Annual Report to Members
Thanks to longtime Buffalo Niagara Partnership supporter Zenger Group and BNP Board of Directors member Stephen Zenger for their generosity and collaboration in helping make the 2025 Annual Report to Members possible.
A message from the Chairman & CEO
The past year has been a period of strong growth and forward momentum for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. From expanding our programs to developing new opportunities for employers, the BNP continues to serve as the region's leading business voice and connector.
Our move to BNP @ the cobblestone marked an exciting milestone. The new location at 79 Perry St. not only reflects the energy of our growing organization but also demonstrates our commitment to helping reinvigorate downtown Buffalo. Designed as a hub for collaboration, innovation and engagement, the space has already welcomed more than 125 external events – from intimate training sessions to regional conferences – fostering connection and energy in the heart of the city.
Regionally, the NY SMART I-Corridor represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Upstate New York's economy. The BNP played a pivotal role in the application process and proudly serves as the Buffalo convener for this historic initiative. Our collaborative work alongside Rochester and Syracuse is showcasing how combining regional strengths can unlock shared success – a model that should define the future of economic development in New York.
We also expanded our suite of talent development programs to help employers strengthen leadership pipelines and support talent at every stage of their careers. At the same time, our advocacy efforts remained steadfast in ensuring that the voices of Buffalo Niagara's employers are heard on issues such as workforce development and infrastructure.
None of this work would be possible without the support of our members – the companies and organizations that trust the BNP to lead, convene and advocate on behalf of the entire region. It has been an exciting and meaningful year for the BNP – one defined by growth, impact and purposeful planning for the organization's future, including a leadership transition in 2026.
With deep gratitude,
Thomas Emmerling
Chairman of the Board, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Managing Partner, Dopkins & Company, LLP
Dottie Gallagher
CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
2025 at a glance
A year of new space, new leaders and new jobs.
~300
reservations at BNP @ the cobblestone in nine months
3,000+
visitors to BNP @ the cobblestone
400+
new jobs from 2025 Economic Champions
80+
graduates of BNP Grow and BNP Empower
ECONOMIC CHAMPIONS
140 Economic Champions, one big night
The first BNP Economic Champions celebrated the companies growing here, and named Moog the 2025 Business of the Year for adding 285,000 square feet and 285 new positions.
- 400+ new jobs
- $150M+ in investments
- 1.5M sq. ft. of new space
- 95 expansions
TALENT
Developing the next generation of leaders
80+ graduates from 50 organizations across BNP Grow and BNP Empower.
NEW HOME
Buffalo’s new home for connecting and convening
BNP @ the cobblestone opened its doors downtown, and members filled it. Nearly 100 member logos now line The Rally Point wall.
Key policy wins
Unemployment Insurance Fund
Lawmakers paid off the fund’s remaining balance, easing rising premiums on employers.
Energy costs
Costly climate mandates delayed, the NY HEAT Act blocked, and safe nuclear development adopted.
Renaissance Commerce Park
Brownfield Cleanup Credits extended for the former Bethlehem Steel site.
Child care
More aid for providers and an expanded Child Tax Credit to keep working parents working.
Federal tax relief
Permanent small business deduction, bonus depreciation, and R&D and new-factory deductions.
NY SMART I-Corridor
Expanded semiconductor manufacturing incentives in Congress.
Source: BNP 2025 Year in Review.
5 stars for 5 more years
Re-accredited by the U.S. Chamber at its highest level. Only 197 chambers nationwide, and just five in New York State, hold 5-Star status.