Bell Ringer (Buffalo Podcast)

Timothy Porter, on Buffalo's film and gaming industry

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:31:12 -0400

Timothy Porter joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company Mod Tech Labs, its move to Buffalo after winning the 43North competition, growth since arriving, and what is next for the film and gaming industry in times of AI and following strikes.

Jason Bartz, on Good Neighbor Fund

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:49:04 -0300

Jason Bartz is the founder of Good Neighbor Fund, a micro grant program started right here in Buffalo, New York. The program awards $1,000 grants to entrepreneurs or folks with an idea they'd like to turn into a company. On this episode Jason discusses his experiences in Buffalo's entrepreneurial ecosystem, why he started Good Neighbor Fund, criteria for potential applicants, and Western New York's strengths at large.

Journey Gunderson, on the National Comedy Center

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:13:45 -0300

Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY, joins the podcast to discuss the intentionality in curating the museum, its reception from patrons across the country and the comedians themselves the museum aims to celebrate, and everything else in between.

Mike Moskal, on Buffalo’s technology ecosystem

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:41:16 -0300

Mike Moskal, CIO at CUBRC, joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company's innovative work, recruitment strategies, and Buffalo Niagara's technology ecosystem at large.

Greg Homish, on public and mental health research in Buffalo

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:09:03 -0400

Greg Homish is a researcher, professor, and chair with the University at Buffalo. He and UB recently received a grant to help train and diversify the future of the public health workforce throughout Western New York. His other research focuses on mental health outcomes for those in the armed services, and mental health at large.

Scott Balaguer, on Edwards Vacuum expansion in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:04:30 -0400

Scott Balaguer joins Bell Ringer to discuss Edwards Vacuum 599 job, $319 million expansion at the WNY STAMP site in the Buffalo Niagara region. Edwards Vacuum is a critical supplier in the semiconductor industry and also already has a location in Niagara County.

Stephanie Peete and Aaron Jackson, on CareerWise Greater Buffalo

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 10:11:55 -0400

Stephanie Peete and Aaron Jackson join Bell Ringer to discuss CareerWise Greater Buffalo, a modern youth apprenticeship program through Say Yes. On the episode we discuss the benefits of an 'earn while you learn' model, why engaged employers are critical, and the grander benefit of Say Yes as a whole.

Randy Harris, on Lighthouse Technology Services

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:07:40 -0400

Randy Harris of Lighthouse Technology Services joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company, the ever-changing field of technology, how folks need to think about tech talent, and Buffalo's technology ecosystem at large.

David Gonzalez & Favio Osorio, on Arbol

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:59:32 -0400

Arbol is a platform helping college students overcome economic uncertainties - textbook purchases, transportation costs, healthcare bills, and more. The company was cofounded by David Gonzalez and Favio Osorio right here in Buffalo Niagara. On this episode, we discuss the company's mission, support its received, and Buffalo's entrepreneurial ecosystem at large.

Jon Powers, on clean energy in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:21:37 -0300

Jon Powers joins the podcast to discuss his company Clean Capital and advantages Buffalo boasts for clean energy companies and projects, including clean and affordable hydropower and a well-trained workforce.

Del Reid, on Bills Mafia

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:55:31 -0300

Del Reid is the cofounder of 26 Shirts, which has donated over $1 million to charitable causes throughout Buffalo. He also gave Buffalo Bills fans its namesake - Bills Mafia - and serves as one of the leaders of the community. Del joins Bell Ringer to discuss the origin story of Bills Mafia, 26 Shirts, what it means to be a Buffalo Bills fan, and more.

Kyle Ciminelli, on real estate in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:39:21 -0300

Kyle Ciminelli of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation joins Bell Ringer to discuss real estate in Buffalo Niagara, the pandemic's impact - both culturally and practically - on office space, strengths of Western New York for relocating businesses, and increasing the supply of industrial real estate through spec development.

