During my time at Invest Buffalo Niagara, I’ve helped over two dozen companies relocate or expand to Buffalo Niagara.
One of the complimentary services we offer those companies is in-depth and tailored research. Here’s the case for back office operations to relocate or expand to Buffalo Niagara, by the numbers.
16,000
There are currently 16,000 employees in back office operations in Western New York. That’s a lot of talent!
15%
That talent is loyal, too. Turnover rates in Buffalo Niagara are 15% less than other comparable metro areas.
“In California, I would occasionally sign 5-year service awards,” said David Anderson, President & CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “Here, every month I sign several 30+-year service awards. Every month. That’s really unique.”
25,000
The talent pool is only growing. In Buffalo Niagara, there are 21 colleges and universities graduating nearly 25,000 graduates annually.
“we’re fortunate to have a strong base of colleges and universities to recruit from. The University at Buffalo has a very diverse student body, including a large number of international students, and we have a strong group of private colleges here,” said Michelle Trolli, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology and Operations Officer at M&T Bank.
47
Within 100 miles of downtown, that number grows to 47 colleges and universities, expanding an employer’s possible labor pool to hire from.
1,500
Strategic Financial Solutions is a recent success story for the Buffalo Niagara region. The back office operator chose Western New York for its new location, creating 1,500 new jobs.
“We’ve had great success. We’ve had three [training] classes now of unbelievably great, young, talented, focused people that really just fit our culture and our values,” said CEO of Strategic Financial Solutions Ryan Sasson to The Buffalo News.
94.2
Buffalo Niagara has a 94.2 cost of living index, almost 6 percent lower than the national average (100). The talent a company is hiring can afford a comfortable lifestyle and enjoy the available amenities within the region.