BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a co-convener of the NY SMART I-Corridor, on Monday hosted an Opportunity Exchange. The event brought together business leaders, educators, and economic-development partners from across the Buffalo Niagara region to explore opportunities in advanced manufacturing, the semiconductor supply chain, and workforce development. The event included updates from Micron […]
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a co-convener of the NY SMART I-Corridor, on Monday hosted an Opportunity Exchange.
The event brought together business leaders, educators, and economic-development partners from across the Buffalo Niagara region to explore opportunities in advanced manufacturing, the semiconductor supply chain, and workforce development.
The event included updates from Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) on its semiconductor-manufacturing campus in Clay, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership said in its announcement.
It also included insights from Edwards Vacuum on its Genesee County facility and a presentation by APEX Accelerators on connecting businesses to government contracting.
Attendees also heard from NY SMART I-Corridor component project leads, who explained the many resources the regional Tech Hub initiative has made available. They include supply-chain support, access to research assets, and workforce-development initiatives.
“This event was about building connections that will drive long-term economic transformation,” Grant Loomis, president and COO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, said in the announcement. “The NY SMART I-Corridor is positioning our region as a national hub for innovation and manufacturing. As a leader in this effort, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is committed to ensuring local businesses have a seat at the table and a clear path to participate in this historic opportunity.”
The NY SMART I-Corridor’s 10-year goals include more than 9,000 new middle-skill and construction positions; $5.2 billion average annual investments; and $18 billion additional GDP (gross domestic product) growth.
As noted in the announcement, “by 2034, one in four American-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of the NY SMART I-Corridor, making it the leading region for domestic semiconductor production. This initiative represents a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen supply chains, create high quality jobs and ensure U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing.”
Events such as the Opportunity Exchange help businesses understand where they fit and how to engage in the regional semiconductor ecosystem, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership contends.
