People Inc. was right at the heart of the action at the kickoff event of the 2025 World Canals Conference, held in Buffalo through Sept. 25. People Inc. hosted an interactive mural project featuring a bold design of the Seneca Chief, a boat historically known for making the maiden voyage along the Erie Canal, as a large “paint by number” canvas, with the public invited to help bring it to life throughout the day by painting a section of the mural. 

The kick-off for the event marked the start of a week-long international gathering of canal enthusiasts to share best practices related to economic and community development, waterway management, tourism and historic preservation. People Inc. President and CEO, Anne McCaffrey, served as co-chair of this year’s conference.

People Inc.'s Blue Ink Butterfly also took the stage performing songs for the event’s attendees. Under the direction of Matthew Knott, People Inc. direct support professional, Blue Ink Butterfly is a recently launched percussion group formed through People Inc.’s Young Adult Life Transitions (YALT) Program in Lockport.

Watch to see the fun in action!