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.

** POSTPONED ** Machining & Fabrication Showcase
2020-04-22 08:00 - 14:00 UTC | Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing, 80 Vandenburgh Ave,, Troy, NY, 12180
UPDATE: Due to the viral nature of COVID-19, and in keeping with the governor’s recent announcement this event has been postponed for the foreseeable future. We will announce a new date once it is deemed safe to have large events once more.
New York’s Tech Valley is the place to turn, mill, drill, paint, weld, finish, and fabricate. Whether you’re a Mom and Pop machine shop, an additive manufacturer in global markets, or an in-house toolmaker serving a single customer, now is the time to forge new connections.

Many local companies would like to shorten their supply chains, but they’re not sure where to look. Sometimes, it’s for a material supply or an equipment service. Sheet metal machining is in high demand, too. There are also common challenges like training and workforce development.
FuzeHub’s Solutions Forum is your opportunity to connect with this community. You’ll discover resources, customers, and suppliers while building mutually beneficial relationships. Join FuzeHub, CEG, and RPI MIC on April 22nd for the Machining and Fabrication Showcase.

Learn more and Register HERE>>>

The Manufacturer's Guide to FDA Regulations, Guidance, and the Emergency Use Act
2020-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
This webinar will present information on products regulated by the FDA, and a brief description of the FDA clearance and approvals process. We will also discuss how the Emergency Use Act and COVID-19 related guidance can help manufacturers striving to produce medical devices during pandemic related shortages.
Presented by: Michelle Bonn, President, Guideline Medical Consulting.
REGISTER HERE>>

Sales Role Play Scenarios: Webinar Series by Sandler Training
2020-04-21 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
Our Sandler trainers will demonstrate these four common sales scenarios. You will leave the webinar with proven techniques that you can use when you encounter these situations in your sales calls/meetings.

Overcoming objections.
Identifying how your clients want to be communicated to.
How to gain and maintain control of your sales call and sales cycle.
How to identify if you can turn a suspect into a prospect.

Register Here>>

A Very Special BizLab-Clarkson Lunchtime Entrepreneurship Series Event
2020-04-16 13:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
On Thursday, April 16 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, April 16, 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:
* Jeff Buell of Redburn Development
* Antonio Civitella of Transfinder and the New York BizLab
* David Dussault of P1 Industries
* Heidi Knoblauch of Plumb Oyster Bar and Pioneer Bank
* Bela Musits formerly of Clarkson (retired)
This discussion is moderated by Rick D’Errico, the BizLab’s managing director and Transfinder’s director of public relations.

REGISTER HERE>>

Virtual Small Business Survival Forum
2020-04-16 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
Join Assemblymembers Patricia Fahy and John McDonald, III along with Center for Economic Growth and Albany Small Business Development Center for a virtual small business forum this Thursday, April 16th, from 8:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
This ‘Small Business Survival Forum’ will be streamed through Zoom and Facebook Live and will focus on helping small business owners, microenterprises, and start-ups in the creative economy navigate resources available to them at the state and federal level during the global COVID-19.
Hear from Andrew Kennedy, President & CEO of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), and Kate Baker, Interim Director with the Small Business Development Center.
Learn more on the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/221544132449628/

How to Succeed at Selling Remotely: Webinar Series by Sandler Training
2020-04-14 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
We are all now forced to sell and lead remotely. Are you and your team ready?
You will learn how to:

Create a successful mindset.
Adjust your approach in light of the current crisis.
Avoid common remote selling pitfalls.
Follow a selling process that puts you in control.

Register Here>>

COVID19 Solutions Investor call
2020-04-03 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
INNOVATE TO VENTILATE – COVID19 Solutions Investor Call

We are leveraging our network of over 100 Business Incubators, Accelerators and Economic Development entities to support innovative efforts against COVID19.

REGISTER HERE>>

Cares Act Information Sessions: 4 Sessions Available
2020-04-03 - 2020-04-04
Cares Act Information Session
The Cares Act business relief programs are now available. These information sessions will provide an overview of:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Overview
Paycheck Protection Program Overview
Eligibility Requirements
Application Processes
Picking the Right Program for Your Business
Assistance Resources

All information sessions will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. Registered participants will be sent the link for the session that they registered for with instructions on how to access the session.

