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Economic Development

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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP) plays a key role in the economic development process in the Western New York region. We work to give our members a “seat at the table” with government policymakers, community leaders, area colleges and universities, economic development agencies, and other groups to promote and sustain the economic health of the region.

We can think of economic development in the Buffalo Niagara Region as having three legs – land, labor, and capital. Like a three-legged stool, all three must work together in balance for the development process to work smoothly and properly for the benefit of businesses in the region.

The BNP can assist companies in all three categories to help businesses increase their competitiveness and ability to thrive in our local economy, as well as nationally and internationally.

LAND

Land is the natural resource found within our region’s economy, a limited and fixed resource that calls for careful planning to ensure the best use for economic growth and sustainability. Examples of Partnership work as it relates to the land portion of economic development include:

LABOR

Labor represents the human capital aspect of economic development. Human capital includes all able-bodied individuals capable of working in the area’s economy and providing various services to other individuals or businesses. The BNP is involved in many initiatives aimed at improving our area’s human capital through training, education, and other programs. Examples include:

  • Workforce Development – Building and maintaining a quality workforce has been a core component of the Partnership’s mission since its inception.
  • Buffalo Niagara 360 (BN360) – The Partnership’s young professionals program focused on networking, leadership development and community engagement.

CAPITAL

Capital has two definitions as related to economic development. Capital can represent the monetary resources companies use to purchase land and other capital goods. Capital also represents the major physical assets that companies use when producing goods or services. These assets include buildings, production facilities, equipment and other similar items.

The Partnership assists area companies in a number of ways with issues related to capital, including assistance with grant writing for specific programs.

Keeping a leg up in every category

The State of New York, the counties of Erie and Niagara, the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and the surrounding towns and communities, all share a common goal of fostering economic development in the region. Thus, there are an incredible variety and range of available resources and dedicated organizations to assist companies and employers. The Partnership is here to help.

  • BNP leadership serves on economic development boards including Buffalo Urban Development CorporationErie County Industrial Development AgencyRegional Economic Development CouncilVisit Buffalo Niagara; and others
  • We communicate employer impacts of economic development policy decisions
  • We seek alignment of economic development policy at state, regional, and local levels
  • We look to reduce duplication, red tape, and waste in the economic development process
  • We act as the “go-to” source for information on economic development in the area
  • We promote the economic development vision and competitive advantages of the region as a whole
  • We serve as advocates for our members, keeping a watchful eye on potential negative aspects of economic development policy while supporting the positive effects

From the Blog

Navigating Shifting Workplace Norms: Panel Discussion

By mcotter@thepartnership.org | October 12, 2023

The workplace landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. In the final session of our 4-part Hidden Talent series, we brought together a panel of industry experts to shed light on these critical shifts and provide actionable insights for employers.

BNP Hosts County Executive Candidates

By communications@thepartnership.org | September 27, 2023

In preparation for the 2023 elections, the BNP hosted an Erie County Executive Candidate Forum. Both candidates for Erie County’s highest office – incumbent Mark Poloncarz and challenger Chrissy Casilio – were given 45 minutes to address BNP members in a guided discussion.

Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse Region Can Become America’s Semiconductor Superhighway

By sgrimm@thepartnership.org | August 18, 2023

After years of relentless advocacy to bolster Upstate NY’s innovation and manufacturing industries, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins announced the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region have joined forces with a proposal to become a federally-designated Tech Hub in the first-of-its-kind nationwide competition created in his CHIPS & Science Bill.

How the U.S. Is Closing the Door to Top Talent

By communications@thepartnership.org | August 17, 2023

The BNP organized a Capital Conversations event as part of our Government Affairs series to examine the workings of the H-1B program and explore potential reforms that could strengthen our regional economy.