The National Association of Counties (“NACo”) has appointed Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz as a member of its International Economic Development Task Force, charged with facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and resources and guiding NACo programming concerning county-level engagement in international economic development activities. The 70-member Task Force is chaired by Kathryn Starkey, Commissioner of Pasco County, Florida, and includes members from 27 states.

“As Erie County Executive I have worked hard to bring Canadian business to Western New York, something that had been neglected by my predecessors despite Toronto being only 90 miles away. Today, Erie County is seen as a desirable place for Canadian manufacturers to set up American offices, with close proximity to transportation, a world-class workforce, and a business climate that is friendly and energized,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Since I took office in 2012, 45 Canadian companies have established offices in Erie County, creating over 1,000 jobs and investing more than $146 million in our economy. International business can stimulate county economies nationwide just as it has done here, and I thank NACo President Greg Cox for the opportunity to serve on the Task Force and work with my colleagues on economic development.”

The International Economic Development Task Force also works with partners at the federal level to ensure that fair trade practices are in place and enforced between U.S. manufacturers and their trade partners in order to protect American jobs and promote American products. The group’s June meeting will focus on U.S. – China trade relations and how counties can better support businesses in their communities engaged in trade between the U.S. and China.

For more information:

On the National Association of Counties, visit  https://www.naco.org/ 

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