2017 Business Advocacy Resource Guide

Constituent Support We are there for our members on matters that require support and assistance. We aid in the company-specific legislative, regulatory, and funding issues at the regional, state and federal levels.

• Permits/variances • Government agency disputes • Immigration/visas • Legislation “Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in advocating for us regarding a safety/traffic/ transportation issue that had been at a standstill for years.

Bob Duffy and Chris Wiest have been intimately involved with us every step of the way, offering counsel and assistance. They do great work supporting and nurturing our local business community. “ – Chris Garrie, Vice President of Recruiting, Oldcastle Inc.

If your business is experiencing a policy or regulatory issue, our Public Policy & Advocacy staff is here to help:

Chris Wiest

Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com 585-256-4626

Rochester Chamber is a leader in Unshackle Upstate, a nonpartisan coalition of more than 80 business and trade organizations representing upwards of more than 70,000 companies that employ more than 1.5 million people.

The goal: To achieve reforms in Albany that make Upstate New York a stronger place to do business.

Learn more at www.UnshackleUpstate.com.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce p: 585.244.1800 f: 585.263.3679 www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com Thanks to Mason Marketing for the design and development of this guide.

2017 Business Advocacy Resource Guide

To our Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Members: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has established itself as a key champion for our members and community through engagement at all levels of government. We strive to be an effective voice for business and responsive to members’ needs. To highlight areas of focus and service offerings on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters, we are pleased to present our 2017 Business Advocacy Resource Guide.

Within this Resource Guide you will find our 2017 Advocacy Agenda, which reflects the public policy issues identified by members as priorities for the Greater Rochester/ Finger Lakes Region and New York State. You will also find a directory of elected officials, a session calendar, helpful suggestions for communicating with elected officials, and an overview of some of our policy-related committees and events.

Our Vision: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will be a best-in-class organization, and a trusted voice, partner, advocate, connector, supporter, and leader for all things business in the Finger Lakes Region and New York State.

Our Mission: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce passionately serves, promotes and advocates for its members in order to secure economic prosperity for our Finger Lakes Region.

The Role of Public Policy & Advocacy:

We will support pro-business legislation throughout the session and defend against policies and proposals harmful to members, our community and economy. Wherever possible, we will provide members with constituent support on issues important to the success of their organizations.

We are most effective when we speak with one strong voice and ensure that our elected representatives hear that voice. Our greatest tools are our voices and our votes.

To help advocate or to discuss any public policy issues, please contact me at RDuffy@GreaterRochesterChamber.com or Chris Wiest at Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Sincerely,

To advance policies and positions that contribute to a positive economic climate and member success.

Robert J. Duffy 2

President & CEO

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2017

Greater Rochester Chamber Business Advocacy Agenda Economic Development

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Contents

2017 Greater Rochester Chamber Business Advocacy Agenda – Economic Development – NYS Mandates/Taxes Affecting Business – Health Care – Workforce Development/Education – Workers’ Compensation – Transportation/Infrastructure

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Communicating With Your Elected Officials

10-11 2017 Greater Rochester Region

Legislative Directory 12

2017 New York State Legislative Session Calendar

13-14 Greater Rochester Chamber Public

Policy & Advocacy Committees

Growing private sector jobs is key to the region’s economic future. Priorities include: n

American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM)

FLREDC Agenda Priorities/Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) n

▪ • Optics, Photonics and Imaging ▪ • Agriculture and Food Production ▪ • Next-Generation Manufacturing and Technology n

Member-specific growth opportunities

NYS Mandates/Taxes Affecting Business Employers in New York State and the Rochester/ Finger Lakes region will be made more competitive through mandate relief and reduced state and local regulatory burdens.

