Center for Economic Growth

Webinar 1: COVID-19: A Supply Chain Perspective
2020-04-22 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.
No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, select webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Wednesday, April 22 | 8:30 – 9:30am
Presented by: Tom Valentine, VP, Transport America, Mainfreight USA
Program Description: The impact of Covid19 across every commercial channel has been devastating. While we are humbled and saddened by the human effects, there has never been an industrial, societal or geo-political environment that has exposed this level of vulnerability within global supply chains. Through this lens, we can begin to see where the commercial movement of goods has been re-started and what aspects of supply chain remain stopped. We will identify vulnerabilities that were exposed by recent events, discuss the challenges that remain moving forward and identify critical calls to action to be taken in your own supply chain eco-system.
About Mainfreight:
The Mainfreight Group provides global supply chain solutions across Air, Ocean, Domestic and 3PL service sectors. The company is publicly listed (NZX: MFT) on the New Zealand stock exchange. Recent year trading volume was $3.0bn with 260 branch locations and 8500+ team members around the world. The group operates a substantial asset network in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Capital Region Town Hall
2020-04-22 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Hosted by: Troy Innovation Garage
Moderator: Tom Nardacci, founder/CEO of Aurelis Coworks & Gramercy
Tomorrow, April 22 at 2PM we are inviting nearly two dozen local CEOs, political officials, non-profit executives and local leaders to share their perspectives and insights in our first-ever Capital Region Community Town Hall.
It is a truly unique opportunity to be able to gather these individuals together in one “room,” and we believe there is no better time than now to do so. The only way to get through this is to brave the uncertainty together and to reunite for a more hopeful and stronger tomorrow.
What challenges do we still face these next few months? How will our communities and businesses be able to bounce back and restart after this Great Pause? Will life ever be ‘normal’ again? What does the road to post-pandemic life look like?
You’ll hear from featured speakers:
• Melissa Autilio Fleischut, President & CEO, New York State Restaurant Association
• Karthik Bala, CEO & Co-Founder, Velan Studios
• Carm Basile, CEO, Capital District Transportation Authority – CDTA
• Joe Bonilla, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Relentless Awareness
• Ryan Case, Senior Vice President, Key Bank
• Hon. Pat Fahy, Member, New York State Assembly (109th District)
• Peter Gannon, President & CEO, United Way of the Greater Capital Region
• Andrew Kennedy, President & CEO, Center for Economic Growth
• Heidi Knoblauch, Founder of Plumb Oyster Bar & Venture and Growth Banking Relationship Manager, Pioneer Bank
• Melissa Mangini, Editor-in-Chief, Albany Business Review
• Hon. Carmella Mantello, Troy City Council President (At?Large)
• Hon. Carolyn McLaughlin, Albany County Legislator (District 1)
• Daniel McCoy – Albany County Executive
• Hon. John McDonald, Member, New York State Assembly (108th District)
• Philip Morris, CEO, Proctors
• Katie Newcomb, Senior Economic Developer, National Grid
• Maureen O’Brien, President & CEO, NYSID, Purchasing That Powers Employment
• Bob Pasinella, President, Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency
• Dr. L Oliver Robinson, Superintendent, Shenendehowa Central School District
• Maureen Sager, Executive Director, Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy
• Shelby Schneider, President, Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership
• Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council
• Eric Simonds, Associate Broker, CBRE
• Mike Tucker, President, Tucker Strategies, Inc.

RSVP >>

How to Succeed at Cold Calling During Uncertain Times: Webinar Series by Sandler Training
2020-04-28 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
You should attend this webinar if you or your team are struggling with any of these common issues, especially during these challenging times:

You do not have a prospecting system (you are “winging” it).
You are not getting in front of enough prospects.
You are not sure how to make “cold calling” an effective component of your prospecting mix.
Your current methods for phone prospecting are not getting the job done.
You struggle with call avoidance.

Register Here>>

Infrastructure stimulus: Reshoring and expansion of supply chains back to the US
2020-04-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

The prospective 2020 stimulus programs are expected to include meaningful incentives for the reshoring and expansion of US supply chains for manufacturers in the industrial, electronics, pharmaceutical, aerospace, chemical, consumer products and energy industries. This webcast will review the Government’s overall stimulus efforts and programs, in addition to what is occurring with the upcoming programs focused on infrastructure. We’ll review opportunities for the potential future economic stimulus programs for supply chains specifically and how companies should position themselves to take advantage of these, not only to survive, but thrive.
Speakers:

Jonathan Eaton, Principal, National Supply Chain Practice Leader – Grant Thornton
TaMiya Dickerson, Partner, Advisory – Grant Thornton
Rex Sherry– Director, Head of New Business Development, Clark Street Associates
Susan Hirschmann– CEO, Williams & Jensen

More info/Registration >>

Webinar 2: Sales Strategies for Coming Out of The Pandemic
2020-04-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.
No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Tuesday, April 28 | 2:00 – 3:00pm
Presented by: Matt Scarchilli, CEO/Owner, Sandler Training
Program description: Participants in this program will be introduced to appropriate account segmentation strategies to help reach their 2020 goals. We will discuss a methodology for identifying what account segments will be responsible for the appropriate percentage of the yearly goal and how to develop plans to reach those goals.
About Sandler: Sandler has advised, trained and coached both large and small enterprises on developing stronger sales teams, creating better hiring practices and leading organizations more effectively.

