Category: News

Planner/Engineer

Job Description:

Mohawk Valley EDGE is seeking a well-qualified candidate to fill the position of Planner/Engineer.

EDGE is a not-for-profit economic development company serving Oneida and Herkimer counties. It provides professional staff services to the Griffiss Local Development Corporation, Oneida County Industrial Development Agency, and Rome Industrial Development Corporation and works closely with state and local development agencies.

EDGE’s primary customers are private-sector companies intending to invest and grow in the Mohawk Valley. The Planner/Engineer is expected to meet with customers to help define their facility needs, plan for appropriate investments in buildings, utilities, and equipment, and help companies with siting and permitting projects that allow them to prosper locally.

Major responsibilities of the Planner/Engineer include:

• Assist in real estate development projects and project proposals.
• Planning for small—and large-scale capital improvement projects and site development, working with architects and engineers to develop plans and specifications that meet project requirements.
• Assist in securing and administering grants for public improvements, including coordinating grant applications with client-driven needs related to the construction, lease, or sale of real estate.
• Assist with real estate development and compliance with state and local regulations, including utilities, environmental, zoning, subdivision, and development guidelines. This may require a meeting with regulators, planning boards, zoning boards, etc.
• Oversee and participate in planning and feasibility studies initiated by EDGE.
• Provide staff support for various boards and committees.
• Coordinate mapping and facility data, maintenance of the Griffiss GIS and other geographic information,
• Provide minor engineering expertise associated with the operation of local business and industrial parks,
• Administration of capital improvement projects.
• Coordinate environmental compliance and reporting.
• Assess existing and proposed facility utility systems (HVAC, electric, etc.) and coordinate upgrades with the Griffiss Facilities Manager.

The position requires a self-motivated, team-oriented, and technically proficient individual who can achieve goals in a cross-functional environment without direct supervisory responsibilities. A bachelor’s degree in planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Engineering is required, along with experience in CAD and/or GIS, and a minimum of 5 years in the field.

Candidates must possess a strong understanding of mapping and planning data, demonstrated problem-solving skills, and experience managing both small and large facility and capital projects.

Successful applicants will receive a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity for advancement within a growing, progressive corporation.

Interested candidates should forward their resume along with salary requirements to the attention of:

Shawna Papale, President

Mohawk Valley EDGE
584 Phoenix Drive
Rome, NY 13441-4105
hr@mvedge.org

EDGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer

SHAWNA PAPALE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF MOHAWK VALLEY EDGE

Rome, NY— The Mohawk Valley EDGE Executive Committee has officially appointed Shawna Papale as President of Mohawk Valley EDGE, effective immediately.

Papale was previously appointed Acting President after the passing of Steve DiMeo earlier this year. She has been with EDGE since 1996, starting as a program manager and working her way up to the position of Chief Administrative Officer.

“I’m so pleased that Shawna Papale has been officially named president of Mohawk Valley EDGE,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Having worked alongside her for years, I know firsthand the passion, expertise and commitment she brings to every project. Shawna is the perfect leader to help guide our region’s growth and success, and I’m excited to continue working with her to make a lasting impact on Oneida County and the Mohawk Valley.”

“Throughout the years, Shawna has consistently shown exceptional skill, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to the growth and mission of EDGE,” stated Justin Hummel, Chairman of the EDGE Executive Committee. “She has established and continues to nurture strong relationships with partner organizations, including businesses in the Mohawk Valley, financial institutions, education and workforce organizations, and elected officials.”

“I am honored to be named President of Mohawk Valley EDGE,” said Shawna Papale. “I want to thank the EDGE Executive Committee, our boards, business partners, and local leaders for their support during this challenging time since Steve’s passing earlier this year. EDGE is dedicated to fulfilling our mission of fostering growth in the Mohawk Valley region for years to come.”

 

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

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.

• Mohawk Valley Strategic Plan: https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/MVREDC_Strategic_Plan_2023.pdf
• Full Governor’s Press Release: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-winners-30-million-regional-economic-development-council-challenge

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

 

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