Utica, NY –

The Upstate Jobs Party (UJP) today announced a new series of events that will focus on the Upstate Economy, the Innovation Economy, and how supporting entrepreneurism can help reinvigorate Upstate. The first forum will take place in Utica, NY at the Clark City Center of Utica College (177 Genesee Street) on Wednesday, May 15 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

UJP Founder Martin Babinec said, “Upstate Jobs has worked with elected officials of both parties to underscore the importance of reversing the outmigration of our talent, developing policy to enable private investment in our economy, and reforming State government. These priorities aren’t partisan issues, but policy imperatives we that must embrace if we are to fix decades of decline in Upstate New York.”

The event on May 15 will be an open forum to discuss policy priorities, examine local successes and have a respectful dialogue with policy makers on how to launch high growth companies with our local talent. Confirmed panelists currently include Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Utica Mayor Robert Palmeiri, and Little Falls Mayor Mark Blask. Kicking off the event will be a presentation from Charles Green of AIS on how he has succeeded as a tech entrepreneur in Upstate New York.  To RVSP, click here.

The UJP is focused on supporting candidates who are fostering an environment conducive to creating innovation jobs as the best opportunity to build the Upstate economy with homegrown talent for the next generation. The Party is focused on building priorities around stemming the outflow of our young talent, getting government out of the way of investors and entrepreneurs, and fully reforming New York State government.

The next regional forum will be held in Syracuse, with additional forums planned for Buffalo and the Capital Region.

Founded in 2016, the Upstate Jobs Party built support through the platform put forward by Martin Babinec, a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur who returned home to the Mohawk Valley and has helped hundreds of others start and grow emerging tech companies throughout Upstate NY.

In 2017, Upstate Jobs Party supported independent candidate Ben Walsh, who successfully upset the political establishment by winning election as Syracuse Mayor on an Upstate Jobs Party ballot line. Walsh is the first independent Mayor in Syracuse history.

In 2018, UJP endorsed Republican State Senate candidates Bob Antonacci and Daphne Jordan, as well as Democratic State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. All three were elected – two in open seats.

“As we continue to spread our message, we find more and more candidates and elected officials who believe that fostering an environment where new companies in innovation industries can succeed is the surest path towards creating a stronger economy in Upstate NY,” added John Bullis, UJP Chairman.

The UJP has committed significant resources, including from its Independent Expenditure Committee, in support of leaders who demonstrate realistic pathways for shaping the community support necessary for more high growth companies to start right here with our own talent.

Volunteers interested in joining the effort to create more jobs in Upstate NY, keep our best and brightest talent from leaving to pursue opportunities elsewhere, and build a stronger communities throughout the region are encouraged to visit the UJP web site at UpstateJobs.org to learn more.