Each year, the Rochester Business Journal hosts its Forty Under 40 awards to celebrate outstanding young professionals in the Rochester community. This event recognizes and brings together the individuals who will be the future leaders of Rochester—who are not only achieving success in their careers, but also giving back in meaningful ways to the Rochester community.

This year, RG&E is proud to have Kyle Banks, Lead Analyst on our Economic Development team, as a member of the Rochester Business Journal’s 2020 class of Forty Under 40. Below, Kyle discusses his role in economic development, his volunteer efforts and what it means to him to earn this honor.

Tell us more about your position in economic development at RG&E.

I’m a lead analyst in economic development. In this role, I make meaningful partnerships with our economic development and community organizations to drive new capital investment and job growth to the Greater Rochester region. New capital investment and job growth are achieved through helping existing businesses expand and attracting new businesses to our region. I’m extremely proud that these partnerships are having significant impacts on our local economy.

What are some recent partnerships you’re excited about?

There’s many exciting partnerships that are currently underway in our community. One that I find especially inspiring is with Vertex Optics, a newly created precision optics and technical ceramics manufacturing company. This company was born when the founders, who worked in manufacturing together, thought of the company idea and decided to pursue it. RG&E, working collaboratively with our economic development and community organizations, helped Vertex Optics make their idea a reality through its economic development Brownfield/Building Redevelopment Program. This company is also working with RG&E now to pursue grant assistance opportunities under our Manufacturing Accelerating Program, so we can continue to help them grow in our region. I love working Vertex Optics because I’m watching these two founders take control of their future and create opportunities for other employees. Having the opportunity to help them do this is extremely rewarding.

I’m also really excited about our partnership with Rochester-based startup Little Black Buddha (LBB), a black- and woman-owned career services software company. RG&E recently awarded a $25,000 economic development grant to LBB to support the company’s efforts to develop a new software to assist job candidates with moving between industries as the job market demands fluctuate and change. This grant was provided under RG&E’s Innovation Zone – Ignition Grant Program, which is designed to spur development of high growth potential business by awarding funds to early stage startup businesses. LBB’s focus is to support those in our community who have been overlooked and underserved in the past. You can learn more about LBB and our partnership with them here.

What are some of the ways you’re involved in the community?

I’m a founding board member for INNOVA Girls Academy Charter School, a proposed STEM school for young women in Rochester. My inspiration to join this board came from my mother, who was one of the first black women to graduate from St. John Fisher College. Throughout her pursuit of education, she unfortunately dealt with racism that created hurdles for her to overcome. The next generation shouldn’t have to experience the same journey. INNOVA will equip students with the skills necessary to excel in college.

I’m also a mentor at Venture Jobs Foundation’s Jobs Kitchen Accelerator, which assists small business owners to refine their plans for growth. As a mentor, I word with businesses on business plans and marketing concepts, share advice on potential markets to penetrate and give financial guidance.

Why is giving back important to you?

Giving back to the Rochester community is extremely important to me because I want to bring meaningful and impactful change to our community. One focus of my volunteer efforts is education. I believe strongly that everyone should have the opportunity to receive the education that they deserve. Our region has so much opportunity in innovation, but unfortunately, not many students in the Rochester City School district get to take advantage of it. I want these students to see what our region has to offer them, recognize their potential and know that they have options. Education is key to breaking generational curses and the cycle of poverty.

Who has been an impactful influence on your life?

My father, Philip J. Banks, is an incredibly influential and motivating figure in my life. Growing up, he taught me the importance of consistency, motivation and patience. These are what drive me still to this day. My dad was also very active in the Rochester community and worked in economic development for the city of Rochester for many years. He passed away in 2010 and his death was very motivating to me. I push myself to be better than he was, which is a tall order. He left me a great roadmap to follow.

What does it mean for you to be chosen as a Forty Under 40 awardee?

I’m incredibly honored to be included in this year’s class of awardees, which is filled with individuals I personally look up to. People like Adrian Hale and Mitch Gruber are doing amazing and impactful work in our community. To be included in the same breath as these leaders in our community is humbling and motivating. There’s a lot more work to be done, and I look forward to making lasting changes alongside my fellow awardees.