The Central New York market now has a link between employers and job seekers: CNY Employment Guide.

COLUMN:
Unshackle Upstate Leader to Chair Empire State Development
Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce | Fri, July 25th, 2008

The Unshackle Upstate coalition has grown to include more than 70 business organizations across Upstate New York employing more than one million people.  The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be one of the leading metro partners in this important effort to improve the Upstate economy.  Perhaps the most important success of this effort to date occurred when Governor David Paterson announced Robert Wilmers, chairman and CEO of Buffalo-based M & T Bank, and most importantly, a co-founder and passionate supporter of Unshackle to be the new Chair of Empire State Development Corporation. Wilmers has been and continues to be a passionate advocate for Upstate and the New York business community as a whole.  He brings to his chairmanship the expertise and experience to change, for the better, the path of economic development in New York State. 

Chairman Wilmers’ appointment clearly demonstrates Governor Paterson’s willingness to back his support of Upstate with substantive action.  The Chamber further joins the Unshackle coalition in a pledge to work closely with him in support of the daunting work he is undertaking with this position.  Notably, Wilmers will be serving without compensation and will be basing his office out of Buffalo.  His first day on the job was July 12 and his nomination will require Senate confirmation. 

Beyond his position as leader of M & T Bank Corporation, Mr. Wilmers impressive resume includes degrees from Harvard Business School, working for Bankers Trust and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company and serving as deputy finance commissioner under New York City Mayor John Lindsay.  He serves on the board of directors of The Business Council of New York State and is a past chair of the New York Bankers Association and director of Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Wilmers vast business experience, combined with his in-depth understanding of the issues for Upstate and all of New York uniquely qualify him to lead Empire State Development at one of its most critical times. Response to this announcement, from all areas of New York, has been distinctly positive.  “Bob Wilmers is one of the most respected figures in the New York business community,” said Governor Paterson.  “Not only is he a successful banker, but he also has a long and impressive record of civic engagement.  I’m pleased that an executive of Bob Wilmers’ caliber will be at the helm as we establish a new, unified leadership team that will strengthen the Empire State Development Corporation and bolster the State’s efforts to attract business and spur local development.”

Robert Wilmers said, “We have tremendous assets in New York that we can leverage to grow business, grow jobs and grow our economy.  I’m grateful to Governor Paterson for this opportunity to bring new leaders, new management and structure and a renewed commitment to the effort to bring more private-sector growth to Upstate and all New York.  With the right business plan and the right support in Albany, we can make New York a leader in attracting new investment and creating new jobs.” 




Main offices:
5910 Firestone Drive Syracuse, New York 13206
Phone, Fax and Email:
(315) 434-1988 (315) 434-8883 jmartell@cnylink.com