Webinar 3: Disaster and Business Continuity Planning
2020-04-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.
No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, select webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Wednesday, April 29 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by: Larry Treen, Managing Partner, Relay Integrated Logistics and Solutions
Dan Yamin, Partner, Global Telecom Experts (GTE)
Program description: This program will walk you through the fundamental building blocks of designing and executing your preparedness plan.

Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Planning – Does your business have a continuity disaster recovery plan that contains all of the information you need to get your business running again after an incident, disaster or crisis?
Relay Integrated Logistics and Solutions Business Continuity Planning Outline is built on 3 fundamental building blocks, 1. Identify and outline prevention plans to mitigate or eliminate risks, 2. Business preparation for uncontrollable external and internal risks, and 3. Most important – Team Assembly, Emergency Response, Playbook Activation for Recovery.

About Relay Integrated Logistics and Solutions: Relay Integrated Logistics & Solutions (RILS) is a New York State certified WBE. Combining a sales and operational global expertise base that spans over two decades to drive business growth solutions. Relay, helps your company get to the next leg in its journey and drives your business through the finish line! Helping your company with:

Enhancement of Revenue
Accretive P&L Performance Programs
Sales and Operational Management Solutions
Continuous Improvement Programs – ISO, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma
Design and Implementation of Processes, Procedures and Products.

Webinar: Using Tech to Help Your Business Thrive in a New Normal
2020-04-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Most organizations are struggling to get back to normal with some or all of their employees working remotely. But, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact, if you approach it differently, adapting to the new normal may actually help your business be more resilient and thrive, now, and in the future.
Please join Craig Skevington, PhD, serial technology entrepreneur and CEO of STEADfast IT, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 2PM EST, for a live webinar presenting practical, actionable strategies you can use to;

Assess your organization’s current challenges and bottlenecks
Enable employees to collaborate more naturally and increase productivity
Re-engineer core processes to be more efficient and location independent
Remove friction and improve the customer experience

REGISTER HERE>>
All registrants and attendees will receive a link to the recorded webinar which can be viewed on demand.

Mortgage industry risk mitigation and modeling considerations amid COVID-19 and the CARES Act
2020-04-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

The impacts from COVID-19 on the mortgage industry are significant. This unique environment presents increased liquidity, credit, market and operations risks, and creates a need for modeling considerations around a variety of areas. Additionally, the newly enacted CARES Act will have further ramifications for mortgage servicers and originators.

Join our webcast where Grant Thornton mortgage experts will share risk mitigation strategies, modeling considerations, regulatory insights, impacts of the CARES Act. and practical advice that can help you respond and keep moving forward.
Speakers:

Matt Cooleen, Partner, Regulatory and Compliance
Chris Acevedo, Managing Director, Operations Transformation
Jeff Kelly, Principal, Operations Transformation
Chad Virnig, Principal, Digital Transformation
Sagar Gandhi, Manager, Regulatory & Compliance

More info/Registration >>

Webinar 4: Create Strategic Focus to Thrive
2020-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.
No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Thursday, April 30 | 10:00 – 11:00am
Presented by: Catharine E. Potvin, Founder & CEO, Stragility LLC
Paul Hook, Executive VP, tyny co.
Program Description: During this webinar, you will learn tips and action items to help you:

Reshape your short term priorities without losing sight of the long term vision
Think differently about managing your business
Create a plan that helps you and your team stay focused and accountable
Take action fast but calmly and with confidence.

About Stragility: A strategic planning and execution services firm that helps forward-thinking leaders achieve traction in their business by bridging the gap between vision and execution.

** POSTPONED ** The Global Ambassadors Program
2020-05-04 - 2020-05-09
A Vital Voices & Bank of America Partnership

New York City, USA, Mon 4th to Fri 8th May, 2020
The Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is designed for women entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs – providing mentorship, training and a network of support to help grow your business and your personal development. The program includes one-on-one mentoring sessions and strategic workshops focused on building organizational management, financial acumen and leadership skills.
The program is a partnership between Vital Voices, a leading NGO in women’s leadership and development and Bank of America, based on a shared belief in the need to invest in women who are creating economic and social progress around the world.
The Global Ambassadors Program will take place from 4th to 8th May 2020 in New York City and will focus on women who are providing solutions to climate change and environmental sustainability such as renewable energy, the reduction of greenhouse gases, zero-waste products, climate-resilient food production etc.
For more information, please contact: Zoë Dean-Smith, Vice President of Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship at zoedean-smith@vitalvoices.org or (+1) 202.296.2735
Learn more about the Global Ambassadors Program

Webinar 5: Alternative Healthcare Funding for Employers with 20 - 20,000 Employees. Bending Cost Curves Without Breaking Employees' Backs
2020-05-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.

