Buffalo Economic Development Initiatives (EDI) was a two-day, in-person conference that took place September 14-15, 2022, at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, located at 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202. The goal of EDIs is to improve the total and economic well-being of transitioning Service members, Veterans, their families, and their communities.
Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) hosted this EDI in partnership with the Buffalo Regional Office. Registration for the EDI event was free of charge. Presentations offered during the EDI covered topics such as VA benefits, Veteran initiatives, financial wellness, and career development strategies. Additionally, this EDI offered claims assistance to help Veterans file claims and maximize the use of VA benefits and services.
Claims Clinic
VA encourages all Veterans to continue exploring the benefits they have earned. Learn how to file a VA disability claim.
Town Hall
Open Dialogue – Attendees communicated challenges and successes with local and federal government representatives.
Hear From Leadership – Attendees heard from the New York Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), and more.
Learn Key Initiatives – Attendees learned about key initiatives and activities that affect the community.
Presentations
Attendees were able to:
Attend workshops and presentations that can help with your individual needs at any given time in your process of returning to civilian life.
Learn how VA benefits and resources will make your transition from military to civilian life easier for you and your loved ones.
Learn about the available benefits as well as new financial practices and strategies that optimize long-term success.
Spouse and Caregiver Clinic
The Spouse and Caregiver Clinic was presented by Veterans Affairs (VA). The Clinic included specific details about VA benefits, resources, education, support, and more.
Stakeholder Roundtables
Stakeholder Roundtables bring together private and public partners (e.g. Federal, State and local government partners, Veterans Service Organizations, and corporate leaders) with the goal of advancing the economic empowerment of Veterans, Service members and their families. Stakeholder Roundtables, driven by OTED, foster collaboration between stakeholders to encourage commitment to alleviate challenges in the Veteran community and provide support for pursuing sustainable public-private partnerships.
During Stakeholder Roundtables, participants are asked to commit to partnering with OTED and other participants to resolve the challenges identified during the discussion. Participants are tasked with creating a plan for long-term engagement. OTED will enable the follow-up plan, schedule check-ins, and provide support to participants after the initial Roundtable event.
This event was by invitation only.
