The Rochester Business Alliance and the Unshackle Upstate coalition are hosting a special forum designed to give our New York lawmakers an up-close look at the region's ongoing economic challenges through the personal stories of its members.

This forum - set for 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave, Rochester - presents a critical opportunity to directly address Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (D-132nd District) and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R-129th District). Members of chambers of commerce throughout the region have been invited to testify. And the public is invited to submit written testimony describing how the state's business climate, including tax, assessment and fee structures are hurting their ability to stay in business in Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.

The forum is the first in a statewide series of Unshackle Upstate town halls. Similar events are scheduled for Buffalo, Syracuse, Binghamton and Plattsburgh. Unshackle Upstate will compile the testimony from these hearings and use the information as a basis for its 2010 legislative agenda.

"This past year has been especially troublesome for the taxpayers of New York, who have had to shoulder massive tax, fee and assessment increases, witness a record increase in the amount of state spending, and watch a dysfunctional and secretive legislative and budgetary process. Add to it a failing state economy and it's clear that upstate New York's businesses and families have been devastated," said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate, who will preside at the hearing.

All 212 legislative seats are up for grabs in the 2010 election, as are the offices of the governor, attorney general and comptroller.

"We must use every opportunity we can to insist that our elected officials act in our best interests by lowering taxes and improving the dismal state of New York's business environment," said Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance.

The event is open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve your seat(s) through the Events Calendar by clicking here.