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2025 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference



2025 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference
February 11-12, 2025
Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street, Albany




Registration SOLD OUT- Register Here!

Full Conference Registration
Member Rate:                      $295.00 
Future Member Rate:     $395.00

NYSEDC will issue a full refund for cancelations received prior to Friday, January 31, 2025.  After January 31, NO REFUND will be given.


Sponsorship Opportunities - Now Available!

Contact Stephanie Cavalier, call 518-426-4058, or fill out the online sponsorship form here to secure your sponsorship.


Restaurants within walking distance of Albany Capital Center

Event Location + Hotel Information

Renaissance Albany Hotel, 144 State Street, Albany - SOLD OUT

BOOKING YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY - Your registration confirmation email will contain a link with our room block at the Renaissance Albany Hotel. If you have any questions, please contact Steph Cavalier.

Alternate Lodging:

Fairfield Inn & Suites -- Room Block Closed

  • Rates from $139 per night. Last day to book is January 10, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center -- Room Block Closed

  • Rates from $129 per night. Last day to book is January 11, 2025

TownePlace Suites -- Room Block Closed

  • Rates from $116 per night. Last day to book is January 10, 2025

If you don't receive your registration receipt, please check your spam filter or junk mail or email Steph Cavalier.



Visit our Exhibitors
Exhibitors in blue  are Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Advanced Technology (CAT)

  • Advance Albany County Alliance
  • Alliance for Clean Energy New York
  • Barclay Damon LLP
  • Binghamton University
  • Bohler Engineering
  • Brightcore Energy
  • Civic Serve Economic Development Technologies
  • Clarkson University
  • Colliers Engineering & Design
  • Cornell University
  • CS Arch
  • FuzeHub
  • Harris Beach Murtha
  • Hodgson Russ
  • Hudson Valley Community College
  • LaBella Associates
  • LeChase Construction Services, LLC
  • Loewke Brill
  • National Grid
  • New York Power Authority
  • NYSERDA
  • NYS Office of Community Renewal
  • NYSTEC
  • Pursuit
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • University at Albany
  • University at Buffalo
  • University of Rochester
  • Weston & Sampson Engineers
  • Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP


Agenda
Click here for Digital Program + Attendee List

Tuesday, February 11 - DAY 1

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Registration  - Sponsored by Phillips Lytle
Lanyards - Sponsored by Bohler Engineering
Swag Bag  - Sponsored by National Grid
Charging Station - Sponsored by NYPA 
Photography - Sponsored by Hudson Valley Community College and Utica IDA

8:00 am - 9:00 am 

Breakfast - Main Stage - 2nd Floor - Sponsored by The Agency (Broome County IDA / LDC)

9:00 am - 9:15 am 

Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Plenary Session - Main Stage - 2nd Floor | Sponsored by LaBella

 9:15 am - 9:30 am

Keynote Speaker - Main Stage - 2nd Floor

Commissioner Knight is dedicated to policies that advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth. She has been instrumental in the creation of the state’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development, which will focus on improving New York's workforce development programs and practices to better align with the needs and priorities of today's employers. Knight has also focused efforts on supporting New York State’s small businesses, ensuring that they have the resources needed to grow and thrive, and growing the state’s Minority and Women-Owned Business community. 

  • Hope Knight, President and CEO, Empire State Development

 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Morning Plenary Session - Main Stage - 2nd Floor

Blueprint for the Future of New York State's Economy

New York State Economic Development Council is partnering with The Business Council of New York State on a critically important project: crafting a bold vision and blueprint for the future of New York State’s economy. With support of both organizations' membership throughout New York State, we seek to assemble and issue a competitiveness report we can proudly share with the incoming New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul. The goal of the blueprint is to identify actionable solutions and policy recommendations to create a more dynamic, competitive, and business-friendly environment in New York State. Leadership from NYSEDC and BCNYS will discuss the status of the project and feedback received from membership throughout New York State.

  • Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council
  • Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State, Inc. 
  • Sarah Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Th!nk Dutchess | NYSEDC Board Chair
  • Robert Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
  • Kat Saunders, Partner / Head of Strategy and Leadership, Economic Leadership

10:30 am - 10:45 am 

Morning Refreshment Break - Exhibition Space - Sponsored by C&S Companies

10:45 am - 11:45 am 

Morning Breakout Sessions - Sponsored by Bond Schoeneck & King 

10:45 am - 11:45 am 

Building the Future: Deploying Broadband for Equitable Access and Community Resilience | Breakout Room 1A | 1B

The pandemic underscored the essential role of broadband as critical infrastructure, influencing not only everyday life for residents but also industry operations and municipal functions. This panel will focus on the process of deploying broadband infrastructure to ensure equitable access, choice, and long-term scalability for communities. Experts will discuss the comprehensive steps necessary to assess current network capabilities, incorporating broadband into regional and local economic development plans, collaborating with public, private and utility stakeholders, and securing necessary permits and approvals. Attendees will learn about the complexities of securing funding, addressing potential obstacles to progress, and ensuring that high-speed internet remains a reliable and accessible resource for economic growth, public safety, and digital equity.


10:45 am - 11:45 am 

The Rise of the NY SMART I-Corridor as a Semiconductor Tech Hub | Breakout Room 2A 

Around 400 communities applied to the federal Tech Hubs program, a program designed to support tech-based economies in underinvested areas. Of those, only 12 received a Tech Hub designation and federal dollars to support and implement their strategies. The NY SMART I-Corridor, a coalition of partners from Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and Ithaca, is one of those 12 Tech Hubs - and it’s the only designated Tech Hub in the US focused on the semiconductor industry. That means 40 million dollars from the federal government and 8 million dollars from the state – and leveraging tens of millions more – are coming to Upstate New York to support the growth of a world-class semiconductor industry hub right here in your backyard.

10:45 am - 11:45 am 

Economic Development Metrics: Modern Tools for Measuring Success | Breakout Room 2B | 2C

In today’s fast-paced and highly-competitive economic landscape, leveraging data to inform action and demonstrate impact is more important than ever. This panel will illustrate how economic data and metrics can be harnessed to measure outcomes, advocate for your organization’s work, and guide strategic decision-making.

The session will spotlight the innovative ways data is being used to highlight the contributions of Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) across New York State, featuring insights from the recently completed impact study by Camoin Associates. Attendees will also hear from the Long Island Builders Institute on how they are applying impact modeling to inform advocacy efforts, and Allegany County will share their firsthand experience of using data to educate stakeholders, build engagement, and drive actionable results.

Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies and tactics for measuring, communicating, and amplifying the transformative impact of economic development initiatives in their communities.


12:00 pm - 1:15 pm 

Lunch | Main Stage - 2nd Floor


    12:15 pm - 1:15 pm 

    Plenary Session | Main Stage - 2nd Floor

    Women in Power: The Future of New York's Energy Infrastructure and Ecosystem

    Access to infrastructure, in particular reliable and affordable energy, has become the number one priority for businesses looking at locations to expand or relocate. We are in a unique and evolving time with New York’s energy infrastructure as we bring new clean energy solutions onto the grid while attracting the industries and manufacturers of the future. For the first time in New York’s history, the Chief Executive Officer or President of every major utility provider North of New York City is a woman. In this session, you will hear from each of these accomplished leaders about their professional journey, the state of New York’s utility system, and their thoughts on policies and programs that impact New York’s Energy Ecosystem.


      1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

      Afternoon Breakout Sessions | Sponsored by Pursuit 

      1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

      Strategies for Meeting the Demand for Housing in New York State | Breakout Room 1A | 1B

      As New York State enters the second year of its ambitious five-year plan to create 100,000 affordable homes, this panel brings together leading developers to explore how they are rising to meet this housing challenge.

      The panel will address key questions surrounding the intersection of housing and economic development, with insights on leveraging state assistance programs, overcoming development barriers, and balancing affordability with financial viability. Attendees will hear from the panelists about specific projects across the state, and the conversation will delve into the role of local economic development professionals and approaches to addressing regulatory challenges. As New York strives to meet its housing goals, this discussion will highlight the collaborative efforts required from developers, policymakers, and communities to ensure success.

      Reference Material: Syracuse Inner Harbor Project

      1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

      Public Relations + Public Affairs Strategy | Breakout Room 2A

      Join a panel of public affairs and strategic communications experts for an insightful session on effective stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and proactive messaging strategies. Learn how to set the narrative, anticipate potential challenges, and align your organization's story with its goals and stakeholder interests. Gain valuable tips on crafting timely, well-aligned messaging to establish your organization as a leader in its field. The session will also cover best practices for crisis communications and leveraging media and digital platforms to influence public perception effectively.