No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, select webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Tuesday, May 5 | 10:00 – 11:00am
Presented by: Kurt Jaeger, RHU, ChHC, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer and Tom Healy, CSFS, Sr. Account Executive & Director of Product Development, Jaeger & Flynn Associates

Program Description:
Since adding their “JFA Flex” suite of consumer driven healthcare accounts offerings in 2004, JFA has evolved into being a market leader in upstate New York in the flexible spending account, healthcare reimbursement arrangement, health savings account, and self-insured health and dental insurance plans markets, as well as the self-insured health insurance plans markets. With over 300 employers and 40,000 employees served, including over 200 businesses with over 7,000 employees utilizing health savings accounts, JFA has saved their clients and client employees’ millions in health insurance premiums as well as state and federal business and personal taxes with the many creative health plan designs they administer. Join JFA’s Kurt Jaeger and Tom Healy as their provide an overview of the strategic approaches available to businesses from small to large, and the cost reductions that can be realized from going down these paths (or further down those paths for those who may already taken a step or two in those directions).
About Jaeger & Flynn:
From their offices in Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls, NY as well as their representatives in North Carolina and Florida, JFA’s 85+ team members provide a full spectrum of products and services to their over 600 business clients with employees working across the U.S. and Canada. JFA’s broker, consultant, and administrative services offerings include insured and self-insured health and dental insurance; ancillary and voluntary employee benefits; HR consulting; wellness program support, property & casualty insurance; and consumer driven healthcare accounts, COBRA, retiree, and absence management administrative services. In addition to helping clients find innovative approaches to benefits cost control and reduction, we also specialize in employee communication, education and engagement through online benefits administration and HCM systems options, customized videos, worksite meetings and webinars. JFA’s cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) and TPA systems help their clients reduce the traditional “backroom” transactional workloads, saving HR and accounting teams both time and money.

Webinar 6: Managing our Implicit Bias During Crisis: Why it is harder and what to do about it
2020-05-06 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.

No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Tuesday, May 6 | 8:30 – 9:30am
Presented by: LB Hannahs, Ph.D, Inclusion Development Strategist, Tangible Development
Program Description:
Implicit biases are the unconscious positive or negative preferences for individuals or groups shaped through your individual experiences. The information, attitudes, and stereotypes that inform your unconscious dictate how you take the mental shortcuts required to process the abundance of information you receive at any given second. Managing our implicit biases requires work and daily practice to avoid acting on implicit bias. In moments of crisis the skills we use to manage implicit bias can be overrun by anxiety and stress. In this session, participants will learn how stress and anxiety impact our ability to manage our implicit bias. Facilitators from Tangible Development will provide tools and strategies for navigating potential mental traps that could lead to an increase in implicit bias based behaviors and decision-making.
About Tangible Development:
Based in Latham, New York, we provide full-service customized diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions with measurable outcomes resulting in sustainable change.
Our vision is to ignite individual potential, humanize business, and transform organizations. Our work is about real people, authentic conversations about critical issues, and innovative solutions that have tangible impacts

Food for Thought #1 Virtual Series: Intellectual Property & Trademark
2020-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity is pleased to announce “Food for Thought,” our new business & product development virtual luncheon series.
Intellectual Property attorneys David P. Miranda and Matt Hulihan of Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti will discuss the basics of intellectual property law including patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret, and how to protect and enforce one’s intellectual property.
The format will be an informal discussion, with audience question and answer.
The first restaurant to be highlighted will be Muddaddy Flats at 49 Third Street in Troy, NY. Muddaddy Flats is a fast-casual eat-in, takeout and delivery quesadillary with unique and delicious quesadillas, tacos, and bowls. Open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm, they offer variety of tortillas, sweets, and gluten-free options as well as choose-your-own ingredient meals. To order from Food for Thought #1’s featured restaurant, go to muddaddlyflats.com.
Meeting information will be sent to you on the evening before the event.

REGISTER HERE>>

Understanding the implications of COVID-19 on the insurance industry: An update from Chief Economist Diane Swonk
2020-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

Recent events spurred by COVID-19 have created a new environment for the insurance industry. Understanding the economic impacts to the insurance industry, specifically as it relates to evaluating pandemic risk, understanding the tax implications of the CARES Act, and driving business digitally can be challenging. Join our webcast featuring Grant Thornton’s Chief Economist, Diane Swonk, to learn about overall economic updates, as well as a deep dive into the solutions and tactics to support the efforts of insurance businesses today.
Speakers:

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist
John Forni, Insurance Practice Tax Lead
Andree Bourgon, Insurance Practice Strategy & Growth Lead
John Swanick, Insurance Practice Risk Lead

More info/Registration >>

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in COVID-19 Grants Management
2020-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

Over the past month, Congress approved unprecedented funding to support the nation’s medical and economic recovery from COVID-19. This funding delivers a range of relief, including vital equipment, services, and loans to businesses across the country. It also provides grant funding through programs managed by multiple Federal agencies and designed to benefit a diverse set of recipients/programs.
As agencies quickly shift to manage and distribute new levels of grant funding, how prepared are grant makers and recipients to manage the funds and track performance? Do their stakeholders and potential sub-recipients understand the process, from eligibility through reporting? What challenges are state and local governments in particular facing?
Speakers:

Wendy-Morton Huddleston, Principal, Grant Thornton
Merril Oliver, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, eCivis
David Barth, Director, Grant Thornton

More info/Registration >>

Webinar 7: Extraordinary Resolve: How Capital Region leaders have positively disrupted the crisis
2020-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.