April 3, 2020: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Register Here>>
April 3, 2020 : 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register Here>>
April 3, 2020: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register Here>>
April 3, 2020: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Register Here>>

Cares Act Information Sessions: 3 Session Times Available
2020-04-02 - 2020-04-03
Cares Act Information Session
The Cares Act business relief programs are now available. These information sessions will provide an overview of:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Overview
Paycheck Protection Program Overview
Eligibility Requirements
Application Processes
Picking the Right Program for Your Business
Assistance Resources

All information sessions will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. Registered participants will be sent the link for the session that they registered for with instructions on how to access the session.
Sessions:
April 2, 2020 : 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register Here>>
April 2, 2020: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register Here>>

Webinar: Update on the CARES Act
2020-04-01 14:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
COVID 19 is causing economic distress across the country. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security Act was passed in order to assist with the economic downturn. This act is meant to aid Americans, small businesses and major industries during these trying times. Urban Co-Works and Pioneer Bank are teaming up to provide clarifying information on this act.
REGISTER >>

Update on the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security)
2020-04-01 14:30 - 15:00 UTC
COVID 19 is causing economic distress across the country. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security Act was passed in order to assist with the economic downturn. This act is meant to aid Americans, small businesses and major industries during these trying times. Urban Co-Works and Pioneer Bank are teaming up to provide clarifying information on this act.
*If you have further questions specific to you or your own business please reach out to Heidi Knoblauch at Knoblauchh@pioneerbanking.com or your financial institution for more guidance.

REGISTER HERE>>

POSTPONED: 11th Annual Industry-Academia Days
2020-04-01 - 2020-04-02
11th Annual Industry-Academia Days
April 1st & 2nd, 2020
“How do we get to SMART Cities?”
Troy, NY
The program will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York on Wednesday, April 1st &
the LESA Center Thursday, April 2nd on the RPI campus.
Registration is required for attending this event.

Industry-Academia Days is a two-day event that brings together our Center members, industry experts and Rensselaer faculty experts to take part in an on-going dialogue on the challenges and opportunities in the connected environment. Each year we strive to create a robust program aimed at encouraging an on-going conversation on technological innovation through presentations, insightful panel discussions, networking opportunities and laboratory tours, among others.
This year’s theme will explore topics on how we use Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Communications and Healthcare in the Built Environment to create the SMART, connected communities of the future.
LESA is an interdisciplinary, multi-university NSF graduated Engineering Research Center developing autonomous, intelligent “Systems that ThinkTM” to address societal needs with engineered solutions in the connected environment transforming how people live and work.
2020 Speakers
Robert Boyajieff, Sr. Account Executive Building Performance & Sustainability, Siemens
Mark Lien, Industry Relations Manager, Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
Dennis Sheldon, Associate Professor & Director Digital Building Lab, Georgia Tech
Arunas Tuzikas, Sr. Research Engineer, LESA

LEARN MORE and REGISTER HERE>>>

Webinar: "Keep Calm and Carry On" | Crisis Communications in the Time of Coronavirus
2020-03-27 12:30 - 14:00 UTC
We are facing an unprecedented crisis that many businesses have never encountered before. Business owners and marketers are facing disruption over many weeks and months, and our customers are experiencing the uncertainty of not knowing when, and if, things will return to normal.
The American Marketing Association and Urban Co-Works have pulled together an expert panel of marketing and communications professionals who have a diverse experience of dealing with crisis communications. They will be available to answer some of the most important questions that you may have about how to continue to communicate with your customers and keep them informed and engaged during this unprecedented and frightening period of uncertainty.
Who are the panel?

Will Trevor (Moderator) – President of the American Marketing Association New York Capital Region Chapter.
Andrew Mangini – Partner at Gramercy Communications
Susan Bardack – Founder/CEO at Buzz Media Solutions
Jon Pierce – Owner, Pierce Communications
Eric McDowell – President of The Eric Idea Agency for Public Relations

What will I learn?

How do I manage this crisis in the most effective way possible?
How do I continue to communicate with my customers?
How do I ensure that I keep my customers engaged so that I can regain their business when it is all over?
What are some of the best practices that other businesses are doing?
What are the lessons from how brands have handled other crises in the past?

