Unshackle Upstate will be kicking off its 2010 lobbying season at Upstate Night, an Unshackle Upstate reception and rally on Monday evening, February 8 at the Palace Theatre in Albany. Well, actually, we'll be formally kicking it off... We've already been hard at work advocating for a better state budget than what's been offered so far.
Upstate Night is a derivative of our traditional "Buffalo Niagara Night in Albany," driven by a couple factors. First, in an effort to broaden the advocacy effort related to the event, we've collaborated with our Unshackle Upstate partners to widen the scope of the event. Which means not only attendees, but regional foods and drinks, from around Upstate. Our goal by expanding the event is to send a stronger message to our state reps.
Second, the event has changed from what was traditionally a political networking event with elected officials and staff into an Unshackle Upstate business community rally, setting the stage for our lobbying day the following morning. As you may have heard, new lobbying regulations in New York forbid electeds from attending "complimentary" food-and-drink events without the hosting organization fulfilling a laundry list of requirements. Since the details of the regulations are still being sorted out, we decided to make the switch. In truth, given what's on our plates this year in advocacy and political action, a rally-type event is probably more appropriate anyway at this point.
I hope to see all of our friends in advocacy at Monday's event, but then the real work is Tuesday. We've set up lobbying visits with delegations from across Upstate and will be visiting them in teams to talk about the state budget and the state's regulatory environment, including proposals to attach wage mandates to IDA incentives and to more heavily regulate agribusiness employers' relationships with their farmworkers. This is a pivotal year for New York State - and we, as Upstate taxpayers, cannot afford another year of downstate special interest-driven budgeting and policymaking. Our message will be strong and collaborative, and will carry through from Lobby Day to Election Day. I hope you're as tired of expensive government and unaffordable taxes as we are, and will join in.
If you can't make it to our two-day Albany event, I urge you to join up virtually by checking out http://www.unshackleupstate.com/, where you can sign up for the coalition's Twitter updates, become a Facebook fan, or even spout off about New York State government. Your comments could get posted at Monday night's event!
See you there!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
BPO and BN360 Present INFORMance: A Classically Informal Concert Experience!
BN360 is really excited to be presenting a unique event for our members on Feb. 11th. We're working with our friends at the BPO to highlight their young professional guest conductor Joey Young and to provide members the chance to get connected to one of Buffalo's greatest cultural assets - the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Kleinhans Music Hall. Please register as space is limited and click here for more info.
We'd like to introduce our guest blogger Joey Young, League of American Orchestras Conducting Fellow:
Hi, I am Joseph Young, Conducting Fellow with the Buffalo Philharmonic. I am delighted to be in Buffalo for this year. I was sort of skeptical with the all the snow and cold weather but, as everyone told me, I got over it and am growing to enjoy it. Buffalo is such a unique place. It has a budding arts scene, great food, loyal sports fans (even if they are losing), great food and true Buffalonians. But most importantly for me, it has a great orchestra.
I’m here in Buffalo not only conducting concerts but observing the great things that the BPO organization does. I have the opportunity to work closely with and be mentored by JoAnn Falletta, and to learn from the great staff behind the scenes. My goal while I’m here working with a world-class orchestra is to maximize my opportunities, since the BPO is giving me a chance to get my hands dirty, so to speak, as an assistant conductor.
My role here is to absorb as much as possible to become a future leader and innovator in the symphonic world. The role of a conductor is not only to be a great musician, but also an entrepreneur. Conductors not only have to present an artistic vision but have a grasp on fundraising and marketing. But the core of what we do is being the ambassador to music, our institution and the community. This is why I am so excited about presenting this unique program with Buffalo Niagara 360. This organization is fostering the next generation of innovators just as the BPO is doing with me. We all have desire to do fantastic work in our art and in the community and I can’t think of a better way introduce you to the BPO than with a concert.
This program will give you an authentic experience with the BPO. We really wanted to put a twist on the new traditional concert experience and provide everyone a closer and intimate seat to the music. The concert plans to be a casually informal experience with music from a child prodigy, Mozart; the father of the symphony, Haydn, and the insurance salesman that wrote music on the side, Charles Ives. We will also hear a solo from an instrument you hardly see in front of the orchestra, the bassoon. It’s an instrument with a unique sound and our amazing principal bassoonist Glenn Einschlag will be taking center stage.
