WELCOME
Vitality in the Valley: Farm to Factory is an annual Manufacturing Expo where NYS companies in the food, beverage, and agriculture ecosystem, along with traditional manufacturers, connect with each other and with resources that can help them grow.
Richard A. Ball, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, is our keynote speaker this year. We are also looking for companies that have something to crow about. If you have what it takes, register as an exhibitor.
During Vitality in the Valley, you will:
- Meet potential buyers and suppliers
- Hear from industry experts
- Learn about new technologies
- Talk to business & technical resources
- Discover funding opportunities
- Find potential distribution channels
Are you a NYS manufacturer? Then register to be an exhibitor and spread your wings at this tradeshow and conference-style event. You’ll also gain access to an exclusive pre-event reception with delicious local cuisine and your fill of networking opportunities.
Non-exhibitors are welcome to register as attendees. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for all types of companies, including service providers.
June 3-4, 2025
Location:
Herkimer College
100 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
SPONSORS
PARTNERS
AGENDA
June 3, 2024 - Day One
-
3:00 PM
Exhibitor Setup Begins
-
5:30 PM
Networking Reception
June 4, 2024 - Day Two
-
7:30 AM
Doors Open
-
8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
-
8:30 AM
Event Begins
Welcome Addresses & Sponsors
- Dr. Everton H. Henriques – FuzeHub (MC)
- Cory Albrecht – AIM
- Bill McDonald – Herkimer College
- John Piseck – Herkimer IDA
- Dr. Scott Ferguson – SUNY Cobleskill
-
9:00 AM
Morning Keynote
Richard A. Ball,
Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
-
9:30 AM
Exhibitor Showcase
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11:00 AM
Panel Breakout
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12:00 PM
Lunch
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12:45 PM
Lunch Speaker
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1:15 PM
Exhibitor Showcase
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3:00 PM
Event Ends
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
On January 9, 2014, Richard A. Ball was nominated as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
A native New Yorker, Mr. Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. At 18 years old, Mr. Ball began his own career in agriculture as a farm worker on a vegetable farm. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years there, in 1993 the opportunity arose to be a farm owner and for the past 30 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City. Read the full bio here.