MOMENTUM
Dear friends and partners,
It is once again a privilege to share with you OneROC’s annual Impact Report, our sixth since this innovative regional economic alliance was launched in 2019. As in previous reports, this is an opportunity to document our progress, the investments we’re making to deepen the region’s competitive capacity and the significant collaborations that are contributing to improved economic vitality across Greater Rochester. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the success we’re driving together.
This year, with our new name and renewed purpose, we doubled down on a core belief— that the greatest results come from acting as one more powerful, coordinated team. Becoming OneROC was about more than retiring the ROC2025 brand. It reflects where we are and who we’ve become.
No longer just planning for the future—but actively building it.
No longer aspiring to a unified regional vision— but operationalizing it.
No longer simply investing in our competitive capacity—but providing critical leadership on transformational economic initiatives.
And it’s working.
With ROC2025’s original capacity-building plan now fully activated, OneROC is advancing some of the region’s most ambitious efforts, and that progress is flipping the script on what’s possible for our economic future.
In business attraction, we see the impact of investments in expanded capacity at Greater Rochester Enterprise, strengthening our ability to land transformational projects in a fiercely competitive national landscape. Wins like Coca-Cola’s Fairlife facility in Webster reflect not just growing interest in our region, but the dedicated behind-the-scenes work it takes to make them happen.
In talent strategy, our investments at Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce focused on expanding the region’s talent pool through
efforts to attract new residents, retain graduates and connect more people to local opportunities. These efforts are building the talent base that will power our region’s future.
In regional marketing, the Greater ROC campaign is resonating. By connecting our iconic legacy to the energy of the present and the promise of what’s next, we’re helping people see this region as we do: vibrant, ambitious and ready to meet the moment.
And in downtown revitalization, the results of our investments in Rochester Downtown Development Corporation are undeniable. A district shaped by decades of change is being reimagined as a dynamic neighborhood, welcoming more people to live, work and gather in the heart of the city.
While the metrics are just one expression of the progress underway, they continue to point in the right direction. Since our work began—and benchmarked against our 53-metro nationwide peer group—the Rochester MSA is up 20 spots in annual job growth rate, 31 spots in unemployment rate and 12 spots in annual labor force growth rate.
But a deeper signal is the growing confidence among local leaders, residents and national observers that Greater Rochester is on the rise. That we can compete with any region in the country—and win.
This kind of progress has clarified not only what’s needed next, but the role OneROC is uniquely positioned to play. Since 2019, we’ve evolved from a capacity-builder and convener to a true regional intermediary, guided and strengthened by the experience, influence and commitment of our Alliance partners, investors and board.
Significant strategic initiatives—like the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and the Regional Revitalization Partnership—weren’t part of the original blueprint, but they’ve become defining examples of what this coordinated model can make possible. They’re proof that together, we’ve built an organization with the power to drive lasting transformation across sectors, funding streams and the broader region.
Next up is yet another catalytic effort—an Entrepreneurial Accelerator headquartered at OneROC and designed to help strengthen the network of organizations that support early-stage businesses. Backed by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, this initiative will help supercharge the region’s innovative energy and position it for significantly greater private investment.
Each new investment is opening new doors, proving that when this region works together, bigger opportunities arrive—and we’re in a position to make them count.
To our partners and investors: Thank you. It’s your alignment, shared sense of urgency and commitment to OneROC’s mission that make this innovative collaboration and its impact a reality. You are strengthening the
region’s competitive capacity and driving real, measurable progress.
This is the power of ONE: one vision, one region, leading what’s next.
Let’s keep going.
Joseph Stefko, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer OneROC
As Greater Rochester’s regional economic alliance, OneROC is a coordinated capacity-building vehicle to drive growth by dedicating more resources, enhancing the coordination and impact of current efforts and positioning our community to compete more effectively for jobs and investment.
Business Growth & Attraction
We invest to more rapidly expand the number of employers and jobs in our region.
Talent Strategy
We invest to expand, deepen and diversify the worker pipeline that supports regional growth.
Downtown Innovation
We invest to revitalize and activate the heart of Greater Rochester and enliven the downtown experience.
Branding & Marketing
We invest to tell our region’s story on the national stage and ensure Greater Rochester is increasingly part of the consideration set for employers and talent.
Strategic Leader
We serve as a convener and intermediary to align partners, investors and community stakeholders on transformative regional economic opportunities.