I hope you can join us for a musical night of networking with young professionals and BPO musicians.
We'd like to introduce our guest blogger Joey Young, League of American Orchestras Conducting Fellow:
Hi, I am Joseph Young, Conducting Fellow with the Buffalo Philharmonic. I am delighted to be in Buffalo for this year. I was sort of skeptical with the all the snow and cold weather but, as everyone told me, I got over it and am growing to enjoy it. Buffalo is such a unique place. It has a budding arts scene, great food, loyal sports fans (even if they are losing), great food and true Buffalonians. But most importantly for me, it has a great orchestra.
I’m here in Buffalo not only conducting concerts but observing the great things that the BPO organization does. I have the opportunity to work closely with and be mentored by JoAnn Falletta, and to learn from the great staff behind the scenes. My goal while I’m here working with a world-class orchestra is to maximize my opportunities, since the BPO is giving me a chance to get my hands dirty, so to speak, as an assistant conductor.
My role here is to absorb as much as possible to become a future leader and innovator in the symphonic world. The role of a conductor is not only to be a great musician, but also an entrepreneur. Conductors not only have to present an artistic vision but have a grasp on fundraising and marketing. But the core of what we do is being the ambassador to music, our institution and the community. This is why I am so excited about presenting this unique program with Buffalo Niagara 360. This organization is fostering the next generation of innovators just as the BPO is doing with me. We all have desire to do fantastic work in our art and in the community and I can’t think of a better way introduce you to the BPO than with a concert.
This program will give you an authentic experience with the BPO. We really wanted to put a twist on the new traditional concert experience and provide everyone a closer and intimate seat to the music. The concert plans to be a casually informal experience with music from a child prodigy, Mozart; the father of the symphony, Haydn, and the insurance salesman that wrote music on the side, Charles Ives. We will also hear a solo from an instrument you hardly see in front of the orchestra, the bassoon. It’s an instrument with a unique sound and our amazing principal bassoonist Glenn Einschlag will be taking center stage.
I hope you can join us for a musical night of networking with young professionals and BPO musicians.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Social Media Networking Tools
The times they are a changing!
2010 has already arrived and with this decade there is sure to come more technological advances and internet fads than there were in the past decade. Within the past few years the way we as consumer, business leaders, and curious individuals, gather information has changed with the times. The amount of information easily accessible over the internet has changed the way we choose to do business. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn are among the top social media networking tools that allow us as people to connect and communicate with the world. So the dilemma is: How do we use them to our advantage?
The biggest factor that can help any individual stand out in a crowd or for a job can be their connections and social media networks are all about networking. Facebook and LinkedIn are all about increasing your network and contacts. It also helps you do this in a way that is more relaxed. It’s easy to write on someone’s wall or send a message and it can all be done without the pressure of a face to face situation. Becoming members of groups and fan pages allows you to get instant updates on what’s going on in the community. The Partnership’s young professionals program, Buffalo Niagara 360’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter account allows any of our members to get the latest news on events, or opportunities in the area and we are just one of many. Use us and others to get involved and connected to move yourself in a new direction.
It’s not just for fun anymore either. These sites can help not only you, as an individual, stand out but your company stand out too. The number of businesses taking advantage of the social media world has increased tremendously just over the past few months.
Creating fan pages, groups, tweets, videos, etc., has become the new way to market your business to the public. As a company using social media as a tool to promote your cause, products, service or image can give you the advantage over the competition. It also gives a sense of personal connection with your clients and prospective clients. Your information is showing up on there wall, sending little sentences to there twitter account and they can post links to your groups as well. Getting your company on the social media train is the new way to bond with the customers. Become their friends, let them be your fans, allow them into your groups and increase your business.
2010 has already arrived and with this decade there is sure to come more technological advances and internet fads than there were in the past decade. Within the past few years the way we as consumer, business leaders, and curious individuals, gather information has changed with the times. The amount of information easily accessible over the internet has changed the way we choose to do business. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn are among the top social media networking tools that allow us as people to connect and communicate with the world. So the dilemma is: How do we use them to our advantage?
