The Bi-National Round Table was formed with both public and private sectors from the U.S. and Canada to create an alliance which will address issues and opportunities for the Niagara Bi-National Region and the trade corridor. Roundtable forums with key executives from Niagara County, Erie County, Monroe County and the Halton Region, City of Hamilton and Region of Niagara from Canada will meet to collectively develop strategies geared to attracting business and investment from specific sectors of the economy as well as address concerns about specific issues. A number of meeting are planned over the next year between all the parties, whereby a report will be issued and recommendations made based on those meetings.

Co-chaired by Bob Rich, President of Rich Products in Buffalo and John Mayberry, President of Dofasco of Canada, Franasiak will be one of only two representatives from Niagara County (James Pitts, President of Delphi is the other Niagara County Representative). Franasiak's appointment to this select group of executives can be attributed to the development that Calamar has secured not only in Niagara County, but Erie County as well as regionally. Most recently, Calamar was successful in bringing the first business park and the first multi-tenant facility to Niagara County in over a decade.

"I am very honored and excited to serve on the committee for the Bi-National Region Economic Roundtable", Franasiak said. "Our role is very significant since the Niagara Trade corridor is paramount to our economy. Studies indicate trade between Canada and the U.S. is estimated at well over 330 billion (US) and $550 billion (CDN), with approximately 23% of that trade passing through the Niagara Trade Corridor. By partnering together we can review and discuss opportunities to strengthen our economic power and seek out opportunities for shared marketing and promotion within the Niagara Bi-National Region."