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How to lead in the time of COVID-19
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” —Martin Luther King Jr. Let’s face reality: It is pretty easy to be a decent leader when everything is going right — when you have a good team, […]
We need to reduce the great dependence of supply chains on China
In a noteworthy article in the New York Times Magazine in 1970, the prominent economist Milton Friedman argued that the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. Even though many would now disagree with this contention, there is no gainsaying the point that at least within the setting of our free enterprise system, […]
State has opportunity to accelerate renewable energy growth
A large majority of New Yorkers are now concerned about climate change and believe it is a crisis requiring urgent action. CEOs, for example, are beginning to take note and take action. Over just the last few months, some of the biggest names in business have announced that they are spearheading commitments to protect our planet […]
The ban on plastic bags: From explorer shoppers to snipers
March 1 is just around the corner and by that time the ban on carryout plastic bags will go into effect in New York State. Some of the major local businesses, such as Wegmans, took steps ahead of time to incorporate this change into the way they do business. Shoppers are now gradually adjusting to […]
Comprehensive education reform requires parent leadership
Over the last month, I have had the opportunity to hear from parents across Rochester. These parent voices are unified in one very clear way—keep the conversation focused on what is best for our children. The voices, from a group that many times goes unheard or is dismissed, are powerful. These parent voices combined with […]
We need to bolster antitrust enforcement
Form a historical standpoint, there is no gainsaying the fact that the United States has been a salient promoter of antitrust laws and institutions. Beginning with the Sherman Act in 1890 and then ending in 1914 with the Clayton and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Acts, the US systematically sought to promote and protect competition. […]
Building an upstate workforce for the next generation
Recently, a new economic review and plan was completed by the Boston Consulting Group. This report showed our region lags behind our peers in almost all economic terms. The bottom line is we need economic growth for Rochester to remain competitive and, moving forward, we need the right focus and strategy. Every politician talks about […]
T-Mobile/Sprint merger means new jobs for New York
Nearly two years ago, T-Mobile and Sprint announced plans to join forces and bring more competition to the wireless industry. Two federal agencies and dozens of state regulators, including New York’s Public Service Commission, have already acted favorably on the deal. However, the New York State Attorney General’s office is leading a lawsuit to stop […]
The onslaught of robots: Is it real and what should we do?
We live in an era in which books like the “Rise of the Robots” by Martin Ford, studies by prominent think-tanks such as the Brookings Institution, and a variety of media stories all seem to be telling us that robots will soon displace large numbers of American workers and that a strong governmental response is […]
New York needs New T-Mobile to reach communities across the digital divide
Nearly 20 years ago, President Bill Clinton said, “Together we have the power to determine exactly what we want the Internet to become. And what we want it to do is to be an instrument of empowerment, education, enlightenment, and economic advance[ment] and community building all across America, regardless of the race, the income, the […]
6 big innovations that could change Rochester’s economy
Last month, our organizations—NYSTAR and FuzeHub—hosted the New York State Innovation Summit in downtown Rochester. More than 500 New Yorkers gathered together to immerse themselves in the state’s innovation ecosystem. This eye-opening event gave us an early look at the next wave of technology that could forever change the state’s economy. It also showcased emerging […]
Let’s heat up the Rochester labor market
The good news: New York has one of the largest and most robust workforces in the country. The bad: Low-wage jobs dominate the labor market. Of the occupations that make up over 1.7 million jobs, 90% of them pay less than $32,000 a year. New Yorkers should be able to count on a job to […]