Support broad-based tax reform • Reduce burdensome, outdated and complex business taxes n

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Support business-backed tort reform legislation

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Oppose unfunded state mandates

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Oppose excessive administrative and regulatory legislation

– Rochester Chamber Advocacy Board – The Committee for a Strong Economy – PAC –R ochester Chamber Health Care Planning Team –R ochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee – Policy Matters Series Join the conversation and get timely legislative updates at: GreaterRochesterChamber.com

“As a leading advocate for the employer community, Rochester Chamber works to ensure that the business environment is as strong and welcoming as it can be in both the City of Rochester and the surrounding Finger Lakes region.

As Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce chairman, I pledge Rochester Chamber’s constant effort to support your business and help it grow and prosper.”

Rob Sands, Constellation Brands President and CEO,

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Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board

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Health Care

Workers’ Compensation

The rising costs of health care weigh heavily on employers and employees alike.

New York State is currently ranked third highest in the nation for Workers’ Compensation costs, creating significant financial hardships for employers.

Policy Focus Oppose taxes, assessments, and mandates that increase health insurance costs n

Community Focus Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Care Initiative focused on improving regional health • Rochester Chamber/FLHSA High Blood Pressure Collaborative • Community & Workplace Wellness n

Reduce Employer Workers’ Compensation Costs Scheduled Loss of Use, Maximum Medical Improvement, Preferred Provider Organization reform n

n

Oppose rollbacks of 2007 cost-saving measures

n

“Defense” against costly legislation

“Rochester Chamber through its various networks was successful at helping us get the attention of a federal agency on a matter that had gone unresolved for almost ten months. The financial implications to the college, had they not stepped in on our behalf, would have negatively impacted our ability to support our adult student population. Rochester Chamber staff members were great listeners, easy to work with, and followed through 100%.”

Mark J. Petrie Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Development, Keuka College

Workforce Development/Education

Transportation/Infrastructure

For the Rochester/Finger Lakes region to take advantage of economic opportunities, it must have educated citizens and a skilled workforce.

A solid infrastructure and transportation system are crucial to the economic success of our region. n Regional infrastructure investment parity

Improve student achievement, and workforce readiness (Rochester City School District) • ROC the Future • Higher Academic Standards • Career and Technical Education n

Support regional anti-poverty efforts • FLREDC Pathways to Prosperity Workforce Development • Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative • Market Driven Community Cooperatives n

n

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Young professional engagement

Increase upstate investment in road and bridge design and repair (390/490 – Lyell Ave. Interchange Phases 3 & 4, Routes 96, 77, Mt. Read Blvd.) n

Highway Trust Fund stabilization and funding increase n

Support transit programs that expand rider access/ridesharing n

Increase funding for public transit programs that support job growth

n

For more Information, please visit: GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Ways to Communicate With Your Elected Officials Letters Letters are still a common and effective way to reach your elected officials. Letters can be typed or handwritten, but make sure they are legible and concise.

Tips for Communicating With Public Officials Identify yourself. Let him or her know that you are a constituent from their region or district. n

Address the letter to “The Honorable [Name],” and begin with the correct salutation based on their title. n

Keep it simple and short. Representatives are more likely to respond to letters that are written precisely and with a clear focus. n

Make it personal. A story about yourself or someone you know will make your letter more memorable. n

Be courteous. Invite your legislator to consider an alternate viewpoint or take a different course of action. n

Stick to the facts. Always tell the truth and provide only reliable information. n

Rochester Chamber conducts periodic “Policy Pulse” surveys to gain insights from members on public policy matters and legislation of interest to the employer community. We value your feedback, and encourage your participation to help us develop public policy positions.

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Office Visits Appointments with elected officials can be made through their staff. Come prepared, and consider bringing others who support your cause.

Telephone Calls Provide information on the legislation in question, including the bill number. State your position as clearly and concisely as possible.

Email All elected officials have email addresses that are checked regularly and responded to in a timely fashion.

Observe the principles of letter writing – keep it short and to the point.

Social Media An increasing number of elected officials these days use social media, such as Twitter, to communicate with constituents. If applicable, Tweeting “@” your rep can help lend your voice to important issues.