REGISTER HERE>>

Webinar: Training Your Business for a Clean Energy Future
2020-03-26 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Co-hosted by The Business Council, NYSERDA, and National Grid
For your business to maximize the value of a comprehensive energy management strategy, it is essential to invest in your most important resource. Your human resource! When you nurture employees with the right mixture of education and training you will increase profitability, attract and retain skilled talent, and reduce the cost of doing business. Whether you are building a workforce to drive operational excellence and optimize production performance or are identifying ways to increase profitability and lower operating expenses, professional development and training for current and future employees provides a proven pathway to long-term savings and benefits for your business.
During this webinar you will learn about:

Training opportunities for building operations and maintenance staff
Funding to hire clean energy interns and full-time staff
Programs to develop training capacity, increase productivity, develop efficiencies, and facilitate growth

Speakers:
Adele Ferranti – NYSERDA Program Manager for Workforce Development and Training
Katie Newcombe – National Grid Senior Economic Developer
Andrew Kennedy – President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth

No cost to participate.
Register >>

POSTPONED: March Creative Economy Mixer: Albany Center Gallery
2020-03-25 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Albany Center Gallery, 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany, NY, 12207, United States
Join us for our next Creative Economy mixer at Albany Center Gallery. The event will be a special sneak preview of the Mohawk-Hudson Regional Invitational 2020 Exhibition. For over 40 years, Albany Center Gallery has provided a platform for the work of contemporary visual artists to engage the public. ACG strives to encourage dialogue and critical commentary about the visual arts within the region and has played an important leadership role in the regional arts economy.
The Beer Diviner will be there serving up some tasty pours. Musical styling will be provided by DJ Pat Diesel. Stay tuned for more updates on entertainment, food & more!
No cost to attend.

Special thanks to the event sponsors Center for Economic Growth, MVP Health Care, The Community Loan Fund,and promotional partners Discover Albany, Redburn Development, Live in Albany, The Collaborative, and CapGirls. Event Production by: 2440 Design Studio.

INFO>>

Webinar: 10 Things Employers Need to Know About Leave Law and Coronavirus
2020-03-25 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
From CEG Members, Jaeger & Flynn:
We’ve had an incredible response from our customers and distribution partners to this webinar and we thank you for your interest. Due to the unprecedented demand for virtual meetings this week, especially during the hours of 10AM and 2PM ET, we are moving our webinar, 10 Things Employers Need to Know Now About Leave Law and Coronavirus, to 4PM ET to accommodate a greater number of those who are interested in attending the live event.
We apologize for any inconvenience this time change may cause. Please note that everyone who is registered will receive an email within two hours of tomorrow evening’s live event with a link to an on-demand replay, including access to all of the webinar related materials. Feel free to share that link with others in your organization who may be interested in attending.
LIVE WEBCAST DATE: March 25, 2020
LIVE WEBCAST TIME: 04:00 PM EDT
Use the link below to enter the webcast up to 15 minutes before the start.
WEBCAST LINK: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2224252/6EA13217266039D77E6B8579C99E17FF?mode=login&email=jpowers@jaegerflynn.com
EMAIL: jpowers@jaegerflynn.com

POSTPONED: Alliant Americas Grand Opening
2020-03-25 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | Alliant Americas, 100 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 124, NY, 12203, United States
*** Please note in light of current circumstances related to COVID-19, this event has been postponed. A future date will be determined and announced in the coming weeks. We look forward to celebrating with you then! ***
Join Alliant, CEG, fellow business leaders and officials at Alliant Americas grand opening event. Program will consist of brief remarks, ribbon cutting ceremony and networking. For more information about Alliant, visit their website.
Light refreshments will be provided; please RSVP below.

