Mayor Robert J. Duffy's update to Employees for the week of Nov. 2
I would like to dedicate this week’s Mayor’s Update to Philip J. Banks, the Deputy Commissioner of the former Department of Economic Development who passed away Monday, Nov. 2, after a long illness. When we lose a dedicated public servant of Phil’s character, it presents a stark reminder of how trivial so many of our so-called problems really are. I can’t think of anything we are doing right now that could possibly be more important as making sure Phil Banks’ life and career are properly recognized.
I first met Phil when I was working in the Police Department. We crossed paths from time to time at neighborhood meetings, where he would support the City’s vision for business growth. I was immediately impressed by his intelligence and his commitment to Rochester and its citizens. It was clear to me that this was a man who had a very sincere interest in helping people and making their lives better.
When I ran for Mayor, people in the community often approached me at campaign events to volunteer disparaging remarks about the Department of Economic Development. They implored me to make wholesale changes. After taking office, I appointed R. Carlos Carballada as Commissioner and trusted him to make the changes he felt were necessary. More than a year into my first term, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Carlos had pretty much retained the entire EDD staff -- including Phil as his Deputy. I saw the unrivaled talent on that team and learned that we should all think twice before believing what we hear on the campaign trail or from the rumor mill. Sometimes, these rumors and comments have no basis in fact.
Now, when I look at what our Business Development staff has accomplished in the last four years -- ESL, Midtown Rising and the almost weekly ribbon cuttings in our neighborhoods – it is clear to me that Phil Banks’ fingerprints are on every one of those projects. He played an important role in the professional development of the people who actually closed those deals.
“Phil was our go-to guy,” said Thad Schofield, one of Phil’s protégés who helped bring the ESL headquarters downtown. “He was a rock that kept everything in perspective. It didn’t matter how stressful the situation was, he found a way to keep it fun.”
Daisy Algarin Rivera, a senior marketing specialist who serves as a liaison to our business associations, said Phil’s “Barry White baritone” was a voice of assurance and guidance.
“He was the epitome of calm, cool and collected,” Daisy said. “Nothing fazed him. Phil was always that guy who had been there and done that.”
After taking the helm at EDD, Carlos said he saw in Phil the same characteristics I noticed when I first met him as a police officer. He was driven by a desire to help people and make a positive difference in this city.
“That was just the way he was,” Carlos said. “It was fundamental to him, it was his value system. When someone needed help, he didn’t hesitate.”
Phil’s reputation was equally respected by the people in this community.
Patricia Jackson, executive director of the South West Area Neighborhood Association, credits Phil with laying the foundation for a relationship with neighborhood business groups that continues to thrive.
“He just had a way of taking away our anxiety,” Pat said. “No matter what came up, he found a positive answer. He found a resolution that was good for everybody.”
Phil came to work for the City in 1993 as the Manager of Business Development, his starting point on the path that led him to Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development. He had an extensive resume in finance and business administration, working in such places as the Minority Business Development Center; Allstate Insurance; Eastman Savings and Loan; and Marine Midland Bank. He was a graduate of East High School and had a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Saint John Fisher College and a Master’s in Management from Nazareth College.
He served on the board of directors of the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center; Consumer Credit Counseling Services Inc.; and the Oregon-Leopold Day Care Center. He was also on the Advisory Council of the New York State Division of Human Rights, Rochester Region.
Clearly, Phil Banks was of and for this community.
Phil’s illness was difficult and heartbreaking to see. But the love and attention he received in his final days are a testament to the strength and courage of his wife Dee, their three children and four grandchildren. He was a resident of Monroe Community Hospital when he died, and I would like to extend my personal gratitude to County Executive Maggie Brooks and her staff for the assistance they provided in ensuring Phil was able to be admitted to MCH.
Phil would be proud to see the new Department of Neighborhood and Business Development and the excellent service his old team is providing today. He would be proud to see the positive and optimistic direction in which our city is now moving.
It is a course he helped set. For that, I will always be grateful.
Rochester lost a great public servant in Philip J. Banks. I hope to find a way to memorialize his memory and his contributions within City Hall.
Friends are invited to gather with Phil’s family this week to help celebrate his life. Calling hours and a funeral will both be held at St. Luke Tabernacle Community Church, 1261 Dewey Ave. Calling hours are Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 9 p.m. The funeral is Friday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m.
All the best,
Bob Duffy