2. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
AND PRESIDENT & CEO
SPECIAL THANK YOU
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
The untiring, collective efforts of Buffalo Niagara Partnership staff, board
members, strategic partners and a diverse membership continue to guide us
through the challenges of the ongoing pandemic.
By working together and consistently looking ahead, we arrive at this
moment prepared to address the biggest obstacles faced not only by our
members, but by the business community as a whole.
As an example, attracting and retaining a talented workforce continues to be the
greatest pain point for employers, made more severe by the pandemic. This past
year, we rebranded Employ Buffalo Niagara, the area’s largest employer-led talent
initiative, to better reflect the many ways it is fueling the workforce in Buffalo
Niagara. Likewise, our expanded work in diversity and inclusion programs,
including the annual D&I Symposium, underscores the critical importance of D&I
to successful workforce development. Those are just a couple of examples of the
accomplishments you will read about in the pages that follow.
A well-known adage states, “Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.”
We could not be more proud of the character shown by the Partnership staff
in stepping up during challenging times this past year. More than ever, they
have demonstrated the Partnership’s commitment to our members and the
economic vitality of our region.
Likewise, in presenting the 2020-2021 Annual Report to Members, we express
our sincerest thanks to our members and sponsors for their unwavering
support. This is the moment we have been preparing for, leading with purpose
and looking ahead with renewed energy, confidence and optimism.
Dottie Gallagher
President & CEO,
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Paul Vukelic
Chairman of the Board,
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
President & CEO,
Try-It Distributing Co., Inc.
2 | 2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
3. THANK YOU TO OUR CIRCLE LEVEL SPONSORS
Alliance Advisory Group, Inc.
Barclay Damon, LLP
Bene-Care Agency, LLC
The Bonadio Group
ClearView Social, Inc.
The Community Preservation
Corporation
Delta Air Lines
Dopkins & Company, LLP
D’Youville College
Elderwood
Evergreen Health
Excelsior Orthopaedics
First Amherst Development
Group LLC
Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C.
Frey Electric Construction Co., Inc.
Hamister Group, LLC
Harlequin Distribution Center
Harmac Medical Products, Inc.
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Hodgson Russ LLP
Hunt Real Estate Corp.
Ingram Micro Inc.
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Kaleida Health
King Virtual Events
Lawley
Lumsden & McCormick, LLP
McCullagh Coffee
Monofrax, LLC
New Enterprise Stone
& Lime Co., Inc.
New York Power Authority
Niagara University
NOCO Energy Corp.
NYSEG
People Inc.
Seneca Gaming Corporation
St. Bonaventure University
Try-It Distributing Co., Inc.
Vistage
Walsh Duffield Cos., Inc.
Wendel
West Herr Automotive Group
Zenger Group, Inc.
President’s Circle
Leadership Circle
Director’s Circle
Partnership Circle
www.thepartnership.org | 3
4. KEEPING BUFFALO NIAGARA
WORKING
Like every other business, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership felt the immediate full
force and effect of the pandemic. Instantaneously we cancelled our live events,
imposed a hiring freeze and braced the organization for the long road ahead of us.
But in that moment, we all realized that our work was more important than ever. Our
members, and as it turns out, thousands of non-member companies needed help. At
the Partnership, we quite literally redesigned our table of organization and set a goal to
help local businesses by providing clear, accurate information in real time including setting
up a help desk for local businesses.
We gathered our member expert accountants, lawyers and government relations professionals to
give free guidance in over 40 webinars. We sent out over 250,000 bulletins to advise all about
pandemic related business impacts, and we worked with government and our economic development
partners to conduct the WNY Business Impact survey. When re-opening was on the horizon we
conducted a listening tour with our current Governor Kathy Hochul to provide her with direct input
from businesses in several key industries.
The Partnership also crafted an internal plan we called “Keep Buffalo Niagara Working” to outline
specifically what we had done, and would continue to do, to help local businesses recover. We realized
that the pandemic would have serious financial impacts on our organization as we are supported entirely by
businesses – many of whom were completely financially devastated. We put a call out to about 50 of our key
members and raised $1.265 million to be spent to help the Partnership continue to do the important work of
economic recovery.
These funds have allowed us to continue to operate and grow our services. We have been able to pick up right
where we left off on a comprehensive employer-led workforce development initiative, Employ Buffalo Niagara.
Finding talent is the #1 issue all employers face today and it has become an acute pain point for all. Our ability to pivot
and respond would not have been possible without the generous support of the companies listed on page 12. We deeply
appreciate the support and confidence of our members.
