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Blog

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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3.17.22 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Extends State of Emergency, Signs Sexual Harassment Bills

By growthzone | Mar 17, 2022 | Comments Off on 3.17.22 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Extends State of Emergency, Signs Sexual Harassment Bills

Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an Executive Order extending New York’s state of emergency declaration for COVID-19. The state of emergency was scheduled to expire today, but Hochul extended the declaration through April 15.

Empire Center: Single Payer “Sticker Shock”

By growthzone | Mar 17, 2022 | Comments Off on Empire Center: Single Payer “Sticker Shock”

A new report from the Empire Center for Public Policy details how expensive a single payer healthcare system would be in New York. The full report is available here.

Workforce Policy Update March 2022

By growthzone | Mar 8, 2022 | Comments Off on Workforce Policy Update March 2022

The BNP works closely with government leaders to keep them informed of employer challenges and to advocate for policy that would ease the workforce crisis. The BNP supports legislation that expands access to education and training, makes quality childcare more accessible, removes barriers to workforce participation, and reforms our immigration system to meet our region’s workforce needs.

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.