Running government like a business

We hear candidates talk a lot about how their intent, if elected, is to run government "more like a business." Of course, those slogans always get the opponents reminding voters that government is, indeed, NOT a business, and can't necessarily be run like one. Then, given how recently whatever the most recent Wall Street or oil spill scandal has happened, the "run government more like a business" tagline can be interpreted as being a good or bad thing.

From the Partnership's perspective, while government does not exist to make a profit (as private sector business does), there are certainly many opportunities to bring business principles into government. Streamlining operations to be more cost-effective, focus on strong customer service and eliminating waste are tried-and-true private sector strategies that are certainly applicable in government. While there's admittedly a trend (especially in New York State) toward big, expensive government, candidates with a plan to change that through instilling business principles deserve your attention.

The interesting thing to remember about government is that we - voters - are not only the "customer," but we're also the boss. And acting as the boss is where we can really bring business concepts into government - particularly in hiring. Every couple years, we get the opportunity to determine whether we want to re-hire someone who's already been on the job, or fire them and replace them with someone else (in business, we'd call this a "review"). Unfortunately, too many voters do not take this relationship, and the opportunity resulting from it, seriously.

This year, we are faced with some pretty poor examples of job performance in Albany. For the past two years since we've put the current group of elected officials into office, state government has done little beyond pushing its hand deeper and deeper into our pocket. Spending in two years has risen by $16 billion (yep - billion), with taxpayers footing the bill. Here in WNY, our elected reps failed to deliver (for perspective - labor and business both agree this is the case) a no-cost initiative that would've spurred 20,000 new jobs for our community - that being UB2020. The job just isn't getting done.

In the case of Senator Antoine Thompson, who faces a candidate in Rory Allen that we like a lot (small businessman, understands what it takes to create jobs and the impediments that Albany puts in the way of that) in next week's primary election, there's so much more. A taxpayer-funded trip to Jamaica during the legislative session that his staff was instructed to cover up?! Wasting hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars sending ridiculous mailings (including birthday cards) to residents?! How about sponsoring legislation that would help Antoine, himself, benefit financially from a car accident he was in years earlier?! If you were the boss of a company, would you keep an employee like this? Well, we are the boss of the company called New York State government.

If we're going to instill one business principle into New York State government this year, it should be hiring and firing based on work performance and qualifications. Special interests continue to have success at putting people into office who will do their will because the largest special interest of all - taxpayers - don't take advantage of their role as boss. This is the year for voters, particularly Upstate voters, to demand better job performance. We do that at the polls.

Governor Paterson signs "proceeds" bill

Let's face it, this year has not been the greatest for Upstate interests in Albany. The state's 2010-11 budget increased spending by some $6 billion, including $1.2 billion in new taxes (a total of $414 per person over the last two years). Economic development programs that benefit Upstate job creation were decimated through a reduction in funding (Empire Zone) and deferrals of tax credits that were already promised to employers - and included in their budgets. That's a big part of the reason why the Partnership has taken such an aggressive political role in making change in Albany this election day.

This week, however, score one for the good guys!!! Legislation was signed by Governor Paterson that will allocate funds derived from the sale of unallocated expansion power and replacement power through the New York Power Authority to economic development initiatives within 30 miles of the Niagara Power Project - potentially $10 to $25 million per year.

How it works: take Yahoo! for example. Part of Yahoo!'s incentive package to come to Niagara County was an allocation of hydropower. Of course, they're not up and running yet, but you can't re-allocate that hydropower to someone else - so that power is temporarily sold into the electric grid. Those funds - aka "proceeds" - are collected by the New York Power Authority (that's the $$$ that you heard last year as being "swept" by Albany to fill budget gaps). This legislation, which has been a priority of the Partnership for a number of years, re-invests that cash into our community in economic development projects and initiatives through a Western New York Economic Development Fund.

Especially given the difficulty in doing business in Upstate New York caused by poor economic development policy from Albany, this is a HUGE lift for the Buffalo Niagara region. There, of course - as with all of these types of legislation - are specifics to be sorted out, and the Partnership will continue our heavy advocacy to ensure that the program reaches its optimal effectiveness, but we are ecstatic to have found success here. Particularly in light of Albany's failure to come through for UB2020. Thanks to the "proceeds" bill sponsors Dennis Gabryszak in the Assembly and Bill Stachowski in the Senate for carrying this legislation to passage.

Why is the Partnership supporting Assemblyman Jack Quinn?

It's been mentioned quite a bit on this blog that the Partnership is aggressively amping up it's political involvement this election season, with one goal in mind: to bring the New York State Senate to a more Upstate-friendly majority. A main cog in accomplishing that goal is electing Assemblyman Jack Quinn to the Senate for the 58th Senate District (encompassing Hamburg, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, South Buffalo and Eden).