Total funds pledged (through April 2025): $30.298M
Regional performance since 2019:
(Rochester MSA ranking out of 53-metro national peer group)
20 POSITIONS
FROM #43 TO #23*
*Monthly BLS data through April 2025
**Nominal BEA data for 2022-2023
#50 TO #46**
BUSINESS GROWTH AND ATTRACTION
Expanding Capacity, Enhancing Competitiveness
We’re making significant capacity-building investments in a coordinated business growth ecosystem. Through investments in Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), OneROC’s lead Alliance partner for business growth, we’re expanding the region’s capacity to identify prospects, cultivate site selectors, strengthen relationships with C-level executives, respond quickly to inbound opportunities and conduct proactive outreach with high-growth targets. This includes attracting new companies and retaining/expanding existing ones, ensuring employers who already call Greater Rochester home have the connectivity and support they need to thrive.
GRE’s leadership of our business growth pillar has supported major increases in total project volume, new projects and project “wins” since OneROC’s inception. Compared to 2017-2018 levels, GRE’s total annual project volume is up 130%, annual new projects are up 92% and annual project wins are up 97%. In 2024 alone, those wins generated $335 million in new capital investment and supported the creation/retention of more than 3,200 jobs.
KEY INVESTMENTS:
+ Expansion of staff capacity, including two additional managing directors and a research and systems analyst
+ Implementation of an integrated CRM data management infrastructure
REGIONAL TALENT STRATEGY
Sheila Baynes decided she wanted more balance in her life. She returned to Greater ROC, opened her own law firm and started a family. –Greater ROC Relocate Program
Attracting and Retaining a World-Class Workforce
We’re scaling one of the nation’s most robust and integrated regional talent strategies. Through investments in Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, our lead Alliance partner for talent strategy, we’re advancing a portfolio of programs to attract and retain world-class talent to support economic growth in the region. Together, we’re increasing the effective size of Greater Rochester’s employable labor force, recruiting talent to the region, tapping into “hidden” pipelines, improving the retention rate of college graduates, and positioning the metro as a top-flight destination for the best and brightest.
Greater Rochester Chamber’s leadership of our talent strategy pillar has supported consistent improvement in our labor force benchmark ranking, which has risen 12 points in six years—from 46th (out of 53 peer MSAs) in 2019 to 34th in April 2025.
Greater ROC Relocate (formerly Greater ROC Remote) has secured 210 individual relocations to the region over the past three years for program participants and their family members, adding more than $14.1 million in new direct income, creating an additional $6 million in induced income and generating more than $1.5 million in net state/local tax income to date.
The GreaterROCCareers.com job portal has attracted nearly 1,000 participating employers, 8,000 job seekers and more than 57,000 job postings. Later this year, it will support its one millionth viewed job since inception.
With the support of Monroe County and the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation, the new RETAIN program has enrolled 56 recent college graduates through its first two cohorts, incentivizing them to begin their careers in Greater Rochester.
KEY INVESTMENTS:
+ Regional talent strategy office to coordinate efforts aimed at attracting, retaining and connecting talent with career opportunities across Greater Rochester
+ CampusROC, which is increasing retention rates among the 18,000 students who graduate from the region’s 18 colleges and universities annually
+ GreaterROCCareers, the region’s first comprehensive one-stop portal connecting job seekers and employers across all industries, firm sizes and skill levels
+ Greater ROC Relocate, the “next gen” version of Greater ROC Remote that serves as a concierge for new talent relocating to the region
+ RETAIN, a partnership with Monroe County to provide incentive grants, professional development and mentorship to recent college graduates who choose to begin their careers in Greater Rochester
DOWNTOWN INNOVATION
Building a More Vibrant and Active Central Business District
We’re driving a sea change in downtown Rochester, building on recent years’ redevelopment momentum and leveraging an unprecedented public-private alignment to activate key spaces and bring more resources to enhance services in the central business district. Through investments in Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) and the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR), we’re building capacity to advance placemaking efforts, coordinate marketing and programming, and strengthen promotion of activities throughout downtown and along the Genesee Riverway.
