What does advocacy look like for your organization and what issues are you focusing on and moving forward?

Yeah, so advocacy operates on several different levels and it never stops, especially in my role with the organization.

But our fundamental is always advocating for the value of tourism, ensuring that our elected officials, our public partners, even our residents understand what hospitality is all about, that it is workforce, that it is tax-based, that it is economic competitiveness.

And again, it deserves serious investment at the same time.

We don't do this alone.

Starting at the highest level nationally, working very closely with U.S. Travel on their issues and how they relate to back here at home in Buffalo.

going to the Hill meeting with our members of Congress, even though we're able to meet with them here locally, but also making sure they see us in DC.

And how about you, Patrick? What was the catalyst for you?