Worksite Wellness: Beth Machnica takes on role of Buffalo’s healthy company advocate

Worksite Wellness: Beth Machnica takes on role of Buffalo’s healthy company advocate

By  – Copy Editor, Buffalo Business First

Worksite wellness is a hot topic and here’s why: For every $1 a company spends on a comprehensive wellness program, $8 can be saved in health care costs by lowering medication usage, surgeries or preventing illness and disease over five years.

That’s a solid return on investment, said Beth Machnica, healthy communities catalyst for Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Inc.

She’s leading the charge to see the region gain “company health champions” of all sizes and in every industry. And she’s doing it through the Buffalo Healthy Workplace Initiative, led by BNMC and funded by a five-year grant from the state Department of Health.

It’s linked to a public health effort titled “Creating Healthy Schools and Communities,” whose goal is to reduce major risk factors of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

“The Buffalo Healthy Workplace Initiative is a platform for collectively transforming workplaces into environments of health promotion, one step at a time,” Machnica said.

She is tasked with bringing together diverse employers to learn from each other, develop best practices and improve their focus on creating a healthier workplace.

Indeed, a company’s overall environment and culture influence the health of people who work there, she said, from such things as air quality to the type of lighting, infrastructure that supports physical activity and access to healthy food in vending machines and cafeterias. It’s also important to address social, emotional and mental health components.

“Through this initiative, BNMC makes recommendations for how workplaces can improve after an initial benchmarking exercise on these components,” she said.

Hwp-contenty and healthy employees are more productive, and offering a strong wellness program “is a huge competitive advantage that many are beginning to realize,” she said.

Have local businesses stepped up to the plate on this? Although Buffalo is home to the chicken wing, there is great momentum among local employers and insurers in being places of health. Some worksites have been at it for quite some time. They have state-of-the-art gyms, showers, walking treadmills, free healthy lunch and snacks, personal training, chair massage, stress management and financial wellness classes. Other local companies are just getting their feet wet in the space.

How can you help? BNMC has varying levels of resources, technical assistance, infrastructure and equipment to provide organizations at any level of wellness to expand and/or improve their current programs.

Can companies learn from each other and share ideas? We help companies learn from each other and share ideas through our work council model. Each month we bring together representatives from each of the organizations involved. Most times we meet at the Innovation Center on the medical campus and focus on a certain topic, such as Social Determinants of Health, Cross Generational Differences, or Active Transportation in relation to a wellness program. Sometimes we meet at other worksites to get a tour of their facilities and get a presentation of their wellness program. The majority of participants have reported in our annual survey the biggest benefit from attending these meetings other than the content is the opportunity to network.

What drives you to make difference? I am passionate about the work I do. I feel strongly about preventive health; I want to prevent chronic disease in the population as a whole more so than I want to work with individuals. Our health care system is so focused on treating sick people. I think we need to focus more on prevention altogether. And in order to do that, changes in our environment and changes at the systems level are needed, which can make a larger impact than treating people individually and putting Band Aids on things. For me, the workplace wellness space is a perfect fit to address preventive health in the population at the systems level.

What’s the bottom line? Organizations must be strategic in offering a strong wellness program that is relevant to the unique needs of their population and invest in their employees’ health. It takes time to change a habit, behavior, lifestyle and overall a workplace culture. The return, monetary or otherwise, will come with time.

What makes the timing right for this initiative? Health and wellness is trendy right now in general. With healthy food spots opening up and free yoga everywhere, Buffalo is becoming a landscape for health and well-being. Employers are catching on to this and expanding the variety of diversity of wellness offerings as a result.

BNMC to Host NYSERDA Electric Vehicle Ride + Drive Event

Curious about what it is like to drive an electric vehicle (EV)?

Come experience the quiet, fast, and smooth ride for yourself!

Join us at the NYSERDA EV Ride & Drive event to test drive a variety of electric vehicles and learn about available savings and incentives! This free event is open to employees who work on the BNMC and members of the community.