Marnetta Malcolm & JJ Tighe, on Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:32:55 -0300

The Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park will renovate 100-acres of Buffalo's beautiful waterfront park, including a new pedestrian bridge and further neighborhood connectivity. Marnetta Malcolm and JJ Tighe join Bell Ringer to discuss plans for the new park, decision-making process behind the investment, and more.

Courtney & Dr. Tye Caldwell, on ShearShare in Buffalo

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:02:02 -0300

ShearShare - a beauty industry startup - recently relocated to Buffalo after winning the 43North competition. Cofounders Courtney and Dr. Tye Caldwell join the Bell Ringer podcast to discuss their move to Buffalo, welcome since arriving, growth plans for the company, and so much more.

Rebecca Brady, on growing Top Seedz in Buffalo

Tue, 10 May 2022 11:18:08 -0300

Rebecca Brady, founder of Top Seedz, joins our 100th episode of Bell Ringer to discuss the company's origin story, going through the 43North process, growth plans in Buffalo, workforce pipelines, and more.

In celebration of our 100th episode of Bell Ringer, we want to thank every guest that has been so gracious with their time when joining the show and our listeners for tuning in to learn about all the amazing things happening in Buffalo Niagara.

Joe Rizzo & Ken Kujawa, on electric infrastructure in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 17:28:11 -0300

Joe Rizzo, of NYSEG, and Ken Kujawa, of National Grid, join Buffalo's Bell Ringer podcast to discus Western New York's strengths in electric infrastructure as it relates to economic development and business attraction. In this episode, we discuss Buffalo's utility reliability, affordability, and grant and incentive programs for companies expanding to Western New York.

Ingrid Curtis, on Sparq’s tech expansion to Buffalo

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:21:35 -0400

Ingrid Curtis, President of Sparq (formerly Rural Sourcing), discusses the tech company's decision to expand to Buffalo due to its affordability, quality of life, talent, and more. Sparq started its project process with an internal AI tool to look at quantitative data, continued by leveraging a multitude of resources via Invest Buffalo Niagara, and eventually visited the region for a boots on the ground view of Western New York's resurgence.

"Having visited a few dozen mid-sized metros around the country, we have a feel for the economic development group, their connectivity with their locations and communities, and Invest Buffalo Niagara was Class A," said Curtis.

Sarah Tanbakuchi, on TechBuffalo

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:17:15 -0400

Sarah Tabakuchi, the new President & CEO of TechBuffalo, joins the Bell Ringer podcast to discuss her path into tech, her path to this new role, TechBuffalo's goals, and Buffalo Niagara's technology ecosystem as a whole.

Tom Quinn, on WNY Impact Fund

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 17:48:51 -0400

Tom Quinn takes listeners through the Western New York Impact Investment Fund, including its origin story, social impact goals, targeted impact areas, and portfolio.

Tom Wiley, on The Buffalo News

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:19:06 -0400

Tom Wiley, the publisher of The Buffalo News, joins our podcast to discuss growing a newsroom, and his vantage point of the Buffalo resurgence.

Scott Stenclik, on workforce in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:28:10 -0400

Scott Stenclik joins our podcast to discuss the workforce in Buffalo Niagara, Aleron's work within talent acquisition, Buffalo's booming entreprenurial ecosystem, and the Stenclik foundation.

Russell Corigliano, on food processing in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 15:57:24 -0400

Russell Corigliano, co-owner of Rosina Food Products, joins Bell Ringer to discuss his company's growth, the importance of its workforce, leading through a pandemic, and the reasons other food and dairy processing companies should expand to Buffalo Niagara.

Sonny Sonnenstein, on tech in Buffalo

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:32:26 -0400

Sonny Sonnenstein of M&T Bank joins to discuss Buffalo Niagara's booming tech ecosystem and innovation economy. He covers the case for why both talent and companies should be in Buffalo.

