ALBANY N.Y.—The Business Council of New York State, the primary advocacy group for business in New York, announced today it will kick-off its 100th anniversary celebration. The anniversary will be marked through events, information for members and business owners and awards that celebrate businesses that create good jobs and strong communities throughout the state.
“Our members, New York's business leaders, are the heart of The Business Council. They continue to lead the way on public advocacy for business, just as our founding members did a century ago,” said Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., president and CEO of The Business Council.
The Business Council originated on March 27, 1914 in Buffalo, N.Y. when a group of western New York manufacturers convened to draft a constitution for an association which would advocate and create a voice for business. The group incorporated as Associated Industries of New York State, Inc. (AI) in 1920 and merged with the other leading state business association, the Empire State Chamber of Commerce, which was founded in 1946, to become The Business Council in 1980.
Today, The Business Council's membership comprises more than 2,300 leading businesses from Long Island to Buffalo, representing large and small business interests. The Business Council carries on the mission of the founding organizations to create economic growth, good jobs and strong communities across New York State.
Members of The Business Council have access to exclusive products and services, including The Human Resource Hotline, The Business Council Insurance Fund and Made In New York.
Business Council History Timeline
1914 On March 27, the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce calls a meeting of manufacturers responding to the New York state labor laws of 1913.On April 23, Federated Industries forms with the mission to “go about its work not in a high-handed, but in a high-minded way.” 1920 On January 29, Federated Industries files a certificate of incorporation as Associated Industries of New York. 1946 Empire State Chamber of Commerce is established. 1952 Associated Industries of New York grows to a statewide presence with offices in Buffalo, New York City and Albany. 1957 The Insurance Fund is created by Associated Industries. 1962 The Albany office of Associated Industries becomes its main headquarters. 1977 Raymond T. Schuler is named president of Associated Industries by the board of directors. 1979 The Corning Award for Excellence is established by Associated Industries. Today, over 35 industry leaders have won this award. 1980 The Empire State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries merge to form The Business Council of New York State, Inc. with the goal to “improve and promote the business climate of New York state.” 1981 A brownstone at 152 Washington Ave., the former home of the NYS Teachers Association, becomes the home of The Business Council. 1987 Daniel B. Walsh becomes president of The Business Council. 1993 The Board of Directors creates The Business Council Agency Services to market insurance through brokers around the state. 1999 The Business Council dedicates 152 Washington Ave., as The Schuler Building. 2006 Kenneth Adams is selected as president and CEO of The Business Council. 2012 Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., is named president and CEO of The Business Council. 2014 The Business Council celebrates 100 years and continues its mission to grow jobs and the economy.