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2024 NYSEDC Annual Meeting


2024 NYSEDC Annual Meeting

May 22-24, 2024

Otesaga Hotel, Cooperstown, New York



Registration

Annual Meeting Registration
Member Rate:  $555.00
Spouse Rate: $250.00                   

Golf at the Leatherstocking Golf Course
Individual Player: $165.00
Foursome: $660.00     

Cancelation Policy: Cancelations will not be refunded after May 1, 2024.


Sponsorship Opportunities 

Click here for a complete list of Sponsorship Opportunities. 
Click here to pay for sponsorships by credit card.

Email Stephanie Cavalier or call 518.426.4058 for more information.

Hotel Information

TO BOOK YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY - You will receive a link to the Room Block Rates after completing your event registration. If you don't receive your registration receipt , please check your spam filter or junk mail or email Steph Cavalier.

The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326- 607-547-9931 SOLD OUT

Additional Accommodations:



Agenda - Subject to Change
DIGITAL PROGRAM

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Registration Open and Networking | Lobby and Oak Room

1:00 - 1:50 pm 

Welcome and Opening Remarks | Ballroom

Fireside Chat | Ballroom

How To Create a More Sustainable, Diverse, and Inclusive Economy Across New York State


1:50 -2:00 pm 

Break/ Exhibitor Booths | Ballroom Rotunda and Oak Room 

2:00 -3:00 pm 

Breakout Session | Fenimore Room 

Wraparound Services – The Key for An Equitable Future of Work

In today's tight labor market, providing wraparound services are crucial for supporting individuals facing unemployment, underemployment, or coming from low-income backgrounds. These services, including financial coaching, childcare support, and transportation assistance, help individuals overcome barriers and stay focused on their career goals. Clear career pathways are also essential for guiding them through the process of reskilling and career advancement. This panel will explore successful programs and best practices that create economic opportunities and empower participants to succeed.

  • Moderator,  Brian Williams, Executive Director, Capital Region Workforce Development Board & Chair of the New York State Association of Training and Education Professionals (NYATEP)
  • Katherine Rogala, Senior Director of Programs and Grants, Finger Lakes Performing Provider System
  • Jennifer Lawrence, Founder/CEO, Social Enterprise and Training Center (SEAT)
  • Stephen Tucker, President & CEO, Northland Workforce Training Center

2:00 -3:00 pm 

Breakout Session | Iroquois Room  

Transformational Tourism Stewardship: How tourism can revitalize your town! 
Tourism is not the goal... it is the means to an end. 

Tourism done right drives responsible, sustainable economic growth, local job creation, small business success, community revitalization, and increased local / state tax revenues.Tourism done right should result in improved standard of living, quality of life and pride of place for New York State communities and residents. The multitude of ways tourism growth benefits our state, our local communities, businesses and residents is a great and largely untold story. 

Tourism done right happens by DESIGN, not DEFAULT. Harnessing the capacity of tourism as a catalyst for positive change requires a shared strategic vision for the future and an informed, proactive leadership.

  • Moderator, Robert Provost, President & CEO, New York State Tourism Industry Association
  • Amanda Dana, Director of Tourism & Film, Orange County Tourism & Film
  • Josiah Brown, Founder, The New York Sherpa
  • Ana Liss, Executive Director, COMIDA & MCIDC

2:00 -3:00 pm 

Breakout Session | Ballroom 

Energizing Growth: Energy Infrastructure Challenges for Shovel-Ready Sites in New York

State-level energy stakeholders convene to address the evolving landscape of energy infrastructure expansion in New York and its impact on developing shovel-ready sites and providing predictability to prospects. As the demand for reliable power escalates, understanding the complexities of cost, timing, and available capacity becomes paramount. This session will provide valuable insights into the current energy environment in New York, highlighting key considerations and actionable strategies for powering up sites efficiently and effectively. From navigating regulatory frameworks to leveraging innovative solutions, attendees will gain practical guidance on optimizing energy infrastructure to drive economic growth and attract investment in the Empire State.