Dave Horesh, on Oxford Pennant

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:48:44 -0300

Dave Horesh, co-founder of Oxford Pennant, joins Bell Ringer to talk about the company's activities throughout the pandemic - including hanging a 40 foot pennant on Buffalo's tallest building, partnering with the Buffalo Bills for post-win celebrations, adding a 'Made in Buffalo' tag to their products, and more.

Dan Miner, on covering Buffalo‘s innovation economy

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:35:37 -0300

Dan Miner moved back to Buffalo in 2012 to cover Buffalo's economy with Buffalo Business First. His boomerang date coincides well with the beginning of Buffalo's significant resurgence, especially within the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, of which he covers closely.

Holly Buck, on Buffalo as a climate change refuge

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 17:44:52 -0300

In this podcast we discuss a potential climate migration. An article following a Harvard study said, “With climate change, the world will suck, but Buffalo may suck less.” We discuss why – including abundant fresh water, easier temperatures, safety from natural disasters, the clean energy transfer, and more.

Thomas Beauford, on Buffalo Urban League

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 17:39:48 -0300

Thomas Beauford, President & CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, joins to discuss the organization's programs and priorities within our Western New York community.

Frank Ewing, on AML RightSource expansion in Buffalo

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 11:45:47 -0300

AML RightSource expanded to Buffalo Niagara in March of 2019, promising 100 jobs within its first five years. The company has well surpassed that goal and is now expanding again in Western New York, now into Seneca One Tower. AML is hiring more talent in Buffalo and of a higher technological level, as well.

Jon Bird, on semicondutor industry in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:16:27 -0300

University at Buffalo Electrical Engineering Department Chair Jon Bird joins Bell Ringer to discuss the semiconductor industry, strengths Buffalo Niagara possesses, potential growth strategies, and his experience in moving to Western New York.

Colleen Heidinger, on 43North

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 11:33:00 -0300

43North, the Shark Tank-style startup pitch competition awarding $5 million to winners, is back bringing new companies and innovations to Buffalo. We chat with President Colleen Heidinger about the competition and the organization's move to Seneca One Tower.

Ekua Mends-Aidoo & Kendra Brim, on DEI in Buffalo Niagara workplaces

Thu, 13 May 2021 16:29:02 -0300

Ekua Mends-Aidoo of Evergreen Health and Kendra Brim of Nardin Academy - each DEI consultants of their own and cohosts of Black Gems Dive In podcast - join to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in Buffalo Niagara workplaces.

Wayne Bacon, on Garwood Medical

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:05:10 -0300

Wayne Bacon joins the podcast to discuss his medical device company Garwood Medical, its mission, and its naming story.

Kellena Kane, on HANSA

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 12:47:43 -0300

Kellena Kane joins our podcast to discuss HANSA, downtown Buffalo's new coworking and shared office space. HANSA features single membership options and dedicated plug-and-play company space.

Bob Confer, on plastic manufacturing in Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 17:51:10 -0300

Bob Confer, President of Confer Plastics, discusses manufacturing in Buffalo Niagara, utility benefits, workforce, and pandemic precautions on this episode.

Kim Grant, on Buffalo Niagara economic development

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:10:51 -0300

Kim Grant joined our Invest Buffalo Niagara team as the Vice President of Business Development the day we began working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this podcast, she discusses how the economic development engine of our region has continued and some triumphs along the way.

John Scannell, on Moog

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:23:12 -0400

John Scannell, CEO of Moog, stops by the podcast to discuss his the global company he is leading, how they are doing through the pandemic, and shares some global examples to look toward when considering the future of Buffalo.

Dan Magnuszewski, on ACV Auctions

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:45:58 -0400

Dan Magnuszewski is the cofounder & CTO of ACV Auctions, Buffalo's first software unicorn. On the podcast, we discuss their growth and success, what advantages Buffalo has offered them, and why others should follow.

