Appointment Complements “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development today announced that Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York will be appointed as co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, starting in 2018. Mr. Wolken will replace Robert Simpson, President of CenterState CEO, who has served as the business co-chair since the Council’s inception in 2011. Simpson will complete his co-chair term, ending in December, and continue serving as a member of the REDC going forward.
Wolken will join academic co-chair Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena, President, SUNY Upstate Medical University, as the CNYREDC continues its’ work to grow the economy in the five-county Central New York region, which includes Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga Counties.
“Randy Wolken has already been a great partner in our efforts to build a new Central New York economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, statewide chair of the Regional Councils. “He is an outstanding choice to succeed Rob Simpson and will be an important voice as we continue to create new jobs and opportunities through the REDC and the Central New York Rising URI plan.”
Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to take on the role of co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and his team for this opportunity. The Central New York region has experienced meaningful growth under the hard work and continued dedication of the council these past seven years. Our successes have given us so much to work with as we continue this journey of growth. I am looking forward to working alongside my co-chair, Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena and the hard working Regional Economic Council. I also wish to extend my utmost gratitude to Rob Simpson and his efforts of leadership and guidance these past seven years as the co-chair of the CNYREDC.”
Co-Chair Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena said, "I congratulate Randy Wolken on his appointment as co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. As a current member of the CNYREDC, Randy has always offered valuable insight into the issues most important to this council. I look forward to his service as co-chair. I also want to commend Rob Simpson for his leadership and for sharing his deep knowledge of this region's potential. Rob has been one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable voices for this region and I know he will continue to offer us his strong support as a member on the council."
Wolken is the President and CEO of MACNY, which serves over 300 companies with more than 100,000 employees in a twenty-six county region in Upstate New York. He is also President and CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York, which is a coalition of manufacturing groups representing over 2,500 companies and over 425,000 manufacturing employees throughout New York State. Prior to joining MACNY, Wolken served as the Executive Director of the Samaritan Center; worked as a Senior Budget Analyst in the Division of Management and Budget for Onondaga County Government in Syracuse; and served as an officer on active duty at both Griffis Air Force Base in Rome and Fort Drum in Watertown.
CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson said, “For the past seven years I have had the privilege of serving as co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, and as I step down from this position I do so proud of having helped secure an unprecedented level of investment in region – nearly one billion since 2011. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for the remarkable opportunity to serve the region and for his unwavering commitment to re-investing in Upstate NY and re-invigorating our economy. The Governor has empowered our region to define a vision for our future and engaged partners throughout the public, private and academic sectors to get things done. I am grateful for the partnership and involvement of all our REDC members throughout the years who have worked tirelessly to engage the public, set strategies and review thousands of projects that have sought funding from the Council. During my time as co-chair, I have also had the good fortune of having three distinguished partners, including former Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor, Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud, and Upstate Medical University President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena. Each of these co-chairs has been a true leader, stead-fast and focused on driving impact for this community through planning, research and collaboration. It’s now time for a new leader to step into this role, bringing new ideas and a fresh approach. I am encouraged and excited that that Randy Wolken, president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) was selected to serve in this role. I know that Randy, along with Dr. Laraque-Arena, will continue the work we’ve started to bring jobs, investment, and revitalization to our region. I will continue to work to advance the kinds of projects that create economic opportunities for our community through my new role as a member of the CNYREDC.”
The REDC process has transformed New York State government’s approach to economic development, creating a statewide framework for bottom-up, regional economic growth and streamlining the state funding application process. Over the past six years, the Central New York region has received $906.8 million, including $500 million through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) for its strategic plan, CNY Rising. This funding has allowed for expansion of businesses in the community, investments in traditionally underserved Neighborhoods, and for the creation of hundreds of new jobs. Since year one, 72 percent of the CNYREDC priority projects are complete or on schedule. That represents 141 projects that have leveraged more than $1.27 billion in private investment.
To learn more about the CNYREDC, click here.
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $4.7 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Syracuse, Oswego and Auburn as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.
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