Achieving diversity in the workplace is a great challenge. That’s what more than 25% of respondents told the Buffalo Niagara Partnership in our advocacy agenda survey taken last year. When we look at the big picture in economic development in Buffalo Niagara, it is clear that diversity and inclusion in
The wait is over. The Governor and the State Legislature finalized the 2017-18 State Budget over a week late, but the final package includes several wins for employers and regional economic development and crosses off a few items on our 2017 Advocacy Agenda. This budget cycle, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Last week, Grant Loomis and I joined twenty-five members of the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition (GLMCC) for our annual fly-in and lobby days in Washington, D.C. During our trip, the group attended more than 50 meetings with Members of Congress and staff. In each meeting, we outlined our main
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 Community Foundation has led and staffed the Racial Equity Roundtable, a group of committed people looking to change the unfortunate economic reality of too many
The who, what, where, when and how of our premier CanAm gathering. We are only one week away from our first-ever Unleashing the Power of the Mega-Region event. With over 150 attendees registered, we are getting excited to host the premier cross-border business development event of the year focusing on
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
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. As the great
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
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: A leisurely stroll or bike ride across the bridge, as new pedestrian walkways will be
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). There is a lot for Buffalo Niagara Partnership members to like about this budget – for items