No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Tuesday, May 12 | 10:00 – 11:00am
Presented by: Catharine Potvin of Stragility & CEG
Program Description:

Moving through this pandemic has been challenging for most businesses. Developing an offensive mindset that allows you to discover and implement new opportunities even during a tumultuous time is more important now than ever. Join this live panel discussion to hear the stories, experiences and lessons learned of these Capital Region leaders as to how they have made positive, forward-thinking changes in their organizations to succeed now and in the future.

About the Panelists:
Andrea Crisafulli
Andrea Crisafulli is Owner and President of Crisafullli Bros. Plumbing and Heating, Contractors, Inc., a NYS Certified WBE, Mechanical Contracting company, in Albany NY. Andrea is a member of the Women’s Presidents Organization, the National Key 4Women Advisory Board, an Albany Colonie Regional Chamber Board Member and several trade specific associations. Crisafulli Bros. has been voted Best Plumbing Company in the Times Union Readers Poll each year since 2007 and earns their place each year in the Top Mechanical Contractors list.

Joan Hayner
Joan Hayner is the COO of Community Care Physicians, a multispeciality medical group practice.

Darrin Jahnel
Darrin Jahnel is the co-founder and CEO of the Jahnel Group, a 80-person software consulting company based in Schenectady, NY. We develop web-based software applications that help businesses get things done more efficiently. Sometimes we design and build an entire application, other times we augment a pre-existing team. Either way, we’re maniacally focused on adding value for our clients and creating an amazing workplace for our employees. Whether you’re looking to scale your existing development team or you want to outsource an entire software project, Jahnel Group can help. We have a proven track record of completing projects on time and within budget.
David Dussault
Passionate Founder CEO leading a growing, diversified industrial engineering, manufacturing and supply chain company. We are a values-driven business, with an inspiring vision to Revitalize American Manufacturing Through Entrepreneurship. A core component to our growth strategy is utilizing our core capabilities (engineering+operations+supply chain) to actively launch new internally cultivated start-ups with key partners. We have launched two new ventures in 2017/2018 and intend to launch one per year. As a Founder CEO, I am an accomplished visionary, team builder, strategist, cultural architect and leader. My greatest strength is leading in an operational context with strong culture and strategy. I am a partner in a venture development company that is dedicated to building transformational companies with mission-driven Leaders and we are actively adding to our portfolio. We take a “nurturing” approach and engage operationally and strategically with leadership teams.

About the Moderator:
Catharine Potvin
Catharine E. Potvin is a NYS Certified WBE that works with forward-thinking leaders to achieve traction in their business by developing a simplified strategic plan that keeps the organization focused on achieving short and long term goals. With over two decades of strategic planning experience in a variety of leadership positions in the private and non-profit sectors, Catharine is a trusted advisor on strategy, leadership, plan implementation and accountability. Catharine and her team are regularly sought out by business owners and executive teams to advance their companies to the next level of achievement. Her energy, authenticity and healthy dose of humor sets her apart as well as her focused approach on achieving results. Her unique and customizable solutions-based methodology is applicable across industries and accommodates organizations of all sizes.

Which privacy framework is right for you? A comparison of NIST, ISO/IEC 27701 & ISO/IEC 27018
2020-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

Describe the NIST Privacy Framework, ISO/IEC 27001, and ISO/IEC 27018
Identify the benefits and use cases for the NIST Privacy Framework, ISO/IEC 27701, and ISO/IEC 27018
Apply how each framework can be implemented or leveraged within your organization
Speakers:

Fiona Ren, Experienced Manager
Gabrielle Eberhardt, Senior Associate

More info/Registration >>

Emerging Developments in International Tax
2020-05-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

Join our webcast and learn about the latest international tax developments and significant tax issues that can affect your business, including international tax aspects of the CARES Act, OECD guidance on mobility and recent regulatory developments. Our team of tax professionals will discuss what these new developments mean for your business in the current climate. The regulatory discussion will focus on areas such as the final regulations under Sections 267A, final regulations under Section 901(m), select foreign tax credit issues, as well as transfer pricings and VAT developments.
Speakers:

David Sites, National Managing Partner, International Tax Services, Washington National Tax Office
David Zaiken, Managing Director, Washington National Tax Office
Steve Wrappe, Managing Director, Washington National Tax Office
Frank Sangster, Managing Director, Philadelphia
Cory Perry, Senior Manager, Washington National Tax Office
Mike Del Medico, Manager, Washington National Tax Office
Yasmin Dirks, Manager, Washington National Tax Office

More info/Registration >>

May VIRTUAL VentureB Presentation Event
2020-05-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
CEG coaches entrepreneurs in creating & delivering a presentation resulting in an open public pitch to regional investors & business leaders.