  • Moderator, Mark Masse, Senior Vice President of Operations, GCEDC
  • Jessica Waldorf, Chief of Staff & Director of Policy Implementation, Department of Public Service
  • Jeff Janiszewski, Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development/Global NY, Empire State Development
  • Bart Franey, Vice President - Clean Energy Development, National Grid
  • Kevin Lanahan, Vice President, External Affairs & Corporate Communications, New York State Independent Systems Operator

3:00 -3:15 pm 

Refreshment Break/ Exhibitor Booths - Ballroom Rotunda and Oak Room | Sponsored by Camoin Associates

3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Breakout Session | Fenimore Room

The Importance of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): what it means, why should you care, and what is New York State’s approach

While Artificial Intelligence has been around for decades, the explosion of capability in Generative AI is raising eyebrows for its potential to revolutionize how we work, how we play, and society as a whole. In this session, we will explore what Generative AI is, why we are hearing so much about it, and how it could impact the world we work in. We will also hear about New York State’s investments in AI, including the newly announced Empire AI, and why it is important.


3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Breakout Sessions | Iroquois Room

Interactive Session: Innovative Funding Tools to Empower Your Region for Clean Energy Jobs

Join NYSERDA’s Economic Development team as they introduce a refined funding concept tailored for regions eager to capitalize on the burgeoning clean energy sector. Developed from direct feedback from Economic Development Organization (EDO) peers and discussions on overcoming industry challenges, this session is your chance to provide input and refine how these new funding concepts can be most effectively utilized. The federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and New York’s Climate Act are driving job creation and economic growth. Engage with us to shape funding concepts that are both beneficial and accessible for your communities.

3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Breakout Sessions | Ballroom 

Land, Lumber, Labor, and Lending- the challenges facing New York’s Housing Market

Whether you’re in Suffolk County, Erie County, or anywhere in between, housing has become an economic challenge. How the housing crisis connected to economic development and our burgeoning workforce troubles? In this session, learn how communities are using data and metrics to identify specific challenges and develop public policies that will move the needle and increase production. Hear how several counties and local IDAs are implementing new policies and creating new programs to address the housing crisis unique to their own communities.

4:30 - 5:15 pm 

Plenary Keynote Address - Ballroom

Powering Progress: Unveiling the Economic Dynamics of Clean Energy Evolution

Join Mike Richter, President of Brightcore Energy, discuss his unique transition from making NHL history, to contribute to operating a successful start-up company in clean energy. Discover the strategies and innovations that has propelled Brightcore Energy to the forefront of the clean energy revolution, driving not only environmental sustainability but also robust economic growth.

  • Mike Richter, President of Brightcore Energy, LLC and US Hockey Hall of Famer


5:15 - 5:45 pm 

Hotel Check-In - Hotel Key Card Sponsor | The Agency

Trolleys to depart from the main entrance of The Otesaga Hotel at 5:30 pm, providing continuous travel to/from the Hall of Fame every 15 minutes

Transportation Sponsor | Town of Islip Economic Development

6:00 - 7:15 pm 

Welcome Reception  | National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum | Sponsored by Otsego Now

7:30 - 9:00 pm

Annual Awards Banquet | The Otesaga Hotel, Glimmerglass Room | Sponsored by National Grid 

Awards Sponsors | Farrell Fritz + C&S Companies
Table Wine Sponsor | Pursuit Lending 

9:30 -10:30 pm

Fireside Reception | The Otesaga Hotel, Hawkeye Patio & Fire Bar 




Thursday, May 23, 2024

7:00 - 9:00 am

Breakfast - Glimmerglass 

8:30 - 9:00 am

Breakfast Fireside Chat | Glimmerglass

The Global Reach of Economic Development, a conversation with IEDC

The world of economic development is evolving.  New partners, new programs, and new initiatives are being developed in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the country. Join IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle along with NYSEDC Executive Director Ryan Silva and Invest Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Tom Kucharski for a candid conversation about the work IEDC is doing, how it connects with NYSEDC and communities across New York, including building partnerships, growing programs and enhancing the profession of economic development.

  • Moderator Thomas Kucharski, President & CEO, Invest Buffalo Niagara
  • Nathan Ohle, President & CEO, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
  • Ryan Silva, Executive Director, NYSEDC


9:15 - 10:15 am

Morning Breakout Sessions |  Iroquois Room 

The Cannabis Industry Economic Opportunity

The New York cannabis economy is here and rapidly expanding - with close to a thousand licenses already issued. Learn about the workforce, infrastructure, and business needs of cannabis operators from the State's top experts. This panel aims to arm attendees with critical information on the diversity of operations across the industry and how to best welcome cannabis businesses to their communities.

