Voice of Business Blog

In 2022, Greater Rochester Chamber utilized relationships, data, and the insight of our 1,300 member companies to help advance policies that will foster growth in Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. Here are some of the items we successfully supported this year alongside our partners in government:

• The Buy American Salt Act - Gives an advantage to American salt mining companies, two of which are in Upstate NY and one of which is a significant producer of jobs in the Finger Lakes Region. Greater Rochester Chamber was proud to play a key role in securing its passage and implementation.
• The Green CHIPS bill - Will provide $500 Million in annual tax credits for 20 years ($10 billion total) to attract the semiconductor industry to New York State.
• The sale of to-go alcoholic beverages to support struggling bars and restaurants.
• Supported the implementation of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant won by the City of Rochester
• The elimination of a tax on fiber optic utilities
• The $200 million investment in shovel ready sites
• Hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief for businesses

Greater Rochester Chamber was proud to offer advocacy briefings with federal, state, and local leaders on COVID-19 updates as we emerged from the pandemic. We endeavored to be our business community's top resource for financial aid, PPE procurement, legislative briefings, and general problem solving. We were proud to support several aid programs at the City, County, State, and Federal levels.

As the Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region's voice of business, Greater Rochester Chamber fights against policies that will have negative impacts on our businesses and community. We played an important role in preventing the passage of:

• The “expanded producer responsibility” legislation that would have forced companies to cover the cost of recycling at the front end.
• An expansion of anti-trust legislation that would have allowed for things like private right of action.
• A bill allowing for employees to secure a lien against the employer before an allegation has been proven.
• So-called “Good Cause Eviction” that would adversely impact both tenants and landlords.
• A state-run healthcare plan (single payer) that would cost and estimated $200-$300 billion.

In addition, Greater Rochester Chamber successfully assisted members in navigating various obstacles and processes by working with various agencies, including:

• New York State Liquor Authority
• New York State MWBE Office
• New York State Department of Health
• New York State Department of Transportation
• New York State Department of Education
• New York State Department of State
• Local utility companies

Greater Rochester Chamber will continue to engage with our civic leaders and legislators to fight for common sense policies that allow our community to thrive.

To offer input or get involved with 2023 Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce advocacy efforts, please email Marc.Cohen@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.