I don’t know any group in Western New York that can speak more effectively for the
business community and for economic opportunity than the Partnership.
Richard Gold | President & COO, M&T Bank
4 | 2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
5. As WNY welcomed in the New Year and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines
began, there was a renewed urgency to reignite the economy. The BNP played
a crucial role in helping WNY businesses of all sizes navigate the new normal.
The BNP took a leading role in disseminating the latest legislation, bringing the
region’s business concerns to the government, providing education on COVID-19
best practices, and facilitating vaccine rollout at the workplace. We continued to
work with local organizations on the “It’s Our Job” campaign and speak out on
behalf of the community on important issues like the border closure.
OUR WORK ON BEHALF OF THE REGION’S
BUSINESSES HAS NEVER BEEN MORE RELEVANT.
NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL
The Manufacturing and Development Advisory
Councils have continuously updated members on
relevant COVID-19 news and connected them with
best practices throughout the pandemic.
The Partnership’s work in advocacy is second to
none. I have been fortunate enough to be in Albany
to see the Partnership team in action. Whatever
the issue, they always make their case with detailed
information and supporting statistics.
Rhonda Frederick | President & CEO, People, Inc.
www.thepartnership.org | 5
6,200
18.4M
270,000
2,500
42 11,000
2,000
$700,000
250+
Visits to COVID-19 Resource Pages
combined reach of WGRZ and Buffalo
News It’s Our Job Advertising
COVID-19 E-Bulletins sent
Kits delivered to help small
businesses reopen
COVID-19 Webisodes Hosted Businesses invited to take part in the
WNY COVID-19 business impact survey
Employers provided with
direct service for COVID -19
Promotional investment in
the It’s Our Job campaign
Employers took part in the WNY D&I
business community assessment
6. SUPPORTING WOMEN LEADERS
2021 ATHENA AWARDS®
GO VIRTUAL TO RECOGNIZE
INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS
For the first time in its 30-year history, the Partnership’s annual ATHENA Awards®
program
was held virtually due to pandemic restrictions.
But the unique virtual platform did not limit the overwhelming success of the event as more
than 325 participants connected to celebrate the advancement of women in Buffalo Niagara.
Special video messages were presented from then New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul and
New York Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes. Attendees also met the ten young professional
award finalists and ten leadership finalists via pre-recorded videos.
This year we introduced the first ATHENA Organizational Award®
to recognize one for-profit organization
and one non-profit organization that inspire women in Buffalo Niagara to achieve their full potential.
The Partnership was pleased to present the following ATHENA Awards®
:
Sujata Yalamanchili
Partner
Hodgson Russ LLP
Juweria Dahir
City Planner & External Affairs Manager
City of Buffalo
2021 ATHENA Leadership
Award®
2021 ATHENA Young Professional
Leadership Award®
For-Profit Non-Profit
2021 ATHENA Organizational Award®
Recipients
We are already working on the 31st Annual ATHENA Awards® scheduled for April 5, 2022.
We hope that you can join us.
New York Governor Kathy
Hochul is a past recipient of a
BNP ATHENA Award ®
6 | 2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
7. EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES IN EQUITY
D&I SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS GROWING PORTFOLIO
IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION PROGRAMS
The numbers are telling.
Nearly 800 people took part in the Partnership’s 4th Annual Diversity &
Inclusion Symposium over the summer, a virtual event that shone a spotlight
on the reality of D&I for the business community. Clearly, local businesses
recognize the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the
workforce and their organizations.
Presented by the Partnership and the Community Foundation for Greater
Buffalo, the half-day symposium engaged participants with a variety of
opportunities to learn and develop ideas for their organizations.
A state-of-the-art virtual platform offered eight unique micro sessions, and
some of the most highly regarded speakers in D&I today. These included
keynote speaker Angela Glover Blackwell, a nationally known D&I authority,
and our main stage speaker, Melissa Donaldson, an award-winning
Chicago-based D&I expert. Panel discussions featured the region’s top D&I
practitioners who shared their expertise and insights.
THE COMMITMENT CONTINUES
The BNP continues to strengthen our commitment to DE&I with expanded
programming and services. This summer we appointed our new Director
of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives to oversee our growing
platform of DE&I offerings. Our members now have access to more
resources than ever such as:
• D&I Executive Exchange
• Diversity & Inclusion Academy
• D&I Virtual Learning Series
And, of course, planning is already underway for the 5th Annual Diversity
& Inclusion Symposium – stay tuned for dates. For more information on
all the resources available from the Partnership visit:
www.thepartnership.org/initiatives/diversity-inclusion
In our follow-up survey to the event, respondents
called the Symposium inspiring, thought-provoking,
and empowering.
