Mohawk Valley EDGE

05/14/2026

Today, the Oneida County Industrial Development Agency, the Oneida County Local Development Corporation, and their partners, the Utica Industrial Development Agency, Empire State Development, Mohawk Valley EDGE, and OHM BOCES, unveiled the Expertise Project (ExPr), a regional workforce development initiative aimed at strengthening career awareness and connections between education and industry.

The Expertise Project (ExPr) is a multi-faceted workforce development system created to bridge the awareness gap among students, parents, educators, unemployed and under-employed individuals, workforce boards, and businesses. The ExPr system delivers immersive virtual field trips and authentic workforce learning materials developed in partnership with local businesses. Using VR headsets and an online workforce platform, ExPr brings real world career experiences directly into classrooms and learning environments.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s unveiling. We are especially grateful to our outstanding partners for their collaboration, leadership, and shared commitment to expanding career awareness and strengthening the connection between education and industry across our region.

05/08/2026

We’re proud to be having the 2nd Annual Central New York Legislative Networking Breakfast on Friday, May 15. The event will bring together leaders from tourism, hospitality, and business for collaboration and conversation with local and state legislators. The breakfast creates a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers on the issues impacting our industry.

In partnership with Oneida county tourism, the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, and alongside valued partners including Oneida County Government, the Greater Utica Chamber, and The Genesis Group, this event serves as a key opportunity for regional advocacy. From industry updates to open conversations, this is your chance to help shape the future of tourism and economic development in Central New York.

This event is open to professionals in the tourism, hospitality, and business communities, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, and more.

It is also designed for local and state elected officials representing Oneida County and the broader Mohawk Valley/Central NY region, offering an opportunity to engage directly with the industries that help drive our local economy.

We strongly encourage both industry partners and government leaders to attend. Participation is complimentary for elected officials.

Register: https://web.nyshta.org/events/Central-NY-Legislative-Networking-Breakfast-1136/details?_gl=1%2Ajwy7ka%2A_gcl_au%2AMTA0OTc5NzU4LjE3NzU3NTgwNzY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sharpspring&sslid=MzQyNjYyMjUyMDY3NzYxMQYA&sseid=MzEAAUNjExMDSyNDSwA&jobid=49f97773-3a9b-46b7-bada-1a299e1c9013

04/29/2026

Last week, EDGE was proud to take part in the 5th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit.

We had the opportunity to connect with partners, exchange ideas, and spotlight our Reimagine St. Luke’s project. Our team contributed to panel discussions and was honored to receive the Panel Selected Award for our St. Luke’s poster.

Thank you to Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. and all the partners who helped make this event a success. We’re already looking ahead to next year.

04/23/2026

Mohawk Valley EDGE President, Shawna Papale speaks to students at the Utica Academy of Science.

The original goal was to speak with students, but they went above and beyond, packing the room with young professionals eager to engage, ask thoughtful questions, and explore how they can become the next generation of leaders. The school’s diverse student body was on full display, and I was truly inspired by the depth of our dialogue, from what they want to see in their communities, to what motivates them, to their interest in careers and industries supported through EDGE’s ATTRACT and ASSIST efforts.

What stood out most was how directly this experience connects to a recent question from a company we are actively working to attract to the Mohawk Valley: “How diverse is your community?” Today provided a powerful, real-world answer. The talent, perspectives, and potential present in our schools reflect exactly the inclusive, skilled workforce companies are seeking. This visit was not only meaningful, it reinforced the strength of our region and the importance of continued engagement with our future workforce.

04/08/2026

Significant State Awards Signal Continued Momentum for the Mohawk Valley

EDGE proudly extends its congratulations to the The City of Rome, NY on receiving a $10 million New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, as well as to the The City of Utica, NY and the Village of Morris for earning a $4.5 million New York Forward award. Members of the EDGE staff were honored to attend today’s announcement, which took place at the historic Capitol Theatre in Rome.