Matt Fleckenstein, on Buffalo Studios

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:42:34 -0400

Matt Fleckenstein grew up in WNY, but moved away to LA for a successful TV writing career on shows like iCarly, Family Guy, and his own creation Nicky, Rick, Dicky, & Dawn. Now, he's bringing that expertise back to start Buffalo Studios and help bolster our film and television production cluster.

Ryan Francis, Kyklo

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:58:58 -0400

Ryan Francis, Chief of Staff of Kyklo, a Thailand-based data-driven SaaS company, led the search for a new location. The company started with a search of 9 U.S. metros, and ended up expanding in Buffalo, New York.

All in the family

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:48:52 -0400

Sealing Devices is a family-owned manufacturer right here in Buffalo Niagara. On this podcast, we discuss succession planning, working through a pandemic, and turning a 200-employee factory into one big family.

It takes an HR community

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:57:05 -0400

Lauren Lewis, the new President of Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association, stopped by our podcast to discuss talent attraction and what she's currently seeing in the job market.

Tech is for anyone

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:11:13 -0300

James Partsch is TechBuffalo's first Executive Director. In this podcast, he talks about the strategy behind the organization, how it's being implemented, and how he landed the gig that, in many ways, is the path many others will take.

My City smells like Cheerios

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 18:25:19 -0300

Peter Bittorf, Plant Manager of General Mills' Buffalo location, joins the podcast to talk about food production during a pandemic, leading a team of essential employees, why downtown Buffalo smells like Cheerios, and what he's learned about wings since moving to Buffalo.

The future of medicine and Buffalo

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:13:32 -0300

Bill Maggio, CEO of Jacobs Institute, joins our podcast to discuss both the future of medicine and Buffalo. We cover health sciences, entrepreneurialism, talent attraction, and more.

Family business

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 16:44:49 -0300

Richard Ferranti, CEO of Rich Products, talks about his company's success in Buffalo Niagara and the reasons he sees for other companies to grow here too. We also cover the Toronto Blue Jays playing home games in downtown Buffalo and a new movie studio on its way as well.

Crystal clear

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:31:04 -0300

Dr. Sarah Bowman of Hauptman-Woodward Institute talks about her work in structural biology, the COVID pandemic, and how Buffalo is viewed in the scientific community.

Leadership Buffalo

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:15:16 -0300

Althea and Jenna Luehrsen stop by the podcast to discuss their organization, Leadership Buffalo, and the incredible projects alumni take on after graduating. NOTE: This was recorded in March, pre-pandemic.

Leading forward

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:31:29 -0300

Invest Buffalo Niagara Incoming Chair Doug Dimitroff and Outgoing Chair Bob Zak join the podcast to discuss Buffalo's economy during COVID and what will be needed after.

Distanced hands-on learning

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:41:26 -0300

Northland Workforce Training Center sold many of its students on the hands-on nature of its curriculum. So, what do you do when the world goes virtual? NWTC President & CEO Stephen Tucker shares how the manufacturing workforce pipeline program seamlessly transitioned, how they're now preparing for the fall, and the progress they've made in fulfilling their mission in just a few short years.

Quicker to breakthrough

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:55:18 -0300

Irfan Khan, CEO of Circuit Clinical, joins Bell Ringer to talk about his company's beginnings, why they're based in Buffalo, and their efforts in speeding the response to COVID-19.

More than chicken wings

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 10:24:53 -0300

Nick Kosinski is heading up Odoo's expansion to Buffalo, in which they're establishing an East Coast HQ. He explains the considerations that brought them to this point and how he convinced his company leadership that it was the right move.

Pivot and persistence

Wed, 06 May 2020 11:03:37 -0300

Tom Murdock joins the podcast to discuss startups in the times of COVID and how they're pivoting to do incredible things for their future and our community.

Buffalo Niagara battles COVID

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:25:27 -0300

Dr. Nancy Nielsen, of University at Buffalo and past president of the American Medical Association, discusses how healthcare institutions in Buffalo Niagara are collaborating to fight COVID-19 and what makes our health sciences sector world-class.

