Location matters, especially for businesses seeking reliability, resilience and long-term growth.
From clean, renewable hydropower to a loyal, skilled workforce and a location that keeps companies connected to markets, Buffalo Niagara offers stability where it matters most — proximity, power, people.
Proximity: Connected to Markets, Water, and Infrastructure
The Buffalo Niagara region sits directly on the U.S.–Canadian border, within a one-day drive of (500 miles / 805 Kilometers) of more than 40 percent of the binational population, giving companies access to a large market of customers, suppliers, and talent.
With access to two Great Lakes and the Niagara River, the region offers abundant fresh water and critical transportation infrastructure. Logistical assets including the Port of Buffalo, the first major U.S. port of call on the Great Lakes; shorter-than-average commute times; 3,675 miles (5,914 kilometers) of highways; and more than 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) of rail keep people and products moving efficiently.
Buffalo Niagara’s location also supports long-term resilience. A Harvard University study identified Buffalo as a potential refuge from the most immediate effects of climate change due to its water access, existing infrastructure, and relatively mild temperatures. For companies planning decades ahead, climate resilience is an increasingly important factor in site selection.
Power: Reliable, Low-Cost, Clean Energy
Proximity to one of the world’s great natural wonders delivers more than scenic beauty. It delivers power.
Water flowing from Lake Erie via the Niagara River drops approximately 325 feet at Niagara Falls on its way to Lake Ontario, making the region one of the most effective places in the world to generate hydropower. This clean, reliable energy supports manufacturing and industry on both sides of the border, from consumer products to advanced industrial components.
The New York Power Authority’s Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant is the largest hydroelectric generator east of the Rocky Mountains and ranks among the top three in the United States. Abundant hydropower translates into real operational cost savings. Companies in New York State that are creating jobs or increasing electric load may be eligible to apply for allocations of low-cost hydropower through fixed-rate contracts, providing long-term energy stability and a competitive advantage.
[View our recent hydropower video]
People: A Workforce Built to Stay and Succeed
Access to talent matters, but the character of Buffalo Niagara’s workforce is what truly sets the region apart.
Business leaders consistently highlight the region’s work ethic, shaped by generations of manufacturing and reinforced by a culture of resilience. It is the same spirit seen among Bills Mafia and neighbors helping neighbors through winter storms. Employees are known for staying until the work is done, taking pride in their contributions, and committing to their communities and employers.
That commitment delivers measurable results. Turnover rates in Buffalo Niagara are approximately 15% below the national average, giving employers greater workforce stability, stronger institutional knowledge, and teams that grow alongside the business.
[View our employer success story playlist]
Built for Business Stability and Long-Term Growth
Location decisions are not made for the short-term, and neither are the strategic advantages found in Buffalo Niagara: Renewable hydropower, people who stay and grow, and proximity that supports sustainable growth. Together, these advantages create a foundation for businesses designed to endure and thrive for decades.
