Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced the August schedule for his Erie County edition of the Congress on Your Corner program, which provides local residents with access to the Congressman’s office through satellite office hours at locations in the district.   Over 600 Congress on Your Corner events have been held over the last five years and another 135 outreach events are scheduled for 2011.

This summer, members of Congressman Higgins staff plan to visit locations across Erie County to provide specialized assistance with various federal agencies.  In addition, staff will be available at public libraries throughout Erie County to provide constituents with computer literacy training for those interested in navigating federal agency websites.

“Our office is always here to help and listen and help but since traveling to our office in Buffalo can be difficult for some, we come to neighborhoods across Erie County to make direct access easy and convenient for residents,” said Congressman Higgins.

The August Congress on You Corner events schedule for Erie County:

Wednesday, August 3

• 11:00AM-12:30PM – West Seneca Senior Citizen Center, 4620 Seneca Street

Monday, August 8

• 2:00 – 5:00PM - Orchard Park Library, 4570 South Buffalo Street
  Computer Literacy Outreach Opportunity
  “Many federal agencies have converted their forms and applications to online editions; leaving those who may not have basic computer skills or direct computer access at a disadvantage. Our office will partner with local libraries to assist constituents in locating online forms and resources from Social Security, IRS, Veterans Administration and other federal agency websites,” said Congressman Higgins.

Wednesday, August 17 – SPECIAL CONGRESS ON YOUR CORNER EVENT FOR SMALL BUSINESS

• 9:00 - 11:00AM (8:30AM Registration) - Buffalo State College Student Union, Fireside Lounge, 1300 Elmwood Avenue
  
  Congressman Higgins will be hosting a special Congress on Your Corner titled: “Expanding Your Market: A Small Business Outreach Event” where local business owners are invited to hear from experts in the business development field. 
  
  The first half of the event will feature special presentations including first-hand accounts from local business owners Melissa Balbach of LS&S LLC and Rick Smith from Rigidized Metals.
  
  Following the formal program, the following agencies will be on-hand to provide information and one-on-one consulting opportunities: U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration, Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center, Jamestown Community College Small Business Development Center, World Trade Center Buffalo-Niagara, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Canisius College Women's Business Center, UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and NYS Empire State Development.
  
  Businesses are encouraged to RSVP using the webform on our website. http://higgins.house.gov/services/rsvp.shtml.
   

Congress on Your Corner provides constituents the opportunity to talk directly with someone from Congressman Higgins’ office about issues related to Social Security, the Veteran’s Administration, passports, or other federal matters.  Residents are encouraged to visit a satellite site to share their concerns, questions, and ides with a representative from Congressman Higgins’ office.

For additional information on the Congress on Your Corner program contact Congressman Higgins’ office at 716-852-3501.