Date: Thursday, September 20th

Time: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Place: 589 Ellicott St. (parking lot)

The BNMC was the region’s earliest adopter of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure, installing 21 units in 2011. Currently there are 46  stations across the Medical Campus, making it even easier for employees, visitors, and neighbors to “green” their commute using electric vehicles.

BNMC 2nd Annual Summer Block Party

 

 

On Wednesday, August 8th, the BNMC hosted its 2nd Annual Summer Block Party in partnership with the University at Buffalo and Roswell Park. This fun, festive event was free and open to employees who work on the BNMC and members of the community, featuring a BBQ dinner, live music, community organizations, lawn games and more!

BNMC to Host 2nd Annual Summer Block Party

Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, University at Buffalo and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to Host Block Party for Employees, Neighbors in Fruit Belt, Allentown and Downtown

 

Free family-friendly event to include music, food and fun and a way for employees and neighbors to connect

What

The 2nd Annual BNMC Summer Block Party is a summer evening of fun and friendship (old & new!) for employees who work on the BNMC and neighbors from surrounding neighborhoods including the Fruit Belt, Allentown and Downtown.

The free, family-friendly, alcohol-free event is designed to bring together Medical Campus employees with local residents in a social, fun setting. The Block Party will feature live music from the Unity Band and DJ Sike. Also included are kids’ activities, food, health & wellness information and representation from community organizations that may be of interest to employees and local residents.

When

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where

Kaminski Park & Gardens on Carlton & Elm Street at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

REDDY, Set, Bike!

REDDY, Set, Bike!

With summer in full swing, it’s finally time to enjoy the warmth that this vibrant city has to offer. There are many ways to take in the sights, art, and culture of Campus while travelling from place to place. By now, you’re sure to have seen one of the most efficient ways to travel around Campus. They’re impossible to miss! They’re bright red bicycles with bright red baskets and even brighter yellow locks and free annual memberships are available for employees and students on the BNMC!

REDDY Bikeshare provides rentable bicycles at unique locations around the city of Buffalo. The bikes can be picked up at hubs and used for a small fee after signing up with the SoBi wp-content, then dropped off at hubs around Buffalo for free or possibly a small charge, depending on where the bike is parked.

There are slightly different rules for the REDDY Bikes on Campus. We’re lucky to have two hubs where you can pick up bikes, using our free REDDY Bikeshare code: GOBNMC2018. You can also lock your REDDY bike anywhere on Campus for free if you don’t have time to ride back to one of the hubs. It’s easier than ever to rent a bike and easiest for employees and students here!

Whether it’s to stay fit, get somewhere quicker than on foot, or to slow down and take in your surroundings, there are countless benefits to biking. Next time you need a ride somewhere, consider REDDY Bikeshare.

Visit their website for more details on the program and to sign up.

 

BNMC Celebrates Dump the Pump Day on June 21st

Join the BNMC for our annual Dump the Pump Day celebration on Thursday, June 21st!
Dump the Pump Day is a nationally recognized day to encourage people to travel around their cities in a way that supports and raises awareness for the benefits of sustainable transportation. Ride to work on public transit, bike, join a carpool, or walk to reduce fossil fuel emissions and your carbon footprint.

The BNMC will be hosting a celebration for employees and neighbors who “dump the pump” for the day, June 21st from 8:00 – 10:00 AM, at Allen/Medical Campus Metro Rail Station. There will be live music and free coffee for everyone who takes the pledge!

Take the Dump The Pump pledge and remember that when it comes to bettering the environment every little bit counts!

