Economic News for Ithaca and Tompkins County

April 2023

IAED at Cornell’s Regional Town-Gown Conference

On April 18, Cornell University’s Office of Community Relations held the annual Regional Town-Gown Conference at the Hotel Ithaca. This year’s focus was “Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities” and brought leaders in the field together for networking and programming related to demographic trends, recruitment and retention, workforce development models, and barriers such as childcare and housing. 

The conference enabled attendees to learn from workforce professionals and share innovative ideas with partners and peers. IAED’s Director of Workforce Innovation, Danielle Szabo, was a panelist during the “Workforce Development–State Trends and Regional Models” segment.

Johanna Anderson Named President of Tompkins CNY Bank

IAED board member, Johanna Anderson, was recently appointed President of Tompkins Community Bank’s Central New York market, starting July 10^th. Anderson currently serves as Executive Director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and has extensive knowledge of affordable housing and commercial real estate development and management, residential and consumer lending, financial education, organizational strategy, and stakeholder engagement. In addition to IAED, she serves on boards and committees of Tompkins CNY, Kendal at Ithaca, and Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. Read more about it here.

Chloe Capital Honored for Impact Investing

Chloe Capital, a mission-driven venture capital firm focused on investing in women-led tech companies, was selected as an Emerging Impact Manager for the ImpactAssets 50^TM (IA 50) 2023 list. The IA 50 is updated annually to recognize the top impact investment fund managers worldwide. Selection is highly competitive, and inclusion highlights Chloe Capital’s dedication to delivering exceptional financial returns alongside measurable, positive impact. Read the press release here.

FUNDING

$425 Million in Grants for Water Infrastructure – Applications Live May 3^rd

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $425 million will be available through the NYS Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs, bolstered by funding authorized under the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. These public funds will help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments, strengthen resiliency, address climate change, and create green jobs.

This is the first spending under the Bond Act, which voters approved in November 2022. Priorities include drinking water projects that address contaminants and wastewater infrastructure. Applications and eligibility criteria will be available on May 3^rd at efc.ny.gov. Check out Governor Hochul’s press release here.

EVENTS

Upcoming Open Houses on New Flood Maps, Insurance, Risk

Local officials and representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation will be hosting two open houses to review the recently revised flood maps, insurance requirements, and risk reduction measures. The events do not include formal presentations. Instead, residents are encouraged to ask questions, collect information on available resources, and (if purchased) bring a copy of current flood insurance declarations page.

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

IAED Welcomes Kellea Bauda as Director of Business Services

IAED is pleased to announce a new hire. Kellea Bauda began Monday as Director of Business Services. In her new role, Bauda is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with businesses, entrepreneurs, and referral partners; providing technical, financial, and site location assistance; managing IAED’s Revolving Loan Fund; and aiding administration of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA).

IAED President Heather McDaniel shared, “Kellea is a great addition to IAED. She has a strong background in finance and lending and her customer relationship skills are unmatched.” McDaniel added, “I am confident she will do great things for businesses throughout Ithaca and Tompkins County.”

Bauda brings over 17 years of banking experience to her new role. Her most previous work focused on business relationships and commercial lending. She also has a background in engaging U.S. Treasury products to streamline business finances by managing cash, investments, and other financial assets. Bauda formerly served as VP, Business Banking for Chemung Canal Trust Company and Citizens Bank. She has also worked for Bank of America, Citifinancial, and First Niagara/Key Bank.

Bauda graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in International Studies and Sociology. She is also a 2019 Leadership Tompkins graduate and has served on boards or committees of the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, United Way of Tompkins County, Lansing Youth Services Commission, and Racker. Bauda can be reached at kelleab@IthacaAreaED.org.

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