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2025 NYSEDC Annual Meeting


2025 NYSEDC Annual Meeting

May 21-23, 2025

Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, New York



Registration - SOLD OUT!

Register to join the waitlist -- you'll get an email if a spot opens up.

Member Rate:  $575.00
Spouse Rate: $275.00                   

Golf at the Leatherstocking Golf Course
Individual Player: $185.00
Foursome: $740.00     

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will not be refunded after Friday, May 9th, 2025.

Sponsorship Opportunities - SOLD OUT

Click here for a list of sponsorship opportunities, and fill out this online form to commit to your sponsorship.

Email Steph Cavalier or call 518.426.4058 for more information.

Hotel Information

The NYSEDC has room blocks at the Otesaga Resort Hotel, the Lake Front Hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and the Best Western Cooperstown. Other accomodations are available nearby. Booking instructions will be included in your confirmation email after you register for the event. If you do not receive a confirmation email, and it is not in your spam or junk folders, please reach out to Steph Cavalier for more information.


The Otesaga Resort Hotel - 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown  SOLD OUT

Additional Accommodations:


Agenda - More Coming Soon!

Wednesday, May 21st

12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lobby and Oak Room

Registration Opens, Networking Hour



1:30 - 1:50 pm
Ballroom

Conference Welcome, Opening Remarks

  • Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC)



1:50 - 2:00 pm
Ballroom Rotunda and Oak Room

Networking Break, Exhibitor Booths



2:00 - 3:00 pm

Breakout Sessions Sponsored by Mohawk Valley EDGE

Ballroom

How Clinton County Saved 350 Jobs

When Nova Bus announced its closure, putting 350 Clinton County jobs at risk, a coalition of partners—including the Clinton County IDA, Empire State Development, TDC, and the North Country Chamber of Commerce—mobilized quickly to attract Micro Bird to the facility. Through strategic collaboration and targeted incentives, the team preserved the entire workforce and turned a major economic challenge into a regional success story.

  • Molly Ryan, Executive Director, Clinton County IDA
  • Mike Morse, VP, Strategic Business Development, Empire State Development
  • Abby Praetorius, VP of Economic Development, North Country Chamber of Commerce
  • Dani King, President and CEO, TDC NNY


Iroquois Room

Best Practices in Industry Park Buildouts

Hitting singles and doubles with limited infrastructure leads to these sold out Industrial parks!   John Piseck Herkimer IDA and Chris Suozzi, GCEDC discuss there respective case studies and the do’s and don’ts that led their 100-200 acre sites to success.

  • John Piseck, CEO, Herkimer County IDA
  • Chris Suozzi, Executive VP of Business & Workforce Development, Genesee County EDC


Fenimore Room

Impacts of Airey v. State of New York on Solar and Wind Real Property Tax Assessment

This session will discuss the uncertainty in valuing solar and wind energy facilities due to an action brought by a group of town supervisors seeking to have Real Property Tax Law (“RPTL”) Section 575-b (i.e. the State’s mandated method for assessing the value of solar and wind energy facilities) declared unconstitutional.  The Supreme Court, Albany County, granted petitioners relief holding that RPTL section 575-b was unconstitutional as an impermissible delegation to the Department of Taxation and Finance of the Legislature’s taxing power.  The case is pending appeal by the State.  



3:00 - 3:15 pm
Ballroom Rotunda and Oak Room

Refreshment Break Sponsored by Camoin Associates, Exhibitor Booths



3:15 - 4:15 pm

Breakout Sessions

Ballroom

Mohawk Valley Brownfield Developer Summit: Collaborative Effort Across Seven Counties to Tackle Brownfields

In the Mohawk Valley and neighboring counties, a collaboration of stakeholders has formed to advance brownfield remediation and redevelopment efforts, promote economic revitalization, and improve the environmental quality in the region. Listen as a group of these stakeholders discuss how collective knowledge and partnerships can help unlock the economic, environmental, and social potential of underutilized properties.


Iroquois Room

Building Out Market-Ready Sites: Leveraging Resources to Prepare for New Opportunities

Over the past five years, site development has become one of the most important activities for economic developers across the state. New tools and resources have been introduced to expedite timelines and address a shortage of sites in New York State. In this session, hear from two experts who are leveraging these tools, their relationships, and local/regional/state partnerships to help their communities prepare for the companies of a new economy.


Fenimore Room

LinkedIn: Content That Clicks

This session dives into how professionals can build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn through smart, sustainable content strategies. From thought leadership and video trends to paid media and practical planning tools, attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for creating content that builds visibility, trust, and engagement.