Work Hard, Play Hard: The 5 Best Things About Working on the BNMC

Work Hard, Play Hard

The 5 Best Things About Working on the BNMC

  1. Places To Eat: There are more locations to grab a delicious bite on Campus than ever before! With options ranging from the Homegrown Kitchen to Joe’s Deli to Twisted Pickle, you’ll never have to worry about packing a lunch again. Unless you want to brown bag it, that’s totally cool. Discover food on the BNMC.
  2. Tons of Events & Activities: The BNMC offers a robust lineup of free activities all year round to stay healthy, active, and involved in the community! We hold monthly, weekly, and special signature events around Campus for both employees and neighbors. From music to fitness to food – there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
  3. Transportation Perks: The BNMC rewards employees for being environmentally conscious! No matter how you commute, the BNMC offers options to make your ride into work easier. There are 29 EV charging stations on Campus with the ability to charge 40 vehicles, 233 bike parking spaces, a free REDDY Bikeshare membership for employees, and several employers now offer subsidized transit passes – just to name a few transportation amenities! Visit GOBNMC.org to learn more about commuter incentives, including two free parking passes per month and a Guaranteed Ride Home via Lyft.
  4. Neighborhood Explorer Discount Program: 85+ businesses in the Allentown, Downtown, and Fruit Belt neighborhoods offer discounts to the 16,000+ employees and students on the Medical Campus. Discounts are redeemed with the BNMC Neighborhood Explorer Sticker, which employees can adhere to the back of their employer ID badge. For the full list of businesses and/or to sign-up for your sticker, click here.
  5. Beautiful Public Art: New buildings, enthusiastic staff, and exciting innovation are not the only things making the BNMC a beautiful place. Around Campus are vibrant murals, extraordinary sculptures, and brilliant installations that make it even more dynamic! Check out the public art on Campus.

Collaboration Among Our Transportation Partners

Check out our Bike to Work Day video that captures the celebration and highlights the important collaboration among our many transportation partners, including GObike Buffalo, Reddy Bikeshare, NFTA, The City Of Buffalo Department of Public Works, NYSDOT, NITTEC, Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together we’re building a healthier & more active community!

Summer Events on the BNMC

Summer Events on the BNMC

Summertime offers a great opportunity to get active and engaged on the BNMC! With a new event or activity every week, there’s no shortage of fun and healthy things to do on Campus. Our schedule boasts many of our longtime signature events like Tunes in the Tent, Walking on Wednesdays, and our Annual BNMC Fit Wellness Fair, plus several NEW offerings, including morning & evening yoga, bike breakfasts for our active commuters, and Medical Campus Monday walking tours.

Whether you’re into the local music scene, an active bike advocate, or a mall-walker looking for a change of pace — we promise, there’s something for everyone to be part of and enjoy!

Check out our schedule below and be sure to register where you see links. 

JUNE

June 6: Tunes in the Tent with Colored Musicians Club | 12-1 p.m. | Ellicott Park, Ellicott & Virginia Sts.
June 11: Medical Campus Monday Walking Tour | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Meet at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St.
June 13: Morning Yoga | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Corner of Washington & Carlton Sts.
June 20: Walks on Wednesdays led by Dr. Roseanne Berger, UB Jacobs School of Medicine | 12-1 p.m. | Meet at Main & Allen Sts.
June 27: BNMC Fit Employee Wellness Fair | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Wyndham Garden Buffalo, 125 High St.
Yoga EVERY Tuesday after work | 5:15-6:15 p.m. | Washington & Carlton Streets

JULY

July 9: Medical Campus Monday Walking Tour | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Meet at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St.
July 11: Morning Yoga | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Corner of Washington & Carlton Sts.
July 11: Tunes in the Tent with Live DJ | 12-1 p.m. | Ellicott Park, Ellicott & Virginia Sts.
July 18: Walks on Wednesdays led by Shirley Johnson, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center | 12-1 p.m. | Meet at Roswell’s Kaminski Park, Elm & Carlton Sts.
July 25: GO BNMC Bike Breakfast | 8-9:30 a.m. | Ellicott Park, Ellicott & Virginia Sts.
Yoga EVERY Tuesday after work | 5:15-6:15 p.m. | Washington & Carlton Streets

