Two hundred governmental, educational, business, and civic leaders convened June 18 at the Hirt Auditorium for a community dialogue entitled "Making Erie Great is Everyone's Business," sponsored by the Knox firm to conclude the yearlong observance of its 50th Anniversary.

Attorney Bob Dwyer's opening remarks summarized the serious issues faced by the Erie community, from crime, poverty, and unemployment to gaps in education, infrastructure, and healthcare.  Because Erie is not the only community confronted with these issues, the event sought to highlight how other communities have benefited from the collaborative efforts of the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

The keynote speaker was Paul S. Grogan, president of The Boston Foundation.  Under his leadership, the Foundation has become a central convener on challenges facing the city and region.  Before joining the Foundation in 2001, Grogan served as vice president for Government, Community and Public Affairs at Harvard University.  While at Harvard, he created "CEOs for Cities," an organization of political, business, educational, and foundation leaders across the country that publishes research on successful urban economies.  Previously, he led the nation’s largest community development intermediary and pioneered a series of public/private ventures in housing and education.

The keynote presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr. James Barker, Superintendent of the School District of the City of Erie; Michael Batchelor, President of the Erie Community Foundation; James Dible, President of the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership; John Elliott, President of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County; and John Malone, President of the Hamot Health Foundation.  Questions and comments from the audience followed, and the event concluded with a reception.

The event was hailed by participants and the media as a provocative and constructive community discussion.  The firm is cooperating with the Erie Community Foundation and others on follow-up strategies. 

Copies of a DVD featuring highlights of the forum are available from bguilford@kmgslaw.com.