4:30 - 5:15 pm
Ballroom

Plenary Keynote Address: Erica Orange

Erica Orange — futurist, trend analyst, and author of 'AI + The New Human Frontier' — will join us at the 2025 NYSEDC Annual Meeting to discuss the potential of AI in economic development. Erica analyzes emerging sociocultural, technological, economic, geopolitical, and environmental trends and identifies the strategic implications (the "So What?") for clients around the world. Her work has been spotlighted in Wired, NPR, Bloomberg, and more.

Erica will be signing copies of her book on Thursday morning during breakfast — be sure not to miss it!



5:30 - 6:00 pm

Hotel Check-In, Transportation to Welcome Reception

Trolleys depart from the main entrance of the Otesaga Resort Hotel, providing continuous travel to and from the Welcome Reception every 15 minutes.



6:00 - 7:15 pm
National Baseball Hall of Fame

Welcome Reception Sponsored by Otsego Now

Join us to kick off the 2025 NYSEDC Annual Meeting with a reception at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Trolleys depart to and from the Otesaga Resort Hotel every 15 minutes.



7:30 - 9:00 pm
Glimmerglass Room

Annual Awards Banquet Sponsored by National Grid



9:30 - 10:30 pm
Hawkeye Patio and Fire Bar

Fireside Reception





Thursday, May 22nd

7:00 - 9:00 am
Glimmerglass Room

Breakfast

Complimentary breakfast for all Annual Meeting attendees.


7:30 - 8:00 am
Glimmerglass Room

Book Signing: Erica Orange's AI + The New Human Frontier

Following her keynote address on Wednesday afternoon, Erica Orange will be available to sign her book, AI + The New Human Frontier, for conference attendees (books provided free while supplies last). The book offers a compelling exploration of generative AI's potential to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.



8:00 - 8:45 am
Glimmerglass Room

Breakfast Fireside Chat: New York Energy Policy

Reliable and affordable energy is a fundamental driver of productivity, profitability, job creation, and overall macroeconomic growth. How do we think that NYS is doing relative to these principles when it comes to renewable energy investments or policy initiatives?

  • Moderator: Mike Richter, President, Brightcore Energy; U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
  • Basil Seggos, Partner & Senior Policy Director, Foley Hoag LLP
  • Gavin Donohue, President & CEO, Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY)
  • Richard Dewey, President & CEO, New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO)


8:45 - 9:15 am
Glimmerglass Room

Puck Signing: Mike Richter, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Immediately following the New York Energy Policy session, moderator Mike Richter will be available to sign pucks for conference attendees. Richter, a goalie who played for the Rangers during his entire NHL career, led his team to the Stanley Cup in 1994 and represented the United States in international play on multiple occassions. His Number 35 jersey was retired by the New York Rangers in 2004 and he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of fame in 2008.


9:15 - 10:15 am

Breakout Sessions Sponsored by CSArch

Ballroom

Nuclear Energy Today and Into The Future

Nuclear Energy is gaining momentum across the United States, but it can be difficult to determine if it is a good opportunity for you. The technology itself can be confusing and the ecosystem that surrounds it for design, building and operating can be equally challenging. After this session, you will have a good foundation in these aspects of nuclear energy. We will specifically focus on:

1. Nuclear Ecosystem: Supply Chain and Technology Overview

2. From Paper Reactor to Operating Plant – Overview of Licensing Design, Owner/Operator Models, Siting

3. Where and When? Deployment Timelines, National/Regional Interest, Demonstration/Commercial Projects


Iroquois Room

Cannabis in New York: Fostering Economic Success and Opportunity

Join us for a one-hour conversation about cannabis in New York. The first thirty minutes will focus on the importance and role of economic developers in fostering the cannabis industry with a look at the NYC Cannabis Loan Fund. The second half of the panel will be structured as a Q&A designed to discuss questions, concerns, and ideas pertaining to cannabis consumption.

  • Moderator: Kaelan Castetter, Managing Director, Castetter Cannabis Group
  • Brinda Ganguly, Executive VP, New York City Economic Development Corporation
  • Al Foreman, Partner, Tuatara Capital
  • Mack Hueber, Beak Skiff/1911, ayrloom, Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance
  • Sarah Glose, Executive Director, City of Binghamton


Fenimore Room

Creative Capital: Spurring Economic Development in Rural Communities

Spurring economic development in rural communities can be challenging as access to capital remains a major hurdle for new and existing small businesses and entrepreneurs. In this session, learn how rural economic developers are leveraging creative capital strategies, such as revolving loan funds, public-private partnerships, State and Federal Resources, and local legislative assistance to get money flowing where it’s needed most. Discover how locally tailored solutions are spurring development, building resilient local economies from the ground up, and breathing new life into main streets across New York.