Quinn's race is being viewed state-wide as the difference maker in who hold the Majority in next year's Senate, but that's not the only reason he deserves our support. Quinn has been one of the most savvy and effective representatives of the Buffalo Niagara employer community, actively engaging Partnership members on legislation and issues regarding Western New York and working with Partnership staff on developing his policy positions. In our book, that earns Quinn more than an endorsement and a PAC donation. That's why on Thursday, September 16th, we are hosting a fundraiser for his campaign at Pettibone's in downtown Buffalo. For significantly less money than New York State spends in one-tenth of a second ($438 per .1 seconds v. $99) your support will help Assemblyman Quinn drastically slow down the Empire Center's $pend-o-meter...

Assemblyman Quinn's 5-Point Plan focuses on cutting spending and taxes, pension reform, job creation, Medicaid reform and ethics reform; all areas the Partnership and our state-wide coalition, Unshackle Upstate, have weighed in on. Not only does Quinn's plan address the expanding deficit and increased spending our state is facing, he provides responsible and logical areas of wasteful spending that need to be reigned in.

Quinn's pension reform plan is a shining example of how to address the pension "double standard" New York's taxpayers are facing every day. His job creation plan is more than just political "we need jobs" doublespeak we hear so often; he lays out areas where New York needs to improve and invest, especially in 21st century manufacturing and emerging technologies like the life sciences.

New York currently spends $1 Billion a week on Medicaid, Quinn's plan cuts $8 billion annually. Taxpayers have seen more than their fair share of corrupt politicians. Quinn's plan ends the dysfunction and corruption that leads to late budgets, pay to play schemes and the extreme waste of our tax dollars.

Again, Quinn has earned our, and your, support this November. Special interests in Albany and downstate will be doing all they can to ensure the status quo remains after this election. Join us on September 16th and help the largest yet least-represented special interest of them all, the Upstate taxpayer. See you there!

Regional Agenda: Rail Station Breaks Ground

Our staff is hard at work putting together the 2011 Regional Agenda, but last week we took some time to celebrate one of 2010's advocacy victories, the groundbreaking for the Niagara Falls International Rail Station. The rail station is a top priority for Mayor Paul Dyster and the Buffalo Niagara region and will provide a tremendous rail resource for the Niagara Falls tourism industry when complete. With the recent improvements at the Niagara Falls International Airport (another Regional Agenda item from past years), Niagara Falls is making strides in taking advantage of a lively Canadian market, as well as a greater opportunity to attract regional visitors.

The rail station groundbreaking is another example of the impact that the annual Regional Agenda has on economic development opportunities in the Buffalo Niagara region. Ten years ago, the Partnership started the Regional Agenda process as a way of coordinating among the many municipalities and agencies in the region - to get everyone on the same page when asking the federal or state government for funding or action. Some successes over the last decade include the saving of the Niagara Falls Air Base, hundreds of millions in investment in the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, delay of WHTI and the implementation of Enhanced Drivers' Licenses and the new downtown Buffalo Federal Courthouse. It's clear that our region enhances our opportunity for success by speaking with one voice.

The 2011 Regional Agenda will be rolled out this year on November 22.

A Little Advice for Job Seekers

The Partnership's workforce development team will be represented at the WNY Job Expo on Tuesday August 31st at the Connecticut Street Armory. The event is sponsored by the Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade, but it is open to all job seekers ... veterans and non-veterans alike. With more than 50 employers represented, as well as free classes on finance, small business loans and resume building, this event is a must for any job seeker. Check out the website for additional information ... http://www.erie.gov/veterans/job_expo.asp

Job fairs are a great way for you to explore potential employment opportunities and learn more about companies who are actively hiring in the area. Many people see it as something as serious as a first interview, while others view it as an opportunity to gather information about potential employers. Regardless of what reason you have for attending, there are a few important things to keep in mind before, during, and after the job fair to make it successful for you.

Before the Job Fair:
Find out what businesses are going to be at the job fair, and spend some time doing some research about them. What types of jobs do they have open? What kind of people are they looking for? What kinds of skills do these people need to have?

Develop some questions you'd like to ask employers. Narrow down your list of businesses to include those who have positions you are interested in, or are businesses you think you might like to work for. Then list some questions you would like to ask the company representative at the job fair.

Proofread your resume - at least twice. Even if you think there are no errors, have someone else look it over too. Don't let errors overshadow your qualifications for a job!

