Buffalo Niagara 360: On the Radio

Yesterday, Buffalo Niagara 360 Manager Ann Mestrovich, along with the Partnership’s Director of Public Policy Craig Turner and BN360 members April Sroka and Ryan Grady, were guests on “Hardline with Kevin Hardwick” on WBEN 930AM. We had the opportunity to give the listening audience a detailed introduction to BN360, which was great for getting the word out to a larger audience that we are here to be a resource for the next generation of business leadership.

Since “Hardline with Kevin Hardwick” is a politically focused show, we talked more specifically about what the program is doing to educate young professionals about why the advocacy process is so important to both their personal lives and for the companies they work for. I pointed out that it’s important to get involved, because if we’re going to be that next generation of business leaders making hard decisions on behalf of companies in NYS, we need to have an influence on the policies that affect the success of our workplaces and the quality of our lives. Craig Turner gave specific examples of the issues the Partnership and Unshackle Upstate are focusing on right now, like holding legislators accountable for the just-passed state budget.

BN360 members April Sroka of Greatbatch, Inc. and Ryan Grady of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC gave great examples of how the program has helped them both socially and professionally, ranging from the networking and business development opportunities the program offers through its monthly events, to knowing that there is a strong community of young professionals right here in Buffalo Niagara.

Since we talked about the NYS budget, I was asked whether BN360 was going to incorporate more advocacy discussions within the coming months. The answer is absolutely: we will be encouraging BN360 members to get more engaged in Government Affairs events. The Partnership’s upcoming Congressional Briefing Series will feature Rep. Chris Lee on May 1st and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on May 4th, plus many others. This is a great way for young professionals to get up close and personal with their elected representatives!