Asset-Based Collaboration

Supports economic development by administering incentives that have facilitated 197 projects, resulting in $3.5 billion in investment, 14.9 million square feet of construction or renovation, and 255 MW of solar energy capacity in Tompkins County.

Provides advisory and administrative services for clients applying for and managing grants from agencies including the Appalachian Regional Commission, Department of Labor, and USDA, including managing a $500,000 EDA grant for the Direct to Work Manufacturing Partnership.

Advocates for regional economic development in clean energy and high-tech manufacturing by promoting investment in renewable energy storage, clean transportation manufacturing, and semiconductor packaging, leveraging local research strengths and workforce development.

Provides direct support to businesses in traded sectors—including site selection, financial planning, and technical guidance—to stimulate private investment, job creation, and economic growth in Tompkins County.

Produces strategic planning documents such as the 2015-2020 Tompkins County Development Strategy and the New York Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy to guide regional economic growth, with a focus on innovation, clean technology, and high-tech manufacturing.

Identifies and develops Tier I and Tier II shovel-ready sites to support business attraction, expansion, and economic development in the region.

Leads major infrastructure initiatives, including a 56-mile fiber broadband expansion to support redevelopment of a former coal plant, connect unserved households, and back up municipal systems, as well as infrastructure upgrades for transforming former industrial sites into mixed-use neighborhoods.

Manages a Revolving Loan Fund Program that provides financial support to entrepreneurs starting or expanding businesses in Tompkins County.

Runs multiple paid training programs, including the Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship (11 weeks) and the Direct to Work Manufacturing Partnership, which provide classroom instruction, hands-on experience, OSHA-10 certification, and guaranteed post-graduation job interviews to prepare individuals for union apprenticeships and careers in construction and manufacturing.

Serves on Local Planning Committees for state programs including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward to guide community development and inclusive growth strategies.

Develops and delivers career readiness programs that include foundational math, professional skills, and industry-recognized certifications (e.g., OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR, CMfgA) to address workforce gaps in construction and manufacturing sectors, supported by grants from federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor.

Offers 12 months of post-program case management, career services, and ongoing resources to support participants in securing and retaining careers in the construction trades.

Coordinates and strengthens regional economic development efforts in the Finger Lakes through targeted marketing communications, networking, and information sharing among local organizations and stakeholders.

Engages students from regional universities in business and entrepreneurship projects, including organizing and promoting a regional new product entrepreneurial competition to foster innovation in the Finger Lakes.

Advocates for the use of the 7½ Keys to Success framework to guide economic development strategies and address community challenges in the Finger Lakes region.

Supports business relocation, growth, and investment in the Finger Lakes region by providing information about regional assets to local, national, and international business leaders through initiatives such as the Locate Finger Lakes Business Journal.

Secured 33 company project wins in 2025, resulting in $239 million in new capital investment, 887 new jobs created, and 1,546 jobs retained in the region.

Supports business investments by facilitating access to tax exemptions, tax credits, grants, loans, foreign trade zone benefits, and specific programs such as the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit, Excelsior Investment Tax Credit, and Excelsior R&D Tax Credit across seven counties in the region.