Alfred State and the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) recently co-hosted “From Expectations to Excellence: Manager’s Workshop” at the Lake Lodge, bringing together regional leaders for an interactive professional development experience focused on modern workplace challenges.
The workshop provided managers from a variety of industries with practical strategies to strengthen communication, clarify expectations, and create environments where employees feel supported and accountable. Participants engaged in hands-on activities designed to promote consistency, trust, and stronger team connections.
“Managers today are being asked to lead in increasingly complex environments,” said Jarrad Childs, Assistant Professor in Alfred State’s Business Department. “This workshop focused on tools that help leaders communicate clearly and build beautiful workplaces where people can succeed.”
The workshop was developed in response to priorities identified during recent manufacturers council meetings, which were facilitated by the ACIDA and the Allegany County Economic Development Department in partnership with the Allegany County Planning and Employment and Training departments.
“Our local small businesses have been asking for targeted support to navigate these shifting workplace dynamics,” said Melissa Pingitore, Assistant Director of the ACIDA. “This workshop is our direct answer to that call, providing meaningful assistance and actionable tools that employers can implement immediately to support their teams and strengthen their operations.”
The session was facilitated by Childs and Pingitore. Together, they guided participants through activities and applied frameworks aimed at improving leadership skills and increasing employee engagement while maintaining performance and quality standards.
Over lunch, attendees participated in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Craig Clark, Executive Director of ACIDA. Panelists included Casey Joyce, General Manager of Wellsville Country Club; Dan Porter, Director of Human Resources at PM Research; and Boyd Chappell, Vice President of Finance at Jones Memorial Hospital.
“Hosting the panel gave us a chance to bring together leaders from very different industries to share what is actually working in their organizations,” said Dr. Clark. “Participants walked away with practical ideas they could apply right away, whether it was approaches to communication, setting expectations, or building accountability. That kind of real-world insight is what makes these conversations so valuable for our region.”
“Events like this reflect Alfred State’s ongoing commitment to supporting the professional growth of our regional workforce,” said Tammy Edwards, Assistant Director of Extended Learning at Alfred State. “By bringing together managers from across industries, we create opportunities for practical learning, shared insights, and meaningful networking opportunities that strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve. We look forward to partnering for the next session in the series.”