Welcome Andrew Beckmann – IAED Director of Business Services

Andrew Beckmann joined IAED as Director of Business Services. In his new role, Beckmann will be responsible for managing relationships with businesses, entrepreneurs and referral partners, and providing them with technical and financial assistance. In that role he will oversee IAED’s Revolving Loan Fund as well as the administration of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) and Tompkins County Development Corporation (TCDC).

Beckmann graduated with highest honors from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the University of Hawaii, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in quantitative economics. Beckmann most recently served as a Financial Analyst for Cornell University Real Estate Asset Management. 

He can be reached at andrewb@IthacaAreaED.org.

IAED Team Hits Links at Chamber Golf Tournament

The IAED team – aka the "Economic Drivers" – hacked and whacked its way in the Annual Tompkins Chamber Golf Tournament, registering a very pedestrian result but scoring business introductions for new staff, building esprit de corps, and by supporting a key partner.

Tompkins Build Sets Intake Record, Cohort Started 9/21

IAED assessed a record 59 applicants for the fall 2026 cohort of Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship! Of those, 15 were chosen to start 9/21. Congratulations to everyone!

Over 11 weeks, the cohort will learn about commercial construction from industry professionals, attend field trips to local union halls, earn industry-recognized credentials, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for union apprenticeship applications.

Thank you to our fall 2026 program sponsors: LeChase Construction and UA Local 81!

Learn more about Tompkins Build >>

or contact Mira Kuroyedov at (607) 273-0005 or mirak@ithacaareaed.org.

Three Ithaca-based Companies Compete for $1M Grow-NY Prize

Three Ithaca-based companies have been named among the 20 finalists in the 2026 Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Competition: CryoBio, RETRN Bioworks, and Quantera Analytical. Funded by Empire State Development and administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, Grow-NY connects high-growth food and agriculture startups from around the world with resources and opportunities across Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. Together, these three finalists represent 15% of this year’s cohort and reflect the strength of our region’s growing innovation ecosystem.

As finalists, the three companies receive mentorship, pitch training, and networking opportunities before competing for a combined $3 million in investment, including a $1 million top prize, at the Grow-NY Summit in November.

Learn more about Grow-NY >>