RDDC’s leadership of our downtown pillar has supported consistent improvement and evolution in downtown Rochester. Residential occupancy stands at 94%, with more than 1,000 new residential units going under construction in 2024. Downtown welcomed 18 million visitors in 2024, a 3.4% increase over the prior year. Weekday and weekend daily average visitor volume was up from 2023, by 2.0% and 5.6% respectively. And the momentum has continued in 2025: Through Q1, total visits are up 7.3%, weekday daily average is up 9.3% and weekend daily average is up 4.7%.
KEY INVESTMENTS:
+ Staff capacity at RDDC to expand bandwidth for strategic leadership and management of downtown activities
+ Activated the Partnership for Downtown Rochester, which defined a community-informed vision for downtown to inform planning and prioritization of services to drive vibrancy
+ Seed capital for an enhanced services district (renewed in 2024-2025)
+ Regional Revitalization Partnership support for the Main Street Business Activation program, focusing on addressing ground-floor retail vacancies
+ Downtown Definitely event series
Photo: Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
REGIONAL BRANDING AND MARKETING
Telling Greater ROC’s Story to the World
We’re leading the most significant, coordinated regional branding and marketing campaign in the region’s history. The Greater ROC initiative is reclaiming and reasserting our story and proof points on the local and national stages, elevating our visibility and reputation as a place to live, work, play, and start or grow a business. Through investments in Greater ROC, we’ve enabled a fully integrated, multi-channel and tactic-rich campaign that connects and amplifies the region’s brand identity and key messaging across all economic development verticals to support business attraction, talent attraction and tourism.
In 2024, the Greater ROC campaign saw its second consecutive year of 40%-plus year-over-year growth in impressions, to 73.7 million. Based on the most recent audience-sentiment survey data, our in-region Net Promoter Score (NPS)—those “extremely likely to recommend the region”— increased 10 points, and 97% of the out-of-market audience felt the campaign “makes me want to learn more about Greater Rochester.”
KEY INVESTMENTS:
+ Design, activation and brand management of the Greater ROC marketing campaign
+ Ongoing support for in-region and external market paid media buys
+ Audience sentiment analysis to track campaign impact over time
NY SMART I-CORRIDOR TECH HUB
Leading Upstate’s Role in the Semiconductor Future
AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION
OneROC is proud to serve as a co-convener and leadership team member of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, which spans Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. Backed by the CHIPS and Science Act, the NY SMART I-Corridor unites New York’s strengths in semiconductor manufacturing, workforce development and research to lay the foundation for a new era of American innovation.
A CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY
Strengthening our domestic semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing capabilities—a sector vital to communication, transportation, healthcare and other critical technologies—is key to U.S. national security and economic resilience.
ONE SUPER REGION
The NY SMART I-Corridor and broader upstate ecosystem are home to five semiconductor fabrication facilities (fabs) and approximately 100 supply-chain firms. Over the next decade, we’re positioned for transformational growth as we develop a robust supply-chain ecosystem that supports adjacent fabs.
A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY
Micron’s Syracuse megafab is set to become the largest semiconductor facility in the U.S. With planned investments alone, one in four American-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of the NY SMART I-Corridor by 2034, making this region the largest contributor to domestic production.
CO-CONVENERS AND COALITION
The NY SMART I-Corridor is co-convened by OneROC, Buffalo Niagara Partnership and CenterState CEO, and is supported by a coalition of over 100 organizations—spanning leading businesses, higher education, economic development groups and community-based organizations.
TRANSFORMATIONAL INVESTMENT
On July 2, 2024, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer visited Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo to announce the Tech Hub’s Phase 2 implementation awards.
“The targeted investments of this Phase 2 award in workforce, innovation and advanced manufacturing position this region to lead the way across the full semiconductor value chain and, in so doing, expand economic opportunity for all across our entire corridor.”
—Joseph Stefko
Photo: University of Rochester
Local companies are poised to integrate into the expanding semiconductor supply chain while we work to also attract new investments and high-impact projects that will drive sustained economic growth.
10-Year Goals
9,000+
New middle-skill and construction positions
$5.2 billion
Average annual investments
Component Projects
Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN)
An initiative that supports businesses seeking to enter, expand or strengthen their role with the semiconductor supply chain by providing direct services through a coordinated network of Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) and Economic Development Organizations (EDOs).
Semiconductor Talent & Employer Partnership Upstate New York (STEP UP)
An employer-led initiative that is coordinating investments in training infrastructure, wraparound supports and access to highquality manufacturing careers to meet a massive workforce
demand and directly address talent needs and gaps.
