Access that Accelerates: Greater Rochester Chamber Members Connect with Policy Leaders
When you connect with us, you connect with real people and opportunities to move your business forward. Part of that means connecting with the people behind the policies with exclusive access to legislators and government leaders who are shaping the programs and laws for our state and region. Last week, Greater Rochester Chamber hosted members at multiple events that offered insights into what’s next for our region and opportunities to build relationships with our delegation.
On Tuesday, June 24, we hosted a Policy Matters event for our members to learn about Empire State Development’s ON-RAMP program. Administered locally by RochesterWorks and Monroe Community College, this program is investing $40m in our community to build a strategic, high-impact workforce center in the Finger Lakes Region. Dave Seeley and Robin Cole provided our attendees with an overview of the program and talked about how the core principles of the program will develop a resilient and equitable talent pool for high tech manufacturers. Laura Fox O'Sullivan joined for an interactive panel discussion moderated by our own Melanie Russo on how employers can get involved with the program. By bringing together stakeholders, this event fostered collaboration and engagement from our business community in efforts to build a strong workforce pipeline, which is critical to the long-term success of our region.
On Thursday, June 26, we brought together leaders for a legislative fireside chat as part of our Women’s Council initiative. Gathering at New York Kitchen in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Senator Pam Helming, Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, and Assemblymember Andrea Bailey enjoyed a candid conversation with an intimate group of professional women. Members had the opportunity to hear directly from these elected leaders about their experiences as women in policymaking. The legislators, who represent both sides of the aisle, expressed similar experiences working in government–voters questioning who takes care of their children when away in Albany, having credibility questioned by male counterparts, and general skepticism of their acumen. At Greater Rochester Chamber, we strive to ensure our members have access to unique perspectives and are grateful to the legislators for taking the them to offer their insights.
Real relationships drive real results—and we’re proud to foster those relationships at all levels. The opportunities don’t stop here. This summer, we have even more events to help build relationships with peer and community leaders. Learn more about what’s on our agenda here. For those interested in policy, we’re also hosting a voices in policy event for young professionals aged 21-40 on Wednesday, August 6th. Join us for an open and honest dialogue with regional legislators to help shape the future of the community we share. Get the details & sign up here.