Rochester Business Journal

6 days ago | rbj.net | Matt Kelley

Economic growth looks to have slowed following a strong 2024 where the US economy saw real Gross Domestic Product grow by 2.8%. Forecasts for first quarter GDP growth are now negative according to the Atlanta Fed. The biggest detractor to first quarter growth looks to be a surge in imports in February, which count against domestic growth. The sudden rise in imports reflects businesses trying to get out in front of tariff uncertainty, meaning the hit to GDP from imports is likely to be temporary.

6 days ago | rbj.net | Andrea Deckert

Deirdre Salanger, a health care administrator with experience at high-profile urban health systems, will join URMC as chief operating officer of Strong Memorial Hospital beginning July 21. Salanger, who is currently vice president of operations at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, fills the role held for 24 years by Kathy Parrinello, who became president and CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals in early 2024 and has been managing COO duties at Strong Memorial.

6 days ago | rbj.net | Andrea Deckert

Eastman Kodak Co. is readying to open its $20 million manufacturing facility at Eastman Business Park, a move that illustrates the Rochester-based company’s commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing, leaders there say. Jim Continenza, Kodak’s executive chairman and CEO, said the new facility – part of the company’s Advanced Materials & Chemicals (AM&C) unit – is expected to be online late this year.

6 days ago | rbj.net | Andrea Deckert

Defender, GoldenEye 007, Quake and Tamagotchi have joined the World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play. The four games – which have significantly influenced popular culture and the video game industry— emerged from a field of finalists that also included Age of Empires, Angry Birds, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Frogger, Golden Tee, Harvest Moon, Mattel Football and NBA 2K.

6 days ago | rbj.net | Andrea Deckert

The Springboard 2025 prize program has launched will award at least $500,000 to ecosystem builders focused on activities, networking and events that grow and expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout Western New York. One round of prizes ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 will be awarded. Applications must be submitted online and are due June 10. Winners will be announced in late July.