Another Voice / Economic development
Portland partnership opens new opportunities
As a lifelong Sabres fan living near Portland, Maine, the team’s new affiliation has significantly increased my excitement level for the upcoming season.
The shared love for the sport is obvious. However, due to a number of similar characteristics, regional leaders should look at this new affiliation as a golden opportunity to develop a relationship beyond hockey.
Settled by Europeans in 1632, Portland is a hidden gem that has beautifully taken advantage of its rich history to create a culturally and economically vibrant city.
Similar to Buffalo, it is known for its strong arts, distinguished architecture and culinary experience (it has one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country). It is also home to several distinct neighborhoods. Best known is the Old Port District, a walker’s paradise that oozes with character throughout the dense, mixed-use cobblestone streets.
Consistently ranked as one of the best small cities to live and work in, farsighted planning has turned this once-stagnant city into a tourist hot spot that is increasingly attracting young professionals.
While fondly embraced by natives and visitors, Portland exists in the shadows of greater Boston and the “iconic” New England states of New Hampshire and Vermont. Often the brunt of jokes for its harsh winters — it has the highest average snowfall of any city of 50,000 or more in New England — there is an unmistakable feeling of resiliency and warmness when traveling around greater Portland.
Although Maine’s largest city, Portland is considerably smaller than Buffalo, with a starkly different demographic makeup. Thus, comparisons must be taken in context.
Nevertheless, if you ever get the chance to see the future of the Sabres, I encourage you to take a stroll in the Old Port District and allow yourself to feel excited thinking about the possibilities for Buffalo’s developing inner harbor.
Through this hockey affiliation, a tremendous opportunity has opened for two great communities to share best practices. In an age of rapid globalization, there is no shortage of issues to discuss, as every Northeast region must contend with aging infrastructure, economic upheaval and the out-migration of young talent. However, with the nation’s development landscape becoming increasingly homogenized at a time when growing numbers of businesses and individuals are eager to experience the benefits of city life, appreciation for Buffalo’s unique character will continue to rise as a competitive advantage. Opportunities abound to develop truly authentic districts that other parts of the country can only dream of providing.
Indeed, with a new market and an influx of strong prospects, there is much to look forward to and discuss. I can’t wait for the season to begin.
Ted Semesnyei, a Western New York native, is the economic development coordinator for the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission in Northeast Massachusetts.