AUGUST

August 1: Tunes in the Tent with Ellen Pieroni Quartet | 12-1 p.m. | Lawn @ Washington & Carlton Streets
August 6: Medical Campus Monday Walking Tour | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Meet at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St.
August 8: Morning Yoga | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Corner of Washington & Carlton Sts.
August 8: BNMC Summer Block Party! | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Roswell’s Kaminski Park & Gardens
August 15: Walks on Wednesdays led by Lisa Schmidt, COO, Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute/Oishei Children’s Hospital | 12-1 p.m. | Meet at Colby Park, next to MiGO parking garage at 134 High St.
August 22: GO BNMC Bike Breakfast | 8-9:30 a.m. | Ellicott Park, Ellicott & Virginia Sts.
Yoga EVERY Tuesday after work | 5:15-6:15 p.m. | Washington & Carlton Streets

 Nearby Farmers’ Markets

  • Roswell’s Market at the Park, Kaminski Park & Gardens, Elm. & Carlton St. | Wednesdays from 1am-1pm
  • Moot Community Center at 292 High Street | Thursdays from 10am-12pm  (5 minute walk from Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Gates Vascular Institute and Roswell Park)
  • Downtown Country Market on Main St. between Court & Church Streets | Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am-2:30pm
  • Salvation Army at 960 Main St. | Tuesdays from 11am-1pm

 

 

BNMC Research Discovery Day Encourages Collaboration

BNMC Research Discovery Day Encourages Collaboration

BNMC Partners recently hosted the first Annual BNMC Research Discovery Day. More than 250 researchers, scientists, students, and leaders attended this collaborative event designed to promote the services and shared resources of the biomedical companies and institutions on the Medical Campus.

Dr. Johnson Lau, CEO and Board Chairman of Athenex was the luncheon keynote speaker, inspiring local researchers to dream big and take their idea or company global. More than 50 researchers, postdocs, PIs, technicians, companies, and vendors presented posters in an afternoon session designed to raise awareness of the services available right here in Buffalo.

The morning session focused on the power of collaboration and creative brainstorming, led by international creativity expert Dr. Roger Firestein. Partners from Hauptman-Woodward Institute, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, AMRI, Zeptometrix, and the University at Buffalo spoke about their research offerings and attendees were able to identify high-level collaboration opportunities.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support from KeyBank, and the dynamic planning committee led by leaders from Hauptman-Woodward Institute, AMRI, Zeptometrix, and Roswell Park. Many thanks to everyone who participated in this event – we hope to see even more next year!

Bike To It!

Bike To It!

Bike to Work Breakfast to Celebrate Cyclists and Improved Bike Amenities on Medical Campus this Friday 

Improvements that support biking and commuting options are increasing on the Medical Campus, promoting health, environmental responsibility, and pedestrian-friendly streets.

 

WHAT: A breakfast gathering at the culmination of National Bike to Work Week to celebrate those who commute to work by bike and to highlight the many amenities and improvements on the Medical Campus specifically designed to create a bike-friendly culture.

The Medical Campus has the densest bicycle parking in the City of Buffalo with 233 spaces and secure bike parking, two Reddy Bike Stations with a total of 12 bikes for short term use, and geo-fencing around the Campus perimeter to allow users to leave Reddy Bikes anywhere on Campus rather than at a Reddy Bike station. Other amenities include a newly painted crosswalks at Ellicott and Virginia with more to be added this summer, covered and locked bike storage, and 100 additional bike racks added to the Campus this summer, including additional secure bike storage.

WHEN: Friday, May 18th  7:30 AM – 10 AM

WHERE: At the park at the corner of Ellicott and Virginia Streets on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

WHO: BNMC is hosting the event in partnership with Gobike Buffalo to celebrate bike commuters and those using active commuting options to get to work.

Collaborating partners in transportation planning will be on hand to share information about transportation options, programs and amenities on Campus that encourage Campus employees to try biking, walking, transit, and carpooling.  Partners include GObike Buffalo, Go Buffalo Niagara, Reddy Bikeshare, NFTA, and others.

