Management Consulting

CGR's management consulting projects in the past year were exceptionally diverse. The largest involved one of the newest and largest health care conversion foundations in the U.S., and the smallest a needs assessment to help an agency better manage its records.

The New York State Health Foundation, which has more than $250 million in total assets, is one of the foundations in the U.S. that formed via the conversion of a health plan or facility from nonprofit to for-profit status. The NYS Health Foundation resulted from the conversion of Empire Blue Cross, a health insurer in the New York City market, to for-profit status. CGR's engagement, which was multi-faceted, was for the foundation's first full year of operation, and included:

•  Developing case studies on selected conversion foundations in other parts of the U.S.

•  Assisting with the identification of key startup tasks.

•  Reviewing state health assessment data as a starting point for setting grant priorities.

•  Providing administrative support.

Other 2006 Projects
Commission on Public Power for Economic Development – As legislation providing a significant share of reduced cost power to business firms was expiring, the NY Legislature and Governor approved creation of a temporary commission to recommend corrective action. Empire State Development Corp. managed the commission process, and CGR assisted staff. We prepared policy-related background materials, facilitated numerous meetings of the commission – composed of representatives from the Senate, Assembly, City of New York, Independent Public Power Producers of New York, and business leaders – and drafted the final report.

Broadband Internet Access for Rural Areas – Concern about the “digital divide” between urban and rural residents prompted the NY Legislature to ask Empire State Development Corp. to study access to broadband in rural areas. CGR supported staff in their work.

Management of Early Intervention Programs – The cost of Early Intervention programs serving special needs children ages 0-3 are expected to top $410 million in 2006-07 and NY counties bear 50% of the cost. The NYS Association of Counties, in determining whether better information management can lead to improved program performance at lower cost, engaged CGR to help assess the impact of a special analytical tool piloted in Suffolk County .

Records Management Projects – CGR has developed significant expertise assisting governing units awarded Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) grants by the NYS Archives. We completed a records management needs assessment and a business process analysis for the Rochester Housing Authority that will help the agency improve records-related processes.

Benefit-Cost Analysis & Impact on Taxpayers – NYS Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) engaged CGR to revisit our 1999 benefit-cost analysis of “preferred source legislation” that encourages state agencies to purchase products from organizations providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. CGR weighed the benefit of reduced social service expenditures for NYSID agency clients against the cost of the NYSID program, and found state taxpayers benefit.

Consultation for a Museum – For the Rochester Museum and Science Center, CGR helped assess how well a particular type of partnership arrangement works for museums in other parts of the U.S.

Policy Research and Analysis – For the Rochester Business Alliance, CGR conducted an evaluation of the proposed Monroe County Water Authority's east side facility, examined local government finances, and reviewed state government practices that impact business.

Financial Assessment for a Fundraising Campaign – For the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, CGR reviewed parish data, including socioeconomic information and past giving, to help the diocese determine a fair approach to calculating each parish's goal for the diocese's 2006 annual fundraising campaign.