Senator Valesky joins Manufacturers Alliance to release study

Syracuse, New York - Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) joined local business leaders to announce the results of a new study released today, “Manufacturing Executives: Attitudes, Operations, Expectations & Opportunities,” which indicate that while the manufacturing sector stills finds the economic climate to be challenging, they continue to invest in capital and operations in New York State. The study is part of a continuation series that began in 2010, conducted by Zogby Analytics, and commissioned by a partnership between the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, its policy and research arm the Manufacturers Research Institute of New York State, and the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC).

As part of the 7th Annual Manufacturing Lobby Days in Albany, held March 17th and 18th, a press conference was held announcing the findings. Senator Valesky attended the press conference in support of manufacturing, along with business leaders Randy Wolken, president of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State; Brian McMahon, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council; and Michael Stam, president & CEO, Tomkins County Area Development (TCAD). Survey results were presented by Jonathan Zogby of Zogby Analytics.

The study indicated that there was no appreciable improvement in attitude or outlook since MACNY/Zogby Analytics began this series in 2010, and the general mood indicators remain very low. The March 2014 study shows that by a factor of five to one, more say that maintaining manufacturing business operation in NYS has gotten worse (53%), while only 10% feel it has gotten better.  Despite this opinion, the report also shows seven in ten (68%) give a good or fair rating to their company’s ability to maintain business operations in New York State, and the number of manufacturing executives who say their employment levels have increased (30%) is up from 2010 and 2012 levels.

“Our study has indicated something we have long known: New York State manufacturers are resilient. Despite the challenging economic climate, manufacturers are seeing success and growth based on their ability to adapt. In this study, we sought to identify just what manufacturers were feeling about the economic climate, and identify how New York State should focus its attention to help grow manufacturing and our economy. Broad-based relief for manufacturers with regards to tax reduction and regulatory reform remain critical for the retention and growth in New York State of our manufacturers,” stated Manufacturers Alliance President Randy Wolken.

“Manufacturing is a significant industry in New York State, and this study provides a road map for what we need to do to help it grow. On a state level, I will continue to support policies to create a more business-friendly environment, including tax relief and creating a strong workforce, to help manufacturers expand across the state,” Senator Valesky said.

Photo from left: Michael Stam, president & CEO, Tomkins County Area Development (TCAD); Brian McMahon, NYSEDC; Senator David Valesky; Senator Tom O’Mara; and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb. Manufacturers Alliance President Randy Wolken is speaking.