AMHERST, N.Y. -- Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz will discuss his economic development plan and its impact on the Buffalo Niagara region at the Daemen College Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series event scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Wick Campus Center’s Social Room.

His lecture, “Initiatives for a Smart Economy 2.0: Focus on Inclusion,” is free and open to the public.

“We are honored to have County Executive Poloncarz come to Daemen to unveil his economic development plan for how Erie County can have a positive impact on our region’s economy,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “Focusing on inclusion and diversity, he will share his vision for economic growth and opportunities throughout Erie County.”

The county executive’s plan builds on his economic development initiative released in 2013, entitled “Initiatives for a Smart Economy,” which identified 64 initiatives in Erie County to help support economic growth in the region. He will talk about the updated plan in conjunction with other state and federal economic development efforts to identify opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

“I am grateful to Daemen College for providing this opportunity to share our updated plan and initiatives for continued economic development,” said Poloncarz.  “As county executive, I will continue to push forward on all fronts to include all citizens, from all racial and economic backgrounds, in the economic rebirth that is affecting our county, region, and state.”

Poloncarz took office as Erie County’s eighth county executive in 2012, after serving for six years as county comptroller. Before running for public office, he practiced corporate and finance law in Buffalo. 

Poloncarz earned a law degree from the University of Toledo’s College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo.

The Daemen Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series brings top government and public officials and business leaders to campus to share their unique perspective on critical state, national and international issues. It is sponsored by Harris Beach PLLC, a major New York-based law firm with offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Ithaca, White Plains, New York City and Long Island.