The biggest factor that can help any individual stand out in a crowd or for a job can be their connections and social media networks are all about networking. Facebook and LinkedIn are all about increasing your network and contacts. It also helps you do this in a way that is more relaxed. It’s easy to write on someone’s wall or send a message and it can all be done without the pressure of a face to face situation. Becoming members of groups and fan pages allows you to get instant updates on what’s going on in the community. The Partnership’s young professionals program, Buffalo Niagara 360’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter account allows any of our members to get the latest news on events, or opportunities in the area and we are just one of many. Use us and others to get involved and connected to move yourself in a new direction.
It’s not just for fun anymore either. These sites can help not only you, as an individual, stand out but your company stand out too. The number of businesses taking advantage of the social media world has increased tremendously just over the past few months.
Creating fan pages, groups, tweets, videos, etc., has become the new way to market your business to the public. As a company using social media as a tool to promote your cause, products, service or image can give you the advantage over the competition. It also gives a sense of personal connection with your clients and prospective clients. Your information is showing up on there wall, sending little sentences to there twitter account and they can post links to your groups as well. Getting your company on the social media train is the new way to bond with the customers. Become their friends, let them be your fans, allow them into your groups and increase your business.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Yahoo! "Poster Child" for Buffalo Niagara Economic Development
Just finished listening to Scott Noteboom with Yahoo!, who was the keynote speaker for the Partnership's 2010 Innovate Buffalo Niagara event and awards program this afternoon.
All I have to say is wow. What a tremendous story about how the assets we have in Buffalo matched the needs of Yahoo!s needs in regards to its new data center. Yahoo!'s innovation over the past few years to be more efficient, greener and aggressive in the marketplace led them to our region, and to hear him speak about Buffalo Niagara, his enthusiasm suggests that for Yahoo!, location here is not only a sound business decision, but exactly what they were looking for the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art, competitive data center. He cited our strong workforce, affordable cost of living and availability of hydropower as assets that attracted them here.
That's not to mention the weather! Our colder climate allows for tremendous efficiency in data center operations (less power needed for cooling servers!). Just a great story of innovation and how it can and does work in Buffalo Niagara - and very inspiring for us who work in economic development on a daily basis.
All I have to say is wow. What a tremendous story about how the assets we have in Buffalo matched the needs of Yahoo!s needs in regards to its new data center. Yahoo!'s innovation over the past few years to be more efficient, greener and aggressive in the marketplace led them to our region, and to hear him speak about Buffalo Niagara, his enthusiasm suggests that for Yahoo!, location here is not only a sound business decision, but exactly what they were looking for the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art, competitive data center. He cited our strong workforce, affordable cost of living and availability of hydropower as assets that attracted them here.
That's not to mention the weather! Our colder climate allows for tremendous efficiency in data center operations (less power needed for cooling servers!). Just a great story of innovation and how it can and does work in Buffalo Niagara - and very inspiring for us who work in economic development on a daily basis.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jobsapalooza 2010
On January 5 we attended Jobsapalooza, the annual job fair presented by the University at Buffalo. We were there to promote our newly updated jobs website BuffaloNiagaraJobs.com. Approximately 2,000 job seekers came to network with about 70 employers. It was hard to catch our breath as we spoke to what seemed like a never ending line of people eager to learn more about what we were hiring for (view our openings here) and to learn more about the jobs website. As with several other job fairs I’ve attended in the past year, I noticed a higher representation of more experienced seekers versus college students and recent grads looking for employment.
It’s obvious there are many more job seekers than there are available jobs at the moment. At the Partnership, we try to mitigate this by actively promoting the region’s targeted industries, those sections of our local economy that have proven to show the greatest impact for growth. Getting the word out about opportunities in, and the skill sets required for these industries is a critical piece of what we do.
In this economy, many job seekers are open to transitioning into other careers but one challenge facing our region is the lack (at least perceived lack, from the many seekers I’ve spoken to) of training programs available for those who want to transition. ISciWNY is an excellent website to learn more about careers in the life sciences, and programs at the ECC One Stop, the BETC, and the EOC all provide resources on additional training and education.