Partnership in impact and response

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:11:20 -0300

Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Dottie Gallagher joined our first ever remote podcast to talk about COVID's impact on Western New York and resources available in response. BNP is conducting a WNY Impact Survey that local business owners and C-level executives are encouraged to complete so we have the data needed to respond.

A new Endeavor

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 11:24:48 -0300

John Gavigan and Alan Rosenhoch stop by our podcast to talk about the newest resource for startups in Western New York, Endeavor, which leverages a global network of expertise to make its growth impact.

Lift all boats

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:39:53 -0300

Nick Williams loves Buffalo and believes in its future. He's working with the East Delavan Academy to positively change the East Side's future, and with local startup VIRIDI Parente to more generally change the future of clean energy.

Buffalo's Women in Agile

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 10:19:25 -0400

Meenakshi Gupta and Francisca Ramoni have seen the tech transformation taking hold in their organization and their city. And they wanted to make sure women had a spot in that future. So, they started Buffalo Women in Agile.

Static electricity

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:31:22 -0400

Essence Sweat stops by to talk about the brand-new East Side Avenues project, which is investing in small businesses, their infrastructure,

and their storefronts.

Opportunity (Zone) in Amherst

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:28:44 -0400

Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa and Director of Strategic Planning Maggie Hamilton Winship stop by to talk Amherst's Opportunity Zone and the redevelopment of the Boulevard Mall.

It's comeback time

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:08:42 -0400

Andy Gordon grew up in Buffalo, and has since lived in several other rust belt cities. As an expat himself, he's helping to develop a network of Buffalo expats that still wish to make an impact on our entrepreneurial ecosystem from a far. He's also the author of a new book, New Grit, Startups in America's Comeback Cities. As he puts it, "This book is about foundations."

Rising Leaders

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:47:10 -0400

Cameron Smith, of Supportive Services Corporation, and Emma Concannon, of North Forest Office Space, join Bell Ringer to talk about Leadership Buffalo's Rising Leaders program, of which they just graduated along with our host Greg Pokriki.

Buffalovebirds

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 14:24:58 -0400

Beau and Lindsay Riggs started their blog Buffalovebirds when they were dating and living downtown. Now, they're married with two kids and homeowners in Orchard Park. Their relationship has grown with Buffalo's resurgence. And they've documented it all along the way. Listen to this podcast to hear why they love Buffalo so much.

Life changing innovation

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:55:06 -0400

Margot Schoenborn is the CEO of OmniSeq, a Buffalo-based biotech company changing the way cancer is diagnosed. She stops by the podcast to discuss the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and our growing life sciences industry.

Makerspaces for creativity

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 16:02:16 -0300

Megan McNally, of The Foundry, stops by to talk the value of creativity, working with your hands, and entrepreneurship.

It's happening here

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:48:59 -0300

Alex Gress of 43North and past winner Liz Tsai of HiOperator talk about the big startup competition returning on October 30. Get your free tickets today, before they're all out.

Touring Buffalo

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 17:18:26 -0300

50 episodes! We want to sincerely thank every listener and guest over the past few years. Buffalo Niagara has a great story to tell, and we're excited to use this platform to do so. For our 50th, we wanted to do something a bit different and special. A few weeks back we hosted a group of site selectors in town for a tour of Buffalo. This podcast is a compilation of their thoughts.

A Plan For Tomorrow

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:59:26 -0300

We're hosting an event! Join us on September 19 at Hotel Henry for the unveiling of our talent attraction brand, a panel of national site selectors discussing Buffalo Niagara, and more. On this podcast, Jenna Kavanaugh gives you the details of what's to come.

Coach Swaz

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:19:21 -0300

Chris 'Coach Swaz' Suozzi from Genesee County Economic Development Center stops by to talk about business, workforce, and real estate development. Buffalo Niagara's economic development ecosystem is strong and Chris takes you through the role everyone has to play.

