Bond Financial Network, Inc.

About Bond Financial Network, Inc.: Employee benefits consulting.

Rank on Top 100: 62

Top Executive: Mr. Erick G. Bond

Employees: 17 to 21

Website: www.bondbenefitsconsulting.com

We asked Erick Bond, president, to talk about his business.

Question: Tell me briefly about Bond Financial Network.
Bond: Bond Financial Network is an employee benefits consulting firm committed to maximizing the value proposition to employers and employees by implementing the right benefits programs at the best price. Our comprehensive approach looks at benefits in their entirety which assists in both the communications and administration of benefits. Our unique program of partnering with other financial services professionals reinforces the value proposition to our customers.

Question: How successful has your company been this year?
Bond: In 2007 we have continued to build on our prior success, which has allowed us to expand both the depth of our offering as well as our customer base. We continue to grow and expect 2007 to be another banner year.

Question: In your first year applying for the Rochester Top 100 program, your company earned the No. 62 spot. What does this honor mean to your company?
Bond: Achieving this is a wonderful recognition of everyone's efforts at Bond. It allows us to stop and realize how much we have accomplished and reflect on how we want to grow in the future.

Question:What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?
Bond: I am still learning how to best use the services of the Rochester Business Alliance.

Question: What are the best things about doing business in Rochester?
Bond: Rochester has a great business environment. The people are great, the community is great, and it has been our pleasure to serve them. That being said, we are not without challenges and need to continue to take action through programs like Unshackle Upstate so that we remain competitive in the future.

Question: What are the biggest opportunities you see ahead, as well as the biggest challenges?
Bond: The biggest opportunity is that Rochester is a great place to live. While it's not as big and glamorous as a NYC or LA, it has all the tools to attract businesses to Rochester. The challenge is that the taxes and regulations make other comparable cities look more attractive to business. As a result, upstate is losing ground, especially as the young, highly educated move out to seek opportunities elsewhere.