ITHACA, N.Y. -- Aside from its natural beauty, upstate New York is known for an economy that is sluggish, at best. On May 2, Cornell University President Jeffrey S. Lehman will join a host of state leaders, including U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, for a one-day symposium that is dedicated to boosting the upstate economy.

"Rebuilding Upstate New York: What Works II" will take place at the Convention Center at Oncenter in Syracuse. The symposium will discuss successful tools for community redevelopment, experiences of nationally known experts and strategies for fostering municipal economic health.

This event is a follow-up to a similar conference in 1999 that was the brainchild of Congressman James T. Walsh, R-25th Dist. At the time, Walsh wanted to revitalize the economy of the Syracuse area and the rest of his district. The May 2 conference will expand such goals to the entire upstate region. This year, the conference will be sponsored by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., which helped pioneer the concept of public-private partnerships.

Sen. Clinton will be the keynote speaker, and Lehman will be joined by Nancy Cantor, chancellor of Syracuse University, to lead a workshop titled "The Essential New York Initiative: Building University Partnerships." Other workshops will focus on such issues as rebuilding core cities, improving quality of life in historic city centers, creating successful commercial revitalization strategies, economic development tools for entrepreneurship and attracting businesses to upstate New York.

For information about registration, lodging or workshops, contact "What Works II," The Events Co., 224 Harrison St., Syracuse, NY 13202 or call (315) 461-0068.