9/10/09: Unshackle Upstate Announces Town Hall Meetings

Unshackle Upstate, in partnership with upstate New York chambers of commerce, will host a series of community forums designed to give our New York lawmakers an up-close look at the ongoing economic challenges through the personal stories of chamber members.

This past year has been especially troublesome for the taxpayers of New York , who have had to shoulder massive tax, fee and assessment increases, witness a record increase in the amount of state spending, and watch a dysfunctional and secretive legislative and budgetary process. Add to it a failing state economy and it's clear that upstate New York 's businesses and families have been devastated.

Speaking opportunities are available to chamber members and by registration only by calling the individual chambers directly. The times, dates and locations for the forums are as follows.

• Rochester: 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave. Call 585-244-1800 for information.
• Syracuse: 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway in Liverpool. Call 315-470-1800 for information.
• Plattsburgh: 8 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, Plattsburgh Chamber of Commerce, 7061 Route 9. Call 518-563-1000 for information.
• Binghamton: 9 to 11 a.m., W ednesday, Sept. 30, Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, 49 Court Street, #2. Call 607-772-8860 for information.
• Buffalo: 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square. 716-852-7100.