Dottie Gallagher | President/CEO
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
www.thepartnership.org | 7
8. ADVOCATING FOR A STRONGER
BUFFALO NIAGARA
The BNP fought to reopen our border to Canadian travelers, who play a major role in our region’s
economy. After months of pushing and partnering with key allies to make the case, the U.S. border
recently opened to Canadian visitors. More work is necessary to align the cross protocols on both
sides of the border, but we are proud to have stood with Sen. Schumer, Rep. Higgins, Rep. Jacobs, and
chambers from across the nation in asking Washington to welcome our northern neighbors.
The BNP offered a warm welcome to our new governor, Kathy Hochul. The BNP has already encouraged
her to take action on a number of key regional priorities, including stabilizing the unemployment system,
avoiding burdensome pandemic
regulations, distributing emergency
rental assistance funds, renewing
the Brownfield Cleanup Program,
providing needed infrastructure funds,
and helping the Bills construct a new
stadium. We also hosted an expert panel
to discuss what we can expect from Gov.
Hochul’s first 100 days in office.
Left: BNP VP of Gov’t Affairs Grant Loomis, Bernadette Hogan (NY Post), Jack O’Donnell (O’Donnell & Associates),
and Karen DeWitt (NYS Public Radio) discuss Hochul’s future. Right: Kathy Hochul speaks to BNP members.
BNP President & CEO Dottie Gallagher
and Sen. Chuck Schumer advocate for
the reopening of our border.
When the state debated sweeping new infectious disease regulations, the BNP
voiced employer concerns to make them as manageable as possible. The
BNP provided members numerous events and guides to help them understand
their responsibilities under the new laws and keep their employees safe.
REOPENING OUR NORTHERN BORDERS
WELCOMING OUR NEW GOVERNOR
KEEPING EMPLOYERS INFORMED
The BNP’s HERO Act
Employer Checklist.
8 | 2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
9. On our three virtual advocacy days, the BNP put members at the table with
key decision-makers. We spoke to Rep. Brian Higgins and Sen. Tim Kennedy
about transportation and infrastructure needs. We met with Assembly
Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes on workforce development issues,
and we met with Asm. Bill Conrad to discuss energy legislation.
As our nation navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, the BNP advocated for federal
action that would meet the needs of our community. We were pleased to see
federal stimulus packages that included many key programs, including direct
payments to individuals, state and local aid, increased childcare resources, the
Paycheck Protection Program, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Left to right: Rep. Brian Higgins, Sen. Tim Kennedy, Asm. Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Asm. Bill Conrad.
The BNP advocated for the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which would
create jobs and opportunities for our region. We met with Rep. Tom Reed
and Rep. Chris Jacobs to make the case for the bill and also made them
aware of potential projects in our community that could be made possible
by federal investment.
The BNP’s Josh Veronica and Grant Loomis meet with Rep. Chris Jacobs and staff.
FIGHTING FOR REGIONAL PRIORITIES
SECURING ECONOMIC RELIEF
ADVOCATING FOR CRITICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
The bulletins your group are providing are
super important and valued to me.
Kelly Reitnour | Senior Vice President
Sponsorship Marketing | KeyBank
www.thepartnership.org | 9
10. EMPLOY BUFFALO NIAGARA
ADVANCING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
In our ongoing effort to help employers address their talent challenges, this year the BNP
brought together all our workforce development programs under one single brand: Employ
Buffalo Niagara. This move reflects the connectivity between these initiatives and allows
employers to plug into Employ in the way or ways that best suits their current needs.
10 | 2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
11. TALENT PIPELINE MANAGEMENT (TPM)
Sidelined by COVID-19, the BNP dove headfirst back into
TPM in 2021 by establishing two collaboratives with plans
to start several new groups early next year. Based on a
tested model by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, TPM
brings employers with similar job needs together to work
with training providers to create sustainable talent pipelines.
Program Sponsors - Manufacturing:
SoPark Corporation • Tapecon • Zehnder Rittling
Program Sponsors - Customer Service:
Cobey • Independent Health • National Fuel •
Univera Healthcare
LEARN & EARN
The BNP joined forces with Say Yes Buffalo, the Community
Foundation for Greater Buffalo and other WNY organizations
to give Buffalo high school students access to mid-wage,
mid-skill careers with opportunity for growth and longevity.
Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation*
, participating
employers receive direct access to diverse talent pipelines.
Youth Apprenticeships Pilot Employers:
Harmac Medical Products • KeyBank •
Lighthouse Technology Services • M&T Bank • Moog •
Rich Products • Tesla • Wegmans
CAREER PATHWAYS
Funded by a pilot grant from the Ralph C. Wilson,
Jr. Foundation*
, the BNP’s Career Pathways initiative
helps employers better communicate and promote
advancement opportunities in their organization to attract
and retain talent. The BNP worked with employers to
develop custom career pathway marketing materials,
including a video, which will connect to a larger WNY
effort aimed at boosting key career awareness.
Program Sponsors:
AAA of Western New York • Frey Construction Co. •
Kalieda Health • National Fuel • PCI • SoPark Corporation
• Tesla • Tapecon • Zehnder Rittling
* These programs are funded by a grand
from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
www.thepartnership.org | 11
12. STEPPING UP
STEPPING UP
Dopkins & Company, LLC | Merchants Insurance Group | NOCO Energy Corp. | Phillips Lytle LLP
Univera Healthcare | Walsh Duffield Cos., Inc. | Zenger Group Inc.
Anonymous Member | Douglas Development Corporation | Evans Bank | Excelsior Orthopaedics | Five Star Bank
Harmac Medical Products, Inc. | Hunt Commercial Real Estate Corp. | Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. | Lumsden McCormick, LLP
MVP Network Consulting, LLC | National Grid | Power Drives, Inc. | Rich Products Corp. | West Herr Automotive Group
Bank on Buffalo | Bonadio Group | Charter Communications | Frey Electric Construction Co., Inc. | Lawley | Mower | Tapecon, Inc.
Uniland Development Company | Zehnder Rittling
Alcott HR | Tompkins Bank of Castile
THANK YOU
During these challenging times, many of our members have stepped up and solidified their
dedication to the work and mission of the BNP. We want to acknowledge these members for their
generous commitments to the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Foundation to help bridge the funding
gap created by COVID-19 and ensure the strength and vitality of the BNP for years to come.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the
Buffalo Niagara Partnership a 5-Star Accreditation.
In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber
must meet required standards in nine core
competencies including operations and
programs, areas of governance and finance,
government affairs, and technology.
Regional chambers are rated Accredited
or Accredited with 3 Stars, with 4
Stars, or with 5 Stars. In New York
State, there are only 3 other 5-Star
Accredited Chambers.
12 | 2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
13. 2020-2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David W. Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
Douglas Bean
Vice Chairman, Chief Brand Officer
Mower
Paul Bonaro
Vice President, Data Center Operations
Yahoo!
Lorrie Clemo, PhD
President
D’Youville College
Michael Cropp, M.D.
President & CEO
Independent Health Corporation
Frank Curci
Chairman & CEO
Tops Markets, LLC
Jonathan Dandes (Vice Chair)
Corporate Vice President
Rich Products Corporation
Steven Davis
President
Tapecon, Inc.
Donna DeCarolis
President
National Fuel Gas Dis Corp
Clotilde Dedecker
President & CEO
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Jim Dentinger
President
NOCO Enterprises, LLC
James Domagalski
Partner
Barclay Damon, LLP
Gregory Duval
Regional Executive & Managing Director,
Great Lakes Region
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
Thomas Emmerling (Treasurer)
Managing Partner
Dopkins & Company, LLP
Matthew Enstice
President & CEO
Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.
Ann Evanko
Member
Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.
Ofo Ezeugwu
CEO & Founder
Whose Your Landlord
Lynne Marie Finn
President & CEO
Aleron
Norah Fletchall
President & CEO
Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc.
Rhonda Frederick
President & CEO
People Inc.
Kent Frey
CEO
Frey Electrical Construction Co., Inc.
Dottie Gallagher
President & CEO
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Robert Gioia
President
The John R. Oishei Foundation
Richard Gold
President & COO
M&T Bank
Martin Griffith
President
Bank On Buffalo
Richard Hamister
Senior Vice President
New York Regional President, Northwest Bank
Stewart Haney
President & CEO
Wendel
William Hochul, Jr.
General Counsel and Secretary
Delaware North Companies
Paul Hojnacki
President
MacLean Curtis, LLC
Ted Janicki
Senior Vice President, Buffalo Market President &
Small Business Banking Market Manager
Bank of America
Candace Johnson, PhD
President & CEO
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Camille Joseph-Goldman
Group Vice President, Government Affairs
Charter Communications
Patrick Kaler
President & CEO
Visit Buffalo Niagara
Michael Keating
Senior Vice President, Buffalo Division
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Thomas Kucharski
President & CEO
Invest Buffalo Niagara
Ken Kujawa
Regional Director
National Grid
James Maher, C.M.