      1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

      Research-Based Economic Development – Partnering with CATs and COEs Across New York State to Create Economic Opportunity | Breakout Room 2B | 2C

      New York State funds the 14 Centers of Excellence (COE) and 15 Centers of Advanced Technology (CAT) to foster collaboration between the academic research community and the business sector to develop and commercialize new products and technologies, to provide basic and applied research and development to promote critical private sector investment in emerging high-technology fields in New York State, and to create and expand technology-related businesses and employment. In this session, you will learn about the focus of each center and how they are facilitating innovative technologies and economic development opportunity.

      • Moderator: Mike Kennerknecht, MPA, Economic Development Coordinator & Assistant Director of State Relations, University of Rochester 
      • Jan Woodcock, Director of Operations, Center of Excellence Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, UAlbany
      • Michael Thurston, GIS Technical Director, Rochester Institute of Technology
      • Jade Meyers, Research Development Specialist, AMPrint Center, RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology
      • Dave Hamilton, Managing Director, Energy Innovation, Stony Brook University
      • Nick Koziol, Business Engagement Manager, Center of Excellence in Data Science and AI, University of Rochester
      • Cathy Young, Executive Director, New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University
      • Duncan Brown, Vice President for Research,  Syracuse University

      2:30 pm - 2:45 pm

      Afternoon Refreshment Break  -  Exhibition Space

      2:45 pm - 3:45 pm 

      Afternoon Breakout Sessions | Sponsored by Farrell Fritz

      2:45 pm - 3:45 pm 

      PILOT Agreements 101: Finding the Right Fit for Your Community. | Breakout Room 1A | 1B

      One of the biggest things all Industrial Development Agencies  do is PILOT agreements and the establishment of UTEP policies. There is a lot to do in this regard with the nuances in dealing with municipal assessors, school districts fire districts, and all other taxing jurisdictions. Agreements can also fixed dollar payments or percentages of assessed value. In this session, hear from legal experts on the different structures an IDA can undertake when providing assistance to projects and see best practices from several IDAs on building the right model for your community.

      2:45 pm - 3:45 pm 

      2025 New York State Economic Development Program Proposals | Breakout Room 2A 

      Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025-2026 budget includes several programs and policies to spur economic activity and create opportunities to leverage private sector investment across the state. From CATALIST, to POWER  UP,  additional funding for FAST NY and new tax incentives to further the states leadership roll in the semiconductor sector, these programs will provide additional tools in the toolbox for our members to attract development to their communities.   In this session you will hear about the intent of these programs/investments, and additional details about how they might work.

      • Alison Kabir, Vice President, Policy, Operations at Empire State Development, Empire State Development


      2:45 pm - 3:45 pm 

      Regional and Local Business Attraction Strategies | Breakout Room 2B | 2C

      This panel of Regional and Local economic development leaders will discuss their community's competitive business assets, targeted industry sectors and business development strategies they employ to attract industry, talent and build capacity in their respective regions. The panel will also discuss where they collaborate and leverage the power of New York State programs and targeted industry efforts to promote their community and New York State as a whole. You will learn about their success stories and future plans to grow industry sectors in their region. 

      • Dan Clark, VP / Director of Business Development, NYCEDC
      • Stacey Duncan, CEO, The Agency, Broome County IDA
      • Conor Eckert, Senior Development Officer & Vice President of Business Attraction, Orange County Partnership
      • Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer, Center for Economic Growth
      • Chris Suozzi, Executive Vice President Business & Workforce Development, Genesee County Economic Development Corporation

      4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

      General Session - Main Stage - 2nd Floor - Sponsored by Barclay Damon LLP

      4:00 pm - 4:40 pm

      Keynote:  Why He’s Coming Home and How New York is a well-positioned ‘climate haven’

      Glens Falls native Drew FitzGerald has worked for the past 25 years in New York and Los Angeles helping international brands tell stories of brand innovation. In 2015, he co-founded JUST Water with actor and entertainers Will Smith and Jaden Smith. Their mission was to reduce plastic and carbon emissions in single serve bottled water packaging through innovative paper packaging and bioplastic alternatives to petroleum. FitzGerald will talk about his entrepreneurial journey, from Hollywood to MIT and beyond and why New York is a haven for climate change, a hotbed of innovation, and why he is coming home.