Join us for a VentureB Virtual Presentation on Tuesday, May 19th.

Featuring Presentations by: Gyvlink & EverHome Care Advisors

Agenda:
4:00 – 4:10pm | Welcome & Panel Introductions: Michael Lobsinger, CEG
4:10 – 4:55pm | Presentations by Lou Pierro (EverHome) & Devvan Stokes (Gyvlink)
5:00 – 5:35pm | Transition to Breakout Sessions (15 min each)
5:40 – 5:45pm | Closing

Virtual Panelists:
1. Anthony DeBonis, President, Troy Web Consulting
2. Tamika Otis, Director, KeyBank Business Boost & Build, NY
3. Jackson Feder, Investor, Armory Square Ventures

About the presenting companies:
EverHome Care Advisors: ApolloCare, LLC delivers to the consumer, products and services that transform the home into a life-long environment in which to thrive during every stage of aging. Through EverHome Care Advisors, experienced care managers provide a client-driven care coordination model that integrates in-home assessments, plan implementation and monitoring.
Gyvlink: Hardships arise from many areas- from unpredictable fires & floods to seasonal needs for cold weather clothing, boots & school supplies. Gyvlink makes it easy for your organization to highlight that need as a gift registry, preserve the privacy of the recipient, and share that verified need within minutes with your community.

Registration in advance is required for this event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

VentureB is a quarterly program presented by the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) designed for entrepreneurs to gain visibility to the region’s angel and institutional investors, business service providers, advisers, students, faculty, alumni and the early stage business community.

A Very Special BizLab-Clarkson Lunchtime Entrepreneurship Series - Part II
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
On Thursday, May 21 we will be hosting a very special virtual BizLab-Clarkson Lunch. The fact is, we miss these monthly get-togethers. So we decided to check in with past BizLab-Clarkson speakers and hear from them and hear how they are leading in the midst of the #coronavirus crisis.
Join us when we launch the video on Thursday, May 21, 2020 on our YouTube channel and our Facebook page. That’s when our next BizLab-Clarkson lunch would have been. So, grab a sandwich, some chips, veggies, a soda or water, sit back and enjoy. Hopefully, you’ll be encouraged by this conversation that we held recently.
Joining us on this panel are:
* Lisa Avila of Kitware
* Antonio Civitella of Transfinder and the New York BizLab
* Dan Pickett of aptihealth inc. (former CEO of nfrastructure)
* Craig Skevington of STEADfast IT and FMT
This discussion is moderated by Rick D’Errico, the BizLab’s managing director and Transfinder’s director of public relations.

Modernizing account reconciliation with intelligent process automation
2020-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by: Grant Thornton

In the wake of COVID-19, illustrate the key concepts of account reconciliation that have an immediate impact for modern finance
Recognize optimal accounts and rules to apply when automating the account reconciliation process
Define a reconciliation approach that addresses the current situational requirements and also meets the standards for compliance
Identify leading automation tools and considerations for choosing the right technology for your organization

Speakers:

Joseph Coniker, Principal
Kevin Nodler, Director
Sammy Haddad, Director

More info/Registration >>

Webinar 8: Reopening done right: Hygiene, sanitization, and cleaning for health to create sustainable, healthy workplace environments.
2020-06-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.

No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, select webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Monday, June 1 | 2:00 – 3:00pm
Presented by: Jim Harris, Jr., President, Janitronics Facility Services
Program Description:
Janitronics team will share how, through cleaning efficacy, they have helped their essential customers protect their employees while keeping others in a constant state of readiness to repopulate safely using a 4-phase approach.
About Janitronics:
Janitronics provides Facilities Services to office buildings, schools, colleges, health-related facilities, industrial plants, shopping centers and private residences. Our primary market is the Northeast, however, our systems approach, team cleaning, dedicated training programs, value to our customers and commitment to new technologies allow us to competitively service clients throughout the continental US. Our goal is to make the US our primary market.
We believe consistent quality service — competitively priced, and training programs tied to strategic service objectives will ensure we realize our goals. We don’t just live on the cutting edge of technology — we strive to advance it.
A labor-intensive service company needs strong management. Our managers understand systems, personnel, and customer needs — client by client. One size does not fit all. Janitronics’ comprehensive approach results in quick response and the ability to anticipate customer needs. In addition to providing all services to our clients, we provide value.

