Register NOW for IAED's Annual Meeting!

Join us as we highlight IAED's successes in 2024 and our goals for continued prosperity, innovation, and sustainability.

Space is limited! (When filled, a waitlist will follow.)

When: Wednesday, May 7, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, 116 E. Green St., Ithaca

What: Anniversary celebration and breakfast buffet

Cost: $20 / person 

Please RSVP by April 28th

Heather McDaniel Steps Down from IAED

Heather McDaniel has stepped down as President of IAED. Heather served at IAED for 18 years, the last 6 years as President. “We are grateful for Heather’s many years of service, leadership, and commitment to our mission. She has been a passionate advocate for economic growth in our region and we wish her the best in her future endeavors,” said Jodi Lee Denman, Board Chairperson. IAED will launch a formal search process to identify a new leader in the coming months.

Michael Kotlikoff Named 15^th Cornell President

Cornell University’s Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Michael Kotlikoff as its 15^th president. Dr. Kotlikoff had served as interim president since July 2024, following Martha Pollack’s resignation. An accomplished researcher, he joined Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, rising to dean in 2007 and provost in 2015.

Cornell Chronicle article about Dr. Kotlikoff >>

Tam Warren in Top 50 Women Real Estate Leaders

Tam-Marion Warren was listed #31 on the Top 50 Women Leaders in Real Estate by Women We Admire, a professional women’s network across the U.S. and Canada. In her biography, Warren is lauded not only for her real estate accomplishments, but also her international experience, linguistics, and community engagement. She joined IAED’s Board of Directors in 2025.

Women We Admire article >>

Cornell Celebrates Incubator Graduates

Cornell University’s Center for Life Science Ventures and the Praxis Center celebrated three startups — LLume, Meiogenix, and TETmedical — as they graduated from their incubators. Colleagues, community leaders, faculty, and students were on hand to recognize the companies’ accomplishments and to network with leaders in the innovation economy. TETmedical recently moved into the Cornell Business & Technology Park. They received a loan from IAED and incentives from the TCIDA, which will help them create eight new jobs over the next three years.

IAED & Tompkins Chamber Hosting ESD Semiconductor Presentation – 4/29

On behalf of ESD, IAED and the Tompkins Chamber are co-hosting a presentation by the Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) titled “Unlocking the Potential of New York's Semiconductor Success.” This free event will be held at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center on Tuesday, April 29^th from 9:30 – 11:00 am.

RSVPs are required by Friday, April 25^th (email janet.maxian@esd.ny.gov to save your spot).

IAED Co-Hosting Succession Planning Roundtable – 4/29

IAED is co-hosting a seminar titled "Buying and Selling Businesses: Financing and Planning Considerations” on Tuesday April 29^th from 12-3:30 pm in the BorgWarner Room of the Tompkins County Public Library. A presentation and panel discussion with representatives from IAED, M&T Bank, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Klaussner Cook PLLC, and others.

Register for the “Buying and Selling Businesses” roundtable >>

State Accepting Applications for 7^th Round of Grow-NY Agribusiness Competition

Applications are due on May 15^th. Finalists pitch competition and awards November 12–13 in Canandaigua. 

Learn more about the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition >>

Grow-NY Competition Accepting Applications – Due 5/15

Grow-NY is a business competition focused on growing a food and agriculture innovation cluster in the Grow-NY region. The competition attracts novel, high-growth businesses from across the globe and engages them in the region’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem. Finalists pitch their business ideas for a chance to win up to $1 million. Winning companies are required to grow jobs, connect with local industry partners, and contribute to the Upstate economy.

Applications are open until May 15^th. Finalists are selected in August and begin mentoring and business trips until the final Pitch Competition & Summit, November 12–13 in Canandaigua.

Learn more and apply >>

Round 2: FuzeHub Startup Manufacturing Grant Applications – Open 5/14

FuzeHub’s Manufacturing Grants are designed to encourage collaboration between non-profit organizations and small- to medium-sized manufacturers, leading to sector growth and economic impacts in communities across NYS. Established companies can apply in January, and startups in April.

More information about the grants >>