Breakfast and coffee provided by The Grove and Caffeology.

WHY: BNMC and its transportation partners are committed to creating a bike-friendly campus and encouraging local residents to try new modes of transportation that are environmentally friendly, promote health, and contribute to a cyclist and pedestrian-friendly city.

BNMC’s 2017 Report to the Community

Download the Report

2017 was a pivotal year for the BNMC with the opening of the Oishei Children’s Hospital and the new home of the UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. With these now in place, our Campus has become an even more vibrant, collaborative, and innovative place for our anchor institutions, private companies, employees, students, visitors, and neighbors.

This year’s Report to the Community highlights our work to re-imagine our city’s future through the dynamic intersection of technology, health, discovery, and collaboration, including:

  • Driving innovation, job growth & economic development
  • Cultivating a safe, accessible, active and inclusive district that fosters health and wellbeing, supported by smart, sustainable transportation
  • Strengthening our community with economic opportunities benefiting youth, residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.

By dreaming big, our collaborative efforts will continue to lift our community and our collective renaissance. Join us – we’re just getting started!

About the BNMC: The BNMC is a multi-anchor social enterprise focused on cultivating innovation in partnership with our community. As the non-profit charged with addressing shared issues of concern among our member institutions, the BNMC plays a significant role in driving positive change to ignite urban revitalization. We focus on improving infrastructure, managing our transportation system, creating a culture of health and wellbeing, driving innovation, and working with our partners to continue to build an innovation district that reflects the best of our community.

 

BNMC Invites Employees and Local Restaurants, Shops & Service Providers to Participate in Neighborhood Explorer Program

BNMC Invites Employees and Local Restaurants, Shops & Service Providers to Participate in Neighborhood Explorer Program

Discount program designed to encourage Medical Campus employees to support local businesses

With an influx of students and new employees after the opening of the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital and UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the BNMC, Inc. has re-launched and rebranded its Neighborhood Explorer Program to better connect the 16,000 employees and students on Campus with area businesses.

The Neighborhood Explorer program provides a variety of discounts to Medical Campus employees at wp-contentroximately 80 participating area businesses in Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC developed this program to encourage its employees to buy local and support the restaurants, shops, and service providers in the neighborhoods around the Medical Campus. With a growing population on the Medical Campus and new and existing businesses looking for their patronage, the BNMC decided to re-launch the program, invite new businesses to participate, and highlight the program to employees.

Participating businesses determine wp-contentropriate discounts to encourage Campus employees to try their products or services and are identified with a newly rebranded Neighborhood Explorer window cling that can be displayed in an entranceway or window to draw traffic. Medical Campus employees can receive a BNMC Neighborhood Explorer sticker to adhere to their ID badge that should be presented to businesses in order to obtain the discount offered.

Employees can sign up for the new sticker and view a list of participating businesses at BNMC.org/explorer. Stickers will be available for pick up at the Innovation Center lobby at 640 Ellicott Street on Wednesdays between 11:30am-1:30pm or at the Roswell Park’s Market in the Park this summer.

 

BNMC Research Discovery Day

Sponsored by

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus hosts an impressive group of biomedical research-based companies with overlwp-contenting interests. BNMC Research Discovery Day is a one-day program designed to facilitate collaboration between biomedical companies on Campus and increase awareness of local services and resources.

Learn more about research services, core facilities, and collaboration opportunities with companies on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. 

WHEN

Thursday, May 3
9am-4pm 

WHERE

UB Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
955 Main St., Buffalo

WHAT

Collaboration Opportunities with Leading Researchers
9 AM-12 PM (*This session is invitation only. Please email euppington@hwi.buffalo.edu for information*)
KEYNOTE by Dr. Roger Firestien, international creativity expert
SHORT TALKS by AMRI, HarkerBio, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, UB’s NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, Zeptometrix & more
Open to directors, CEOs, leadership and other decision makers

Keynote & Research Services Available
12:30 PM-4 PM
LUNCH KEYNOTE by Dr. Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Athenex
POSTER SESSION by companies on the BNMC featuring core services available to scientists and researchers
NETWORKING for all at Ulrich’s Tavern, 674 Ellicott St. to follow
Open to all employees, undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs on the BNMC, as well as academic and industrial researchers and scientists

REGISTER today!