“Genesee Brewery values the advocacy work Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has done to support the brewery’s expansion and modernization plans.

Whether through letters of support to economic development officials or testifying at zoning board hearings, we’ve found Rochester Chamber extremely responsive to all of our requests for assistance. They are a voice for business that helps make a difference.”

Kris Sirchio CEO, North American Breweries

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2017 Greater Rochester

Legislative Directory Federal Officials

New York State Senate PAMELA HELMING (R) | 54th Senate District Albany Office | LOB 509 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2366 | helming@nysenate.gov @Helming4Senate

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U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND (D) 478 Russell Senate Bldg. | Washington, DC 20510 202.224.4451 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov @SenGillibrand

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U.S. SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER (D) 322 Hart Senate Bldg. | Washington, DC 20510 202.224.6542 | www.schumer.senate.gov @SenSchumer

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CONGRESSMAN TOM REED II (R) | 23rd Congressional District 2437 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3161 | www.reed.house.gov @RepTomReed

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RICH FUNKE (R) | 55th Senate District Albany Office | LOB 905 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2215 | funke@nysenate.gov @SenatorFunke

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JOSEPH E. ROBACH (R) | 56th Senate District Albany Office | LOB 803 | Albany, NY 12247 @SenatorRobach 518.455.2909 | robach@nysenate.gov

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PATRICK M. GALLIVAN (R) | 59th Senate District Albany Office | LOB 947 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.3471 | gallivan@nysenate.gov @senatorgallivan

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MICHAEL RANZENHOFER (R) | 61st Senate District Albany Office | LOB 609 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.3161 | ranz@nysenate.gov

CONGRESSMAN JOHN KATKO (R) | 24th Congressional District 1123 Longworth HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3701 | www.katko.house.gov @RepJohnKatko

ROBERT ORTT (R) | 62nd Senate District Albany Office | LOB 815 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2024 | ortt@nysenate.gov @SenatorOrtt

CONGRESSWOMAN LOUISE SLAUGHTER (D) | 25th Congressional District 2469 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3615 | www.louise.house.gov @louiseslaughter

New York State Assembly

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CONGRESSMAN CHRIS COLLINS (R) | 27th Congressional District 1117 Longworth HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.5265 | www.chriscollins.house.gov @RepChrisCollins

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MAJORITY LEADER JOSEPH D. MORELLE (D) | 136TH Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 926 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5373 | morellej@assembly.state.ny.us @JoeMorelle

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MINORITY LEADER BRIAN M. KOLB (R) | 131st Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 933 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.3751 | kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us @GOPLdrBrianKolb

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BOB OAKS (R) | 130th Assembly District Albany Office | CAP 444 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5655 | oaksr@assembly.state.ny.us JOSEPH A. ERRIGO (R) | 133rd Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 527 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5662 | errigoj@assembly.state.ny.us

New York State Officials GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO (D) State Capitol | Albany, NY 12224 518.474.8390 | www.governor.ny.gov

t@NYGovCuomo

ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC T. SCHNEIDERMAN State Capitol | Albany, NY 12224 518.474.7330 | www.ag.ny.gov @AGSchneiderman

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COMPTROLLER THOMAS P. DINAPOLI 110 State Street | Albany, NY 12236 518.474.4044 | www.osc.state.ny.us

PETER LAWRENCE (R) | 134th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 722 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.4664 | lawrencep@assembly.state.ny.us @PLawrence134th

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MARK JOHNS (R) | 135th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 549 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5784 | johnsm@assembly.state.ny.us

t@MarkJohns_135th

DAVID F. GANTT (D) | 137th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 830 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5606 | ganttd@assembly.state.ny.us HARRY B. BRONSON (D) | 138th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 502 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.4527 | bronsonh@assembly.state.ny.us @HarryBBronson

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t@NYSComptroller

STEVEN HAWLEY (R) | 139th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 329 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5811 | hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us @SteveMHawley