      4:40 pm - 5:15 pm

      Keynote: Tim Doelman, CEO of fairlife, LLC - NYSEDC 2024 Project of the Year

      In April 2024, fairlife and The CocaCola Company broke ground in  Webster, New York on a $650 Million new state-of-the-art production facility. The new facility will serve as fairlife’s flagship Northeast location and will take in five to six million pounds of milk per day from local dairy farmers, which will help support ongoing local dairy farm jobs.  The project, recognized as NYSEDC’s 2024 project of the year, will create over 250 new jobs for the Finger Lakes economy. fairlife CEO Tim Doelman will share his story and talk about how and why fairlife chose New York for their next phase of growth.


      5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

      Evening Networking Reception - Exhibition Space

      Sponsored by Harris Beach Murtha, PLLC, Economic Development Partners, Inc. and The Catalyst, Westchester County EDC 

      Wednesday, February 12 - DAY 2

      8:00 am - 11:30 am 

      Registration - Sponsored by Phillips Lytle
      Lanyards       - Sponsored by Bohler Engineering
      Swag Bag Sponsor       - Sponsored by National Grid
      Charging Station - Sponsored by NYPA 
      Photography - Sponsored by Hudson Valley Community College and Utica IDA

      8:00 am - 9:30 am 

      Breakfast - Main Stage - 2nd Floor - Sponsored by Colliers Engineering & Design

      9:15 am - 9:30 am 

      Welcome, Opening Remarks - Main Stage - 2nd Floor

      9:30 am - 10:30 am

      Morning Plenary Session  - Main Stage - 2nd Floor

      Site Selection 2025 and Beyond

      This panel of  leading site selection consultants will share their views on major trends in corporate location decision-making for the year ahead. The panel will discuss the current state of Site Selection and considerations influencing corporate site selection decisions including environmental/social/governance (ESG) factors, workforce, energy, supply chain shortages and corporate risk mitigation. The panel will also discuss the need for shovel ready, market ready industrial sites. 

      • Moderator: RJ Ball, Senior Director of Industry Development 
      • Chris Schastok, Executive Vice President, CBRE | Advisory & Transaction Services
      • Sarah White, Principal and Vice President of Site Selection, Global Location Strategies (GLS)
      • George Tobjy, Managing Director, Maxis Advisors

      10:30 am - 10:45 am 

      Refreshment Break - Exhibition Space

      10:45 am - 11:45 am  

      Morning Breakout Sessions | Sponsored by  Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc.

      10:45 am - 11:45 am  

      IDA Session: Cost Benefit Analysis Tools and Subsidy Board Update | Breakout Room 1A | 1B

      The NYS Public Subsidy Board is tasked with implementation of Labor Law section 224-a, which outlines prevailing wage requirements for private projects receiving public subsidy. Over the course of 2024, the Public Subsidy Board heard public comments and testimony regarding whether and how future tax savings should be considered in determining whether a project should be subject to prevailing wage requirements. This session will cover: 1) the current requirements and state of discussions by the Public Subsidy Board on this topic; 2) recommended methodology for calculating the discounted net present value of tax savings resulting from PILOT agreements; and 3) how to communicate with applicants, your IDA board members, and the public about this discounting.

      10:45 am - 11:45 am  

      Changes to New York's Freshwater Wetlands Act and How It Will Impact Projects | Breakout Room 2A

      New York State has moved to expand the freshwater wetlands that the State regulates. In 2022 the State Legislature and the Governor adopted amendments to the law and the NYSDEC has just proposed regulations to implement the law. What may have previously been wetlands regulated only by the federal government will now also be regulated by the NYSDEC and will be expanded to include at a minimum a regulated 100-foot upland adjacent area around the regulated wetlands. This panel will discuss the changes to the Wetlands Act and how it will impact landowners and IDA projects moving forward.

      10:45 am - 11:45 am  

      Power Readiness 101 and Meeting High Tech Manufacturing Growth | Breakout Room 2B | 2C

      Power has become a top priority for manufacturers looking to site new facilities in the U.S. This makes it increasingly important for economic developers to understand the ins and outs of access to power that can meet high tech industry needs.

      This session provides a foundational understanding of electrical systems and their critical role in shaping Site Selectors’ initial site evaluations. Additionally, it will highlight the specific power and site requirements necessary to attract clean energy manufacturing and high-tech projects to help your region stay competitive in these rapidly evolving industries.

      • Moderator: Jenny Kelley, Economic Development Manager, NYSERDA
      • Joe Russo, Senior Economic Developer, National Grid 
      • Sarah White, Principal and Vice President of Site Selection, Global Location Strategies (GLS)
      • Jeff Janiszewski, Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development/Global NY, Empire State Development

      Noon  

      Conference Closes


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