Unshackle Upstate Panel Discusses Economy with Students

More than 100 attended "The Turnaround of New York State: Young Minds and Experts Unshackled" Oct. 25, with expert panelists Sandra Parker, president and CEO of Rochester Business Alliance, Andrew Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Kemper Matt Sr., president of Dupli Graphics Corp. in Syracuse, and Brian Hickey, regional chief executive of M&T Bank Corp.

Business students, faculty and the public had an opportunity to ask the panel, all leaders of Unshackle Upstate, questions about the direction of Upstate New York's economy.

The discussion included an overview on Unshackle Upstate, the progress made over the last two years, and what needs to be done. The panel addressed tax reform, economic development, and regulatory reform as its focus for the coming year, highlighting on business tax relief, personal tax relief, urban site development, workforce development, and energy options.