Virtual Networking Meetup: 1 Million Cups
2020-03-25 09:00 - 10:00 UTC
Join us for our first ever virtual 1 Million Cups Meeting.
Grab a cup of coffee and click the link below!
Learn how the Hart Cluett Museum have used their company values to stay in business in the downtown district for over 20 years.
Join the virtual meeting HERE>>

Live Webinar: Reaching Your Customer through Email Marketing
2020-03-24 18:00 - 18:45 UTC
Live Webinar: Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Reaching Your Customer through Email Marketing
What’s the most efficient, effective and affordable way to stay connected with your customers? Email marketing. Among all the digital channels available to your business, email marketing boasts the strongest return on your investment.
Join Pursuit and Erik Bunaes of Endorphin Advisors to learn how to use email marketing to your business’s advantage, and what email content will resonate most with your audience.
You’ll learn:

The economic benefits of email marketing
The basics of email marketing
Best practices for creating compelling content

REGISTER HERE>>>

SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Info Session
2020-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
REGISTER >>

Speak Like a Pro: 2-Session Presentation Skills Intensive
2020-03-12 17:30 - 2020-03-19 19:30 UTC | URBAN CO-WORKS, 433 State Street, 4th Floor, Schenectady, NY, 12305, United States
Whether you’re an experienced presenter wanting to fine-tune your skills, a beginning presenter with a bad case of nerves, or fall somewhere in between, this 2-session Presentation Skills Intensive is for you!
Over the course of two sessions, participants will learn and practice skills and tools for delivering polished, compelling presentations.
Through a series of highly-interactive activities and individual coaching, participants will:

Plan, develop, and deliver multiple presentations
Receive useful peer and facilitator feedback
Learn how to assess and engage an audience
Develop techniques to align their verbals, vocals and visuals with their message
Design presentations through the principles of framing and storytelling
Identify “best practice” strategies for using paper and electronic materials to support their message
Expand their performance range and strategies in formal and informal communication contexts.

Price includes BOTH sessions:
MARCH 12th from 5:30-7:30pm
MARCH 19th from 5:30-7:30pm
Dinner will be provided both nights!

REGISTER HERE>>>

Technology Advancement Programs & Incentives for Remanufacturing, Repair & Refurbishment Industries
2020-03-10 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT, 190 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States
Leading the nation in technology and innovation for a sustainable future, the experts at REMADE Institute and Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT, in collaboration with Empire State Development, are hosting a half-day workshop on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Join us to discuss the ground-breaking technological advancement and projects that are delivering widespread benefits to businesses that depend on remanufacturing and repair and learn about funding opportunities for New York State companies.
REGISTER HERE>>>

Evening with CEO Tony Hynes
2020-03-05 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | City Beer Hall, 42 Howard Street, Albany, NY, 12207, United States
The Upstate Capital Association of New York presents Evening with CEO Tony Hynes. Join us for an intimate look at Tony’s experience growing Precision Valve and Automation, a $70M robot manufacturing company in Albany NY. Now, Tony works with other entrepreneurs and early stage companies to fuel job growth in Upstate NY through his “incubator without walls”.
Featured Speaker:

Tickets: Upstate Capital receive discounted tickets for $40. Guests and non-member tickets are $85.
Register Here>>>

Diverse Teams = Increased Profits: Anthony Gaddy, Pres. & CEO UpState NY Black Chamber of Commerce
2020-02-27 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Bull Moose Club, 150 State Street, 4th Floor, Albany, NY, 12207
Studies show that diverse teams perform better, leading to a more profitable bottom line. Join our conversation with Anthony Gaddy, President and CEO of UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce about developing strategies to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The USNYBCC mission is not only to support Black and Minority-Owned Businesses in NY and the US, but also to help create a stronger, more cohesive business community in NYS and beyond.
Bring your questions and suggestions; here’s a chance to open a conversation and dispel some myths around what can sometimes be an awkward topic.

AGENDA
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Network and Nibbles
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Fireside Chat+ Audience Q&A
7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Networking

Get Tickets Here>>>

Creative Economy Mixer: Collectiveffort
2020-02-26 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Collectiveffort, 415 River St., Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Join us at our February Creative Economy mixer at Collectiveffort in Troy, a creative agency and workspace whose mission is building and bridging communities. Register now and stay tuned for many more updates! Special thanks to the event sponsors Center for Economic Growth, MVP Health Care and The Community Loan Fund, and Rensselaer County Chamber and promotional partners CapGirls, and Rensco Tourism.
No cost to attend. REGISTER >>

VentureB
2020-02-18 15:30 - 18:30 UTC | Pat’s Barn
CEG coaches entrepreneurs in creating & delivering a presentation resulting in an open public pitch to regional investors & business leaders

