Otsego County Economic Development Summit II Set For November 14

ONEONTA, 10/30/13 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced plans for his second economic development summit in Otsego County. 

“In 2012, I brought Otsego County stakeholders together to pinpoint our economic development strengths and weaknesses with an eye toward formulating a unified strategy that would better our county’s future,” said Senator Seward. “The first summit rallied the troops, generated tangible success stories, and refocused everyone’s attention to our true needs. Now it is time to take the next step.”

Senator Seward is sponsoring the summit in conjunction with the Otsego County Development Corporation (OCDC), the County of Otsego Industrial Development Agency (COIDA), the Otsego County Chamber, and Citizens’ Voices. Local elected officials and business leaders, along with representatives from area educational institutions have been invited to take part.

“The recently adopted START-UP NY program can be a winning economic growth tool, but businesses and schools must work together to maximize its potential. Schools must also understand the evolving needs of our employers, especially those involved in the growing nano-technology field, in order to produce knowledgeable, prospective workers,” added Seward.

The summit will include roundtable discussions moderated by economic development experts from the public and private sectors. Featured speakers will include:

• Acting President SUNY Institute of Technology Robert E. Geer, Ph.D. who will deliver the keynote address: “The ‘New’ New York: Leveraging SUNY for Transformational Economic Impact in the Mohawk Valley”;

• CH2M HILL IDC Director of Advanced Planning and Site Selection Richard J. Sheehy, who will assess Otsego County sites and offer an “action agenda” on how to attract, keep and grow business.

“Otsego County elected representatives, business officials and education leaders are clearly engaged in bettering our economic future. This summit will bring these stakeholders together and help lead them formulate an integrated action plan,” Seward concluded. 

The summit is scheduled for November 14th at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.

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