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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.

“Employers in our region faced talent shortages before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has only made that problem worse,” said Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO of the BNP. “Skilled employees are in high demand, so effectively training workers and connecting them with employers is essential for our regional economy’s future success.”

The Member Pulse Report also revealed:

• employer attitudes toward mandated COVID-19 vaccines
• sentiment on regional assets including the Buffalo Bills
• perceptions of the regional and state business climate, and forecasts for the year ahead
• pain caused by the ongoing closure of the U.S.-Canada border
• a strong majority of employers are planning or considering allowing employees to work remotely for the long-term
• and much more

Last year’s top concern of COVID-19’s economic impact fell to the bottom of this year’s list following vaccination progress and the relaxation of pandemic business restrictions.

The information included in the Member Pulse Report influences the BNP’s government affairs and economic development work. Member input is also used to help develop our annual Advocacy Agenda – encompassing the organization’s federal, state, and local policy priorities - which will be released in early January 2022.

To read the complete report and download your own copy, click here.