Business Council Government Relations Vice President, Ken Pokalsky, joined the podcast to talk about the recent New York State Supreme Court ruling that stated New York is violating the nation-leading climate law known as CLCPA and directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to put forward new regulations to reduce climate emissions by February 6, 2026.

Dr. Wayne Pernell is a highly sought-after speaker, mindstate coach, an International Best-Selling Author of multiple publications, blogger, and podcast host of One Sharp Sword. Wayne holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has over three decades of experience helping accomplished leaders do the things they have put off for years without giving up the success that got them there.

Former Congressman Chris Gibson stopped by the podcast to discuss his new book, "The Spirit Of Philadelphia: A Call to Recover the Founding Principles." The book is about America’s story told through the history of ideas and a cautionary tale of what happens when a nation’s spirit goes dormant. We discuss the book's meaning, how America has changed, and what can be done to get back to our founding principles.

In this episode we discuss the state's aggressive energy transition law and the need for an "all-of-the-above" approach that includes the continued use of natural gas. We also discuss the need for affordability, reliability, and consumer choice in the state's plan as we move forward toward goals, some oh which may becoming unachievable.

Assembly Labor Chair Harry Bronson (D-Rochester) stopped by the podcast to give us an inside look at how the deal to pay off the state's UI debt got done. The Rochester Assemblyman talks about the UI debt, owning a business, the Buffalo Bills, and growing up on a farm.

The Business Council, through the Public Policy Institute, is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and three chambers of commerce across New York State to host the second annual statewide civics competition. National Civics Bee encourages students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In 2025, students from Rochester, Staten Island, and Central New York will compete in the finals held in Albany on May 30.

Calvin Lakhan, Director, Circular Innovation Hub, Faculty of Environment and Urban Change at York University, recently joined the podcast to discuss the costs associated with New York State's proposed Expanded Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. York University has done similar studies for three Canadian provinces and three states.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring and employing individuals from certain targeted groups who have faced significant barriers to employment. Ernst and Young joined the podcast to discuss the federal program that sunsets in 2025 and the push on the state level to implement a similar credit for businesses.

Anthony Tomaselli, Advocate for Business at the NYS Workers' Compensation Board, stopped by the podcast to discuss the state agency's role in helping businesses comply with workers’ compensation insurance requirements while offering tips and best practices for lower premiums.

The Business Council of New York State has launched the inaugural ‘Coolest Thing Made in New York.’ The statewide initiative spotlights the innovation, creativity, and manufacturing excellence of businesses across the state through an exciting competition that provides a platform for manufacturers to showcase their products and highlight their vital role in driving New York's economy forward.

The Renewable Energy Conference annually gathers experts to address the state’s efforts to expand renewable energy generation, and related issues impacting the state's electric market and overall economy. It features sessions analyzing how state policy affects the competitive electric market, influences the development of renewable sources, and explores the role of renewable energy in achieving the emission reduction mandates of the CLCPA. Join us June 24 & 25!

The Business Council's Frank Kerbein, Director of the Center for Human Resources, joined the podcast to discuss the proposed changes to New York State's disability laws. The governor and state legislature each have ideas to increase the monetary weekly benefit while guaranteeing employment and health care coverage.

Don Levy, Director of the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI), dropped by the podcast to talk about the 17th Annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey. We discuss results, New York CEO sentiment compared to other state CEOs, and what the data means for our state's economy.

Experts from the Goldberg Segalla team stopped by the podcast to discuss workers' comp, including the cost to employers, ways to reduce risk, and best practices should a case arise at your company.

Governor Kathy Hochul recently unveiled her State of the State and budget initiatives for 2024. We take a look at the proposals and what they mean for business. We also discuss how much of her agenda will get done with the current legislature.

Sean Austin, Chief Executive Officer at Helios Life Enterprises Incorporated, stopped by the podcast to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its emerging uses in today's world. We discuss how Helios uses the technology to help their clients and how the business world can benefit from AI usage.

Paul Zuber, Executive Vice President of The Business Council, joined the podcast to discuss what the New York State Assembly will tackle in thier special session June 20th. We also discuss the impact of several bills left unattended during the regular session, including Weekly Pay Mandates, the COVID Leave policy, and the UI fund debt.

EJ McMahon, Founding Senior Fellow of the Empire Center, stopped by the podcast to discuss New York's outmigration problem, where hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are leaving the state with their wealth and going to more tax-friendly states. We discuss the data and what it actually means for New York moving forward.

New York State Director of National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) New York, Ashley Ranslow, and Howard Potter, a Small Business Owner from Utica, recently joined the podcast to discuss the two minimum wage increase proposals in New York State. NFIB NY recently released a thorough report on the impacts of a minimum wage hike, and Howard Potter talks about the impacts on his graphic design business and how much it would cost his business which already pays new, unskilled employees...

Ken Pokalksy stopped by the podcast to talk about the impact the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) will have on businesses and consumers. How gas stoves, newly constructed buildings, furnaces, and vehicles will cause consumers and businesses to change how they shop and function. What are the mandates and deadlines? Ken breaks it all down.