President
Niagara University
Kimberley Minkel
Executive Director
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
Michael Montante
CEO
Uniland Development Company
David Murray
Partner
Phillips Lytle LLP
David Nasca
President & CEO
Evans Bank, N.A.
Benjamin Obletz (Secretary)
President & CEO
First Amherst Development Group, LLC
Susan O’Sullivan
Vice President, U.S. Sales
Ingram Micro, Inc.
Scott Pallotta
Chief Executive Officer
Zehnder Rittling
Louis Panzica
President & CEO
Power Drives, Inc.
Thomas Quatroche, Jr. PhD
President and CEO
Erie County Medical Center Corporation
Gary Quenneville
Upstate New York Regional Executive
KeyBank
Ron Raccuia
Executive VP of Licensing & Branded Merchandise
Pegula Sports & Entertainment, LLC.
Sharon Randaccio
President & CEO
Performance Management Partners, Inc.
Mary Roberts
Executive Director
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
David Rogers
Director
Life Storage®
James Rooney
Managing Member
Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC
Christopher Ross
Principal
Lawley Insurance, Inc.
John Scannell (Vice Chair)
CEO & Chairman of the Board
Moog Inc.
Rupa Shanmugam
President & CEO
SoPark Corporation
John Somers
President & CEO
Harmac Medical Products, Inc.
Anthony Spada, Jr.
President & CEO
AAA Western and Central New York
Mark Sullivan
President & CEO
Catholic Health System
Rocco Surace
Senior Counsel
Bonadio Group
Satish Tripathi
University President
University at Buffalo
Stephen Tucker
President & CEO
Northland Workforce Training Center
David Uba
CEO
Excelsior Orthopaedics
Paul Vallone
Partner
Hodgson Russ LLP
Paul Vukelic (Chair)
President & CEO
Try-It Distributing Co., Inc.
Edward Walsh, Jr.
CEO
Walsh Duffield Cos., Inc.
Michael Weiner
President & CEO
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Tom Wiley
Publisher and President
The Buffalo News
Arthur Wingerter
President
Univera Healthcare
Stephen Zenger
President & CEO
Zenger Group
Active as of June 30, 2021
www.thepartnership.org | 13
15. proud to be in buffalo, nY
the city of good neighbors
LUMSDEN McCORMICK IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE
Comprehensive. Proactive. Accessible.
p:716.856.3300 | f:716.856.2524 | www.LumsdenCPA.com
Cyclorama Building | 369 Franklin Street | Buffalo, NY 14202
Comprehensive. Proactive. Accessible.
p:716.856.3300 | f:716.856.2524 | www.LumsdenCPA.com
Cyclorama Building | 369 Franklin Street | Buffalo, NY 14202
WORKING TO GROW PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND JOBS IN
THE BUFFALO NIAGARA REGION THROUGH ADVOCACY,
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, AND CONVENING.
MAKING BUFFALO NIAGARA A BETTER PLACE TO WORK.
• Cross-Border Taxation
• International Tax
• Succession Planning
Lumsden McCormick can help with
• Commercial Businesses
• Manufacturing Industry
• Real Estate Industry
17. SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
INDUSTRY SPONSORS:
INDUSTRY SPONSORS:
PLATINUM SPONSORS: GOLD SPONSORS: SILVER SPONSORS:
TITLE SPONSOR:
BONADIO GROUP
REMEDY INTELLIGENT STAFFING
BOND SCHOENECK & KING
EVERGREEN HEALTH
AMP INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION, A
MILLINGTON LOCKWOOD COMPANY
ARC BUILDING PARTNERS, LLC
THE BONADIO GROUP
CBRE BUFFALO LLC
FIVE STAR BANK
LABELLA ASSOCIATES, D.P.C.
LECHASE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s economic councils offer Partnership members the opportunity to participate in efforts to grow
private investment and jobs. Council members are also afforded the opportunity to network with like-minded business leaders.
The Partnership works closely with council members throughout the year to identify regional priorities and concerns.
Then collaboratively, across all Councils, we come together to communicate them in the our Action Plans.
Manufacturing Council
Development Advisory Council
D&I Executive Council
Thank you to the following companies who sponsor our councils.
THEIR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!