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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.

Looking for Advocacy Alerts and the Advocacy Insider? Login to the Member Portal or Click Here

10.15.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Dept. of Labor Releases New Adult Use Cannabis & the Workplace Guidance 

By growthzone | Oct 15, 2021 | Comments Off on 10.15.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Dept. of Labor Releases New Adult Use Cannabis & the Workplace Guidance 

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) released a guide to help employers answer questions related to the new Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act (MRTA). Earlier this year, the MRTA officially designated cannabis as both a legally consumable product and a lawful recreational activity for adults.

10.13.21 Advocacy Alert: Canadian Border to Open in November

By growthzone | Oct 13, 2021 | Comments Off on 10.13.21 Advocacy Alert: Canadian Border to Open in November

Late last night, U.S. officials announced plans to reopen the U.S. border to vaccinated, non-essential travelers from Canada and Mexico beginning in early November.

The administration told reporters last night that it does not plan to require vaccinated travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test, a notable difference from Canada’s policy for American travelers.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Maddilyn Schaus

By growthzone | Oct 13, 2021 | Comments Off on Staff Spotlight: Meet Maddilyn Schaus

Maddilyn Schaus is a familiar face at the BNP. After working for BNP previously, Maddilyn left to work in government before returning to us. We are excited to welcome Maddilyn back as our Manager, Workforce Development, and our latest staff spotlight!

Manufacturing Council Meeting 10/7/21

By growthzone | Oct 7, 2021 | Comments Off on Manufacturing Council Meeting 10/7/21

BNP’s Q4 Manufacturing Council meeting focused on the New York State Climate and Community Investment Act’s potential impact on the manufacturing sector. We were joined by NYS Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Donna DeCarolis, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp.

BNP Advocacy Insider – October 2021

By growthzone | Oct 6, 2021 | Comments Off on BNP Advocacy Insider – October 2021

The October 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.

10.6.21 Advocacy Alert: Comptroller’s Report Warns of UI Rate Increases

By growthzone | Oct 6, 2021 | Comments Off on 10.6.21 Advocacy Alert: Comptroller’s Report Warns of UI Rate Increases

Unless the state swiftly acts, New York employers may soon face significant unemployment insurance rate increases.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently released a report detailing the dire financial status of the state’s UI system, confirming concerns that the BNP raised this summer.

Workforce & Labor Concerns Dominate BNP’s annual Member Pulse Report

By growthzone | Oct 2, 2021 | Comments Off on Workforce & Labor Concerns Dominate BNP’s annual Member Pulse Report

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.

Carlisle Lipke, 2021 BN360 Spotlight Professional

By growthzone | Oct 1, 2021 | Comments Off on Carlisle Lipke, 2021 BN360 Spotlight Professional

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is pleased to present Carlisle Lipke, a 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professional.

9.28.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS To Raise Minimum Wage

By growthzone | Sep 28, 2021 | Comments Off on 9.28.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS To Raise Minimum Wage

The New York State Department of Labor announced a forthcoming increase in the minimum wage across upstate New York.

On December 31, the minimum wage in our region will rise to $13.20 per hour, a 70-cent increase from the current rate.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Josh Veronica

By growthzone | Sep 28, 2021 | Comments Off on Staff Spotlight: Meet Josh Veronica

Josh Veronica is our Manager of Government Affairs and Economic Development.

His role at the BNP is to keep members informed of relevant updates on local, state, and federal government and to understand the needs and concerns of employers in the region.