IEDC Leadership Forum and Capitol Hill Visits

Heather McDaniel attended the 2025 International Economic Development Council Leadership Forum in Washington DC. Heather participated in discussions about federal legislation, policy advocacy, and messaging for economic development organizations. She heard from trailblazers in the field about attracting industry clusters and foreign direct investment, assembling and marketing competitive sites, housing as an economic development strategy, and board governance, among other topics.

Heather also visited with legislative staff at the offices of Senators Charles Schumer and Kirstin Gillibrand, and Congressional representative Josh Riley where she gave testimonials from participants in the Direct to Work industry partnership program and highlighted important federal funding support from the Economic Development Administration, Housing and Urban Development, and the Workforce Investment & Opportunities Act.

IAED’s Opportunity Fund Supports TETmedical

IAED used its Opportunity Fund to close on a convertible promissory note to TETmedical, Inc. to support growth at their new location in the Cornell Business & Technology Park. An R&D and clinical testing company, TETmedical emerged from groundbreaking innovations at Cornell and its first product is a diagnostic blood test for strokes. This blood test will begin FDA testing this spring and has the potential to be the first in-vitro diagnostic for stroke with a potential half billion-dollar addressable market. Future products will include at-home tests for liver enzymes and canine lameness and cancer screening. 

TETmedical has also received an incentives package from the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency including NY state sales tax exemptions. TET has hired 8 employees since January 2024 and will bring 8 additional jobs over the next 3 years to Ithaca. IAED’s Opportunity Fund takes an equity (or equity-like) position by investing in early-stage, high-growth startup companies. Seed funding gives early-stage companies a reason to stay and grow here.

Peggy Coleman Named Chamber President/CEO

Peggy Coleman was named President/CEO of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. She replaces Jennifer Tavares, who moved to Cornell in September. Peggy had previously served as the Chamber’s Vice President and Director of Visit Ithaca, its tourism arm. Peggy brings more than three decades of experience in economic development, tourism, and community engagement. “I am honored to serve as President and CEO of the Tompkins Chamber and to continue working alongside our dedicated team, members, and partners.”

Read the full press release >>

Dryden Receives $4.5M NY Forward Grant

The Village of Dryden will receive a $4.5 million grant from the NY Forward program, to revitalize its historic downtown and Main Street and generate new shopping, dining, and residential opportunities. This is the third year of NY Forward, intended to revitalize smaller, rural communities across the state. The Village of Groton received the same award in 2023.

IAED Co-Hosts, Presents at Economic Summit

At the 2025 Economic Summit, IAED President Heather McDaniel teamed up with Megan McDonald (Tompkins County) and Kate de la Garza (INHS) to deliver a presentation on housing – a “glass half full” review of what’s working across price points. Heather also joined Peggy Coleman (Tompkins Chamber) to deliver the “State of the Economy” over lunch, before a keynote address on Generative AI. The Summit was co-located at Cinemapolis and the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. Other breakout sessions highlighted the clean tech industry and economic development through events and parking.

Now Hiring: Workforce Development Manager

IAED is seeking a Workforce Development Manager for its two industry-led workforce initiatives – Direct to Work and Tompkins Build. The ideal candidate will collaborate with partners to create an assessment and referral process and serve as the primary point of contact for supportive services. They will also lead rural recruitment and work closely with IAED’s Director of Workforce Innovation to develop a transportation supportive services initiative – Southern Tier Connect.

Learn more about the position and apply today! >>