A consortium of 18 local colleges and universities have joined forces with state and county government to help promote economic development in the Rochester area.

Rochester Area Colleges & Universities recently launched a web site, Biz2edu.com, that highlights the many economic resources provided by the higher education institutions in the area. The site provides statistical information for each of the area’s colleges and universities, including detailed enrollment information by field of study and degree program, a clearinghouse of business and community resources, and a local events calendar.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks unveiled the site at a recent press conference, saying that it is this type of collaboration that will allow the community “to build a more vibrant and sustainable economy” going forward.

For many years, Eastman Kodak was the area’s top employer, but in 2005, the University of Rochester and its medical center (Strong Memorial Hospital) was the area’s largest employer, followed by Wegman’s Food Markets and then Kodak.