Business Council 's Podcast

Peter Cuneo stopped by the podcast to discuss his time as the head of several major companies, including Marvel. Known as the "turnaround CEO" for his work taking a handful of companies from the bottom to the top, including leading a $4.5 billion sale of Marvel, Peter shares what makes a successful leader and how his time in the military prepared him for the private sector.

The Executive Director and Advocate for Business of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board stopped by the podcast to discuss two issues they are focused on changing in the 2026 New York state budget process: expanding the healthcare provider pool & securing grants to fight fraud.

Vice President of Government Affairs Ken Pokalsky joined the podcast to discuss a newly released memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to the governor’s office titled “Likely Costs of CLCPA Compliance.” The memo marks the first time since the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) that the state has outlined the potential cost impacts of the climate law enacted in 2019. Ken breaks down the costs detailed in the memo, what comes next for the CLCPA, and why concerns about affordability call for adjustments to the law—not its abandonment.

Senior Director of Government Affairs, Chelsea Lemon, joined the podcast to discuss the momentum in Albany to enact several recommendations from the Blueprint for New York – Creating a Roadmap for Change business report released last Fall and how Governor Hochul is embracing many recommendations by including them in her State of the State and budget proposals. 

President & CEO Heather Mulligan recently delivered the keynote address at the Improving Economic Competitiveness & Creating a Roadmap for Change event in Albany. In her remarks, Heather addressed several critical issues impacting the state’s economic future, including -+Accountability in state spending+The  ongoing outmigration problem+Cutting red tape for economic development projects+High taxes and return on investment compared to other states +Reason for optimism

Assemblymember Alex Bores joined the podcast to discuss his viral Congressional campaign launch video, AI regulations, and being a new dad.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli sat down on the podcast to discuss his career as an elected official, which began at 18 years-old. The comptroller also discusses his early days working for Ma Bell, the first bill he ever introduced as a freshman Assemblymember, and today's great political divide.

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 above the minimum wage. 

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. 

Douglas Heath, Regional Manager – Continuity of Operations DHS/FEMA Region 2, stopped by the podcast to talk about FEMA's role in emergency preparedness and how the federal agency works with private employers during an unexpected disaster.   

Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York, and  Maureen O'Brien, President & CEO of the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) stopped by the podcast to discuss inclusion among individuals with disabilities. Both organizations promote inclusion and provide opportunities for individuals each in its unique way, the Special Olympics New York through athletics and NYSID through employment. The general public and private sector employers can each get involved respectively, to help promote and contribute to their missions.

NYRA Vice President for Communications, Patrick McKenna, joined the podcast to discuss opening day at Saratoga Race Course, the summer meet and all the new features and attractions NYRA made at the track. We discuss the biggest racing days of the summer and where to enjoy the action once you get to the track. 

FEMA and private sector businesses work hand in hand each year to provide services and resources to individuals and communities impacted during a disaster. Private sector businesses can fill out a free form to become eligible to work with FEMA or other government agencies who need food, supplies, or equipment. Ekatherina Carrera,  a Contracting Specialist with FEMA, walks us through the process and benefits of doing business with FEMA.

Karl Sleight, Partner, Harris Beach, joined the CONNECT Podcast to discuss the latest on New York State's cannabis laws. We break down where the licensing process stands, the challenges of non-licensed vendors selling products, and the impact of the industry on the economy and those who will be awarded licenses.   

FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Sam Baltzersen, stopped by the podcast to discuss cyber security. The FBI works businesses and the community on cyber security defense. We discuss what ransomware attacks are and how businesses are vulnerable to them and what employers can do to protect thier companies. We also discuss how increased threats from Russia are impacting how businesses and where business owners can go to learn more about targetd attacks and what other employers are facing. 

Ken Pokalsky, Vice President of The Business Council, recently joined the podcast to discuss the state's mounting $9 billion Unemployment Insurance Fund debt. The debt ballooned during the state-mandated business shutdowns during COVID. Now employers across the state, responsible for contributions to the fund, must repay the debt. However, The Business Council has a few ideas on how the state can offset the burden for businesses, still in recovery mode.  

John D'Alessandro, Secretary of FASNY stopped by the podcast to discuss the need for volunteer firefighters throughout the entire state of New York. There has been a 20% decline in volunteers; why? And what does a declined volunteer pool mean for the safety of communities, particularly upstate? John also discusses what businesses and the public can do to support volunteer departments beyond becoming a member. 

