New York State Economic Development Council logo

2026 NYSEDC Annual Meeting


2026 NYSEDC Annual Meeting

May 20 - 22, 2026

Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, New York



Registration - Now Open! Click Here
Member Rate:  $575.00
Spouse Rate: $275.00                   

Golf at the Leatherstocking Golf Course
Individual Player: $195.00
Foursome: $780.00

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will not be refunded after May 1st.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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

Email Kate Manley 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

Additional Accommodations:


Conference Agenda

Day One: Wednesday, May 20


12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lobby

Registration Opens and Networking Hour

Registration Gift | Sponsored by Hodgson Russ LLP
Conference Lanyards | Sponsored by Phillips Lytle LLP
Charging Station | Sponsored by New York Power Authority
Hotel Key Card Sleeves | Sponsored by The Agency (Broome County IDA / LDC)
Coffee | Sponsored by Barclay Damon



1:00pm - 1:50pm
Ballroom

Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks

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



1:50pm - 2:00pm
Ballroom Rotunda

Networking Break



2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ballroom

Breakout Session
The State of the Grid: An Update from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)

The NYISO manages the flow of electricity across the bulk electric system, or grid, in the state around the clock, every day of the year. Late last month, they released their Annual Summer Reliability Assessment highlighting the challenges our grid faces and the decline in reliability margins. In this session, hear from Kevin Lanahan, on what this means for economic development efforts in New York State moving forward and how localities engage in the larger energy discussions that are happening in New York State.

  • Kevin Lanahan, Senior VP, External Affairs & Corporate Communications, NYISO



2:00pm - 3:00pm
Iroquois Room

Breakout Session
Navigating Federal Home Loan Bank Funding: Tools, Trends, and Opportunities for New York

Explore how Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) funding programs support community investment and economic development across New York State. This session will break down key funding tools, eligibility requirements, and strategic use cases for economic developers navigating today's market conditions.

  • Adam Golstein, Senior VP, Chief Business Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
  • Madeline Fletcher, VP, Small and Mid-Size Development, NYS Homes & Community Renewal



2:00pm - 3:00pm
Fenimore Room

Breakout Session
How 40 Under 40 Leaders Shape the Future of Economic Development

The economic development field is undergoing generational change. This panel spotlights emerging leaders reshaping New York’s economic future, driving inclusive growth across different regions of New York State. Panelists will discuss fresh approaches to data, coalition building, and measuring impact in their communities. 

  • Moderator Honora Spillane, VP of Economic Development, CenterState CEO
  • Daniel Clark, VP & Director of Business Development, New York City Economic Development Council
  • Conor Eckert, President and CEO, Orange County Partnership
  • Ana Liss, Executive Director, Monroe County Economic Development
  • Matthew McDonough, Founding Member, McDonough PLLC



3:00pm - 3:15pm
Ballroom Rotunda

Refreshment Break Sponsored by Camoin Associates



3:15pm - 4:15pm
Ballroom

Breakout Session
Data Centers Through the Lens of Economic Development

Data Centers are quickly becoming one of the hottest issues in economic development. This panel will explore how expansion reshapes local economies and discuss the various approaches New York State is taking to support a growing industry while understanding the impacts that these projects can have in their communities.

  • Jeff Janiszewski, Senior VP, Strategic Business Development / Global NY, Empire State Development
  • Patrick Kelly, CEO, St. Lawrence County IDA
  • Katie Kemp, Associate, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
  • Jessica Waldorf, Cheif of Staff & Director of Policy Implementation, NYS Department of Public Service



3:15pm - 4:15pm
Iroquois Room

Breakout Session
The Future of Cannabis in New York

Five years into legalization, the rapidly growing cannabis market has contributed roughly $100 millionâ¯in local tax revenue. Local governments that initially opted out of sales are looking at neighboring communities to decide whether to openâ¯upâ¯their retail corridors to dispensaries, and whatâ¯such a move would look like.â¯â¯ 

Republican Mayor Jared Kraham of Binghamton, who has embraced cannabis retailers, joins the Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management for an honest conversation about the revenue and revitalizationâ¯on the table, and aboutâ¯the public safety concerns, zoning challenges, and political realities that keep many municipalities on the sidelines.

  • Moderator Kaelan Castetter, Managing Director, Castetter Cannabis
  • Mayor Jared Kraham, City of Binghamton
  • John Kagia, Acting Executive Director, NYS Office of Cannabis Management



3:15pm - 4:15pm
Fenimore Room

Breakout Session
New York State Budget: Overview and Outcomes for Economic Development

Hear from New York State officials as they unpack the key economic development, housing, regulatory, and energy outcomes from the New York State’s recently passed budget. With diverse priorities including affordability and competitiveness, participants will gain insight into this year’s budget process and what it means for local and regional economies. 

