As published in the Rochester Beacon High Street in the UK. Main Street in the U.S. A simple, one-syllable word conveys the importance a thoroughfare has for an entire community. Rochester’s Main Street intersects Clinton Avenue, named for the New York governor who masterminded the development of the Erie Canal, key to Rochester’s emergence as […]
As published in the Rochester Beacon. The Boston Consulting Group is conducting a review of our region’s approach to economic development. It has done an impressive job of engaging representatives from many sectors of our community, including myself, as it conducts research. Shortly, BCG will deliver a report that will include an assessment and recommendations. […]
As published in the Rochester Beacon. My background in the tech startup world makes me naturally averse to large scale, high-budget projects. The companies I’ve helped launch had to be scrappy and resourceful in ways that stretched the impact of each dollar. This experience influences the way I approach and contribute to Rochester’s economic development. […]
In 1920, George Eastman was a busy man. After creating one of the greatest technology companies, he directed his talent and energy to making Rochester into a world class city. This was the period when he relocated the University of Rochester to the River Campus, established the medical school and founded the Eastman School of […]
When it comes to the fate of Parcel 5, Mayor Warren understands what needs to be done. She knows that downtown Rochester must become a vibrant hub for people to walk, recreate, shop, and do business. She is the right person at the helm, and our community should get behind her leadership. That being said, […]
Lean Start Up is the widely accepted methodology for launching entrepreneurial endeavors. It relies on a process known as “customer discovery” to determine what potential clients want, how they make decisions, and what they are willing to do to obtain the product or service. After all, without customers, there is no business. Customer discovery is […]
Last week, Rochester City Hall reversed its decision to extend meter parking from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a testament to how the voice of business and community leaders, when organized, can be heard and listened to by political leaders. Kudos to the downtown gallery directors, restaurant owners, theater managers and business people […]
It’s a great time to be in the software space in Rochester. The “help wanted” signs are cluttering the digital storefront. Experienced developers are company hopping and folks with business development experience as product managers, marketing pros and salespeople are in high demand. It’s gratifying to watch Rochester’s economy regain its luster and market forces […]
Parcel 5 is presently a gravel pit. Yet, it still attracts naturally occurring activity: pedestrians strolling, cyclists pedaling and workers lunching alongside food trucks. I live nearby and have seen this organic phenomenon increasing over the last several years. Parcel 5 is surrounded by some of Rochester’s architectural gems. They include the Metropolitan designed by […]
I moved to Rochester in 1995, making myself a “transplant.” The pride for my beloved, adopted home comes from the same wellspring I see present in other transplants. We are experiencing a new phenomenon with younger adults returning to our area after college and starting a career in other places. They, too, have an appreciation, […]