Business and Pleasure Meet – Still Fallin’ For The Falls
Colleen Kulikowski, Chairperson of Niagara Rises, Inc, recalls an idea regarding a business mixer, that has since gone full circle – so to speak.
“The plan was simply for the happy hour from not becoming stale.”
Kulikowski wanted to have the functions at several venues across the Niagara Area in order to maintain a good attendance. What wasn’t realized, was that the concept had showed something else of Niagara Falls – a view of the city of Niagara Falls from different bar and restaurant locations.
A tandem of two sought out and approached several diverse locations in order to keep the concept fresh. Enter Rick & Anne Smith of Niagara Falls, also members of Niagara Rises.
“Our role for ‘Still Fallin’ for the Falls’ was to go to the restaurant owners and explain who we are, what Niagara Rises is and request to hold a happy hour at the establishment.” Rick Smith said.
“We make Niagara Falls the main theme to each and every happy hour.”
The Smiths have a list of restaurants in which every event held at is at a different place, so that the city can be represented from different districts.
The purpose of ‘Still Fallin’ For The Falls’ is to create cross promotion through Niagara Area business owners along with hosting politicians from any seat – by way of Niagara Rises, Inc. Rick Crogan, employed by Crowne Plaza Hotel, hosted the first happy hour and adamantly wanted to show that downtown Niagara Falls is making a comeback for not only visits through tourism, but for local businesses – the missing piece, seemingly missing from a successful economy in Niagara Falls.
“I really wanted to present to those who attended the happy hour, that we are showcasing new venues and that indeed, the city can make a comeback.” Crogan said.
The first happy hour was hosted by Old Falls Sports Bar and Grille, located inside The Crowne Plaza in March of 2009. Among the guests were John Percy, President of the NTCC and Niagara Falls Mayor, Paul Dyster. Over 150 attended the first mixer.
Positive interactions through area business owners often inspired them to return with more business owners – spreading by word of mouth, what Niagara Rises, Inc is all about. In due time, the list of places grew as Legends Bar & Grille, Como Restaurant, Red Coach Inn, and LaSalle Yacht Club, topping the list of this year’s current venues for ‘Still Fallin’ For The Falls through the month of June.
Gene Colucci, owner of Gene’s Wholesale, attends many of the happy hours held throughout Niagara Falls.
“Niagara Rises has some of the most interesting mixers.” Colucci said.
The President of the Town of Niagara Business And Professional Association speaks highly about ‘Still Fallin’ For The Falls’ and it’s concept.
“If you are looking for an avenue to enrich your social, business and personal life – attend a mixer, look around and get ready to meet some of Niagara Falls’s most interesting people.”
“This (Niagara Rises, Inc.) is a great organization with truly dedicated members.” Colucci said.
Niagara Rises, Inc’s next happy hour is slated for September.
Rick Smith will surely select yet another place in which the identity of Niagara Falls and its history will be showcased for all to attend. When asked the question regarding finding facilities for ‘Still Fallin’ For The Falls’, Smith smiled and stated -
“That’s the easy part.”
- – -Tom Proctor e mail tfpiv@yahoo.com
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These Happy Hours are the start of people communicating in Niagara Falls! After attending one in February I keep meaning to come back but my schedule has been so hard to coordinate!
These happy Hours are great resource for networking! Thank you for hosting them each month!