  • Moderator: Kaelan Castetter, Castetter Cannabis Group 
  • Kimberly Tanami, CEO of HPI and VP of the Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance (ECMA) 
  • David Serrano  Cannabis Workforce Initiative (CWI) Project Manager
  • Conor Eckert,  Vice President of Business Attraction and Senior Development Officer at the Orange County Partnership for Economic Development


9:15 - 10:15 am

Morning Breakout Sessions | Ballroom

Site Identification - Getting Your Sites Ready for FAST-NY 

Everyone is excited by the resources the state has dedicated to shovel-ready site development through the FAST-NY program. But, what if you no longer have any sites in hand to develop? This panel will cover all the steps involved in identifying, qualifying, securing and preparing a new site for a FAST-NY grant application. We will begin with a step-by-step guide to each phase of this process, starting at finding prospective sites, to vetting those sites, to getting site control, to scoping out the work that will be needed to get the site to shovel-ready status. Our panelists will then give you real-life examples of each phase so you can see how the sausage is actually made.

  • Jon A Kelley, President & CEO, Enterprise New York
  • Steven R. Wilson, Senior Project Manager, Bohler Engineering
  • R. Michael N'dolo, CEcD, Director of Economic Development at MRB Group Engineering, Architecture & Surveying, D.P.C.

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Break/ Exhibitor Booths | Ballroom Rotunda + Oak Room
tnership

10:30 am - 11:30 am

NYSEDC Table Talk - Glimmerglass 

Table Talk is a roundtable session giving economic development professionals the opportunity to easily connect with several NYS agency representatives, program directors, and industry representatives in a short amount of time. There is no formal agenda – just free-flowing conversation and a chance to build relationships with program leads, and industry representatives, and gather industry intelligence. You will have the opportunity to meet in a small group with a different representative every 15 minutes.

  • Jeff Janiszewski, Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development, Empire State Development
  • Vinnie Esposito, Sr. Vice President for Regional Economic Development, Empire State Development
  • Jon A Kelley, President & CEO, Enterprise New York
  • R. Michael N'dolo, CEcD, Director of Economic Development at MRB Group Engineering, Architecture & Surveying, D.P.C.
  • Lori Borowiak, NYSERDA
  • Diana A. Ostroff, Chief Operating Officer, Ostroff Associates
  • Rich Bamberger, Partner, Bamberger & Vlasto
  • and more...


12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch Buffet - Glimmerglass 

11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Afternoon Activities

11:30 am - 5:30 pm

NYSEDC Annual Meeting Golf Tournament | Sponsored by Nixon Peabody

  • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Golfers Lunch -  Pro Shop Patio | Sponsored by Nixon Peabody
  • 12:30 pm - Shot Gun Start - In front of Pro Shop 

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Taste of New York Cocktail Reception on Veranda | Sponsored by Harris Beach, PLLC

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Taste of New York Networking Dinner | Sponsored by Barclay Damon LLP + The Catalyst - Westchester County Economic Development | Table Wine Sponsor | CSArch

Keynote Address - PURSUING A DREAM

After 10 years serving as a world-class sommelier followed by ten years as an international industry executive, native New Yorker Joseph Carr set out on his own in 2004 to form his family-owned wine company, Joseph Carr Wines. It was, as Joseph says, a chance to follow a dream.

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Women's Leadership and Diversity Council Networking Meetup | 1909 Restaurant | Powered by New York Power Authority

Mix and mingle with seasoned leaders and rising stars at the Women's Leadership and Diversity Council networking meetup. Bring your business cards!

8:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Networking  | The Otesaga Hotel, Hawkeye Patio & Fire Bar 




Friday, May 24, 2024

7:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast | Glimmerglass | Sponsored by Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast Keynote Speaker | Glimmerglass

The Importance of Prioritizing Average-Sized Sites in the Era of Mega-Site Mania or on the value of Site Planning in the Site Selection Process

Courtney Dunbar has combined career experiences in site selection, economic development, community planning, and project funding. In her current role, she leads Burns & McDonnell’s site selection consulting practice.

9:15 am - 10:00 am

General Session | Glimmerglass

Keynote Address by NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

The NYS Comptroller plays a critical role in NYS, providing necessary oversight to state spending, managing the NYS Pension Fund, and providing critical and independent analysis on a variety state and local programs and initiatives. The NYSEDC has had a great working relationship with the Office of the OSC, partnering on important legislation in 2016 and continuing to provide education and training to our members on Best Practices. In this session, Comptroller DiNapoli will provide analysis of the state budget, insight on the state of  New York’s economy, and what to expect for the rest of 2024.  

10:00 am 

Conference Closes




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