Commercialization & Collaboration Center (C3)
An initiative that connects startups, universities, labs and manufacturers with the tools, expertise and capital needed to bring new semiconductorrelated products to market—from proof of concept to scaling production—while removing barriers for diverse founders and institutions.
Governance
Formalizes the unprecedented cross-region consortium through a robust and geographically balanced governing board and project leadership structure.
$18 billion
Additional GDP growth
Photo: Tom Wolf, courtesy of University at Buffalo
REGIONAL REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP
Co-Investing For Impact
The Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP) is a $300 million public-private philanthropic investment across Rochester, Buffalo and Niagara Falls. With $80 million committed to the City of Rochester, this initiative is catalyzing transformational change by concentrating resources into high-impact projects that strengthen neighborhoods, grow opportunity and set the stage for inclusive, long-term growth.
Serving as Rochester’s regional intermediary, OneROC coordinates the initiative’s local implementation—ensuring strategic alignment across sectors, supporting project development and tracking impact in close collaboration with community stakeholders. In 2024, OneROC expanded its capacity with the addition of a director of programs and partnerships to help deepen regional collaboration and drive results.
A Collaborative Strategy
Launched in 2022 by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the RRP is led by: Empire State Development; the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; and a coalition of local partners, including ESL Federal Credit Union, the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, the William & Sheila Konar Foundation, Five Star Bank, KeyBank, M&T Bank, the City of Rochester and Monroe County.
Strategic Investment Areas
The RRP in Rochester is centered on three interlocking pillars:
1. SMALL BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS
Targeted investments support the growth of neighborhood businesses and help revitalize long-neglected commercial corridors.
+ Harper’s Corner: A mixed-use redevelopment on Main and Clinton is transforming one of Rochester’s most blighted blocks into a new hub for downtown life
+ Main Street Business Activation: Select storefronts are being activated to create a more vibrant and walkable downtown
+ West Main Gateway: A sweeping revitalization initiative from West Broad to West Genesee Street, with a corridor plan, real estate study, urban design standards and $6 million in business property improvement grants
2. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
From youth to adults, programs are preparing Rochesterians for in-demand careers and connecting them to long-term economic opportunity.
+ YAMTEP & TRACS: Offer training and certifications for careers in union construction and advanced manufacturing
+ School-to-Work Navigator: Embeds career exploration within city high schools
+ Downtown Career Center: A major RochesterWorksled investment that reimagines workforce service delivery downtown
3. RIVERFRONT PLACEMAKING
Investments in Rochester’s riverfront are enhancing quality of life and reintroducing residents to the city’s greatest natural asset.
+ High Falls State Park: A 40-acre urban park is in early development, stretching from High Falls to the Bausch + Lomb Bridge, establishing a signature destination downtown
+ Aqueduct Park: A green space on the bank of the Genesee River that will allow public access and a future promenade connection at the site
Geographic Focus Areas
The RRP’s strategy is place-based and data-driven, emphasizing investment in geographies designed to unlock citywide benefits:
DOWNTOWN
+ Key Projects: Harper’s Corner, Main Street activations, NextCorps expansion
WEST
MAIN CORRIDOR & EMMA/BEECHWOOD
+ Key Projects: West Main Gateway, Greenwood Project, Bull’s Head Empowerment Center
Rendering: IN/EX Architecture, courtesy of Home Leasing
Photo: New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
RIVERFRONT
+ Key Projects: Falls Street (High Falls State Park), Aqueduct Reimagined & Park, 151 Mt. Hope
What’s Next
The next phase of RRP investment will build on the momentum of aligned efforts like ROC the Riverway, the Inner Loop North Transformation and the Four Corners revitalization. Projects already in motion—and ready to scale—are ideal candidates for future support.
Rendering: City of Rochester
WNY Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Accelerator
DRIVING TOMORROW’S STARTUP COMMUNITY
A new community-driven initiative—made possible through the support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation—is set to accelerate the next phase of entrepreneurial ecosystem building across Western New York. The Ecosystem Accelerator builds on years of local engagement and regional design work led by stakeholders across Buffalo, Rochester and surrounding communities, working toward a shared vision for a more robust, inclusive and connected startup ecosystem.
