Author: EDGEadmin

MV EDGE 2023 in Review

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Mohawk Valley EDGE: 2023 Annual Review Slides


At Mohawk Valley EDGE, we are excited to continue our mission of promoting economic growth and development in Oneida & Herkimer Counties. We are committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to create a thriving business environment that attracts investment, creates jobs, and strengthens the local economy. In 2023, EDGE worked diligently to further this mission. Learn more about projects, initiatives, and what’s to come by reviewing our Annual Presentation. 

ANNUAL REPORT SLIDES

 

Governor Hochul Announces Mohawk Valley as $10M Winner of Regional Economic Development Council Challenge Competition

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Governor Hochul Announces Mohawk Valley as $10M Winner of Regional Economic Development Council Challenge Competition

NEWS RELEASE
584 Phoenix Drive
Rome, New York 13441
Phone 315-338-0393

For immediate release:
December 29, 2023

As announced yesterday by Governor Kathy Hochul, the Mohawk Valley Region has been named as one of three winners of the 2023 Regional Economic Development Council Challenge Competition. Each awarded region will receive $10 million in project funding to advance new strategies addressing the housing crisis and workforce development initiatives.

According to the Governor’s press release, “New York’s REDC Challenge Competition is just one of the ways that our state is empowering local leaders to transform their communities and unlock their economic potential,” and is aimed to catalyze economic development and growth.

The release outlined this win as a part of the REDC Round XIII initiative, as each of New York’s 10 REDCs identified strategies and approaches to address one of seven challenges faced across state. The Mohawk Valley’s winning proposal, focusing on creative solutions to and underlying concerns in workforce, was also summarized in the article:

“The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council’s plan to meet the region’s growing demand for tourism, agribusiness, and STEM-intensive industries, while prioritizing its efforts to eliminate barriers to employment. The council identified 12 catalyst projects to scale successful programs across the region, including established programs like the Institute for Rural Vitality’s Micro-Credentialing program, Mohawk Valley Community College’s Fast Track program, and the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection. The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council’s proposal also includes several projects with a unique ability to engage students at a younger age and open doors to an increasingly diverse working-age population, as well as projects tailored to eliminating employment barriers for persons with disabilities.”

Mohawk Valley EDGE is thrilled to contribute to this progressive strategy and planning, which will generate housing growth, strengthen our workforce, and significantly expand the talent pipeline our region has already begun to cultivate.

Thank you to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, including Co-Chairs Larry Gilroy and Dr. Marion Terenzio, NYSTEC, and other partners that have collaborated to make this regional report and subsequent win a reality.

We also congratulate Long Island and the North Country Economic Development Councils on their award-winning proposals for the 2023 Challenge Competition.

Contact: Hannah Phillips, 315-338-0393 ext. 5511

 

Rome Cable Tower Community Survey

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Mohawk Valley EDGE has received technical assistance through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help determine possible uses for the Rome Cable Tower. We are inviting community members to provide input as part of the process.The Rome Cable Tower is an iconic structure in the community. We have identified several potential uses for the building and opportunities for public art, and we would like to hear what you think.

Responses from this survey will be compiled and included in the final report prepared by Adaapta and Tetra Tech, the environmental consultants working on the project.

Captionless Image
 

EDGE President Receives 2023 NYS Senate Commendation Award

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On Thursday, November 2, 2023 Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steve DiMeo was presented with a New York State Commendation Award from Senator Joseph A. Griffo. The awards ceremony was held at Munson in Utica and honored several 53rd Senate District residents.

FULL RELEASE

The award is one way the Senate recognizes exceptional people who have made a lasting contribution to their community. In a recent release regarding the event, Senator Griffo noted “There are many individuals within our communities who are certainly worthy of recognition for their efforts to enrich the social, religious and educational well-being of their neighbors and fellow citizens.” Mohawk Valley EDGE is proud to have President Steve DiMeo listed as a part of this prestigious honor.

