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2023 NYSEDC Annual Meeting


2023 NYSEDC Annual Meeting

May 24-26, 2023

Otesaga Hotel, Cooperstown, New York



Registration

Annual Meeting Registration
Member Rate:  $555.00                 
One Day Rate: $455.00   
Spouse Rate:   $250.00   

Golf at the Leatherstocking Golf Course
Individual Player: $125.00
Foursome: $500.00     

Cancelation Policy: Cancelations will not be refunded after May 5, 2023


Sponsorship Opportunities 

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

Email Thomas Boomhower 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 Thomas Boomhower.

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

Additional Accommodations:



Agenda - Digital Program

Click here for our Facebook Photo Gallery


Wednesday, May 24, 2023

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Registration Open and Networking - Lobby and Oak Room

1:00 - 1:15 pm 

Welcome and Opening Remarks | Ballroom

  • Ryan Silva, Executive Director, NYSEDC

1:15 - 1:45 pm 

2023 Policy Update | Ballroom

1:45 -2:00 pm 

Refreshment Break/ Exhibitor Booths - Ballroom Rotunda and Oak Room

2:00 -3:00 pm 

Breakout Session 

Industry Association Update - Fenimore Room

Economic Development encapsulates a number of industry sectors that have broad impact on the work we do and the quality of life for the communities we serve. Whether is the business sector, housing, tourism, construction, or banking, each industry faces unique challenges and opportunities as we emerge from the pandemic. Hear from industry leaders across New York on the state of the economy, their priorities moving forward, and how economic developers can work across sectors to drive growth.

Moderated by Melinda Mack, Executive Director at New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals (NYATEP)

  • Heather Mulligan, President and CEO, New York State Business Council (BCNYS)
  • Wade Beltramo, Counsel, NYS Conference of Mayors
  • Josiah Brown, Past Chair, New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA)

  • Adam Zaranko, President, New York Land Bank Association (NYLBA)

2:00 -3:00 pm 

Breakout Sessions - Iroquois Room

Tools and Best Practices for Site Development 

The primary location drivers for most large-scale advanced manufacturing projects are workforce and site-readiness. Market-ready ultimately mean getting the facility in the ground on the terms of the company.  If a site is not market-ready, it probably will not meet the timetable of the client, and therefore will be eliminated from consideration. Too often, NY development sites are considered by prospects, but not chosen and the reason often is the lack of market-readiness. In this session, you will here about the tools New York State is providing to aid in site development and see best practices that have lead to attracting new industry and development to New York State.

Moderated by Ron Peters, President & CEO, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth

2:00 -3:00 pm 

Breakout Sessions - Ballroom

Women's Leadership and Diversity Council - Fireside Chat 

Moderated by Shelby Schneider, Deputy Director, NYSEDC

Women in leadership, entry-level and middle management positions in economic development organizations have risen drastically over the past twenty years. While we have also seen an increase in diversity amongst economic development leadership, much work remains to be done to engage more in the economic development process. Join NYSEDC board members as they discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the field of economic development and learn more about their career pathway.

  • Stacey Duncan, CEO, The Leadership Alliance,  The Agency Broome County IDA/LDC
  • Honora Spillane, Vice President of Economic Development, CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity
  • Brittany Davis, Executive Director, Naturally Lewis
  • Bridget Gibbons, Director Economic Development, Westchester County
  • Heather D. McDaniel, CEcD, AICP, EDFP, President at Ithaca Area Economic Development

3:00 -3:15 pm 

Refreshment Break/ Exhibitor Booths | Sponsored by Camoin Associates

3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Breakout Session - Fenimore Room

A First Hand Look Into the New York Cannabis Industry

The New York legal cannabis market, projected to be over $6 million in size, has been rolling out across the State with growers, processors, and retailers becoming licensed over the past year. Hear from a panel of experts with first hand experience including the New York Office of Cannabis Management's Director of Policy, the first licensed dispensary in Upstate, and a Syracuse-area processor who has been filling the shelves with dozens of products. 

3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Breakout Sessions - Ballroom 

Best Practices in Economic Development Marketing to Strategic Industries

Marketing your region to targeted industries starts with research, data, investment in marketing campaigns, and extensive outreach to drive business attraction, expansion, job creation and transformational investment. This process can sometimes take years. Get an insider’s perspective of regional marketing efforts and how they are catalyzed by Empire State Development’s strategic industry attraction investments.

3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Breakout Sessions - Iroquois Room 

Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment + Global New York Update

There’s no question about it—New York State and New York City are the US capital for international business. Whether you’re a major multinational or a startup, New York offers limitless opportunities for growth. With representatives around the world and programs offering export funding and assistance, Global NY helps New York businesses enter or expand their presence in the global marketplace. Global NY programs connect companies with sales agents and distributors abroad and offset the costs of exporting with grants and loans. By participating in our trade missions, New York businesses can create and reinforce global connections and partnerships. Global NY is committed to helping businesses sell their products and services in growing markets including Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Europe, India, Israel, Mexico and South America.