Webinar: Managing Your Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
2020-06-02 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Have you recently been awarded or applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)?
This webinar will take you through the basics of managing your Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) including:
– Overview of the EIDL program
– What the EIDL funds can be used for
– What the EIDL funds cannot be used for
– Best practices for managing the EIDL funds

Food for Thought #2 Virtual Luncheon Series: Non-Dilutive Funding
2020-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity presents Food for Thought: A Business & Product Development Virtual Luncheon Series. Michael J. Lobsinger, Senior Vice President of Business Growth Solutions and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Center for Economic Growth will present a seminar and discussion on non-dilutive funding for manufacturing and product development startups such as SBIR, STTR, and other funding resources.
The format will be an informal discussion, with audience question and answer.
Michael directs the BGS|MEP team in providing exemplary support to manufacturing and technology companies with a focus on Continuous Improvement, Technology Acceleration, Growth & Innovation, Export, Supply Chain, Sustainability and Workforce Development. Michael has more than 17 years of experience ranging from engineering and product development, manufacturing, business development and operations. Prior to joining CEG in 2013, he was director of an incubator program, an entrepreneur, and was a senior engineer at Boeing. Michael earned a BS in mechanical engineering from North Dakota State University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Top 3 Ways to Engage your Customers as NY Reopens
2020-06-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a webinar in partnership with KathodeRay Media as the Capital Region shifts into the first phases of reopening.

Presented by:
Karen S. Wolff, SHRM-CP, PHR, Investor Relations & Talent Attraction Director – CEG
Kathleen McQuaid Holdridge, President/Founder – KathodeRay Media, Inc.
Program Description:
As New York Reopens, how do we reengage customers and clients? Consumer habits have changed. and how your business engages your clients should change as well. Learn tangible marketing tactics and formulas that can be applied by Retail, Service and Business to Business companies to re-energize your client base, as well as attract new customers in our “new normal”.
• Overview of Current Consumer Behaviors
• Step-by-Step Marketing Formulas
• Helpful DIY Marketing Resources
Register >>
About KathodeRay Media:
KathodeRay Media has offered marketing, business and technical solutions for over 20 years. Throughout her career, Kathleen’s professional offerings have expanded to embrace the latest advancements in digital and mobile media, quickly responding to shifts in the marketplace. Kathleen takes the time to understand the business goals of her clients, as well as the products and services that she markets, bringing her clients’ goals and concepts to life. KathodeRay Media has survived several economic downturns since 1997. With each downturn, Kathleen always found a new way to make her company stronger. She believes you can too.

Webinar 9: The New Normal: Thermal Technology to Keep your Workplace Open
2020-06-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free webinar series offering insight on the
COVID-19 pandemic’s affect on business and how we can move past it.

No cost to attend; please RSVP below.
If you are unable to join, select webinars will be recorded and available on our website.

Date: Monday, June 8| 2:00 – 3:00pm
Presented by: Richard Ruzzo, Managing Partner, Shepherd Communication and Security
Program Description:
The “new normal” will take time to develop and get accustomed to but Capital Region businesses must take appropriate safety measures in order to reopen and ensure the safety of all they serve. The question becomes how do you deploy safety measures against “an invisible threat” that goes above and beyond washing hands and wearing face masks? Shepherd Communication and Security to provide a 20 minute overview on how implementing Enhanced Body Temperature detection systems can help keep your workforce safe and your business open.
About Shepherd Communication and Security

Shepherd Communication and Security is a regional Communications, Electronic Security and Advanced Technology Integrator with offices and resources in Albany, Utica and Syracuse NY. Shepherd provides its customers with fiber optic carrier services, specialized intelligent camera, access control, structured network wiring and fire – intrusion alarm systems.

*Cancelled* 20th Annual CEN Scholarship Golf Day
2020-06-15 10:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Edison Club, 891 Riverview Road, Rexford, NY, 12148, United States
UPDATE:
It is with regret, that we announce the 20th Annual CEN Golf Outing will not be held this year due to COVID-19. It simply is not practical at this time given the distancing regulations and interaction rules for golfing.
However, we are asking for donations! This year, we have received more than 16 scholarship applications – there is so much need with the economic crisis – every family is likely to be impacted in some way.
HELP US! PLEASE PLAN TO DONATE SO WE CAN SUPPORT ALL OF THESE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS!!!
More Information Coming Soon with Details on How to Donate.

Join us Monday, June 15, 2020 for our 20th Annual CEN Scholarship Golf Day. Rain or shine.
The proceeds of this one day event are the only funds that will go towards several 2020/2021 college scholarship awards presented to high school seniors or current college students majoring in a field which can lead to employment with a manufacturer. Last year, CEN awarded scholarships of $1,000 each to 4 area students.
Cost | $175 /person; $700 / foursome; $50 dinner only
NOTE: Payment by card or check. If paying by card, you will receive a receipt through Eventbrite. If paying by check, you will be sent an invoice.
When registering foursomes, please provide names of individual players. If all names are not yet secured, please insert TBD into first name and last name fields
Check-In | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Barbecue Lunch | 11:00 am
Shotgun Start | 12:00 pm SHARP
Cocktails & Buffet Reception – includes Silent Auction & Awards | 5:00 pm
NOTE: It will take 5 hours for the round; please be at the club and ready to start promptly at 12:00. If you are not, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to catch-up with the group.
Golf registration includes 18 holes of golf, carts, use of practice range, barbecue lunch and dinner.
Contests Include: 50/50 Raffle Closest to pin Longest Drive Hole-in-one wins $25,000

REGISTER HERE>>>

PPP Update with Steven Bulger from the SBA
2020-06-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us this Monday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m. for an interactive discussion with Steven Bulger from the SBA. During the discussion, Steven will provide a high level overview of the updates to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as a result of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA), the SBA Disaster Relief Program, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Advance programs.