Whether you’re looking for a job or looking to hire, we encourage you to use BuffaloNiagaraJobs.com to post your listings and resumes, and review the numerous educational and networking resources we have listed on the website. In this market especially, networking is the key component to obtaining leads and opportunities.
It’s obvious there are many more job seekers than there are available jobs at the moment. At the Partnership, we try to mitigate this by actively promoting the region’s targeted industries, those sections of our local economy that have proven to show the greatest impact for growth. Getting the word out about opportunities in, and the skill sets required for these industries is a critical piece of what we do.
In this economy, many job seekers are open to transitioning into other careers but one challenge facing our region is the lack (at least perceived lack, from the many seekers I’ve spoken to) of training programs available for those who want to transition. ISciWNY is an excellent website to learn more about careers in the life sciences, and programs at the ECC One Stop, the BETC, and the EOC all provide resources on additional training and education.
Whether you’re looking for a job or looking to hire, we encourage you to use BuffaloNiagaraJobs.com to post your listings and resumes, and review the numerous educational and networking resources we have listed on the website. In this market especially, networking is the key component to obtaining leads and opportunities.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"State of Logistics" Event
Holding an event called "State of Logistics" and having 110 people attend is a pretty clear indicator that the logistics industry in Buffalo Niagara is vibrant and filled with opportunity.
Much thanks goes out to our panel - Jack Ampuja, Niagara University; Michael Diati, Speed Global Services; Larry Fontaine, Fontaine Transport; and Robert Rich, Roar Logistics - for sharing their time and expertise, as well as our strategic partners for the event: World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals.
The Buffalo News did a nice write-up on the event - although in the print edition they neglected to mention that it was a Partnership-hosted event. Which is important, and not simply from a public relations perspective. By tapping into a resource that we have unique access to - the expertise and insight of our members - we are able to provide knowledge and direction to employers in the logistics industry that they can then use to prepare for 2010 and beyond. This is more than simply heralding that we hosted a good event (which is always good anyway - it was a great event!) - it's facilitating understanding among the employer community of the business development resource the Partnership can be for them. Whether it's target industries, workforce development, New York's regulatory environment... One of our most important roles in this community is making business-to-business connections - not only to share leads, but information. That's what yesterday's event was about. That's what our renewable energy event this spring is about. That's what the bulk of our programming is about.
In detail, yesterday's program focused on a number of topics specific to logistics companies - including cross border regulations, cost pressures in this economy and network optimization. The state of the economy has changed the way companies are looking at their logistics operations, and it's clear the ones who are doing a better job of it are the ones that are going to rebound with the economy into a much stronger position. Add to that the need to balance a company's "green" impact with both the cost of doing so and maintaining a high level of service. This is a pivotal time for many companies.
Bigger picture, one of the most interesting comments to me that came out of yesterday's session - the panel was reminded that every port in the U.S. faces the same regulations from Washington, and asked how we as a region can move beyond the discussion of regulations that "are going to be what they're going to be." The answer was that Buffalo Niagara is in a unique situation, in that our economy is truly bi-national. As a result, the sting of federal trade regulations - particularly those related to the border - is felt much harder here. That sentiment validates our hard work (and ultimate success) on WHTI and other border trade issues.
Good event - we look forward to the next one (and similar upcoming events for Buffalo Niagara's other target industry sectors).
Much thanks goes out to our panel - Jack Ampuja, Niagara University; Michael Diati, Speed Global Services; Larry Fontaine, Fontaine Transport; and Robert Rich, Roar Logistics - for sharing their time and expertise, as well as our strategic partners for the event: World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals.
The Buffalo News did a nice write-up on the event - although in the print edition they neglected to mention that it was a Partnership-hosted event. Which is important, and not simply from a public relations perspective. By tapping into a resource that we have unique access to - the expertise and insight of our members - we are able to provide knowledge and direction to employers in the logistics industry that they can then use to prepare for 2010 and beyond. This is more than simply heralding that we hosted a good event (which is always good anyway - it was a great event!) - it's facilitating understanding among the employer community of the business development resource the Partnership can be for them. Whether it's target industries, workforce development, New York's regulatory environment... One of our most important roles in this community is making business-to-business connections - not only to share leads, but information. That's what yesterday's event was about. That's what our renewable energy event this spring is about. That's what the bulk of our programming is about.
