WELCOME
New York State’s food, agriculture, and manufacturing ecosystem are coming together for a Mohawk Valley event that’s something to crow about.
Vitality in the Valley is where NYS companies in all three industries will connect with each other, and with resources that can help them grow.
As an exhibitor at this amazing event, you will:
- Meet potential buyers and suppliers
- Talk to business and technical resources
- Hear from industry experts
- Learn about new technologies
- Find potential distribution channels
- Discover funding opportunities
- Network with peers at a pre-event reception
Non-exhibitors are welcome to register as attendees. Sponsorship opportunities that let you showcase your organization are available.
June 6-7, 2023
Location: Herkimer College100 Lou Ambers Drive
Herkimer, NY 13350
Lodging Options
The Red Roof Inn
100 Marginal Road,
Herkimer, NY 13350
(315)866-0490
Hampton Inn Utica
172 – 180 N Genesee Street,
Utica, NY 13502
(315)733-1200
PARTNERS
SPONSORS
AGENDA
June 6, 2023 - Day One
-
3:00 PM
Exhibitor Setup Begins
-
6:00 PM
Networking Reception
June 7, 2023 - Day Two
-
7:30 AM
Doors Open
-
8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
-
8:30 AM
Event Begins
Welcome, Sponsor Addresses
- Everton H. Henriques – FuzeHub (MC)
- Bill McDonald – Herkimer College
- Tim Thomas – MVCC
-
9:00 AM
Morning Keynote
David Casullo, CEO Rock City Development, LLC
-
9:30 AM
Exhibitor Showcase
-
11:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
- Workforce Development Panel
- Industry Funding Panel
-
12:00 PM
Lunch
-
1:00
Exhibitor Showcase
-
3:00 PM
Event Ends
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Find out what’s being done to upskill workers in the region and beyond. You’ll hear about micro-credentials from SUNY Central plus workforce development programs, including grants. You’ll also hear from a manufacturer that’s successfully addressing workforce development.
Moderator
- Miriam Dushane, PHR, SHRM-CP, Alaant Workforce Solutions
Speakers
- Cynthia Proctor, SUNY System
- Franca Armstrong, SUNY Apprenticeship Program
- Mark Cushman, Giotto Enterprises
- Dan Cullen, WDI
Find out about funding sources for New York State Manufacturers and Innovators. Whether you’re facing foreign competition, looking for capital investment, or seeking grant opportunities, our panelists will provide you with insights and information you can use to grow your business.
Moderator
- Steve Melito, FuzeHub
Speakers
- Patty Rechberger, FuzeHub
- Tim Fitzgerald, Mohawk Valley EDGE
- Ken Rother, Rev: Ithaca Startup Works
- Marcia Mitchell, NY Ventures
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
As CEO of two startups – Daneli Partners, LLC dedicated to leader development, and Rock City Development, LLC dedicated to real estate development David and his partners have built and operate 10 businesses within these two entities, with 70 employees locally. more...
David Casullo
CEO & Author
Bill has served Herkimer College as associate dean of academic affairs for the Business, Health, Science and Technology division since 2017. Bill is responsible for the management of the division, including supervision and evaluation of full and part time faculty. More...
Bill McDonald
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Herkimer Community College
Everton's focus is helping the manufacturing community, general industry, start-ups, local colleges, and universities to advance innovation and technology. More...
Dr. Everton H. Henriques
Director of Manufacturing and Technology Initiatives, FuzeHub
Since 2007 Cory Albrecht has been assisting manufacturers in the Mohawk Valley Region through the New York State Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) Program as the Director of MVCC’s Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM). More...
Cory Albrecht
Director - AIM at MVCC
After serving on the Board of Directors for a number of years, and serving as Chairman for two, John was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency. More...
John Piseck
Executive Director Herkimer County IDA
Dr. Cathleen C. McColgin joined Herkimer County Community College in June 2015 as the institution’s fourth president. Dr. McColgin previously served as provost and senior vice president at Onondaga Community College. More...
Dr. Cathleen McColgin
President, Herkimer College
Steve Melito is the Senior Solutions Specialist for FuzeHub and the host of its NYS Manufacturing Now podcast. He also moderates events for FuzeHub and is a regular contributor to its print and digital publications. More...
Steve Melito
Senior Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub
With SUNY for over 20 years, she develops and supports the implementation of SUNY academic policy (applicable to all 64 campuses). More...
Cynthia Proctor
Director of Communications and Academic Policy Development, Provost's Office, SUNY System
Patty Rechberger is the Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. Patty coordinates and administers activities under the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, from inquiries and initial submissions to reporting on metrics and program successes after project completion. More...
Patty Rechberger
Innovation Fund Manager, FuzeHub
As a member of the statewide leadership team for the SUNY Apprenticeship Program, she is coordinating more than $18 million supporting SUNY apprenticeships. More...
Franca Armstrong
Executive Director, Mohawk Valley Community College's SUNY Apprenticeship Program
Ms. Dushane is responsible for oversight of all operations, including recruitment efforts, business development, complete P&L, and employee management.
More...
Miriam Dushane, PHR, SHRM-CP
Managing Partner, Alaant Workforce Solutions
Cushman launched his technical career in 1984 as a development engineer with AMP Inc., in Harrisburg, PA, returning back to the Mohawk Valley some years later, where he has continued to hold key engineering management roles with a number of local companies.
More...
Mark Cushman
V.P. of Organizational Development, Giotto Enterprises
He manages EDGE’s business outreach campaign to over 250 employers in the community, and assists in identifying and applying for various financial and technical resources, including through Empire State Development and NYS Dept. of Homes & Community Renewal. More...
Tim Fitzgerald
Vice President, Economic Development, Mohawk Valley EDGE
Ken is the Director of Rev: Ithaca Startup Works which runs several hardware accelerator programs. More...
Ken Rother
Managing Director, eLab & Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, and Visiting Lecturer of Management, Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
Dan oversees a statewide team that works with over 1,000 unions, businesses, and other organizations annually to ensure they have the resources they need to provide skill training and quality career opportunities for the current workforce, and to create new jobs. More...
Dan Cullen
Director of Field Services, WDI
As a former chemistry faculty member at both the K-12 and community college level, in addition to his experience as an academic administrator over STEM programs, Tim has a deep proficiency in STEM education and labor-force development. More...
Tim Thomas
Chief Strategy Officer, Mohawk Valley Community College
Marcia manages Series Seed and Series A investments for the $150M direct equity fund. More...
Marcia Mitchell
Director, NY Ventures