Canisius MBA

How do you encourage networking at an event aimed at connecting young professionals and business leaders? The Buffalo-Niagara program staff offered a unique answer to that question this past Thursday evening at their event, “Executives Unplugged”. We played a game! Now, I know that may sound a bit silly, but it proved to be quite effective. Those of us who attended as “young” professionals were directed to collect business cards from each executive in attendance. The first person to collect a business card from each executive won a sushi-tasting dinner from SeaBar. Motivated by the “thrill of competition”, we moved about the room talking to as many executives as possible (without forgetting to ask for a business card).

As I spoke to area business leaders, I was curious about what motivated them to attend these functions. Wallace Smith, V.P. of AAA offered a compelling response; he stated that local business leaders are committed to making Western NY a place where young professionals want to work and helping them become our area’s future leaders. After hearing that, I understood how fortunate I was that these individuals dedicate their time and offer their expertise.

At the end of the evening, I have to admit, I didn’t win the game. To accomplish that, one had to be very good at holding short, concise conversations. Those of you who know me understand that can be difficult for me…

Paula Fox
Canisius MBA Student

The Advocacy Boot Camp Primer proved to be a very thought provoking presentation in my opinion.  The panel really focused in on the advocacy of the city of Buffalo and how business professionals can go about doing this.  The panel started off by discussing the differences between advocacy and lobbying with advocacy being more informal such as just discussing the positive aspects of Buffalo to people outside who may just think of lake effect snow when Buffalo comes to mind, and lobbying being more of a formal operation between a registered lobbyist and a politician. 

The panel stressed the importance of the growth of the city being a slow grinding process, yet it is one that has a positive outlook in the long run.  One panelist mentioned ten percent growth each year in Roswell Park Cancer Institute and how once she recruits cancer researchers and doctors to come and live in Buffalo and work at Roswell, they do not want to leave because they enjoy living here so much.

 I am from the Buffalo area and now that I have a future career in the city, I have a desire to live in the city as opposed to the suburbs where I can be closer to work as well as the entertainment district and HSBC arena of course!  (One day I will be a sabres season ticket holder!).  However, an argument was brought up that a suburb like Amherst has everything one can do in the city of Buffalo if not more.  I think that this argument is widely agreed upon especially among people that are married with kids.  It is one of the many problems that Buffalo is facing today.  Another major regional issue that was discussed was the peace bridge and its importance in our bi-national economy with Canada.  Several other regional topics were brought to light as well.  

  I believe that these issues are very important to people living in Western New York and I encourage others to share your thoughts on what can be done to improve the city here.  Advocacy is an important tool in producing change and it is educational institutions like Canisius that get the ball rolling by producing leaders to help build and maintain a strong infrastructure of culture, skills, and ideas to make Buffalo better.   Go to   http://buffaloniagara360.org/   to learn more about how you can get involved. 

Tim Schultz  - Canisius MBA Student