Awards

The NYSEDC Economic Development Awards program recognizes the state’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, influential leaders, and rising stars. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Nominations are sent to an awards committee for consideration. Winners are recognized at Annual Meeting in Cooperstown.

Robert T. Dormer Economic Developer of the Year

The Robert T. Dormer Economic Developer of the Year is awarded each May to an economic developer who has made a substantial impact on his or her community and the economic development industry. Nominations should take into account as many of the following criteria as possible:

Outstanding performance in public or private sector in developing and administering an economic development program.
Distinguished service to one’s community by providing leadership in stimulating local economic development.
Demonstrated commitment to NYSEDC, its programs and its policies.
Demonstrated interest in assisting colleagues within the economic development profession.
Distinction in providing leadership in respect to a problem or situation of significant interest and impact in the practice of economic development.
Demonstrated commitment to economic education and training.

Past Recipients:
2024 Patrick Kelly, St. Lawrence County IDA
2023 Kevin Younis, Empire State Development
2022 Sarah Lee, Th!nk Dutchess
2021 All NYS Economic Development Organizations
2019    Jeff Janiszewski, Empire State Development
2018    James Johnson, Steuben County IDA
2017    Steve Griffin, Finger Lake EDC
2016    Steve DiMeo & Joseph Russo, Mohawk Valley Edge and National Grid
2015    Judy Seil, Monroe County
2014    Thomas Kucharski, Invest Buffalo Niagara
2013    Adore Flynn Kurtz, Clinton County
2012    Steven G. Hyde, Genesse County EDC
2011    Al Culliton, Erie County IDA
2010    William G. Mannix, Town of Islip IDA
2009    George Leveille, Harris Beach
2008    Donald Western, Onondaga County

ECONOMIC DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR NOMINATION FORM

Excellence in Marketing

The NYSEDC Excellence in Marketing Award recognizes an organization that has achieved measurable results telling its story about a project, redevelopment, rebranding, or community based initiative that serves the mission of NYSEDC, to promote the economic development of the state and its communities, encourage sound practices in the conduct of regional and statewide development programs, and develop education programs that enhance the professional development skills of NYSEDC members. This award is not limited to economic development organizations; marketing firms, workforce development organizations, higher education institutions, and non-profits are encouraged to apply. Nominations could a campaign, website, social media content, mobile marketing, targeted programming, digital media, video, multi-media, press event, or even a brochure. We want to hear how your marketing initiative is helping to better tell the story of economic development in New York State.

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING NOMINATION FORM

Project of the Year

The NYSEDC Project of the Year is presented to an organization that has completed a project that serves the mission of the NYSEDC, to promote the economic development of the state and its communities.
Each nomination will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Project's impact on the community (i.e., overall tax base, cross community/multi-agency collaboration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, especially historic properties)
Project's tangible and intangible results (i.e., did the project result in policies, programs, ideas that assisted in developing processes, products, and services into viable competitive businesses; were there resultant improvements to neighborhoods and/or business districts, especially in distressed areas)
Project replicability and transferability (i.e., can the project, program or policy be easily applied in other communities; is there a spin-off effect)
Project innovation and productivity (i.e., was the project cost effective; did it include land acquisition; did it involve a public-private partnership; did it address a globalization issue; does it align with regional economic development strategies, create efficiencies, or address environmental sustainability issues)
Project job retention/creation (i.e., how many jobs were created or retained; how do the salary levels compare to the median wage for similar occupations in the local community/region)

PROJECT OF THE YEAR NOMINATION FORM

James W. Griffin Rising Star Award

The NYSEDC James W. Griffin Rising Star Award will honor an individual age 40 and under who has made a significant contribution to the economic development profession in New York. Consideration will be given to quality of service and impact on New York’s economy. This influence could be across the state or within an individual community. Nominees must be a member of NYSEDC.
Each of the following criteria must be addressed:

Specific project involvement resulting in economic growth, including increased capital investment and employment for New York
Involvement with NYSEDC
Innovation in performing his or her job
Community / volunteerism within the community at large
Specific achievements that have had a direct positive impact on New York’s economy

RISING STAR NOMINATION FORM

Brian McMahon Lifetime Achievement Award

The NYSEDC Board of Directors has the authority to nominate and select an individual to receive the Brian McMahon Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development in New York State. The recipient is given a lifelong membership in the NYSEDC.

Past Recipients:
2024          Steve Hyde, Genesee County EDC
2023 Tony Catapano, Suffolk County IDA
2022          Fred Braun, Brookhaven IDA and LDC
2022          Rich Dixon, Chautauqua County IDA
2021   Mike Manikowski, Ontario County Office of Economic Development
2020 Jim Griffin, City of Hornell IDA and Bill Mannix, Town of Islip IDA
2019 Kevin McLaughlin, The Agency, Broome County and George Cregg, Hodgson Russ
2018   Mike Stamm, Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT NOMINATION FORM

Linda J. Hill Women's Leadership Award

The NYSEDC Women's Leadership and Diversity Council will select an individual to receive the Linda J. Hill Women's Leadership Award each year. This award is given to an individual who has chosen a career as an economic development professional, is a tireless champion for the projects they work on and the community they serve. This individual stands out for their selfless commitment to supporting their peers personally and professionally through mentorship, personal, and professional support. Like Linda J. Hill, this individual has a "can do" attitude is universally respected and admired but always carries themself with confidence and humility.

LINDA J. HILL WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP NOMINATION FORM

2024 Merideth Andeucci, NYSERDA
2023 Jenna Kavanaugh, National Grid