The full list of 2023 awardees included:

  • Darlene Mack-Brown, community engagement direct at Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency and community advocate
  • Steven DiMeo, president of Mohawk Valley EDGE
  • Rocco “Rocky” DiVeronica, former Town of Lenox supervisor and Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors
  • Frank Elias, founder and president of Utica Coffee Roasting
  • Monalisa Fermin-Fennell, a community advocate
  • Dr. Brian Gaffney, a leading cardiologist in the region
  • Susan Hanson, advocate for breast cancer survivors and their families
  • Rodney Kent, former president and CEO of International Wire
  • David Mathis, director of the Oneida County Office for Workforce Development
  • Jacqueline Nelson, president of the Rome Branch of the NAACP
  • Victor Pearlman, executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Mohawk Valley and the Jewish Community Center of Utica
  • Raymond Philo, retired chief of the New Hartford Police Department
  • Earle Reed, former president of ECR International and founder of the Boilermaker Road Race in Utica
  • Richard Smith, an accomplished local attorney
  • John Zogby, respected pollster

Heather Elias, Nick Matt, Rev. Dr. Mary Webster, Mary Carol (MC) Chruscicki and Patricia Baskinger were unable to attend the ceremony but were also recognized.

Thank you to Senator Griffo and congratulations to all awardees.

Mohawk Valley EDGE is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to strengthening and growing the economy of the Mohawk Valley.

Senator Joseph A. Griffo, of Rome, represents Oneida, Madison and parts of Chenango and Herkimer counties in the New York State Senate, a position he’s held since 2007. More information: https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/joseph-griffo/about.

“Vibrant Meridian” Welcomed to Marcy Nanocenter Campus

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Have you had a chance to visit the Marcy Nanocenter lately? If so, you may have noticed the latest installation: “Vibrant Meridian.”

This award-winning piece was co-created by artists Anaisa Franco and Michael DiCarlo, and is perfectly suited to the Nanocenter’s aesthetic.
Composed of several steel sticks painted with complementary colors that create a vibrating effect when viewed in motion, the sculpture is a sight to behold. Anaisa Franco, a prolific artist whose public art installations can be found in Dublin, China, France, and other international locations, describes her work as “playful and interactive” art that “activates public spaces.”

Co-artist Michael DiCarlo’s practice is rooted in architecture and architectural methods, whose internationally recognized pieces—including those featured at Burning Man— also seeks to combine public interaction and experience. As DiCarlo notes, “A well considered installation in a public space can serve to beautify the space as well as enhance its functions, and ultimately improve the user (the public) experience.”

Specific to the Marcy-SUNY Parkway and co-funded by GLDC and Mohawk Valley EDGE, “Vibrant Meridian” is meant to evoke a sense of setting with semiconductors at the forefront.

According to the artists, the sculpture design was inspired by semiconductor design. Structurally, the geometry of horizontal and vertical lines combined created a basis for the work. “By looking at all those parameters, we created an organic shape, something like giving a sculptural shape for what you could see in the semiconductor wafers,” explained Franco.

The design of the new sculpture, located near Wolfspeed, Semikron-Danfoss, and the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus, has considered the surrounding terrain and the specific roundabout location. The sculpture features vertical elements with horizontal lines that create an illusion of vibration for those passing by. As the seasons change, the sculpture will remain resilient, made from durable, weather-resistant materials.

Inspired by a sense of place, the sculpture is an excellent addition to vibrant communities in the Mohawk Valley. Our vision is finally coming to fruition and the landscape has been permanently transformed for the better. From semiconductor successes to ongoing investments and a renewed sense of optimism in our communities, this vibrance is unmistakable.

Even in the soon to be snow coated landscape, “Vibrant Meridian” will shine.

For more information on Anaisa Franco: https://www.anaisafranco.com/
For more information on Michael DiCarlo: https://www.michaelrdicarlo.com/

 

2023 Leading EDGE Awards

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22nd Annual Leading EDGE Awards Recognized Regional Success 

On October 26th, the 22nd annual Leading EDGE Awards, hosted by Mohawk Valley EDGE, was held in the Cypress Room at Turning Stone Resort Casino. This well-attended event focused on honoring legacy businesses and their contributions to the local economy while also providing an opportunity for attendees to network and learn about the companies’ stories.

The evening began with a networking session in the atrium, followed by a formal awards ceremony and seated dinner. During the event, EDGE Board Chairman Justin Hummel of Hummel’s Office Plus in Mohawk and EDGE’s Chief Administrative Officer Shawna Papale highlighted the power of success through partnership and the critical role of the legacy business community.

