Based on an overwhelming, enthusiastic reaction from its members, NYSUT is bringing its annual Representative Assembly back to Buffalo in spring 2012.

"When we were here in April, the whole city — under Mayor Byron Brown's leadership — threw open its arms to NYSUT. The Queen City treated our members regally," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi.

"The mayor, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and local restaurants and businesses, did everything in their power to make NYSUT delegates feel welcome. We had a very productive week and are thrilled to be coming back and contributing to the resurgence of Buffalo and western New York."

Last April, some 2,500 delegates to the 600,000-member union's RA filled hotel rooms and enjoyed the best of what the Buffalo-Niagara region has to offer.

"In Mr. Iannuzzi, we have a nationally known educator who gave Buffalo 'straight As'," Mayor Byron Brown said during a recent news conference about the announcement.

NYSUT estimates its four-day convention, which included a day-long meeting for hundreds of local union presidents, had an estimated economic impact of $3.5 million on the city, based on average spending of $815 per person on food, lodging, entertainment and transportation.

Delegates reported they loved Buffalo. Ninety-nine percent of 963 delegates surveyed said they felt welcomed by the city, and 90 percent reported they were satisfied with their hotel accommodations.

Brown said the RA would have "tremendous economic impact" on the city. He promised a "dramatically different and better Buffalo," with additional hotel space and entertainment options.

Iannuzzi praised "the city of good neighbors" for its open-hearted hospitality and said Buffalo was chosen from a short list of about seven cities.

Also present to herald the announcement were Phil Rumore, president of the Buffalo Teachers Federation; Andrew Sako, president of the Faculty Federation of Erie Community College; and Ellis Woods, president of the Buffalo Educational Support Team.

Because of the large size of its convention, NYSUT books space in competing cities several years in advance.

The 2010 Representative Assembly will be in Washington, D.C.; the 2011 convention will be held in New York City.