Jenna Shrove from the US Chamber of Commerce joined the podcast to discuss the Great Resignation. Also known as The Great Quit, a movement started in February 2021 has led to nearly 40 million Americans voluntarily resigning from their jobs. How many have quit in New York State? Why? And what long-term implications this will create on the economy is discussed in this episode. 

Tim Graham, Senior Writer for The Athletic coving Buffalo sports, recently joined the podcast to discuss the future of a new Buffalo Bills stadium. Tim talks about location, roof specs, and costs. How much money will a new stadium cost not only the Bills but taxpayers in New York State? Also, why has no deal been announced yet, just one football season away from a deal needing to be in place? 

Ed Mortimer, Vice President, Transportation, and Infrastructure at the US Chamber, recently joined the podcast to discuss the federal infrastructure bill that passed the US Senate. Ed discusses where the bill currently sits on the House's priority agenda. We also breakdown details of the bill and specific impacts on New York State. 

Former New York Met & New York Yankee pitcher Dwight "Doc" Gooden joined the podcast to talk about his life as a player and person. In July, Doc joined The Business Council's 13th Annual Golf Classic, then spent time talking about his career as a major league pitcher. Doc opens up about his drug use and how it impacted his career and life. Find out which milestones he missed because of his addiction. We also discuss baseball and the 1986 World Series. What happens if Bill Buckner fields the ball? The real reason he was so emotional after his 1996 no-hitter and who were the batters he wanted to face and didn't want to face. 

Melissa Moore, New York State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, recently joined the podcast to chat about legalized cannabis in New York State. We discuss how New York is not the first state but perhaps the "most ambitious" state with marijuana policies. We also examine realistic expectations for state projected revenues, employer protections, and how the federal government may use New York's law as a possible future national standard.

The Empire Center's E.J. McMahon joined the podcast to talk about the historic $212 billion New York State budget agreement. E.J. discusses how the spending in this budget compares to previous spending throughout State history and why this is a "turning point"  in New York's history. We also dive into the actual impacts of the SALT cap and who the cap most affected.  

Jeremy Wladis, President of The Restaurant Group, and five different restaurants from New York City to Charlotte recently joined the podcast to discuss the pinch restaurants are feeling in New York City due to restrictions and the pandemic. Wladis also discusses the differences in restrictions from state to state, the current difficulties of operating in Washington DC, and how he survived the 2015 Amtrak train crash.  

Barstool Sports founder and President, Dave Portnoy, joined the podcast to discuss his small business fundraising venture. To date he has helped raised almost $20 million for businesses struggling from the pandemic. The money has gone nationwide, including to a few businesses in New York State. He also dishes on the best pizza in New York.  

Gareth Rhodes recently joined the podcast to discuss the coronavirus response and vaccine rollout in New York State.  The member of the Governor's COVID-19 Response Task Force discusses how many vaccines New York State expects by the new year, who will get them and what the company he is watching most that he believes will have a significant impact on general population inoculation. 

Ian Rosenblum, Executive Director of The Education Trust-New York, recently joined the podcast to discuss affordable and available childcare in New York State. A recent survey by Raising NY, a coalition of business groups and organizations, shows both employees and employers are negatively impacted by a lack of childcare in New York State. Ian and Heather discuss the survey and options on how to help the problem so both employees and businesses can thrive.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner, Roberta Reardon, recently joined the pod to discuss the State's COVID response, how large the call volumes and unemployment claims have been, and just how much the State and federal government have paid out in claims since March

In this episode Heather and Liz have a casual and open conversation about COVID-19, the state and federal response, and how it has impacted people and businesses. The two also discuss how upcoming elections will be impacted by mail in voting forms and if the current equality movement will impact the elections. 

Alicia Barton, President & CEO of NYSERDA, recently joined the podcast to discuss what current projects are moving forward, what is on hold and how many clean energy sector job losses there have been all thanks to COVID-19. We also dissect the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and find out where current contracts and projects stand, how coronavirus may impact timelines, what role natural gas will have in a long term transition and how public/private partnerships will be vital to future solutions and goals. 

Congressman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) recently joined the podcast to discuss federal relief for businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. Hear his thoughts are on the Paycheck Protection Program funds being depleted, how much more money Congress could approve in a second round of funding and how he and other representatives are managing working from home.

Aaron Pacitti, Associate Professor of Economics at Siena College, joined the podcast to discuss the current federal and New York State economy. Aaron believes the U.S. is already in a recession and discusses his beliefs on how long it will last, why it is unique, and if it will be worse than the 2008 recession.