Syracuse becomes an arts, culture, & entertainment destination

Downtown Committee’s fall progress breakfast discussed the topic

SYRACUSE — Business owners and the leader of the Everson Museum of Art recently shared their thoughts on how downtown Syracuse is an arts, culture, and entertainment destination that has “unique experiences for everyone.” They spoke on the theme of the Oct. 29 fall progress breakfast, that was presented by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc., in partnership with National Grid (NYSE: NGG), at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. About 450 people attended the event, the Downtown Committee tells CNYBJ in an email. The speakers included Elizabeth Dunbar, president and CEO of the Everson Museum of Art, who discussed the recent opening of Louise, a new café that’s described as a “unique and interactive dining experience inside the museum,” according to a Downtown Committee announcement. Dunbar spoke about the Rosenfield collection and how diners are invited to enjoy the pieces and use them as part of their dining experiences. In addition, Sarah Pelligrini and Rob Zaccaria, co-owners of Noble Cellar, shared details of the opening of Noble Cellar earlier this year and the rich history of its location at 304 E. Onondaga St., next door to the Onondaga County Courthouse. They spoke about the importance of preserving and honoring the building while creating a new upscale experience for diners to enjoy. The fall progress breakfast speakers also included Nikita Jankowski, founder of Belesai Communications, who spoke about her experience in the travel industry and the assets downtown Syracuse has in the arts, culture, and entertainment world and why she considers Syracuse a travel destination. Jankowski highlighted the places and experiences that the city has to offer and why people want to travel into downtown Syracuse. “Listening to today’s presenters share the inspiration behind their continued investments in Downtown Syracuse was at the heart of today’s event. Learning how our arts, culture and entertainment scene has grown through the years highlights that Downtown Syracuse is a true destination,” Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, said in the announcement. The Downtown Committee says the progress breakfast series is known for providing “exclusive previews” of projects and items that the community is “buzzing about.” Inviting presenters to share their stories behind these “exciting initiatives helps build a deeper connection to Downtown Syracuse and provides insight into the growth underway,” per the announcement. The progress breakfast is held twice a year, in the fall and spring seasons. The event receives corporate-sponsorship support from AmeriCU, CXtec, FustCharles, and Tompkins, the Downtown Committee said.