What’s happening in Buffalo Niagara business this week?

Buffalo Niagara’s unemployment rate steadily increased for most of last year, before starting to decline slightly again in February and beyond.

On Tuesday, we’ll find out if unemployment levels have continued to decline, when the state Department of Labor releases local unemployment rates for the month of May.

The Buffalo Niagara region’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 4.1%, down from a recent high of 4.3% in January.

Ox Cooperation is accepting applications for the first cohort of Cooperative Changemakers: A Community Power Fellowship. The free training program for entrepreneurs and co-op advocates will take place on Wednesdays for 10 weeks, from September 4 to November 6. Applications at cooperationbuffalo.org/fellowship must be submitted by August 1.

THE State Department of Labor will host a Dunkirk job fair from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday at Chautauqua Works, 407 Central Ave. More than 20 employers are expected to attend.

Buffalo Niagara World Trade Center will host “Coffee with the President,” a new monthly discussion, from 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday at Spot Coffee, 5330 Main St., Amherst. The discussion will be led by Damon Piatak, president of the organization and licensed customs broker. It is open to WTCBN members and non-members.

The New York State Cannabis Advisory Council will hold its regular public meeting in New York City on Wednesday at 11 a.m. The meeting will be broadcast live.

Welcome to Buffalo Next. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest on developments in Buffalo Niagara’s economy – from real estate to health care to startups. Learn more at BuffaloNext.com.

Two local business groups are move to new offices.

The state is crack down about illegal pottery shops.

UB researchers say telemedicine helps limit hepatitis C.

Save-A-Lot at Broadway Market closesbut its impact is much broader.

A South Buffalo manufacturer is expanding.

Local wages are increasing. Here’s how much.

Graycliff gets a new – and bigger – visitors center.

A Niagara Falls movie theater is poised to become a auto parts center.

A Canadian developer plans to transform the former Howard Johnson Hotel in Niagara Falls into a music room.

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. The evolution of Viridi Parente in an evolving market.

2. Some development projects face a new problem: they cannot draw enough electricity.

3. A closer look at the Rails on the main apartment project.

4. The Buffalo Niagara region people’s problem is getting worse − and it’s bad for business.

5. 43Winner North Bounce Imaging has a chance to work more with the Ministry of Defense.

The Buffalo Next team gives you insight into the region’s economic revitalization. Email tips to [email protected] or contact Buffalo Next editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.

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