Economic News for Ithaca and Tompkins County

June 2023

Heather McDaniel Represents at State, International Events

IAED President, Heather McDaniel, attended the NYS Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) annual meeting in Cooperstown from May 24-26. While there, she participated on a Women in Leadership panel discussing the challenges, opportunities, and career pathways for women in the field of economic development. Heather has been a member of NYSEDC’s Board of Directors since 2019.

Heather McDaniel alongside fellow ‘Women in Leadership’ panelists.

Heather then attended the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Economic Future Forum in Calgary, Alberta from June 10-14. The conference was focused on collaboration and workforce development. While there, she visited with President & CEO, Nathan Ohle, alongside other members of IEDC’s Board of Directors; Heather has been a board member since 2019.

Heather McDaniel with fellow IEDC Board members. IEDC President & CEO, Nathan Ohle, bottom right.

Heather McDaniel and fellow IEDC Board members at Banff National Park.

Richard Polevoy Talks Knickerbocker, IAED on WHCU Radio

Richard Polevoy, President & CEO of Knickerbocker Bed Company, shares a history of his family’s fourth-generation bed frame manufacturing company–the only one to source its products entirely within the U.S.–and the rationale behind the recent move to Ithaca. The Polevoy’s roots run deep at Cornell, as does Richard’s appreciation for IAED’s President, Heather McDaniel, and its workforce development services. Listen to the full 25-minute interview on WHCU here.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

NYS Consolidated Funding Application Open, Available for 30 Programs

Governor Hochul recently announced the launch of Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis. Projects that address strategic priorities–including green building and sustainable development, childcare, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships are eligible for additional award funding.



New this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support NYS craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth. Read the Governor’s press release here or access the CFA application and resources here.

CALENDAR

Enrollment Open for IAED’s DTW Summer Program

Summer registration is open for IAED’s Direct to Work: Pathways to Manufacturing program. Classes will run July 18 – August 24, M-F 9:30 – 3:30pm at the TC3 Ithaca Extension Center on the Commons. For more information or to attend an information seminar or register, contact Danielle Szabo at danielles@ithacaareaed.org, call 607-275-0005x223 or fill out the online form.

MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Coming to Syracuse, 6/28

The New York State Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Regional Opportunities Expo will be held in Syracuse on June 28. The expo brings together various agencies and contractors from across the state and features program and project highlights, capacity-building workshops, and networking opportunities. Visit the registration page for more information or to reserve your spot.

Calling All Manufacturers: How It’s MADE Event at TCC, 9/27

Regional manufacturers are invited to attend the Manufacturing and Development Expo (MADE) event at Tompkins Cortland Community College on September 27, 9am – 2pm. You’ll get to engage regional high school students and showcase your work at this free, highly interactive community event. Register here by July 15.

Visit Ithaca Area Economic Development's Website