  • Moderator Sarah Lee, Executive VP of Strategic Initiatives, Hudson Valley EDC
  • Thomas Conoscenti, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, NYS Executive Chamber
  • Sean Ewart, Deputy Secretary for Energy, NYS Executive Chamber
  • Adam Zaranko, Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Housing, NYS Executive Chamber



4:15pm - 4:30pm
Ballroom Rotunda

Networking Break



4:30pm - 5:15pm
Ballroom

Plenary Session
Fireside Chat: A National View on Economic Development

This session will explore the current federal economic outlook and the factors shaping economic growth in New York and across the nation. Speakers will discuss what the landscape means for business conditions, public investment, workforce, and long-term growth prospects. 

  • Alejandra Castillo, Purdue University NW, Former U.S. Assistant of Commerce, EDA
  • Nathan Ohle, President and CEO, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)



5:30pm - 6:00pm
Lobby

Transporation to Welcome Reception

Trolleys depart from the  main entrance of the Otesaga, providing travel to and from the welcome reception every 15 minutes.



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

Welcome Reception

Join us to kick off the 2026 NYSEDC Annual Meeting with a reception at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.



7:30pm - 9:00pm
Glimmerglass Room at the Otesaga

Annual Awards Dinner Sponsored by National Grid

Awards sponsored by Farrell Fritz and Greater Rochester Enterprise
Table Wine sponsored by C&S Companies

Join us to celebrate the winners of the 2026 NYSEDC Economic Development Awards in the Glimmerglass Room at the Otesaga Resort Hotel.



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

Fireside Reception



Day Two: Thursday, May 21


7:00am - 8:30am
Glimmerglass Room

Breakfast Sponsored by New York City EDC

Enjoy complimentary breakfast for all Annual Meeting attendees.



8:00am - 8:30am
Glimmerglass Room

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

Mike Richter will be available to sign pucks for conference attendees. Richter, a goalie who played for the New York Rangers, 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.



8:30am - 9:15am
Glimmerglass Room

Plenary Session
Fireside Chat: Energy in New York State

Listen in as NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris joins Mike Richter of Brightcore Energy to discuss the state’s energy landscape and current and upcoming initiatives. Panelists will have a candid discussion on the future of energy policy in New York State, including renewable and nuclear options.

  • Doreen Harris, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA)
  • Mike Richter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Brightcore Energy



9:15am - 10:15am
Ballroom

Breakout Session
From NanoTech to MegaFabs: How Regions Can Participate in New York's Semiconductor Growth

As semiconductor investment accelerates across NY, economic developers are asking a critical question: what can regions do right now to position themselves for success? 

This panel brings together key players from across the ecosystem, including Micron Technology, GlobalFoundries, NY Creates, Empire State Development, and the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub to share practical insights on how regions can align around workforce, supply chain, innovation, and infrastructure priorities. This session will focus on actionable strategies, lessons learned, and opportunities for collaboration that can help regions position themselves to capture and contribute to New York’s semiconductor growth.

  • Moderator Shannon Ealy, VP of Innovation, OneROC and Deputy Regional Innovation Officer, NY SMART I-Corridor
  • Merideth Andreucci, SVP and Executive Director, GO-SEMI
  • Ashley Castle, Director of Government and Community Affairs, GlobalFoundries
  • Derek Martin, Director of Outreach and External Relations, NY Creates
  • Sweta Patel, Senior Manager, Global Supplier Ecosystem, Micron Technology
  • Ben Sio, President, CenterState CEO



9:15am - 10:15am
Iroquois Room

Breakout Session
A Discussion on Commercial Property Assessment Clean Energy (C-PACE)

This session will introduce Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) as an emerging financing tool that can enhance and diversify the capital stack for development projects. Participants will learn how C-PACE can be layered alongside traditional Industrial Development Agency (IDA) incentives to support energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency improvements. The discussion will highlight considerations, eligibility, and real-world applications for projects across New York. 

