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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is thrilled to welcome Lou Hall as its new Manager of Industry Partnerships.

In this role, Lou works directly with employers in advanced manufacturing and construction to identify talent challenges and opportunities. He connects these employers to resources and promotes their involvement in the region’s semiconductor ecosystem. Through these efforts, he supports and strengthens the NY SMART-I Corridor Tech Hub initiative – which is set to position Upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.

Get to know Lou in this Staff Spotlight, and connect with him on LinkedIn or via email at lhall@thepartnership.org.

What was your career background before joining the BNP?

Before joining the BNP, I worked in various roles at the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI). I started as a Relationship Manager in WEDI’s microloan program, helping business owners with their loan applications and business planning. I last served as WEDI’s Economic Development Director, where I oversaw the organization’s small business team and programming.

How did your past experiences prepare you for your current role?

Promoting employer engagement and access to resources – like those within the NY SMART-I Corridor – relies largely on trust and effective relationship building. While providing technical assistance to small business owners in my previous roles, I gained an appreciation for an individual entity’s unique challenges, perspectives and ambitions. I believe meeting the needs of those employers has equipped me with the mindset necessary to support the range of industries and scales serviced by the BNP.

What inspired you to join the BNP?

The BNP has such a significant presence in the region. I was drawn to the organization’s confidence and results-focused messaging. Anyone interested in Western New York’s economic development needs to pay attention to the BNP and its efforts to make the region a better place to do business.

What's a little-known fact about yourself?

I spent my first year of college at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to the University at Buffalo during COVID.

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m a natural homebody. I can spend hours reading, playing video games or practicing guitar. I’ll give credit to my fiancé, Carla, who has shared with me her appreciation for thrift stores and estate sales. I also like to cook.

Best hidden gem in Buffalo?

Pay attention to new restaurants at the West Side Bazaar – they’ve housed a few small businesses that are severely underappreciated!

What is your favorite part about living in the Buffalo area?

It has a great history and sense of community, making it very easy to consider Buffalo my home.