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Legislative Calendar January - June 2017

Greater Rochester Chamber Public Policy & Advocacy Committees Rochester Chamber Advocacy Committee Chair: John “Dutch” Summers, Jasco Family of Companies

Rochester Chamber’s Executive Committee also serves as the Advocacy Committee. A full listing of board members and companies can be found at www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

The Committee for a Strong Economy – PAC Chair: Tim Mason, Mason Marketing

The Committee for a Strong Economy – the Political Action Committee (PAC) of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is comprised of representatives from member organizations. The PAC conducts an intensive interview process each year that results in endorsement of candidates in both local and state races, identifying candidates who are dedicated to the economic wellbeing of our community.

The organizations represented on the PAC include:

January 4

2017 Legislative Session Convenes

January 9 January 16 January 17

Start of Sessions

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Final Day for Submission of Executive Budget

February 20 Presidents’ Day April 1 Beginning of New Fiscal Year May 29 Memorial Day

• Gerard D. DiMarco, Esq. • LaBella Associates, P.C. • Mason Marketing LLC • Precision Grinding & Manufacturing Corporation • RocCity Coalition • Rochester Hispanic Business Association • Rogers Enterprises/Dock Hardware • Small Business Council of Rochester • Women’s Council of Rochester • Zweigle’s Inc.

Indicates session day

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Rochester Chamber Health Care Planning Team Chair: Becky Lyons, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

Engaging members from all facets of health care – including hospital systems, major insurers, and educational institutions – this dedicated group tackles important health care issues impacting employers, employees and the broader community.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce serves the nine-county Finger Lakes region of New York State.

Rochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee Co-Chair: Jim Tacci, MD, JD, URMC Co-Chair: Brian Trick, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

This group of knowledgeable industry professionals advocates for fair and equitable workers’ compensation practices, limiting abuse of the system. The committee hosts educational sessions for members, NYS legislators, and the Workers’ Compensation Board on behalf of business interests.

For more information on the workers’ comp committee, please visit: www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com We’re your one-stop connection to critical, yet affordable, business services. As a Rochester Chamber member, you have access to the expertise and people you need to succeed:

This event series connects members to elected officials and representatives at the federal, state and local levels to focus on how government action impacts the upstate New York employer community.

Receptions highlight contemporary local venues and feature complimentary beverages and refreshments, while allowing members to engage with key leaders, providing networking opportunities, and information on the latest developments of interest to employers.

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• Advocacy • Networking • Training • Human Resources Services • Staffing • Reference Checking • Health Insurance • Advertising Opportunities

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Officers Robert S. Sands – Chairman of the Board Constellation Brands

John M. Pitton – Vice Chairman Bank of America

Brian G. Flanagan – 2nd Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer

Nixon Peabody

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Constituent Support We are there for our members on matters that require support and assistance. We aid in the company-specific legislative, regulatory, and funding issues at the regional, state and federal levels.

• Permits/variances • Government agency disputes • Immigration/visas • Legislation “Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in advocating for us regarding a safety/traffic/ transportation issue that had been at a standstill for years.

Bob Duffy and Chris Wiest have been intimately involved with us every step of the way, offering counsel and assistance. They do great work supporting and nurturing our local business community. “

– Chris Garrie, Vice President of Recruiting, Oldcastle Inc.

If your business is experiencing a policy or regulatory issue, our Public Policy & Advocacy staff is here to help:

Chris Wiest

Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com 585-256-4626

Rochester Chamber is a leader in Unshackle Upstate, a nonpartisan coalition of more than 80 business and trade organizations representing upwards of more than 70,000 companies that employ more than 1.5 million people.

The goal: To achieve reforms in Albany that make Upstate New York a stronger place to do business.

Learn more at www.UnshackleUpstate.com.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce p: 585.244.1800 f: 585.263.3679 www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com Thanks to Mason Marketing for the design and development of this guide.

2017 Business Advocacy Resource Guide