  • Shawn Griffin, Partner, Harris Beach Murtha
  • Martin Nunnally, VP - Underwriting and Energy Compliance, CastleGreen Finance



9:15am - 10:15am
Fenimore Room

Breakout Session
Building the Workforce Pipeline: From Classroom to Career

Across New York, employers are facing increasing challenges in finding skilled workers, particularly in the trades and technical fields. The Department of Labor and education establishments are expanding innovative programs, micro-credentials, and hands-on training opportunities to meet these demands. This panel will explore how IDAs and other public authorities can play a meaningful role in strengthening the workforce pipeline by partnering with local education providers. Panelists will share perspectives from the state, regional, and education levels. The discussion will highlight how strategic partnerships can support student pathways into high-demand careers while also advancing local economic development goals. 

  • Moderator Jenna Nazario, Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Rockland County
  • Dana Politis, Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development, NYS Department of Labor
  • Steven Porath, Executive Director, County of Rockland IDA
  • Chris White, Vice Chancellor, SUNY Office of Workforce Development and Upward Mobility
  • Mike Woods, Director, Technical Assistance Center of New York



10:15am - 10:30am
Ballroom Rotunda

Refreshment Break



10:30am - 11:30am
Ballroom

Breakout Session
Creating an Economic Ecosystem: Micron is Coming. Whats Next?

On January 16, Micron held a groundbreaking for its $100 billion semiconductor facility in upstate New York thanks to the tireless efforts of Onondaga County, New York State, many local municipalities and other private and public partners. Now, the surrounding communities and State need to work to ensure all that is necessary to support this investment is available including housing, workforce development and supply chain development. How is Onondaga County and the CNY Region handling this and how will it impact the people and communities around the state?

  • Amanda Fitzgerald, Partner, Barclay Damon LLP
  • Robert Petrovich, Executive Director, Onondaga County IDA
  • Jeff Davis, Partner, Barclay Damon LLP
  • Katie Newcombe, Director, Economic Development - NY, National Grid



10:30am - 11:30am
Iroquois Room

Breakout Session
Exporting as an Engine of Growth: Driving Economic Development Through Global Markets

Exporting is more than a sales strategy—it is a powerful catalyst for economic development, job creation, and long-term resilience. This panel will explore how expanding into international markets helps businesses scale, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen competitiveness, while also delivering broader benefits to regional and national economies. Panelists will discuss how exports support high-quality jobs, attract investment, and enable companies—especially small and mid-sized enterprises—to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The conversation will also highlight the role of New York State and local EDOs can play in lowering barriers and empowering more companies to compete globally.

  • Molly Bauer, Deputy Director, Global NY
  • Dina Rabiner, Senior VP of Innovation and Strategy, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
  • Heather McDaniel, Chief Economic Development Officer, Center for Economic Growth (CEG)



10:30am - 11:30am
Fenimore Room

Breakout Session
AI, Demographics, and Geopolitics: Three Seismic Shifts Altering the Labor Market and How NY EDOs Can Respond

Three major fault lines are converging in the global labor market and creating huge disruption. These shifts — the rise of AI, the demographic drought, and increased geopolitical volatility — present risks and opportunities for every region of New York. In this session, we will walk through Lightcast’s latest research and the steps that economic developers can take to prepare and adapt to build a future-ready workforce.

  • Josh Wright, Executive Vice President of Growth, Lightcast



12:30pm - 2:00pm
Glimmerglass Room

Lunch Buffet

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



11:30am - 5:00pm

Afternoon Networking Activities

You must be registered in advance for the networking activities.

Golf Tournament Sponsored by Nixon Peabody LLP
11:30am - 5:00pm
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 the Otesaga Tennis Courts
1:30pm - 5:00pm

Softball Game at DoubleDay Field Sponsored by LaBella Associates and Clinton County IDA
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Pick up your team t-shirt at registration! The front desk can provide directions to DoubleDay Field.

Artifact Spotlight Tour at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Make your way to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for the tour beginning at 2:00pm. The front desk can provide directions to the museum.



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

Taste of New York Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Harris Beach Murtha

Taste of New York Drink Sponsored by Empire Cannabis Manufacturer's Alliance



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

Taste of New York Networking Dinner Sponsored by Westchester Catalyst and Colliers Engineering and Design

New York Desserts Sponsored by Mohawk Valley EDGE, NYSTEC, and Warren Washington IDA



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

Informal Networking



Day Three: Friday, May 22


7:00am - 9:00am
Glimmerglass Room

Breakfast

Enjoy complimentary breakfast for all Annual Meeting attendees.



8:30am - 9:30am
Glimmerglass Room

Breakfast Keynote Session
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 will give an overview of U.S. and New York State economic conditions and take audience questions.



10:00am

Conference Concludes



Thank You To Our Sponsors!


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