Capacity Building via Professional Development

Offers the Basic Economic Development Course, a comprehensive program in economic development fundamentals delivered through instruction, peer learning, and case studies; this course fulfills core prerequisites for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential and is equivalent to 3 graduate-level credits at SUNY Empire State University's Master's program in Community and Economic Development.

Partners with organizations like The Business Council of New York State to develop competitiveness reports with policy recommendations for the Governor and legislature; provides mid-year and post-legislative session policy updates analyzing implications for IDAs and broader economic development strategy in New York State.

Hosts state-approved Board Training Sessions for IDA board members in collaboration with the New York State Authorities Budget Office, fulfilling legal training requirements under Section 2824 of the Public Authority Law by covering fiduciary, financial, ethical, and legal responsibilities.

Administers the Summer and Fall IDA Academies annually to train IDA staff and executives on best practices, legal powers, tools, public policy, operational efficiency, and housing development strategies; includes sessions on case studies such as shovel-ready site preparation, clean tech corridors, downtown revitalization, and affordable housing initiatives.

Organizes an annual Economic Development Conference and Annual Meeting, including Leadership and Policy Summits in locations such as Albany, White Plains, and Cooperstown, featuring keynote addresses, book signings, welcome receptions, and networking events to convene hundreds of professionals from New York and the tri-state area for peer exchange and policy dialogue.

Administers an annual awards program honoring achievements in economic development across categories such as programs, partnerships, marketing, and leadership; presents awards during the annual meeting to promote recognition and professional exchange among members.

Operates the Women’s Leadership and Diversity Council, which includes launching mentorship programs pairing experienced professionals with young professionals, developing guidelines, hosting webinars and roundtable discussions, organizing networking opportunities, and administering the Linda J. Hill Scholarship Program that covers course costs and includes participation in council activities.

Conducts research to inform and support advocacy and policy initiatives related to infrastructure development in the United States.

Facilitates collaboration between public and private entities to advance the growth and sustainability of American infrastructure, supporting systemic improvements through partnership development.

Funds outside consultants to advocate for public policy and legislation related to infrastructure development, advancing policy goals through external expert engagement.

Provides education, information, and resources to government officials and agencies to support the effective delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

Organizes monthly gatherings for elected officials to discuss shared municipal challenges and receive training on skills, innovative technologies, and cost-saving strategies through guest speakers.

Offers educational opportunities and supports professional development for town clerks across New York State.

Offers training and information resources to support the professional functions of county clerks across New York State.

Hosts the Annual Local Government Conference, a recurring event focused on local governance, with the 31st edition held in 2026.

Provides management and oversight of a facility that promotes economic development and houses professional and medical services, resulting in the retention and creation of over 54 jobs.

Produces original research studies, surveys, and frameworks—such as the Convergent Leader model and the Coqual Navigator Framework—to understand effective leadership in times of disruption. Research includes data collection from thousands of leaders globally, live session polls, post-event surveys, and roundtable discussions, with findings published in reports and shared through research launch events.

Offers interactive, tailored leadership programs including 90-minute Rapid Labs, full-day strategy workshops, and multi-session series such as "Leading in Uncertain Times" to help teams build alignment, trust, and clarity. Programs are customized for client cultures and delivered to executive teams, ERG leaders, and global senior leaders, with demonstrated high engagement (e.g., Net Promoter Score of 96).