This year, the program focused on innovation through staying power, and recognized businesses that have made a lasting impact on their community, through social initiatives, supporting local causes, providing employment opportunities, and contributing to the local economy.

Utica First Insurance Company, Hale Manufacturing, and Munson Machinery – with over 400 combined years of experience – were awarded for their economic triumph and lasting impact on the Mohawk Valley. Each award recipient was introduced with a short video created by Gavin Law of Upstate Film Company, which provided an inside look at the daily operations of each business. Additionally, the program recognized two area economic champions, Mr. Charles A. Gaetano and Mr. F. Eugene Romano, as Christopher P. Destito awardees. This award is given in honor of Christopher P. Destito, a community champion who believed in the potential of the entire region. At the ceremony, the families of Mr. Gaetano and Mr. Romano accepted awards in their honor.

PROGRAM SLIDES

EDGE expresses a deep appreciation to those who made this year’s ceremony a success.
Thank you all for supporting EDGE’s mission to strengthen and grow the Mohawk Valley.

Honoree Videos

EDGE Awarded $14M for Site Development at Marcy Nanocenter

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EDGE Awarded $14M for Site Development at Marcy Nanocenter

(Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

Governor Hochul announced that $14 million has been awarded for the Marcy Nanocenter under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program. MV EDGE, through the Oneida County IDA, joins six other first-round awardees in securing funding that will jumpstart shovel-readiness at strategic sites in New York State. The program is administered by Empire State Development and will help diversify the economy while propelling new investments for businesses, communities, and job creation.

The Marcy Nanocenter provides a fully permitted, shovel-ready greenfield site on an already established campus. An area has been reserved to build a semiconductor supply-chain campus, which is in high demand due to the established Wolfspeed fab and the recently announced Micron facility, and will serve regional and on-site high-tech companies. FAST NY funding will continue to develop the site and support preparation, excavation, and utility infrastructure work.

(Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

“It is a great honor to be the first in the state to receive FAST NY Funding and we look forward to implementing remaining site and infrastructure investments,” said EDGE President Steve DiMeo. “EDGE plans to leverage FAST NY funding on the Marcy Nanocenter site to advance two specific areas of the site. With 127 developable acres remaining at Parcel #2, funding will be used to complete site work to support up to 1.2 million square feet of manufacturing footprint for semiconductor/advanced electronics manufacturing. The balance of Marcy Nanocenter can accommodate two additional semiconductor fabs. Our gratitude extends to Governor Hochul, our State Leadership, and Local Partners as their unwavering investment and belief in EDGE’s success continue to amplify industry-wide impact.”

EDGE would like to thank County Executive Anthony Picente and the Oneida County Board of Legislators for their support. This effort would not be possible without the Oneida County Industrial Development Agency, Mohawk Valley EDGE’s Board of Directors, and other key strategic public and private sector development partners.

For the Governor’s full release, visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-40-million-awarded-across-state-through-fast-ny-program-develop

Workforce on Course Wrapped

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WORKFORCE ON COURSE WRAPPED

“Keeping Workforce on Course” was designed around top-asks from our regional business and community leaders. From legacy businesses to upskilling, the new mega-project next door, the semiconductor industry, and more, this program featured feedback from site selector industry experts Andrew Ratchford and Monty Turner. 

On August 4th, 2023, we welcomed them to Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica campus. From pre-event networking to the full presentation, this program connected industries such as healthcare, economic development, construction, manufacturing, higher education, and others together to talk all things workforce. 

As our area’s workforce needs continue to take shape, this topic remains at the forefront of regional priorities. EDGE maintains a close partnership with many workforce partners– Those interested in viewing our partners and contacts may do so here.

Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and presenters for making this program a success!

KEEPING WORKFORCE ON COURSE

 

St. Luke’s Campus Reuse

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St. Luke’s Campus Reuse: What’s Next?

Mohawk Valley EDGE is partnering with MVHS and Oneida County (full release info available here) to develop a reuse strategy for the redevelopment of the St. Luke’s Campus in New Hartford. The overall vision for reuse of the 53+/- acre campus is to create a fresh, modern, smart-city-enabled, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use environment with urban amenities just a short walk or bike ride away.

