This year has proven to be yet again an unprecedented year for businesses as unpredictable and inconsistent foreign trade policy and tariffs proposed by the Federal government create undue stress and uncertainty. All businesses from the smallest mom-and-pop shops to cornerstones of industry are deeply impacted by this unreliability, which undercuts the growth and job creation we all seek for our regional economies. And while the federal government, through its current tariff scheduling, creates continued challenges for companies nationwide, New York State has the opportunity to display that we are open for business.
Time is of the essence, though. We should act now on short-term goals like cutting red tape that delays business growth, while fast-tracking critical long-term investments in energy and housing to secure our future. These are priorities New Yorkers everywhere and of all political stripes want to see our state carry the day on. And there is no better way to combat the uncertainty businesses are facing than by letting them know that now, more than ever before, is the time to invest in the Empire State.
Support doesn’t always require sweeping reform, either. In most cases, we’re all working toward the same goals: more jobs, safer communities, stronger schools, and a brighter future for our kids. The challenge lies in how we get there—and that can only be solved through open dialogue and practical compromise. Too often, the loudest voices in the room are those representing narrow interests, further fueling the uncertainty our businesses already face. When economic leaders are left out of the process, unrealistic timelines and extreme measures are introduced, making compliance unsustainable and growth unachievable.
Elected leaders should not just rail against the proposed tariffs and uncertainties— they must work proactively to ease the regulatory burdens and costs on our businesses. While businesses continue to navigate rising costs and shifting regulations, a proactive approach—through updating existing policies and thoughtfully implementing new ones— can provide support and fight perception that New York is not business friendly. We cannot afford more policies that force our job creators out. Indeed, each business closure or relocation to a less regulated state is a blow felt deeply in our communities that we must avoid. We keep businesses and jobs in New York State by removing burdens to counter damages outside of our control, and by giving businesses some much needed relief.
Thoughtful, tempered policymaking doesn’t mean inaction, either—it means agility. It gives our state the flexibility to respond to national and global developments without compromising our long-term vision. Moderation and inclusion must be seen as strengths—not liabilities. By inviting all advocates, across the spectrum, into the conversation from the outset, we can finally achieve the one thing our economy is starving for: stability. And that’s what will set New York apart. To that end, Greater Rochester Chamber was one of many organizations that recently took part in a weeks-long, state-wide effort, led by the Business Council of New York State and the NYS Economic Development Council, to evaluate the competitiveness of New York State. I eagerly await those results to help guide how we can make a change in this moment.
While collaboration and compromise on policies are part and parcel to advance our state forward, so too is the effort to equip, empower, and enlist the business community with a common and unified sales pitch—that organizations small and large need to consider New York for the stability necessary right now. I know I would be proud to say to current and prospective business leaders that positive change is here to support the growth we need in the community I love, and I suspect my partners would as well.
Our businesses are depending on strong leadership now more than ever. We have an opportunity to redefine what supportive, effective governance looks like. Let’s weather the storm in Washington by building certainty here at home. Let’s show the nation that New York is not just open for business—we’re united, focused, and ready to lead.
Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
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