Public Education and Business Partnerships: Creating Economic Development in Western NY
Alfred State College recently hosted a forum on “Public Education and Business Partnerships: Creating Economic Development in Western New York.” A panel of local business and education leaders, including Nasir Ali, CEO/co-founder, Upstate Venture Connect; Anne Brungard, retired superintendent of schools, and chair of the Allegany County Education Impact Council; Charlie Craig, vice president for science and technology, Corning, Inc.; Andy Glanzman, president and CEO, Northern Lights Candles; Tom Golisano, ’62, chair, Paychex, Inc., and entrepreneur; Christine Whitman, chairman and CEO, Complemar, Inc.; and Louise Woerner, CEO, Home Care of Rochester, presented their ideas on how education and business can work together to increase the number of business start-ups in New York State, and what role, in particular, SUNY (State University of New York) can play in that plan, to 80 attendees, including SUNY Chancellor Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher and NYS Sen. Catharine Young, (R, C, I – Olean). Following their prepared comments, the panel fielded thoughtful and lively questions from the audience.
