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As the regional chamber of commerce, we’re already known as the go-to resource for assisting growth, advocating for employers, and amplifying the voices of business leaders. This year, we’re accelerating on our mission to make Buffalo Niagara stronger and more connected than ever.

Like a train running full speed ahead, we plan on driving forward last year’s momentum, forging new tracks this year, and working to help every member meet their goals. We’re proud to be the engine connecting and convening Buffalo Niagara employers and fiercely fighting for Western New York’s job creators.

All aboard as we take a look at the BNP’s top priorities in the year ahead.

Our why of 2025

Our why is quite simple: to empower, connect and mobilize the employers who drive our region’s growth and success. From industry leaders, to employers in both legacy and emerging industries, to small business members from BNP Pro Free, the BNP can be a resource for any organization within any sector.

With our mission of advancing everyone in the community, we’ll continue to promote the fact that businesses don’t thrive without investing in their people. BNP Young Professional, BNP Grow leadership development and BNP Empower management training do just that.

It’s important to not just build the workforce of today; invest in the leaders of tomorrow who are going to see this journey through.

What we’ll be focused on

The bulk of our focus this coming year will center on a future that cements Buffalo Niagara as a leader in the global tech economy, alongside our neighbors in Rochester and Syracuse.

In 2024, the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub took center stage, earning a prestigious $40 million federal grant as Step 1 for our cities. Now we’re collectively putting that investment into Step 2: laying down the foundation for a tech ecosystem that will shape the next decade. By 2033, one in four microchips produced in the U.S. will come from this corridor, and 2025 is the year we kick this transformation into high gear.

While this year isn’t only about tech, the NY SMART I-Corridor project will help create a ripple effect for regional workforce development programs to get us where we need to go. That will include collaboration with policymakers that touch every corner of our economy.

On Jan. 9, our signature Government Affairs event pulled back the curtain to unveil the strategies and priorities that will guide our work this year with policymakers.

The federal government’s investment into our regional technology hub presents a major opportunity for our region. However, sound economic policymaking is needed at all levels of government to leverage this opportunity into results: well-paying jobs, economic growth, and heightened investment in our region.

Here’s where our advocacy efforts are focused this year:

• Position the region for growth with support for the NY SMART I-Corridor, Empire AI, and FAST NY Shovel Ready grant program
• Reduce government burden by pursuing tax reform, enacting reasonable insurance requirements, and providing pay frequency clarity
• Address ports of entry staffing, low-income housing, and MWBE programs
• Grow our talent pool and expand access to education, public transit, immigration reform, and childcare
• Respond to climate change with practical solutions

Where we’ll be

If the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is the train helping accelerate economic growth, then consider our new BNP @ the cobblestone our Grand Central Station. We’re transforming 79 Perry St. into the ultimate destination for business collaboration.

Centrally located across the street from KeyBank Center, this space will act as a central hub for employers, whether our members host a strategy meeting, network with fellow leaders, or find the next big idea in our new space. From convenient coworking spots to state-of-the-art conference rooms, our new headquarters will offer members the resources they need to stay on track.

We can’t wait to welcome members to the heart of Buffalo’s business community, so stay tuned for more info on our grand opening coming in spring 2025!

When it’ll happen

Whether you’re ready to sharpen your skills, grow your network, or just enjoy a great conversation amongst policymakers in the room, there’s a “when” for everyone in 2025.

Choose from a lineup of multiple Government Affairs events with lawmakers in person, LinkUp networking mixers throughout the year, Industry Leaders Forum monthly gatherings and summit closer, our new BNP Young Professionals advocacy seminar and summer networking gatherings, the biggest business party of the year at HobNob, our Talent Program’s Grow, Empower, and Executive Exchange series, and culminating with the BNP Annual Report event in late fall.

Bookmark our Events Calendar and look out for our bi-weekly BNP Events Newsletter to keep your itinerary full of our gatherings as well as BNP member events.

How it’ll come together

All of our 2025 efforts will converge with the help of our community working together toward the greater good of the region. The BNP stands ready to work with policymakers to encourage regional economy growth, and ultimately with our members to move to our next advanced destination together.

Let’s get to work, full speed ahead!