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How does business advocacy actually work? And why should young professionals take interest?

Those were the driving questions behind Be The Change, a high-energy informational event hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership for their Young Professional (YP) members. Held at The Establishment, this members-only session gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how business advocacy can shape the regional economy, and how they can play a role as emerging leaders in the Buffalo Niagara community.

A crash course in advocacy

Josh Veronica, the BNP’s Director of Government Affairs, led the session that was a lesson in advocacy basics and a candid conversation about the realities of advocacy.  Josh was able to peel back the curtain on the structures of local, state, and federal government, who makes decisions, and how those decisions ripple through Buffalo Niagara business landscape.

Attendees dove into:

• The role of business advocacy in protecting and growing our regional economy
• The top issues facing local employers, from workforce development to regulatory burdens
• Tangible ways to get involved with policy conversations

Once the information was shared, attendees were ready and asked questions, challenged ideas, and explored the role they could play in shaping a stronger more inclusive economy. The discussion was passionate, interactive, and driven by a genuine curiosity about how policy meets real-world business.

Why it matters for young professionals

Advocacy might not be the first thing that comes to mind for those early in their careers, but these young professionals expressed genuine enthusiasm for it—and highlighted the need for more events like this.

As Josh emphasized, “Policy decisions can create or crush the conditions needed for economic growth. Therefore, rising business leaders must understand the relationship between business and government. This event helped young professionals learn how to engage in the policymaking process, and how the BNP can amplify their voice.”

Want to be a part of more events like this?

Through exclusive programs like this one, YP members gain access to conversations that matter. It’s not just about networking. It’s about developing the knowledge, confidence, and connections to lead.

If you’re 21-40 years old and looking to grow your career while staying informed, the BNP Young Professionals membership is for you.

Join the YP network today

Because being the change starts with being in the room.