I belong to the United Way's Young Leaders Club (code for "people under 45 who give above a certain dollar level each year") and one of the true benefits of this group is that we get the inside scoop on area development projects and access to community leaders.

The YLC hosts several "Lunch With Leaders" events each year and I attended one yesterday where we had the opportunity to be one of the first to tour the new bayfront convention center which is still under construction.

Wow.

I was impressed.

I was impressed with the size, the number of meeting rooms, the view, the garden plans, the kitchen, the temperature-controlled glass, the women's rooms and the ballroom that can seat 2,000 people in banquet style seating.

I was impressed with the people in charge -- John "Casey" wells, Joe Holody and Joseph McCorvey who all seemed to be forward-thinking men and visionary leaders who have the expertise, the charisma and the enthusiasm to sell this convention center.

I bought it. Hook. Line. Sinker.

I'm in.

I believe it can work. I know that Erie has an exciting future and that lake is our ace in the hole. It's THE thing we have that makes us stand out from the crowd of mid-size cities competing for convention dollars. And the new Convention Center (and future hotel) is taking full advantage of it.

Yesterday's lunch started out at the Tullio Arena with a presentation by John "Casey" Wells -- executive director of the Erie County Convention Center Authority -- who gave us a status report on bayfront development.

In talking about the Convention Center, Wells said "remember, this is all outside money that we're bringing in here -- to Erie from other places. We're not just recirculating Erie-area dollars. It's like we're importing money."

As we drove away from the center after the tour, Amanda Burlingham -- one of our Her Times freelancers and fellow YLC member -- said "God, it's an exciting time to live in Erie, isn't it? We have so many good things happening now. I just love this city."

Everyone in the car agreed.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone who lived here felt that way?

Here are a couple of photos I took -- mostly clowning around with Amanda -- we were having great fun with the mandatory hardhats and safety glasses that were required to tour the building. It was pretty funny to see groups of us in suits and high-heels wearing hardhats and safety goggles.

Me & my hard hat. I look pregnant here, but it's just the way I'm standing (really, I swear, boss!). :-)

Amanda -- all smiles, as usual. And, uh...she actually IS pregnant.

The entryway offers plenty of space for exhibitors or cocktail receptions. It's enormous and offers lake views the entire way. (yes, those are people that look like ants down the way).