REGISTER >>

How the Empire State is bridging the divide between academia and industry to enable job growth and innovation
2020-06-25 13:00 - 14:15 (America/New_York)
Thursday, June 25, 2020 | 10:00 AM Pacific/1:00 PM Eastern
LIVE WEBCAST (FREE TO ATTEND)

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Overview:
For more than three decades, New York State has aggressively invested in the advanced electronics and thin film industries, driving new partnerships, innovation, products, and economic opportunity. This strategic investment has included the bipartisan support of 4 governors, building the global R&D focus of what is now known as NY CREATES – more than $15 billion invested, 200+ research partner organizations, more than 150,000 square feet of clean room, and leveraging more than 2700 experts from industry, government and academia.

Agenda:
1:00-1:05pm Introduction: Pete Singer, Editor-in-Chief, Semiconductor Digest
1:05-1:10pm Opening Remarks and Welcome: Doug Grose, President NY CREATES
1:00-1:20pm NY State of Opportunity: Empire State Development
1:20-1:30pm NY CREATES Overview: LaMar Hill, NY CREATES
1:30-1:45pm Future Quantum Technology Trends and Company Case Study: S. Papa Rao, NY CREATES and Oleg Mukhanov, co-CEO SeeQC
1:45-1:55pm AIM Photonics-TAP: Ed White, NY CREATES
1:55-2:00pm Wrap-up: Paul Kelly, COO, NY CREATES
2:00-2:15 pm Round Table Discussion

About the Presenters:

Dr. Douglas A. Grose, President, NY CREATES
Douglas Grose is a globally recognized technology leader who built his early career at IBM, where he worked in the Technology Products Division for more than 20 years. He was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in 2003, directing a merger between IBM and Hitachi Storage Technology Division.
Dr. Grose served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NanoTech Resources, a State University of New York (SUNY)-based research and development organization, tasked with accelerating advanced technology commercialization, an early precursor to SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Following this role in public service, Dr. Grose rejoined IBM as General Manager of Technology Development and Manufacturing Systems.
From 2006 through 2009, Doug served as Senior Vice President of Technology Development, Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). In this role, he helped direct the formation of GLOBALFOUNDRIES, currently the second largest pure play semiconductor foundry. He served as the founding CEO of GLOBALFOUNDRIES, leading the successful merger of Chartered Semiconductors into GLOBALFOUNDRIES in 2010, and directed the expansion of leading-edge technology capacity in Singapore, Germany and New York State.
Dr. Grose graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with an MBA and a BS, MS and PhD in Materials Engineering. He currently is Vice Chairman of the ASML Supervisory Board, co-chairman of the board of SBA Materials and the founding President of NY CREATES.

LaMar A. Hill, Office of the President, NY CREATES
LaMar Hill recently joined the SUNY Research Foundation in the NY CREATES President’s office. For the past two decades, Mr. Hill has been a leader of New York’s Tech Valley and Mohawk Valley regional economic development teams, specializing in global business development in advanced electronics. These initiatives led to the decision by GlobalFoundries (formerly AMD) to build a $12+B manufacturing campus at the Luther Forest Technology Campus in Malta, New York and CREE to build a high volume SiC device manufacturing fab at the Marcy Nanocenter site near Utica, NY. In this role, the initiatives Mr. Hill has been involved in have created more than 15,000 direct jobs and can be expected to create an additional 20,000-25,000 jobs over the next ten years. Accelerating technology commercialization has been the focus of Mr. Hill’s activities for the past thirty years.
These activities have included joint development activities with Universities, multi-million dollar R&D programs in defense/aerospace, tech transfer and acquisition, and development of successful R&D funding strategies with programs such as SBIR, STTR, ATP and TRP. In addition, LaMar has been a trusted business strategist, including securing debt and equity financing packages, corporate management of software and technology development organizations and the acquisition of several product lines.
Mr. Hill received a BS degree in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College and an MS degree in Chemistry from UCLA. In 2004, Mr. Hill was selected by Small Times Magazine (primary global nanotechnology business publication) as one of the Global Nanotech Advocates of the Year.