In detail, yesterday's program focused on a number of topics specific to logistics companies - including cross border regulations, cost pressures in this economy and network optimization. The state of the economy has changed the way companies are looking at their logistics operations, and it's clear the ones who are doing a better job of it are the ones that are going to rebound with the economy into a much stronger position. Add to that the need to balance a company's "green" impact with both the cost of doing so and maintaining a high level of service. This is a pivotal time for many companies.
Bigger picture, one of the most interesting comments to me that came out of yesterday's session - the panel was reminded that every port in the U.S. faces the same regulations from Washington, and asked how we as a region can move beyond the discussion of regulations that "are going to be what they're going to be." The answer was that Buffalo Niagara is in a unique situation, in that our economy is truly bi-national. As a result, the sting of federal trade regulations - particularly those related to the border - is felt much harder here. That sentiment validates our hard work (and ultimate success) on WHTI and other border trade issues.
Good event - we look forward to the next one (and similar upcoming events for Buffalo Niagara's other target industry sectors).
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Partnership Resources Spotlight
The Programs, Tools and Services to Help Your Business Grow
Do you know all of the resources, tools, programs and opportunities available from the Partnership to help your business grow? The New Year is a great time to get re-acquainted with the Partnership and your membership benefits, to find out what there is to take advantage of, programs to get involved in, and new ways to connect with other members. Let’s take a look at two key resources.
Do you need assistance gathering information that will help you make better decisions about expanding your marketplace or business, breaking into a new market with products and services, or accessing employer information? Our Business Intelligence offering provides demographics, economic information and statistics, target marketing, business lists, research assistance and additional resources for specific business needs. To learn more, visit www.thepartnership.org/businessintelligence or contact Mary Burnett: mburnett@thepartnership.org; (716) 541-1721.
Buffalo Niagara, where industries thrive. We’re proud of the dynamic opportunities our regional industries provide. A broad spectrum of growing sectors include the life sciences, financial services and green tech, to advanced manufacturing, higher education and agri business. Our region is also home to 22 colleges and universities and provides local employers with the ability to choose from a diverse, educated and skilled professional talent pool. With our many resources and talent, it’s easy to see why we're a region where careers can thrive and businesses can grow.
The BuffaloNiagaraJobs.com is a FREE service offered by the Partnership for the employer community to post jobs quickly and easily. Connect with job seekers who want to live and work in Buffalo Niagara. There are great opportunities for 3rd party placement agencies to advertise within this site. For more information please contact Lisa Roy lroy@thepartnership.org with inquires. You can also email us general questions or concerns at info@buffaloniagarajobs.com.
Do you know all of the resources, tools, programs and opportunities available from the Partnership to help your business grow? The New Year is a great time to get re-acquainted with the Partnership and your membership benefits, to find out what there is to take advantage of, programs to get involved in, and new ways to connect with other members. Let’s take a look at two key resources.
Do you need assistance gathering information that will help you make better decisions about expanding your marketplace or business, breaking into a new market with products and services, or accessing employer information? Our Business Intelligence offering provides demographics, economic information and statistics, target marketing, business lists, research assistance and additional resources for specific business needs. To learn more, visit www.thepartnership.org/businessintelligence or contact Mary Burnett: mburnett@thepartnership.org; (716) 541-1721.Buffalo Niagara, where industries thrive. We’re proud of the dynamic opportunities our regional industries provide. A broad spectrum of growing sectors include the life sciences, financial services and green tech, to advanced manufacturing, higher education and agri business. Our region is also home to 22 colleges and universities and provides local employers with the ability to choose from a diverse, educated and skilled professional talent pool. With our many resources and talent, it’s easy to see why we're a region where careers can thrive and businesses can grow.The BuffaloNiagaraJobs.com is a FREE service offered by the Partnership for the employer community to post jobs quickly and easily. Connect with job seekers who want to live and work in Buffalo Niagara. There are great opportunities for 3rd party placement agencies to advertise within this site. For more information please contact Lisa Roy lroy@thepartnership.org with inquires. You can also email us general questions or concerns at info@buffaloniagarajobs.com.
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