Formed in 1998, InfoTech WNY is a rapidly growing consortium of multi-sized software, hardware, telecommunications companies, government and economic agencies, and educational institutions. The purpose of the organization is to address various industry-specific issues such as workforce availability, industry image, technology transfer, networking, access to financing, and attracting new business to the region. Since InfoTech WNY's formation, workforce development has been a top priority. Much time and effort has been spent on related initiatives, including the formation of an Education and Workforce subcommittee; internship and human resources forums; an online job databank; and working with local colleges, universities and school districts to implement IT curriculums. The coalition's members serve on Buffalo's Information Technology Council, which is creating "smart building" certification (electronically enhanced buildings with state-of-the-art telecommunications systems and workplace automation). Others are partnering with the educational community to identity job opportunities to keep the "best and brightest" in the area. InfoTech WNY holds regular meetings at which a cross-section of business and technology issues are discussed, including: technology resources; workforce retention; regional technology infrastructure; governmental policies with regard to the technology industry; financial resources; funding resources; and private, business and education institutions.