SUNY Brockport joins colleges in economic development efforts

SUNY Brockport joins colleges
in economic development efforts

Rochester Area Colleges, a consortium of 18 colleges and universities, has launched a new website to assist the region's economic development efforts. The website, www.biz2edu.com, will provide economic development organizations, site selectors, corporations and individuals a web-based gateway to the resources provided by Rochester's academic institutions.

With more than 84,000 college students in the area, the website features enrollment information as well as data on the number of graduates generated by the area colleges. Popular search terms on the site include workforce development, internships, product testing, venture funding and faculty and student research.

"We are pleased to be part of this collaborative venture as the Rochester area colleges are economic engines. SUNY Brockport's economic impact on the Rochester region is substantial. With 1,700 employees and more than 8,300 undergraduate and graduate students, our estimated total economic impact annually is almost $412 million," said SUNY Brockport President John R. Halstead.

The website was produced with software and technology support provided by TCN (Technology Consulting Network), based in Henrietta. "TCN has been a great partner in the effort to develop this site," said Deborah Stendardi, vice president for Government and Community Relations at RIT, who has been spearheading the project. "Their software and technology support has been critical to our success in getting the site launched."

"The Rochester Area Colleges On-Line Directory Project, Biz2Edu.com, offers invaluable services to local businesses and is helping to revitalize the economy by attracting new employers to the Rochester area," said Assemblyman Bill Reilich. "By strengthening the ties between the business and academic communities, the project will ensure that businesses in the Rochester area remain competitive in the 21st century."