As the implementation partner, OneROC will help coordinate and align efforts across the region, working hand-in-hand with Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) to define shared goals and metrics, strengthen cross-regional connections, identify resource gaps and attract additional funding. The Ecosystem Accelerator also sets the stage for a forthcoming “fund of funds,” helping close the early-stage capital gap in Western New York and support sustainable growth for startups across the region.
Alliance Partners
Greater Rochester Enterprise is an economic development organization committed to attracting new capital investments and creating regional wealth and new jobs throughout the region.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce passionately serves, promotes and advocates for members to secure economic prosperity throughout the Greater Rochester region.
Public Sector Partners
Rochester Downtown Development Corporation drives economic vitality— accelerating development by marketing assets that attract businesses and investments—creating a more vibrant and inclusive community.
Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Monroe County, marketing Greater Rochester as a preferred destination to grow and maximize visitor spending and economic vitality.
Additionally, our public sector partners are vital to accelerate economic growth:
CITY OF ROCHESTER
MONROE COUNTY
EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT
COLLABORATION IS KEY
OneROC isn’t another economic development organization. It’s a collaborative vehicle for investing to build and sustain a truly world-class framework that helps Greater Rochester thrive. Our innovative Alliance structure was specifically designed to coordinate capacity-building investments that deepen the horsepower of our regional economic growth ecosystem. We maximize the support of investor partners by keeping our costs low, with our treasury functions, technology support and office space all provided on an in-kind basis by our Alliance
INVESTOR PARTNERS
Baldwin Richardson Foods*
Billitier Electric
Buckingham Properties
CDC of Upstate NY Inc.
Constellation Brands*
Elmer W. Davis Inc.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield*
ESL Charitable Foundation*
Five Star Bank*
Konar Foundation*
KPMG LLP
LeChase Construction*
M&T Bank Charitable Foundation*
Paychex Charitable Foundation*
partners. OneROC conducts all of its capacitybuilding work through our Alliance organizations’ existing infrastructures, partnering to deliver new and expanded programming across our four pillars: Business Growth & Attraction, Regional Talent Strategy, Downtown Innovation and Regional Branding & Marketing. This innovative model ensures that investor partner support goes where it’s intended: to advance the competitiveness and horsepower of Greater Rochester’s economic-growth ecosystem without the need for a new organization.
Pike Construction Services*
Premium Mortgage Corporation
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Riedman Foundation*
Rochester Gas and Electric*
Rochester Institute of Technology*
Rochester Regional Health*
Sands Family Foundation*
St. John Fisher University
University of Rochester*
Wegman Companies Inc.
Wegman Family Charitable Foundation*
*Denotes board-level investor
Senior Staff
Dr. Joseph Stefko, President & CEO
Shannon Ealy, Director of Programs & Partnerships
Board of Directors
VOTING MEMBERS
Robert Sands as Chair of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
Todd Liebert as Chair of Greater Rochester Enterprise
Steve Dubnik as Chair of Rochester Downtown Development Corp.
William Gunther as Chair of Visit Rochester
Martin Birmingham Five Star Bank
Jim Bourdeau Constellation Brands
Dan Burns M&T Bank
Alex Castro (At-large director) PathStone Corporation
Ginny Clark Sands Family Foundation
Dr. Richard “Chip” Davis Rochester Regional Health
Bill Goodrich LeChase Construction
James Gould Alesco Advisors
Dr. Seanelle Hawkins (At-large director) Urban League of Rochester
Rufus Judson Pike Construction Services
Howard Konar
William & Sheila Konar Foundation
Dr. Sarah Mangelsdorf University of Rochester
Kenneth Marvald CDC of Upstate New York Inc.
Faheem Masood ESL Federal Credit Union
NONVOTING MEMBERS
Rep. Joseph Morelle U.S. House of Representatives
Hon. Adam Bello Monroe County Executive
Hon. Malik Evans Mayor, City of Rochester
Vincent Esposito Empire State Development
*Replaced by William Sanders on July 1, 2025
Brian Pincelli Wayne County IDA
Martin Mucci Paychex
Dr. David Munson* Rochester Institute of Technology
James Reed Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
David Riedman Riedman Foundation
Joseph Sayre Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation
Erin Tolefree Baldwin Richardson Foods
Joseph Wesley Wegman Family Charitable Foundation
Contact us to find out how you can get involved. Learn more at OneROC.com | info@OneROC.com