The new neighborhood will be home to graduating college students, outside talent (new and repatriated), and empty nesters.

Interested in learning more? Check back to this webpage for additional project updates, or contact EDGE!

St. Luke’s Master Plan RFP

St. Luke’s Facilities Study RFP

Associated Documents:

 

Keeping Workforce on Course

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KEEPING WORKFORCE ON COURSE

“Keeping Workforce on Course” was designed around top-asks from our regional business and community leaders. From legacy businesses to upskilling, the new mega-project next door, the semiconductor industry, and more, this program featured feedback from site selector industry experts Andrew Ratchford and Monty Turner. 

The program outlined ongoing trends and metrics from the world of workforce. Though this presentation and discussion was guided by national trends, our speakers kept the Mohawk Valley in mind while shaping their thoughts and the discussion.

About Our Speakers

Andrew Ratchford is a Director at Site Selection Group, focusing on industrial site selection and Economic Development consulting engagements. He is located in Greenville, South Carolina, and provides site and infrastructure analysis, as well as analytical and strategic support.

Andrew’s professional experience includes over three years at Global Location Strategies as a Senior Consultant, where he provided site selection consulting as an integral part of the Global Location Strategies team with a particular focus on energy, mobility, chemical, and consumer product sectors for clients such as Georgia Pacific and Nacero. During his time there, Andrew supported the placement of more than $7.5 billion in announced capital investment. He also managed site readiness and evaluation programs for CSX Select Sites, Tennessee Valley Authority, and numerous local economic development groups.

Before Andrew found site selection, he managed investments for Graycliff Capital Partners, a private equity-backed real estate development firm, where he supported $300 million in equity deployment and oversaw a capital improvement program resulting in $87 million in capitalized value. He also worked with Greenville County, South Carolina as a Principal Planner where he oversaw area/city master plan developments, grant administration, and ordinance development.

Knowing the value of community, Andrew gives back by serving as a committee chair on the Clemson University Executive MBA board and by serving at his church. During his free time, Andrew enjoys playing music, hiking, cheering on the Clemson Tigers, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

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Monty Turner is Senior Vice President at Colliers, and serves as Chair of Economic Incentives practice group to assist in leading Colliers’ national site selection and incentive negotiation services business line – guiding clients looking to invest in new expansions or relocation alternatives. As the facilitator of Colliers’ proprietary site selection modeling tool, Indsite®, Monty executes multi-state corporate location decisions through consulting engagements focused on labor analytics, utility infrastructure, logistics, taxes, environmental considerations, economic incentives and overall business climate.

During the span of his career, he has consulted on projects with an estimated capital investment of over USD $6 billion and new direct employment of over 3,000. He has had the privilege of working with clients across North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia in an array of industries including operations in manufacturing, distribution, and office. His clients include both domestic and international companies looking to invest within the United States and abroad.

In 2018, Monty was peer recommended and accepted into the leading industry group, the Site Selectors Guild. As a voice for the next generation of site selection professionals, Monty has spoken widely on site selection and strategic negotiation strategies at conferences hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Mississippi Development Authority, University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Southern Company, Tennessee Valley Authority, among others and has written for industry magazines such as Area Development and Trade & Development.

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Thank you to our co-sponsors for their support in making this program possible!

 Mohawk Valley Community College, National Grid, Working Solutions, The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, The Herkimer County IDA, and Oneida County

We also appreciate the impact of the following EDGE supporters!

Adirondack Bank
Adjusters International/Rising Phoenix Management Group
AmeriCU Credit Union
Assured Information Security
Bankof Utica
Berkshire Bank
Cathedral Corporation
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
First SourceCredit Union
GPO FederalCredit Union
Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy ,Inc.
Hayner Hoyt
Indium Corporation
JBSDirt, Inc.
KeyBank
M&T Bank
Matt Brewing Company
McQuade & Bannigan, Inc.
Mohawk Valley Health Systems
Mohawk Valley Water Authority
NBT Bank
NYSTEC
Northland Communications
Oneida Indian Nation
Pacemaker
Pathfinder Bank
Revere Copper Products, Inc.
Roberts Office Interior(ROI)
Saunders Kahler, L.L.P.
Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig
Utica National Insurance
Utica University
Valley Health Services