About this Event

VentureB is a quarterly program 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.
Agenda:

3:30-4:00 Check In
4:00-5:00 Two, 12 minute presentations followed by panel Q&A
5:00-6:30 Networking/Presenter Tabling

Refreshments available – cash bar & hors d’oeuvres
Join us in welcoming:
Fabbro Industries – Committed to perfecting motorcycle chassis design to bring customers an uncompromising product: a motorcycle frame with removable coil-over shock absorbers that maintains the clean lines and open space of a rigid motorcycle frame.
Green Enviro Machine – Our nitrogen self service vending machine, called KIWI, dispenses pure (99.95%) nitrogen to inflate tires offering convenience (open 24/7, easy to use), better gas mileage, improved tire wear & handling, and is environmentally & socially responsible.

REGISTER HERE>>>

Webinar: Calculating Your Cost of Goods Sold and Estimating Future Production Costs
2020-02-13 11:00 - 12:00 UTC
Many start-up companies make the mistake of designing overly complex products that are expensive to manufacture and assemble at scale. This inflated cost can make your price point too high (costing you sales) or erode your profit margins. This webinar will show you how to accurately calculate your total product cost and develop an intelligent pro-forma cost as you look to scale-up production.

What You Will Learn

The difference between fixed costs, variable costs, direct costs, indirect costs, and overhead.
Gain an understanding of Break-Even Point and Economies of Scale, and how they can impact pricing and profit margin.
The importance of knowing your product cost before investing in manufacturing or launching at the wrong price point.
Translating your bill of materials and manufacturing cost into an intelligent proforma at any scale.

Presenters:
Eric Fasser: Design & Engineering Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub.
Dan Radomski: Director, Centrepolis Hardware Accelerator

Register Here>>>

Techstars Startup Weekend Schenectady
2020-02-07 17:00 - 2020-02-09 17:00 UTC | Urban Coworks, 433 State Street, Schenectady, NY, 12305, United States
Your idea in 54 hours
Do you have an idea you’d like to pursue or a problem you’d like to solve but don’t know where to start or who to start with?
Techstars Startup Weekend is the place to look for a team, create a prototype of your idea, validate your business idea, and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, all in one weekend.
What do you need to bring?
Lots of energy! You’ll pitch your own idea or listen to others, then vote on the most interesting ideas and form teams with diverse skill sets. You can come with friends, but you’ll get the full experience if you participate in separate teams. Remember, it’s all about the team.
Your idea should be something you have not previously worked on. The idea you pitch and the problem you set out to solve can span social, educational, financial, environmental, or other issues. Over the course of the weekend you’ll be challenged to create a prototype of your MVP, or minimum viable product, that fits the needs of your target customer. You’ll get feedback, iterate, and likely pivot your approach entirely! Important: You cannot have worked previously on your idea.
Techstars Startup Weekend is a full weekend long experience. Your ticket includes:
7 full (and delicious) meals over the course of the weekendBenefits and discounts from our global partnersOne-on-one time with amazing mentorsA new network of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs eager, like you, to change the world.All the internet and coffee you can consume.
More info/Registration >>>

Gearing up for Growth
2020-02-06 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Urban Coworks, 433 State Street, Schenectady, NY, 12305, United States
When might you want to take on debt instead of giving up equity? Venture debt is a necessary part of the capital structure and could be the better option for many start-ups. It allows for start-ups to fund capital expenses through a specialized (venture) lender, even when they don’t have the positive cash flow or assets to use as collateral. Venture lenders are a critical part of any start-up ecosystem and Pioneer Bank is positioning itself to be the Capital Region’s leading venture lender, alongside the Capital Region’s VC firms and angel investors. Join us on February 6, 2020 and see how the Pioneer Bank Venture and Growth team can work with your company to extend the runway through venture debt and how they’re helping the start-up community thrive.
Agenda:
5:30pm-6:00pm: cocktails/food and networking
6:00pm-6:30pm: discussion/presentation
6:30pm-7:30pm: additional networking, cocktails/food
Speakers:
Rob Nichols : Senior Vice President of Commercial Development at Pioneer Bank
Heidi Knoblauch : Venture and Growth Relationship Manager at Pioneer Bank

No cost to attend | Register here >>>
