IAED Hosts Annual Meeting, Presents Report to Community

On May 7^th, IAED hosted its annual meeting at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. Over 90 business and community partners, elected officials, investors, and others were on hand for a lively event that featured a welcome from Board Chairperson Jodi Lee Denman, a review of 2024 accomplishments from IAED staff, a look back at our 60-year history from Past Chairperson Greg Hartz, and a “happy birthday” greeting from NYSEDC Executive Director, Ryan Silva. The yearly event is an opportunity for IAED to show gratitude for the people and projects that are important to our economy.

Read the annual report >>

Welcome Mira Kuroyedov, IAED’s Workforce Development Manager

Mira Kuroyedov joined IAED as Workforce Development Manager. In this role, she will oversee recruitment efforts for industry-led workforce programs and strengthen partnerships with community organizations. Specifically, Mira will focus on expanding visibility, recruitment, and access for IAED’s Direct to Work and Tompkins Build programs.

Mira comes to IAED from Tompkins Community Action, where she launched the county’s first housing mobility program, and Mission Possible – a community economic development non-profit in her native Vancouver, Canada.

Please welcome Mira at mirak@IthacaAreaED.org.

IAED, Chamber Co-Host GO-SEMI Roadshow

IAED and the Tompkins Chamber co-hosted a roadshow by Empire State Development (ESD) and the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) titled “Unlocking the Potential of New York’s Semiconductor Success” at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center on April 29^th. Over 50 attendees heard remarks by ESD and GO-SEMI leadership, along with a presentation on opportunities for industry growth and interactive working sessions on site development, supply chain, and workforce. Ithaca was selected as one of the first host sites for the event, which is now traversing the state.

IAED, the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA), and economic development partners across the Southern Tier released the New York Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy, a regional effort guided and produced by Newmark, a global development consulting firm. The Strategy analyzes several key industries – renewable energy storage development, clean transportation manufacturing, and semiconductor packaging — that can be attracted to the region by pairing existing resources and research capabilities with additional infrastructure expansion and workforce development programs.

The Strategy builds on the region’s growing reputation as a hub for energy storage R&D and manufacturing and positions it as a key future supply chain location for semiconductor and other high-tech businesses expanding along the Thruway corridor.

Read the New York Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy >>

IAED Co-Hosts Buying and Selling Businesses Seminar

On April 29^th, IAED co-hosted a seminar and panel discussion on the processes of buying and selling businesses. Other partners and presenters included the Tompkins Chamber, M&T Bank, Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Council, Klausner Cook Law Office, and Sciarabba Walker.

More than 40 attendees gained insight into the essential steps required for business transitions. A dynamic panel discussion featuring representatives from each partner organization provided valuable perspectives and practical advice. The engaging conversation also led to meaningful networking opportunities among participants, making the event both informative and collaborative.

Andy Sciarabba Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Former IAED Board Chairperson and co-founder of Sciarabba Walker, Andy Sciarabba, recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at St. John Fisher’s Accounting Awards Celebration. Shortly after graduating from the university, he and a partner established their namesake accounting firm dedicated to serving Ithaca and Tompkins County. Since then, Andy has shared freely his time and experience with many community organizations, including several roles for IAED. Congratulations, Andy, and well deserved!

Read more about Andy and the Lifetime Achievement Award >>

Tompkins Build Set to Graduate First Pathways to Apprenticeship Cohort

The inaugural Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship cohort is underway, with 15 participants selected from over 170 applications. Students are earning key certifications including OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, GPRO, and the nationally recognized MC3, while receiving hands-on training from all 10 participating trades. The program also includes industry field trips and concludes with each participant receiving a fully stocked student tool kit. Graduation is scheduled for June 17th at 3:30 PM.