dpietraszewski@bsk.com
Donna Gonser dgonser@lumsdencpa.com
Joyce Jividen michoice@webtv.net
Paulette Quain pauletteaquain@aol.com
Rick Serra rserra@allproparking.com
Mary Lou Clark mclark2280@aol.com
Janet Jacobs jbufpimbai@roadrunner.com
Alison Caputy alisoncaputy@yahoo.com
Pat Janicki pmjii@aol.com
Kay Murphy No email