This event is sponsored  by:

KeyBank, BNMC, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Table vendors include:

AMRI, Athenex, BioFire Diagnostics, Clinical and Translational Science Institutes Community Engagement Team, GenMark Diagnostics, Hauptman-Woodward Institute, LABRepCo, LPS, UB Rise, ZeptoMetrix

Sponsors – Sponsorships and tables are still available. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Erin Uppington at euppington@hwi.buffalo.edu, 898-8610.  Deadline for sponsorships is April 18th.


Five things to know for BNMC’s Student Open House!

Five things to know for BNMC’s Student Open House!

 

  • Pre-Register: If you haven’t yet registered your entire group, please do so now at bnmc-old.local/april21.
  • Be prompt: There are 8 stops on the tour and you won’t get to all of them. Registration opens at 9am – arrive at the Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott then and move quickly to make sure you can get to as many places as possible.
  • Be prepared: All the stops are listed here. Review ahead of time so you know where you want to go. If one stop is too crowded, consider going to another one and coming back so you don’t waste too much time.
  • Ask questions: It takes more than 100 volunteers altogether to make this day a success. We all love to talk about what we do. Please ask questions! Ask what we were interested in at your age, where we went to school, how much training we needed. Ask about the hours we work and what our favorite (and least favorite!) parts of our jobs are.
  • Dress wp-contentropriately: This is a self-guided walking tour, traveling outdoors from location to location. While we hope it’s 75 degrees and sunny, we know that may not be the case. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. You will definitely get your steps in for the day.

Employees Invited to Share Commuting Story!

Do you carpool with a friend, take the subway or bus to work? Do you walk, bike, or run here? We want to hear your commuting story! There are a thousand ways to get to the BNMC—what’s your mode?
Email us at gobnmc@bnmc-old.local with the following information for a chance to be featured in our upcoming transportation campaign.

  • Name
  • Employer
  • Mode of transport
  • Sentence or two on why you love your commute!

Thanks for sharing your story with us! We’ll be in touch soon.

Connecting Small Businesses to Big Institutions

Connecting Small Businesses to Big Institutions

As a small business owner, it is hard to know where to start to make connections with those who make purchasing decisions for large institutions on the Medical Campus. In an effort to support local businesses and introduce them to decision makers, the BNMC and its partners created the Procurement Work Council in 2013, as an outcome of the University at Buffalo’s Opportunities Advisory Council, to find ways to better connect business owners to purchasing professionals on Campus and create business opportunities for local firms.

The Council is made up of representatives from Kaleida Health, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University at Buffalo, ECMC, the City of Buffalo, the U.S. Small Business Administration, among others. The goal is to learn more about local businesses and to connect them with decision makers with an emphasis on minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.

The Council hosts quarterly “BNMCWorks” events designed to showcase local businesses to purchasers, including the highly successful matchmaking networking events. These events provide an opportunity for business owners to meet one-on-one with purchasers to make a short pitch about their business and begin business relationships.

Small businesses are often invited to Work Council meetings to share their offerings and it can result in new relationships formed. In fact, a portion of the meeting is dedicated to sharing referrals and providing recommendations to other purchasing managers, helping both the institutions meet their needs and in opening new doors for local entrepreneurs.  For more information, contact Marc Pope, BNMC community project manager, at mpope@bnmc-old.local.

Change Up Your Commute this Spring!

Change Up Your Commute this Spring!

It might not feel like spring quite yet, but pretty soon the weather will turn and it’ll be time to dust off your bicycle and break out your walking shoes. As an employee on the BNMC, there are plenty of ways to commute to work that are not only healthy, but have less impact on the environment, and can save you money!