With grit and gratitude

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 12:46:33 -0300

Grit Seed is a platform that helps employers find the gritty and hard working employees that Buffalo Niagara is known for. As our labor market becomes tighter and tighter, Raj Suchak thinks his platform becomes more and more valuable.

#InsyteMafia

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 12:47:58 -0300

Joshua Ferry and Katelyn Huber, co-founders of CloudInsyte, stop by the podcast to discuss their move from New York City to Buffalo and how they've found the tech and startup community here. And of course, we also talk about our beloved Buffalo Bills.

Passion, meet power

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 10:03:00 -0300

We welcome back Christina Orsi from University at Buffalo to discuss The Innovation Hub, a new entrepreneurial resource to bring groundbreaking research to the commercial market.

The future is diverse

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 09:40:29 -0300

Shatorah Donovan has made a career out of bettering Buffalo. First as an immigration attorney, then with Buffalo Museum of Science, and now as the City of Buffalo's Chief Diversity Officer. Shatorah covers the benefits of diversity in the workplace and what makes her optimistic about the future of Buffalo Niagara.

A Techstars power-up for Buffalo

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 10:03:00 -0300

Techstars has come to Buffalo with an entrepreneurial ecosystem development program, helping to continue our boom onto the national scene as a startup destination. Jack Greco is leading up the charge and on this podcast we discuss his path to the role and programming he hopes to implement. For any links mentioned, head to our blog buffaloniagara.org for further information.

A manufacturing campus

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 11:14:47 -0300

Buffalo Niagara is creating a manufacturing campus to address the ever-evolving industry so that we remain at the forefront of that flux. Catherine Muth represents the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance and acts as a liaison to the Northland Workforce Training Center. We talk about how Buffalo is prepared for the future and how we can leverage our rich history for an even better tomorrow.

An inclusive economy

Wed, 22 May 2019 10:03:00 -0300

Royce Woods is leading the Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center helping to foster minority and women entrepreneurship on Buffalo's East side.

1:59- Who was Beverly Gray?
3:52- Proud to be on the corner of Jefferson and Utica
4:12- What are you offering entrepreneurs?
18:26- Favorite success story?
21:50- Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills, Ranch vs Blue Cheese

It's a good day for play

Wed, 08 May 2019 10:29:05 -0300

Explore & More Children's Museum is coming down to Canalside in a highly anticipated move! We talked with CEO Michelle Urbanczyk ahead of the move to hear what to expect.

3:01- Technology in play
6:47- Milking cows
7:07- Hospital familiarity
10:23- On accessibility for all
15:56- Being good neighbors

Nothing feels better than creating a job

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 11:25:57 -0300

In March, AML RightSource expanded to Buffalo, pledging to create 100 jobs in our financial services industry. Today, CEO Frank Ewing joins our show to dive into that decision. We discuss Buffalo's workforce, affordability, resources (including, yes, Invest Buffalo Niagara), and what it means personally to Frank to create jobs in this great region.

6:07- Inflection points for financial crime monitoring
15:56- Invest Buffalo Niagara's role
18:18- Our fastest project and what that says about AML's culture
20:01- Hiring in Buffalo Niagara
27:15- "Nothing feels better than creating a job"
31:02- Favorite place for wings?

University collaboration

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 10:20:52 -0300

Alan Belicha from the University at Buffalo stops by to talk about the role a large research university can play in economic development. We get into the machinations of a university-company collaboration, intellectual property policies, and success stories.

Hiring for advanced business services

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 10:49:44 -0300

In the final installment of our podcasts on hiring, Gerard Gooch, chief experience officer at Imagine Staffing, stops by to talk about business and financial services HR challenges. We also talk fun in the office place and challenge each other to 1-on-1 office basketball.