Be sure your resume contains your updated contact information. You'll want employers to be able to reach you if necessary. Double check that your address, phone number, and e-mail address is current.

At the Job Fair:
Dress the part. As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. It isn't always necessary to wear a suit to a job fair - unless you are looking for a job that would require you to dress professionally at work. Business Casual is usually the most appropriate at a job fair - nice slacks and a collared shirt for men and nice slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women are appropriate. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or clothing that is too short or revealing.

Take time to talk to employers. Don't just drop off a resume and move to the next booth. Take time to get additional information and make an impression. The point is not to see how many resumes you can give to employers in the least amount of time - it is to establish some solid job prospects.

Use your research to appear confident and knowledgeable. It works to your advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match what they are looking for. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely interested in their company. Do your homework!

Greet the employer with a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Showing interest and good manners is important, regardless of the type of job you are looking for. Every employer appreciates someone who is dedicated, conscientious, and attentive.

After the Job Fair:
Follow up with a thank you note. If you picked up a business card, or the name of the company's job fair representative, send a thank you note a day or two after the job fair. This is not only polite, but will let the representative know you paid attention, are serious about the job, and that you are the right person for it.

I hope this advice helps. Good luck!

Young Professionals Come Together

Young professionals in their late 20s to early 40s are a group we need to focus on attracting, "repatriating," and retaining in this region. Nationwide, 20something individuals often leave home to explore other communities and try their hands at various careers. These young people grow into professionals with top rate skills, buying power and a desire to plant roots - all things our community and our employers can benefit from.

These young professionals are the reason the Partnership launched Buffalo Niagara 360 in 2008. The program was born out of our members' need for effective strategies for retaining and attracting young professionals in the area, and out of our desire to cultivate this region's next generation of business and community leaders.

Last week, the Partnership kicked off Buffalo Niagara 360’s third year with a party at Pearl Street Grill. Hundreds of young professionals from throughout the region joined us for great food and networking at The Shindig to learn more about becoming engaged in their community. Membership in 360 offers future business leaders a forum to particpate in professional development opportunities. This is a value added proposition for the young worker, as well as their employer.

The Partnership encourages all of Buffalo Niagara's college students and young professionals to become engaged! Learn about the region you live in, get involved in your community, take part in our civic and cultural activities, take a stand and vote in November, and take some time to volunteer for one of the numerous not for profit organizations in the area. It is your interest, passion and activism that will help our region grow!

Over the past 2 years, more than 1,500 young professionals took part in Buffalo Niagara 360 activities and nearly 100 senior-level executives joined them as informal mentors and program supporters. Their continuing involvement shows the large number of educated and talented young people we have here, who are willing to learn, network, grow, and make a difference for their futures and for the future of the region.

Buffalo Niagara 360 offers plenty of ways and opportunities to get involved, so take some time today to learn how you can make a difference. Be part of the growing movement of young professionals who are helping Buffalo Niagara move forward into an even brighter future. Learn more about ways to get involved at www.buffaloniagara360.org

Governor's Legacy in Buffalo Niagara

The Partnership has long-advocated for keeping not just Niagara Falls hydropower in this area, but the proceeds (cash) derived from its sale, too. We’ve worked closely for the past two years with Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak to draft legislation that would create an economic development fund -- for use in this region only -- with the proceeds of our region’s hydropower. Currently, NYPA sells the power that isn’t being used by regional companies on the open market and keeps the cash. We believe it should be reinvested in this region. Assemblyman Gabryszak and Senator William Stachowski pushed this proposal through the chaotic legislature this year and it passed both houses.

Now it’s on the Governor’s desk for signature or veto. And we’ll see what his legacy will be in Buffalo Niagara….

We haven’t been alone in our advocacy for proceeds to be retained here. This is an issue that has broad regional support and has brought together elected officials, business leaders, labor leaders and other community stakeholders to work together for the same end goal. The legislation has also been endorsed by the Buffalo News editorial board.

We strongly believe the creation of the fund supports the original intent of legislation that reserves 695 MW of hydropower for use within 30 miles of the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. Moreover, we believe it will provide a critically needed tool for our region, which faces unique challenges in the state: we have the nation’s third poorest population and one of the nation’s highest densities of brownfields and vacant structures.

This legislation can create a real, tangible difference in our community. It has the potential to bring new employers and their jobs to our region, to clean up abandoned sites, build infrastructure needed to make sites more attractive for investment, or to adapt existing structures for new uses – all of which can spur more job creation and investment in the Buffalo Niagara region.

After a horrible state budget that will hurt employers and taxpayers throughout our region, this could be one positive to come out of a disastrous year. Stay tuned for what the Governor does…….