The Breakfast with Our CEO event on Feb. 11 drew 30 members for a discussion focused on small business.

Sandy Parker, president and CEO, asked guests to share their business struggles and triumphs with the group and asked how the Rochester Business Alliance can help make small business sustainable.

Among the responses received, bank representatives reported they continue to loan out money and look at each account as to how it can benefit the customer in the best way. From the housing industry, both construction of moderately priced houses as well as home sales remain reasonable.

Concerns expressed by the group included the economic stimulus, rising health care costs, and the cost of doing business in Upstate New York.

"Unshackle Upstate is the vehicle we have to work with. Crisis often is the time to change," Parker said, urging attendees to get more company-wide participation with Unshackle initiatives.

The Rochester Business Alliance offers many services to its members to help promote and sustain business including networking events, member discounts, health insurance, training (including a new Small Business Series), and public policy and advocacy.

To sign up for the next Breakfast with Our CEO on April 9, click here.