2:28- Word of mouth referrals
5:29- Attracting young professionals
7:51- Relocating talent to Buffalo
15:01- Office Basketball League

Hiring for startups

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 10:56:19 -0300

Chris Beckage and Pete Petrella stopped by our podcast studio to discuss the unique challenges in hiring for startups. With smaller teams and early risks, there's often a smaller margin for error in making hires. Make sure you and your company know common pitfalls and available resources.

Public art selfies

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 10:37:21 -0400

Albright Knox Art Gallery Executive Director Janne Siren stops by to talk about his path to Buffalo and his perceptions before he moved. We also discuss the museum as a cultural and global icon and how the selfie age has impacted how we consume art.

3:28- Albright Knox was not written in the stars
5:44- "From the very outset, I felt in-tune with the friendliness, openness, and curious inquisitiveness of Buffalonians."
10:56- The art world's best kept secret
13:24- Jeffrey Gundlach donation and campus expansion plans
20:25- The selfie age and how that's changed how we consume art
22:06- Spaghetti bolognese or Caesar salad?

Hiring in manufacturing

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:28:26 -0400

Buffalo Niagara's advanced manufacturing industry is a pillar of the local economy. Over 66,000 people work in the industry in Western New York. Now, with national and local unemployment somewhere around 4%, finding skilled and reliable workers can be more difficult. On this episode of Bell Ringer, we talk with Claire Petrie about recruiting methods, retention incentives, and all things manufacturing workforce.

Buffalo Homecoming

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 13:03:00 -0400

Jack Connors and John Tebeau, past and present Publishers of Buffalo Business First respectively, announced today Buffalo Homecoming. Buffalo Homecoming is a conference that will bring successful expats back to Buffalo to learn about what has changed in the city since they left and what still needs improvement. The hope is that these expats re-invest in the community, in an industry or charity that they are passionate about.

Jack and John share all the details about the conference and their trip to Detroit on this breaking news episode of Bell Ringer.

Kayak logjam on Buffalo's waterfront

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:27:53 -0400

Steve Ranalli stops by to share results of Outer Harbor focused public forums, future plans for Canalside, and reflections on how far we've come at Buffalo's waterfront.

3:28- Public inclusion for the Outer Harbor
6:30- In what ways do Canalside and the Outer Harbor compliment each other?
10:26- Kayak logjam on Buffalo's waterfront
15:31- Blizzard round

Site selector speed dating

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:36:01 -0400

Our Research Director Matthew Hubacher is in Miami, spreading the good word of Buffalo Niagara at a site selection conference. Relationships with site selectors are imperative to ensuring Western New York is considered, and considered favorably, for relocation or expansion projects. Learn more about what site selectors do, how we communicate with them, and more.

Power is a big deal

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 12:10:57 -0400

Paul Bonaro knows a thing or two about data centers. Talent, power, and low risk of natural disasters are all very important to operations. Bonaro says Buffalo Niagara checks all the boxes on this episode of Bell Ringer.

3:09 - Attracting top talent? No problem.
9:28 - Power, fantasy football, and natural cooling
17:17 - "Western New York checks a lot of boxes"
19:47 - Paula's red velvet ice cream? "I'd be that all day."

Say Yes

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 09:35:23 -0300

David Rust stopped our podcast to talk about Say Yes to Education Buffalo and how its making kids dreams of college come true.

4:32- Huge testament to this community
12:27- This has worked to date and we have a long way to go
26:42- Vanilla ice cream

A bi-national economy

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 12:20:42 -0300

Erie County Executive talks Canadian business expansions to Buffalo Niagara, our assets, support networks, and ice cream flavors on this episode of Bell Ringer.

1:33- One big region
4:34- Support networks
9:59- Welcome, SWS Warning Lights Inc.
15:22- Blizzard round

Empower economically

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 12:28:59 -0300

WEDI Executive Director Ben Bissell stops by to talk about how his organization is helping people up the economic ladder. And yes, we talk about the West Side Bazaar.

