Finger Lakes Today

The Siena College Research Institute recently conducted its 17th Annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey, with nearly 600 participants sharing their insights. State Senator, who remains unnamed in the article, expressed disappointment at the results, stating, "Although I am disappointed with the results, I am not surprised. They are consistent with what I regularly hear from our local CEOs, Main Street business owners, and farmers."

According to the survey results, a significant majority of respondents, 67%, believe that business conditions in New York State are deteriorating. Only 4% are optimistic about the situation, with 29% feeling that conditions are stagnant. In the Finger Lakes region, 56% of business leaders see conditions worsening, while 6% believe they are improving.

The survey highlighted a common sentiment among Finger Lakes business leaders, with 76% stating that the state government is hindering business operations. Additionally, 62% of local leaders identified government regulations as their primary concern.

State Senator emphasized the challenges faced by businesses in New York, citing high tax burdens, population decline, and regulatory complexities as significant obstacles. The state's ambitious clean energy goals were also flagged as a source of worry for environmentally conscious manufacturers.

In response to these concerns, State Senator proposed various solutions to support local businesses, such as tax reductions, regulatory relief, and investments in workforce training and infrastructure. The aim is to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and expand within the state.

Despite the challenges, there is optimism about the region's diverse economy, with industries like advanced manufacturing and agriculture leading in innovation. State Senator urged the Legislature to take action to support the business community, especially as budget discussions and legislative decisions are underway.

In conclusion, State Senator reiterated the importance of Albany's role in fostering a favorable environment for job creators, stating, "It’s our job in Albany to support the job creators." This call to action underscores the need for proactive measures to address the concerns raised by Upstate New York's business leaders.