With a focus on creating a healthy community, our GoBNMC program encourages the use of fewer single-driver cars on and to Campus. Sign up for any of our transportation programs at GoBNMC.org to discover options and savings!

Commuting Options & GoBNMC Perks:

  • Public Transit: The newly renovated Allen Street Subway station is located right on Campus inside the new Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The NFTA has also extended bus routes from the Southtowns to the Medical Campus with pick-up and drop-off locations at Carlton and Ellicott streets. Ask your employer about the BNMC corporate subsidy of at least $20 for monthly metro passes and pre-tax savings for transit to make it even more economical.
  • Carpool: If driving with one or more colleagues, you can take advantage of preferred parking spaces and a carpooling pass that allows you to split the cost of parking with up to four people (only one car can park at any given time).  Pre-tax payroll deductions may make this even cheaper.
  • Bike: We have plenty of bike racks on Campus and bike storage with 24/7 member-only access at the corner of Ellicott and Virginia. Need to get to a meeting or make a quick trip for lunch or errands? Grab one of the many Reddy Bikes on Campus at your convenience! Annual memberships are free for Medical Campus employees with the promo code GOBNMC2017 at reddybikeshare.com.
  • Need a ride after getting to campus without a car? Take advantage of the Zipcar Carshare program to use a vehicle for a flat rate (includes gas & insurance). Free membership and discounted rates are available for Medical Campus employees. We also offer Guaranteed Ride Home if something unexpected comes up and you need to be there quickly!
  • Walk: Enjoy the scenery and the health benefits by getting to Campus on two feet!

Green Team Keeps the BNMC Shining While Building Skills And Gaining Employment

Green Team Keeps the BNMC Shining While Building Skills And Gaining Employment

If you have spent time on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus or in the BNMC’s Innovation Center, you have probably encountered one or more members of our “Green Team,” a group of individuals currently working as part of an wp-contentrentice-style program while handling building maintenance and landscaping for the BNMC.  The small but impactful program helps nearby residents gain a variety of skills so that they can obtain, keep and realize success in future jobs.

The Green Team currently includes members of Buffalo’s refugee population who are working to improve their language skills along with their knowledge and abilities in areas that will provide opportunities for full-time employment.  A total of 11 residents of the City of Buffalo have successfully completed or are currently part of the program, with members successfully “graduating” into new full-time, permanent jobs.

The workforce development program was created to provide a holistic wp-contentroach to preparing people who may have barriers to employment with the practical and life skills needed to be successful.  In addition to building skills and experience by maintaining the BNMC’s multiple properties on the Medical Campus, the team also has classroom training in skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and horticulture.  A dedicated workshop, built by Green Team members and the BNMC team together at the Innovation Center, is used for both practical purposes and hands-on training.

Recognizing that life circumstances can create issues that negatively impact successful employment, the program also includes education and guidance in areas such as communication, financial literacy, time management, computer skills, resume writing and much more.  We also work with our team to overcome hurdles to employment including obtaining a driver’s license and or finding childcare when necessary. Personal mentoring for team members is also an integral part of the program to better understand some of their challenges and to help them overcome barriers to future success.

BNMC Announces Spring Startup School Series

BNMC Announces Spring Startup School Series

We are hwp-contenty to announce our Spring 2018 Startup School Series! The program is made up of seminars and workshops designed to provide entrepreneurs and startup business teams with the education and guidance they need to successfully design, launch, and grow their new companies. All sessions are free and open to the community, but registration is required via the links below.

Wednesdays from 12-1:30 PM | LEARN at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St.