  • Jeff Janiszewski, Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development, Empire State Development
  • Lauren Queally, Senior Project Manager, Empire State Development

4:30 - 5:00 pm 

Plenary Keynote Address - Ballroom

5:00 - 5:30 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

5:45 - 7:00 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 | Sponsored by LeChase Construction 




Thursday, May 25, 2023

7:00 - 9:00 am

Breakfast - Glimmerglass | Sponsored by NYSEG - RGE

9:15 - 10:15 am

Morning Breakout Sessions -  Iroquois Room

Growing Opportunities and Resources in Rural Economic Development 

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loans, grant, and loan guarantee programs to help drive economic security and prosperity. This panel will explore programs that expand utility infrastructure, and support business growth. Learn from two thriving New York businesses about their experience operating in rural New York and the tools that support their growth.

Moderated by Jill Staats, Steuben County IDA

  • Gary Pereira, Energy Coordinator and Business Programs Specialist, USDA Rural Development Agency
  • Dan Palladino, Owner, Palladino Farms / Heritage Hill
  • Nels Leader, CEO, Bread Alone

9:15 - 10:15 am

Morning Breakout Sessions - Ballroom

Opportunities and Challenges for Developing Workforce Housing in New York State

Housing matters to economic development with long-term implications for economic growth and sustainability. Having the right housing stock for your workforce can enhance economic performance and a community‘s competitiveness for talent and business investment. This panel will discuss the complexities of developing quality, affordable housing options for the local workforce, and explore best practices and policies and challenges of bringing a project from idea to reality. 

Moderated by Jim Siplon, President and CEO, EDC Warren County 

  • Darren Scott, Upstate East Director of Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
  • Libby Clark, General Counsel, Bonacio Construction 
  • James C. Johnson, Executive Director, Steuben County IDA
  • James Lloyd. Director of Policy, New York State Association for Affordable Housing

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Refreshment Break/ Exhibitor Booths - Ballroom Rotunda + Oak Room | Sponsored by Orange County Partnership

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
  • Lauren Queally, Senior Project Manager, Empire State Development
  • Dr. Heidi Knoblauch, Acting Executive Director, Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR)
  • Merideth Andreucci, Assistant Director of Economic Development, NYSERDA 
  • Jenny Kelley, Economic Development Manager, NYSERDA
  • Darren Scott, Upstate East Director of Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
  • Kaelen Castetter, Managing Director, Castetter Cannabis Group

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch Buffet - Glimmerglass

11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Afternoon Activities

  • 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm - Softball Tournament at Doubleday Field | Sponsored by LaBella Associates, D.P.C.

  • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Artifact Spotlight at the National Museum of Baseball Hall of Fame | Sponsored by Loewke Brill Consulting Group  (limited to 55 attendees)  - Fans who love the National Pastime and are looking for a unique way to experience the game’s long and varied history have that opportunity thanks to the National Baseball Hall of Fame museum collections artifact presentation at the Bullpen Theater. 

  • 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Pickleball at Tennis Courts, Otesaga Resort Hotel. Equipment can be rented at front desk.  

    • The NYSEDC is pleased to offer a couple of new activity options this year at our annual meeting in Cooperstown. Specifically, were are offering (a) beginner pickleball workshops for anyone who is interested in learning to play the nation’s fastest growing sport, and (b) round-robin play for experienced players. Space is very limited, so if you are interested in participating in either activity, please register now (see below).

      Beginner Workshops: These sessions are geared toward true beginners – we will cover the rules of the game, score keeping, game flow, and participants will play easy games with fellow beginners. We will have one session starting a 1:30 and a second session starting at 3:00.

      Round-Robin Play: This activity is for experienced players of all levels – beginner/intermediate through advanced. All games will be doubles games. We will attempt to group players together of similar skill level, to the extent possible. Games will begin at 12:30pm and end by 5:00pm. You will be notified in advance as to your appointed time on the courts. Please arrive early so you are ready to play right away.

      Paddles will be available, courtesy of the Otesaga, but feel free to bring your own equipment.

      MRB Group has volunteered to organize these sessions, so please email michael.ndolo@mrbgroup.com to register. In that email, please note if you are registering for the beginner workshops or round-robin play. If you are registering for the round-robin play, please specify your skill level using the USA Pickleball definitions

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 

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Women's Leadership and Diversity Council Networking Meetup | 1909 Restaurant | Powered by National Grid and 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!



Friday, May 26, 2023

7:00 am - 9:00 am

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

9:15 am - 10:30 am

General Session | Ballroom

IDA Success Stories and Best Practices Across New York State

Industrial Development Agencies throughout New York State have a powerful impact on their local economies and are one of our strongest tools for shaping local and regional economies. This panel will share success stories, and best practices for attracting economic prosperity for their communities and residents.  

  • Sarah Lee, CEO, Th!nk Dutchess 
  • Brittany Davis, Executive Director, Naturally Lewis
  • Tom Dolan,  CEO, Babylon IDA
  • Steve Porath, Executive Director, Rockland County IDA
  • Jill Staats, Deputy Director of Operations, Steuben County IDA
  • Brendan O'Bryan, Director of Community & Economic Development, The Agency

10:30 am 

Conference Closes




Thank you to our sponsors!

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