10.15.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Dept. of Labor Releases New Adult Use Cannabis & the Workplace GuidanceÂ
The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) released a guide to help employers answer questions related to the new Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act (MRTA). Earlier this year, the MRTA officially designated cannabis as both a legally consumable product and a lawful recreational activity for adults.
Read More10.13.21 Advocacy Alert: Canadian Border to Open in November
Late last night, U.S. officials announced plans to reopen the U.S. border to vaccinated, non-essential travelers from Canada and Mexico beginning in early November.
The administration told reporters last night that it does not plan to require vaccinated travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test, a notable difference from Canada’s policy for American travelers.
Read MoreManufacturing Council Meeting 10/7/21
BNP’s Q4 Manufacturing Council meeting focused on the New York State Climate and Community Investment Act’s potential impact on the manufacturing sector. We were joined by NYS Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Donna DeCarolis, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp.
Read MoreBNP Advocacy Insider – October 2021
The October 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.
Read More10.6.21 Advocacy Alert: Comptroller’s Report Warns of UI Rate Increases
Unless the state swiftly acts, New York employers may soon face significant unemployment insurance rate increases.
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently released a report detailing the dire financial status of the state’s UI system, confirming concerns that the BNP raised this summer.
Read MoreWorkforce & Labor Concerns Dominate BNP’s annual Member Pulse Report
The Partnership’s annual Advocacy & Member Survey is designed to identify pain points, areas of concern, and obstacles to growth. We have summarized the 2021 results in the Member Pulse Report.
According to the survey, the top concern of Buffalo Niagara employers is their difficulty finding and retaining qualified talent.
Read MoreCarlisle Lipke, 2021 BN360 Spotlight Professional
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is pleased to present Carlisle Lipke, a 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professional.
Read More9.28.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS To Raise Minimum Wage
The New York State Department of Labor announced a forthcoming increase in the minimum wage across upstate New York.
On December 31, the minimum wage in our region will rise to $13.20 per hour, a 70-cent increase from the current rate.
Read MoreStaff Spotlight: Meet Josh Veronica
Josh Veronica is our Manager of Government Affairs and Economic Development.
His role at the BNP is to keep members informed of relevant updates on local, state, and federal government and to understand the needs and concerns of employers in the region.
Read More9/24/21 Webisode: Navigating the New Federal Vaccine Mandate for Employers
President Joe Biden recently announced a new mandate requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require weekly testing of unvaccinated workers.
Read More