Buffalo’s renaissance is here and real. The opportunity for us to thrive as a region of tomorrow depends upon our ability to create equity.
The who, what, where, when and how of our premier CanAm gathering.
You’d be surprised to learn just how similar Hamilton in Canada is to Buffalo.
A few months ago I was invited to participate in a panel discussion with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce in Niagara on Lake Ontario. During my visit, I spent time with their chamber’s new incoming CEO, Mishka Balsom.
We know the critical role that immigrants and refugees play in Buffalo Niagara’s workforce and economy.
For instance, last month, I blogged about the importance of easing the H1B Visa Cap as part of a sound, economic development strategy that focuses on the contributions of the foreign-born.
Every April, the federal government begins accepting applications for H-1B visas, which allow highly educated and skilled professionals to work temporarily in the United States.
Again this year, just days after filing opened, the annual cap of 85,000 was reached. Last year, more than 172,000 applications were received in less than a week.
If you haven’t already heard, major improvements to the tune of about $80 million are planned at the Peace Bridge, beginning this summer.
Thanks to the improvements, in three years you’ll be able to enjoy:
The Partnership had several wins as part of the state budget process.
The New York State Budget is mostly on time this year (officially missing the midnight deadline by just a few hours).
We are excited to announce that a long-term extension of the critical Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) is a part the State Budget agreement reached by the Governor and legislative leaders.
As you know, the long-term extension of the BCP was the Partnership’s top legislative priority for 2015.
The legislative session is in full swing in Albany and The Partnership is pleased to present our take on Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal.
The information below is not a comprehensive review of the Governor’s proposals, but rather a targeted look at issues that are of key interest to the Partnership and its membership:
We want to let you know about some good news out of Albany: Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law reforms to the Wage Theft Prevention Act that eliminate the annual wage notification requirement for New York employers.
The reformed law also waives the customary 60 day waiting period for new legislation to take effect, meaning employers do not have to provide a 2015 notification by February 1.