Startup boot camp

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:00:56 -0300

Michael Spence and David Brenner both competed in Startup Weekend in previous years. Now, they're helping to organize the event that brings together the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Buffalo Niagara.

1:06- What is Startup Weekend?
7:08- Success stories
15:50- Building your resume

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/techstars-startup-weekend-buffalo-0918-tickets-48212248132

Talk tech

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:18:54 -0300

When Lena Levine first moved to Buffalo almost 10 years ago, she went searching for technology meetup groups to connect with like-minded people. What she found was minimal and, as she looked around the room, there were almost no other women. That's when she decided to start the Buffalo chapter of Girl Develop It. Today, Girl Develop It has grown exponentially, and dozens of other support groups have joined the now booming tech scene in Buffalo Niagara.

1:33- Finding footing in Buffalo
4:51- Up to 867 members for Girl Develop It
12:56- Why Buffalo Niagara?
19:09- Binge TV show you'd recommend?

Pennants: American ingenuity

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:34:33 -0300

Dave Horesh stops by the podcast to discuss Oxford Pennant, their origin story, inflection point, and current state as they've secured Ignite Buffalo funding and are opening a retail location in downtown Buffalo.

4:01- Abridged history of the pennants-- American ingenuity
8:27- Company's inflection point
10:14- Ignite Buffalo
18:36- "Oxford Pennant doesn't exist if we're not in Buffalo"
20:25- Buffalonians flood a New York City pop-up shop

Explore Buffalo

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:46:18 -0300

Explore Buffalo Executive Director Brad Hahn joins the podcast to talk about his growing local tour company and how Buffalo Niagara's renaissance made it all possible.

Building Buffalo Niagara

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 11:48:11 -0300

Michael Montante of Uniland Development talks about Buffalo Niagara's commercial real estate market and draws from experience in site selection to share why Western New York is an attractive business destination.

3:38- Michael's most memorable project
10:29- Trends in commercial real estate
12:16- Putting on the site selector hat
22:41- Hard-hitting journalism

Training tomorrow's workforce

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 15:11:19 -0300

Stephen Tucker, President & CEO of Northland Workforce Training Center, discusses the importance of manufacturing in our region's future.

0:44- What is Northland Workforce Training Center?

7:41- Making manufacturing attractive to young people

10:52- Earning while you're learning

19:19- Buffalo Bills break 17-year playoff drought. Thanks, Cincinnati Bengals!

Everybody's got a guy or gal

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 13:14:07 -0300

Don De Laria brought his business, Larkin Express Logistics, to Buffalo. Since, he's seen exactly why we've earned the name 'The City of Good Neighbors.'

3:43 - Nothing like that Buffalo work ethic

5:48 - Invest Buffalo Niagara's role

12:58 - We're hiring!

20:59 - Kentucky Fried Chicken

Shift(ing) advanced manufacturing

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:30:14 -0300

Liz Callahan stops by to talk about Buffalo Manufacturing Works and their newest program, Shift.

3:03- Pounding the pavement

8:41- Robots with a human touch

15:31- Moving to Northland Corridor

17:27- Chicken wings!

Mr. Mayor

Wed, 09 May 2018 10:12:10 -0300

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown graciously gave his time to discuss economic development accomplishments in Buffalo during International Economic Development Week.

1:01- The accolades keep rolling in!
8:28- Furthering retail development
9:14- City of Good Neighbors for refugees and immigrants
11:54- Making Buffalo's revitalization accessible to all
22:01- If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be?

At the border

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 14:54:11 -0300

Rosanna Berardi is managing partner at Berardi Immigration Law and a cross-border expert. On this episode of Bell Ringer she shares some of that expertise, with some help from special guest Carolyn Powell of Invest Buffalo Niagara.

Easy commute

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:08:58 -0300

Katie O'Sullivan walks the walk and, on this episode of Bell Ringer, talks the talk. She discusses Go Buffalo Niagara, an organization committed to bettering transportation options throughout our region.