John Lloyd introduced our surprise guest: Mike Goldman who has been in Jamestown 37 years. He serves on the Board of The Resource Center, DJDC, Lutheran, as well as serving as attorney for the Train Station.
 
His talk highlighted the Train Station.  In 1997 community officials got together to work on the Train Station.  Lee Harkness joined DJDC in 2003 and moved the effort forward.  In 2008, the city was able to obtain State and Federal (FTA) funding, and so, they began to design the renovation.
By 2009 it became evident that there was a funding gap between the grants and the work needed .  Tom Benson, of BWB, began working on finding the needed funding.  Tax credits were sold.  Additionally the Gebbie Foundaiton provided funding.  Together, these bridged the $3 million gap. 
 
In 2009 a Limited Liability Company was formed with DJDC, City of Jamestown and The Gebbie Foundation.  People from those 3 organizations are responsible for this organization.  Mike noted that the work done between 2009 – 2012 was amazing.  Everyone pulled together to overcome multiple hurdles.  The FTA required transportation components:  1) CARTS central station and  2) Center space will always remain public.  When the Station was completed in October 2012, Lee Harkness became Manager.  In 2013 there were 76 events with 15,000 people.  In 2014 there are already 37 events booked.  Lee has developed an excellent relationship with the railroads.  It has become a destination and it continues to focus on the railroad.  Thanks to The Gebbie Foundation and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. 
May and December had 2 train events which will return again this year, and the Buffalo Bill Cody Family Reunion will be held in July.  Teddy Roosevelt was a friend of Buffalo Bill, so his family has also been invited.  To top it all off, May 3rd it was announced in the Post-Journal that the Center for Comedy will be a part of the Train Station complex. 
 
It seems that everything is full steam ahead for the Train Station!  We will look forward to future developments.