Buffalo, NY, Aug 17, 2011 — The western New York Regional Council held its first public meeting in Buffalo yesterday. It's one of 10 councils the Cuomo Administration has set up in a new regional approach to economic development.

The North Country council is co-chaired by Clarkson University president Tony Collins, and Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce based in Plattsburgh. The meeting yesterday provided a glimpse into how this new initiative will work.