  • Moderator: James Hannahs, Director of Economic Development, Tourism, and Planning, Greene County EDC
  • Steve Griffin, CEO, Finger Lakes EDC
  • Cheyenne Steria, Director of Development, Naturally Lewis
  • Ken Adamczyk, Economic Development Specialist, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth


10:15 - 10:30 am
Ballroom Rotunda and Oak Room

Refreshment Break, Exhibitor Booths



10:30 - 11:30 am

Breakout Sessions Sponsored by Southern Tier Economic Growth

Ballroom

A Fireside Chat with Empire State Development

An engaging session to highlight the approach that Empire State Development is taking to drive investment and create jobs in New York during a time of changing federal policy on trade and economic development. This moderated fireside chat will feature insights from three ESD economic development leaders, on programs ranging from infrastructure to semiconductor supply chain, to housing and support for existing manufacturers. Existing initiatives like FAST NY and GO SEMI will be discussed, and new programs like POWER UP will be introduced. Participation from the audience on these important topics is welcomed and expected.  The panelists will answer questions throughout while also reserving time for Q&A.

  • Jeff Janiszewski, SVP of Strategic Business Development / Global NY,  Empire State Development
  • Alison Kabir, SVP of Policy, Legislative Affairs, and Green Initiatives, Empire State Development
  • David Whipple, Senior Director of Industry Development, Clean Technology and Renewable Energy, Empire State Development


Iroquois Room

Tourism, the Catalyst for Economic Growth

The research is in - Tourism is now New York State's second largest industry! Join us for a briefing and case studies on how 'tourism done right' will attract investment, create jobs and add vitality to your community! We'll address:

1. The 'Halo' Effect: How tourism branding dramatically enhances market desirability for all forms of economic development.

2. ROI Impact: How tourism marketing expenditures generate a $1 for $1 net increase of 20% in tax revenues.

3. Short-Term Rental Legislation: Why the new STR legislation is projected to increase local tax revenues by $100 million.

  • Moderator, Robert Provost, President & CEO, New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA)
  • Amanda Dana, Director of Tourism & Film, Orange County Tourism & Film
  • Josiah Brown, Founder, The New York Sherpa
  • Ana Liss, Executive Director, County of Monroe IDA (COMIDA) & Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC)


Fenimore Room

Strategic Considerations for Siting Data Centers in New York State

This presentation will explore the critical factors that influence the selection of sites for data centers. It will cover key considerations such as access to power, network connectivity and local regulatory requirements. Special attention will be given to land use policies and zoning restrictions and the importance of aligning data center development with local planning requirements.

  • Dennis Elsenbeck, Head of Energy and Sustainability, Energy Consulting Service, Phillips Lytle
  • Matthew Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Phillips Lytle
  • Michael Enright, SVP of External Affairs, Beowulf Energy



12:30 - 2:00 pm
Glimmerglass Room

Lunch Buffet

Join us for lunch in the Glimmerglass Room before heading out for afternoon networking activities.



11:30 am - 5:30 pm

Afternoon Networking Activities (must be registered in advance)

Golf Tournament sponsored by Nixon Peabody -- 11:30 am - 5:30 pm

  • Golfers Lunch at the Pro Shop Patio from 11:30am - 12:30pm
  • Shotgun Start in front of the Pro Shop at 12:30pm

Pickleball Tournament at Otesaga Tennis Courts -- 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Softball Game sponsored by LaBella Associates & Clinton County IDA -- 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

  • Game played at Doubleday Field: The Home of Baseball

Artifact Spotlight at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum sponsored by Loewke Brill Consulting Group -- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm



5:30 - 6:30 pm
Veranda at the Otesaga

Taste of New York Cocktail Reception sponsored by Harris Beach Murtha and Economic Development Partners, Inc.



6:30 - 8:00 pm
Lawn at the Otesaga

Taste of New York Networking Dinner sponsored by Barclay Damon and Westchester Catalyst



8:00 - 10:30 pm
Hawkeye Patio and Fire Bar

Networking





Friday, May 23rd

7:00 - 9:00 am
Glimmerglass Room

Breakfast

Complimentary breakfast for all Annual Meeting attendees.


8:00 - 9:30am
Glimmerglass Room

Plenary Keynote Address: Kartik Athreya, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Join us for a plenary session with Kartik Athreya, Director of Research and Head of the Research and Statistics Group at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Kartik Athreya will participate in a presentation and moderated discussion on the National Economic Outlook.



Conference Closes


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