Bruce Toyama, Business Development Director – Artificial Intelligence Programs, NY CREATES
Bruce Toyama is a recognized entrepreneurial business leader, working in and with a variety of startups on both coasts, including cofounding the IgniteU NY startup accelerator program in New York. At NY CREATES, Bruce brings that long career experience and expertise to the team as the Business Development Director in one of the most dynamic areas of focus for NY CREATES –Artificial Intelligence Programs.
Bruce has a broad-based corporate background with experience in business development, general management, and national/international sales management mostly in establishing advanced materials/specialty chemicals in emerging markets. Prior to joining the team at NY CREATES, Bruce served as the Vice President of Product Development at BessTech, a leading battery energy storage startup, and as Director of Industrial Sales and Corporate Development at Applied Robotics. Earlier in his career, Bruce served in Business Development and Sales roles at EnerG2, an early-stage advanced materials startup emerging from the University of Washington.
For many years, Bruce has served as a mentor to entrepreneurs, including in the RPI/NSF I-Site Program, as New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Entrepreneur in Residence, and as a NY Academy of Sciences Global STEM Alliance Mentor. Bruce received his BS in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois-Urbana (Graduate of Distinction) and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

Dr. Satyavolu ‘Pops’ Papa Rao, VP for Research, NY CREATES
Satyavolu ‘Pops’ Papa Rao serves as the Vice President for Research for NY CREATES. For more than two decades, Pops has forged a path as a sought-after technical leader in advanced electronics and materials. Today, much of his research is focused on quantum technologies, specifically the fabrication of high performance superconducting qubits using 300mm scale advanced processes, single-flux-quantum logic circuits, superconducting optoelectronics for neuromorphic computing, and AlN-based electrooptic integrated circuits.
Prior to joining the NY CREATES team, Pops served as the Director of Process Technology for SEMATECH in Albany. His tenure at SEMATECH was preceded by technology leadership positions, including in advanced CMP processes, Si solar cells with all-plated copper front-grid metallization, and nano-structures for DNA nucleotide recognition at IBM Research and on process R&D for memory and logic devices for Texas Instruments.
Pops obtained his Bachelor of Technology in Metallurgical Engineering from IIT-Madras, India, and his Ph.D. in Electronic Materials from MIT in 1996.

Frank Tolic, Chief Marketing Officer, AIM Photonics, A program of NY CREATES
Frank Tolic is the Chief Marketing Officer of AIM Photonics, a key NY CREATES program. In this role, Frank is responsible for development and execution of marketing strategies that expand the AIM brand, membership, technology, and services to the photonics community. He is also serves as an Associate Vice President for SUNY, where he focuses on the creation of new business partnerships, and is responsible for growing AIM Photonics and SUNY’s core strategic technical and corporate partnerships.
Prior to joining the New York team, he managed a portfolio of over one billion dollars in semiconductor business across the globe in support of semiconductor equipment, consumable, research, and manufacturing companies at Novati Technologies, SVTC, ATDF, and SEMATECH. Earlier in his career, Frank served as a Sr. Device Integration Engineer at Motorola’s Advanced Products Research and Development Laboratory, in Austin, TX.
He received both Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, holds number of patents, and has published and presented various technical and business topics throughout his 30 years in in the semiconductor industry.

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NYS and Capital Region Opportunities in Off Shore Wind
2020-06-25 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program Description:
Join the Center for Economic Growth for a discussion of the offshore wind industry with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Ørsted – a global leader in offshore wind development. The US Offshore Wind Market is worth an estimated $70 billion over the next 10 years and the State of New York and Capital Region are working to be the hub of this new industry in the US. Program will include an overview from NYSERDA on the state’s nation leading 9 GW commitment and opportunity to learn about Ørsted and their 880 MW Sunrise Wind Project.
Agenda and Speakers:
1:30pm Opening Remarks: Center for Economic Growth
NYSERDA:
Matt Vestal, Senior Advisor, Large-Scale Renewables, NYSERDA

Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
New York’s Off Shore Wind path to 9GW

Ørsted:
Grant van Wyngaarden, Senior Supply Chain Development Manager, Ørsted US Offshore Wind
Jennifer Garvey, New York Market Affairs Manager, Ørsted US Offshore Wind
Pat Smith, Vice President – Competitive Transmission and Renewable Markets, Eversource

Introduction to Ørsted, Eversource, and the Sunrise and South Fork Wind projects
Offshore wind 101
Capital Region supply chain opportunities

Q&A

Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in knowing what Off Shore Wind is all about!

Learn about an emerging industry in the Capital Region/NYS and determine your possible fit
What are the State’s goals?
Why is OSW important?
What does an OSW project entail?

No cost to attend. Please Register below:

REGISTER >>

About NYSERDA:
NYSERDA is leading the coordination of offshore wind opportunities in New York State and is supporting the development of 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035 in a responsible and cost-effective manner. Offshore wind will be a crucial step on the pathway to a carbon-neutral economy and a critical component in achieving the expanded Clean Energy Standard, whereby 70 percent of New York’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2030 under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York’s ambitious and comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation.

NY State OSW Supply Chain Database
About Ørsted:
Sunrise Wind brings unparalleled experience in developing offshore wind to New Yorkers, as a 50/50 partnership between Ørsted, the global leader in offshore wind and a global leader in climate action, and Eversource, New England’s largest energy company and premier electric transmission builder. Ørsted – which has recently ranked the most sustainable company in the world and will be the world’s first major energy company to become carbon-neutral by 2025 – envisions a world run entirely on green energy while Eversource is one of the nation’s most responsible companies, as ranked by Newsweek, Forbes and JUST capital and has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, faster than any other utility in the U.S.
Supplier Registration
Questions? Contact Peter Lion