During the event, New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley addressed the community and formally presented the awards, noting that “the best is yet to come for the Mohawk Valley.” EDGE is proud to support and celebrate the success of our municipal partners as they continue to invest in their communities and drive regional growth.

Congratulations once again on this significant and exciting milestone for the Mohawk Valley.

03/26/2026

Tonight’s Steven J. DiMeo Speaker Series reminded us why the Mohawk Valley is such a powerful place to live, learn, and lead.
Bringing together the presidents of Mohawk Valley Community College, Herkimer College, Utica University, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute on the same stage is rare and their willingness to join one another tonight says so much about the strength of our region and the spirit of collaboration that defines it.
Hearing these leaders reflect on workforce development, student needs, innovation, and the future of learning reaffirmed something Steve DiMeo believed deeply: education is one of the most powerful engines of economic growth.
Thank you to our incredible panel of presidents, our moderator Trish Kilburn, SUNY Polytechnic Institute team for hosting, and everyone who joined us this evening.
And a special thank‑you to the DiMeo family for continuing to share Steve’s legacy with us.

03/11/2026

The DiMeo Educational Opportunities Fund, is a donor-advised fund created in memory of Steve DiMeo to support educational opportunities that advance workforce and community development across the Mohawk Valley by breaking down barriers for students and future employees, while strengthening the region's talent pipeline. The fund will be supported through community contributions and proceeds of special events such as the Steven J. DiMeo Speaker Series.

Help the DiMeo family support educational opportunities that advance workforce and community development across the Mohawk Valley by breaking down barriers for students and future employees, while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.

DiMeo Fund: https://foundationhoc.org/give-to-the-community/fund-directory/dimeo-educational-opportunities-fund

As part of this mission, the DiMeo family invites the community to attend the next event in the Steven J. DiMeo Speaker Series, featuring a panel discussion on the future of higher education. Academic leaders from institutions across the Mohawk Valley will come together to explore current challenges, emerging opportunities, and the critical role higher education plays in workforce and community development. The event will take place on March 25 at Kunsela Hall Auditorium at SUNY Poly, beginning with networking at 5:30 PM followed by the panel discussion. Attendance is free, but registration is encouraged to secure your seat. By participating, you support the DiMeo Educational Opportunities Fund and help further its mission to build pathways to success throughout the region.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981759153977?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/08/2026

Big developments continue to shape Wolfspeed's presence at the Marcy Nanocenter. This latest piece by Sentinel Media Company shares how they are pushing forward on expansion, AI innovation, and defense‑sector opportunities.

Wolfspeed exits Chapter 11, cuts debt by 70% and shifts focus beyond EV chips as its Marcy facility leads growth into AI and defense markets.

03/03/2026

Workforce win for the Mohawk Valley. Mohawk Valley Community College has received $800,000 in federal funding from Senator Chuck Schumer to build out a Precision Metals Training Center with state‑of‑the‑art tools and equipment. The center will be located in MVCC’s Applied Technology Center on the Utica campus, expanding hands‑on training for in‑demand advanced manufacturing careers across our region. Thanks again Senator Schumer for being laser focused on advancing workforce pipelines in our region. Learn more: https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-800000-in-federal-funding-to-develop-new-cutting-edge-precision-metals-training-center-at-mohawk-valley-community-college

03/02/2026

Today we were pleased to join our partners in announcing $2 million in federal funding to support the demolition of the former St. Luke’s Hospital. This investment, provided through the office of Congressman John Mannion, marks an important milestone in advancing the revitalization of the St. Luke’s campus.

We are grateful to Congressman John W. Mannion for his support, and to our partners: Oneida County Government, the Town of New Hartford, and Mohawk Valley Health System for their continued collaboration and commitment to reimagining the future of this site.

This funding strengthens the momentum behind the project and supports our shared vision for transforming the property into a vibrant community asset. St. Luke’s remains a central priority for Mohawk Valley EDGE, and together we are working to create a place that enhances quality of life, attracts new opportunities, and supports long-term regional growth.