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We pride ourselves on being thought leaders and a go-to source for information on issues affecting the region.  Some items you’ll find here include:

  • Perspectives on important issues
  • Guest blogs from industry experts
  • Notifications about key political happenings
  • Updates/recaps on our events
  • Member achievements and spotlights
  • Significant news and press announcements

Check back often or subscribe to the BNP Brief for updates.

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Staff Spotlight: Meet Liz Benkovich

By growthzone | Mar 3, 2022 | Comments Off on Staff Spotlight: Meet Liz Benkovich

We are pleased to introduce BNP’s Vice President, Member Engagement & Development, Liz Benkovich as our latest Staff Spotlight.

As a coach, manager, and mentor, Liz works with the entire team to inspire members to help them gain the full benefits of the Partnership allowing them to grow, thrive, and to reach their full potential.

Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Strickly Business Safety Solutions, LLC

By growthzone | Mar 3, 2022 | Comments Off on Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Strickly Business Safety Solutions, LLC

Darrin Strickland is the founder and CEO of Strickly Business Safety Solutions, LLC, a Buffalo-based company providing health and safety preparedness programs and services to clients across New York State. From authorized and certified CPR/AED training and workplace emergency preparedness, to defensive driving courses and babysitter certification, Strickland and his staff help businesses, schools, and individuals be safe and be ready in critical situations.

Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Right Fit Recruiting, LLC

By growthzone | Mar 3, 2022 | Comments Off on Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Right Fit Recruiting, LLC

For more than two decades, Thaddeus Dunn has recruited and placed executive-level professionals in positions across the country, in industries from medical and financial to non-profit and education. Now, he has established Right Fit Recruiting, LLC here in Buffalo Niagara, bringing his expertise to the local business community with added measures of personalized service and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in executive roles.

Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Kiper Moving and Transportation

By growthzone | Feb 22, 2022 | Comments Off on Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Kiper Moving and Transportation

Deidre Batson Griggs is president of Kiper Moving and Transportation, a company she founded with her husband Dante that offers a full range of residential and commercial moving services, including long-distance and international moving.

What is Carbon Pricing?

By growthzone | Feb 16, 2022 | Comments Off on What is Carbon Pricing?

In the New York State Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan, the Council recommends implementing some form of carbon pricing to help the state combat climate change. So, what is carbon pricing, and how would it impact New York?

2.10.22 COVID Bulletin: BNP Gets Answers on Masking and HERO Act

By growthzone | Feb 10, 2022 | Comments Off on 2.10.22 COVID Bulletin: BNP Gets Answers on Masking and HERO Act

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Kathleen Sullivan

By growthzone | Feb 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Staff Spotlight: Meet Kathleen Sullivan

We are pleased to introduce BNP’s Executive Assistant, Kathleen Sullivan as our latest Staff Spotlight.

Kathleen is the Executive Assistant to Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO. In this role, she supports the Senior Leadership Team and works with all team members to engage them in the Partnership’s values every day.

Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Blanc Photographie

By growthzone | Feb 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Introducing Minority-Owned Business Initiative Participant: Blanc Photographie

Yves-Richard Blanc first started taking photographs when he was 15. It quickly became his passion and, after earning a degree in commercial photography from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, he turned that passion into a career of 30-plus years.

2.9.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Ends Mask Mandate; Poloncarz Will Follow Suit

By growthzone | Feb 9, 2022 | Comments Off on 2.9.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Ends Mask Mandate; Poloncarz Will Follow Suit

Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she will NOT be renewing the state’s mask mandate, so the mandate will expire tomorrow.

1.28.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Extends Mask Mandate

By growthzone | Jan 28, 2022 | Comments Off on 1.28.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Extends Mask Mandate

Today, Gov. Kathy Hochul extended the state’s mask mandate for indoor public places through February 10th. The mandate was previously set to expire on Tuesday.