March 14, 2018 | Hiring Your First Employees with Holly Nowak, HMN Resources, LLC
Register

March 21, 2018 | Developing Your Brand with Rob Wynne, Wynne Creative Group
Register

April 4, 2018 | Perfecting Your Pitch with Rob Hunter, HigherMe
Register

April 11, 2018 | Lifting Off With Analytics with Adam Stotz, TROVE
Register

April 18, 2018 | Introduction to Blockchain with Jon Spitz & Paul Neubecker, Z80 Labs
Register

April 25, 2018 | Podcasting for Business with Nate Benson, 43North 
Register 

May 2, 2018 | Crowdsourcing for Business with Sam Marrazzo, BNMC
Register

May 16, 2018 | Protecting Your Intellectual Property with Robert Simpson, Simpson & Simpson, PLLC
Register

May 23, 2018 | SEO for Startups with Anthony Blatner, ModernMedio.io
Register

Employers Connect to Create Healthy Workplaces

Employers Connect to Create Healthy Workplaces

Finding fresh, nutritious food in the workplace can sometimes be a challenge, especially with the lure of sugary snacks or vending machine fare close by. A number of area employers are trying to change that and are working together in the Buffalo Healthy Workplace Initiative, led by the BNMC, to make their workplaces healthier.

Funded through a five-year Creating Healthy Schools & Communities (CHSC) grant from the NYS Department of Health that the BNMC is a lead partner on, the goal of the public health initiative is to reduce major risk factors of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases in 85 high-need school districts and associated communities statewide.  As part of the grant, the Buffalo Healthy Workplace Initiative brings together diverse employers to learn from each other, develop best practices, and improve their focus on creating a healthier workplace for their employees.

Local employers including New Era Cap Company, GObike Buffalo, Walsh Duffield, the BNMC, Harmac Medical Products, Independent Health and others are working together and within their own organizations to make the healthy choice the easy choice for their employees.  For many company health champions, sharing ideas and celebrating successes with others helps to keep motivation high.

There are currently 21 employers in the program with a goal of reaching 50 within three years. The BNMC’s healthy communities catalyst, Beth Machnica, leads participating companies through an initial assessment of their current health and wellness programs, helps identify areas for improvement, and facilitates connections to local community programs and resources that can help make healthy improvements in their workplace. A post-assessment is also planned to quantify results.  The group meets monthly to learn from each other.

If you or your company is interested in becoming a champion of creating healthy workplace culture, visit BNMC.org/healthyworkplace or contact Beth Machnica at emachnica@bnmc-old.local  to learn more.

 

All Aboard! Connecting People to Places on the BNMC

All Aboard! Connecting People to Places on the BNMC

Getting around the BNMC just got easier! We recently launched the Discovery & Link shuttles, allowing worry-free transportation for employees from their car to their destination. With the temperatures regularly below freezing this winter, our shuttles eliminate cold, snowy walks and provide (car) door-to- (workplace) door service! The Discovery shuttle route goes around the BNMC, stopping at Conventus, UB Jacobs School of Medicine, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo Medical Group, Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station, and parking lots at 1145 Main Street, 980 Ellicott Street and 589 Ellicott Street. The Link shuttle runs from the Gallagher Lot at the old Children’s Hospital to the new Oishei Children’s Hospital and the UB Jacobs School of Medicine. The schedule for both shuttles is located here.

BNMC Relaunches Neighborhood Explorer Program!

BNMC’s Neighborhood Explorer Program  is designed to better connect our 16,000 employees with more than 75 local businesses around the Medical Campus in the Allentown, Fruit Belt, and Downtown neighborhoods, and offers employees the opportunity to enjoy discounts and experience businesses in the area in a fun and exciting way.

Take the Neighborhood Explorer Survey!

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Employees  receive  BNMC Neighborhood Explorer Sticker to be adhered on the back of employer ID badge.
  • ID badge with sticker must be presented to businesses in order to receive discount.
  • Businesses will also receive newly rebranded window clings to help identify themselves as a participating business offering employees a discount.
  • View participating businesses and discounts offered at BNMC.org/explorer

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY STICKER?

ENJOY!

Patronize and discover local businesses near the Medical Campus, experience our neighborhoods, and become a part of the community. Sign-up to receive the Neighborhood Explorer Card and start enjoying the benefits of the community you work in!