Tourism has a $1.6 billion industry in Erie County with nearly 30,000 jobs or 6.5% of its total workforce, and $530 in annual tax relief per household (economic impact and spending numbers sourced from Economic Impact of Tourism in New York, 2014 calendar year, greater Niagara focus). And, with the Erie County Fairgrounds located within Hamburg and the variety of events it hosts including the Erie County Fair, it stands to reason that painting our water tower to resemble a hamburger would literally help Hamburg stand out!

While the total cost is approximately $500,000, over 80% is needed restoration of the tower due to deferred maintenance since Town of Hamburg purchased it from the Erie County Water Authority as it was no longer in use. After removing graffiti, and securing it from further vandalism, it is being used for marketing with “Town of Hamburg” boldly painted on the now rusted exterior of the tower – not really putting a best foot forward. With millions of travelers passing by its prominent location on the New York State Thruway, the Hamburger Water Tower stands to attract tourists to the economic benefit of Western New York businesses.

Because the Town of Hamburg owns the water tower, and is solely responsible for its maintenance, request was made of the Hamburg Town Board to seek grant funding for restoration work needed. “Unofficial approval” by the Board was granted contingent upon the Hamburger Water Tower Project raising the first half of matching funds needed to secure this public funding – $60,000 to start.

Please note that the Town of Hamburg has not been asked to take any tax dollars from it’s budget to paint the water tower, as we’ve promised from the inception of the Project.

The goal is to raise funds to paint the water tower to resemble a hamburger without public funding. T-shirts will be sold with the rendering of how the water tower will look once painted. Additionally, there will be numerous fundraising events in Hamburg to get residents and businesses involved in this community development project.

The board of Hamburger Water Tower Trust consist of:

• • • Chris Hannotte –  Chair – 20-year resident of Hamburg, Chris dedicated her career to public service she is extending by volunteering her time towards the Hamburger Water Tower Project. Chris is also a proud graduate of Leadership Buffalo whose mission is to make Buffalo Better which this Project will do once complete!
    • Tim Hoelscher – Treasurer – CPA retired from Ernst & Young specializing in not-for-profit taxation. Over 53 years of experience in income tax law and compliance. Heavily involved as volunteer with Hamburg Rotary Club and Foundation, The Hamburg High School Academy of Finance, and other charities. I truly enjoy advising and assisting not-for-profit organizations to allow them to stay in compliance with the various complex Federal and NY State income tax laws and rules so that they are able to maintain their tax exempt status. It has been my pleasure to serve on the Board of this Project since day 1 and I look forward to the day when it is completed.
    • Eric Adams – Partnerships & networking – Owner Picture Your Walls LLC.  Lover of all things WNY & 27 year resident of Hamburg.  Dedicated to serving others, through his business and many local volunteer organizations.  Active board member past and present and part of numerous committees of the Hamburg VBAC, Hamburg Chamber, OP Chamber, and other great WNY causes and charities.
    • Sue Ganey – Marketing – Resident of Hamburg over 66 years with a strong interest in the betterment of the whole community. An entrepreneur in the marketing/marketing research field for over 40 years and retail shop owner. I am very involved in the community having served on on the Boards of Hamburg Planning Board, Hamburg Village Business Association, Kiwanis Club of Hamburg and The New York District of Kiwanis and Hamburg Presbyterian Church. I’m interested in the Watertower project because I understand the value it could bring to the town through tourism and economic development. A great marketing opportunity.

    • Dan Tomaka serves as Chief Operations Officer at Busy Beaver Lawn and Garden in Buffalo, NY. He is an MBA graduate from Medaille University. Dan is married to Chelsey Tomaka and together they have two children, Parker and Ivy. Whether Dan is coaching his children’s sports teams or building business professionals he is devoted to enhancing others’ potential. His objectives are to grow organizations through people and implement innovative strategies that affect Gross Revenue and the Net bottom line. Most of all, Dan is most interested in transforming the lives of others and bettering their standard of living, view on what is possible, and potential within themselves.

    • Larry Van Deusen – Social Media – A WNY native, I spent 48 years in sales and marketing. Upon “retirement” I started WNY Web Design to help small businesses and startups with their web design.