Blog

When Jacob Picchione joined the Buffalo Niagara Partnership in 2023, he was looking for a way to expand his network and grow awareness of GDI Integrated Facility Services across Western New York.

As GDI's primary representative in the Buffalo region, building relationships is a fundamental part of his role. Seeking opportunities to engage with the local business community, Jacob found BNP membership to be a valuable tool to stay informed while making face-to-face connections.

"BNP networking events help me connect with key stakeholders from across the region," Jacob says. "The staff takes the time to introduce members to one another, which gets conversation flowing. I benefit from the BNP's efforts to keep members informed and advocate for Western New York."

Those introductions connect Jacob with business leaders throughout the region and expose him to issues that impact local employers. For someone responsible for growing business across New York State, those conversations give him a better understanding of what companies are dealing with in different markets.

One opportunity that stands out was presenting at an event connected to the NY SMART I-Corridor initiative that brought together leaders in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. For Jacob, it’s an industry where relationships with the right decision-makers early on can lead to future opportunities for GDI.

"It was a great opportunity to get GDI's capabilities in front of the 'who's who' in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing space," he says.

Beyond the connections he has built through BNP events, Jacob also makes regular use of BNP @ the cobblestone. Frequent travel is part of his role with GDI, which spans all of New York State and includes meetings with clients and partners across the region. Living more than an hour from Buffalo, he often uses the coworking space as a base between meetings in the city.

"Having a place to work and conduct business in the city is an awesome perk," he says. "What makes it especially nice is how welcoming and inviting the BNP has made the space."

Looking ahead, Jacob plans to remain actively involved in the BNP and continue building relationships throughout the region.

"BNP membership is a great way to stay informed, get connected, advocate for businesses and showcase your brand," he says. "Every event has something to offer."