Ithaca Area Economic Development

08/14/2026

🎉 Huge news for our region! Our Schuyler County neighbors at FLX Gateway (SCOPED) have officially earned their AEDC accreditation!

IAED first gained this elite designation back in 2020 and is thrilled to see FLX Gateway join us in holding this international honor. A massive shoutout goes to Judy Cherry, whose incredible leadership and vision paved the way for this milestone.

Having both of our organizations accredited proves exactly what we already know: the Southern Tier is a true leader in economic development.

Cheers to Judy and the entire FLX Gateway team—let's celebrate this massive win for our community!

FLX Gateway has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, or AEDO.This accreditation places FLX Gateway among a select group of economic development organizations recognized by IEDC for professional excellence. According to....

08/07/2026

Recently we wrapped up a great three-day visit with our International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Peer Review Team! As part of our Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) reaccreditation process, reviewers Brett Doney and Michelle Kakacek met with our staff and over two dozen local partners. We also gave them a firsthand look at our community assets via driving, walking, and boating tours.

First accredited in 2020, IAED remains the only Accredited Economic Development Organization in New York State. We go through this review every three years to ensure we keep delivering the highest standards for our region.

Thank you to all the partners and allies who took the time to meet with the team. We look forward to their official report in the coming weeks!

08/04/2026

In case you missed it, our very own Mira Kuroyedov hit the airwaves!

Mira (our Workforce Development Manager) recently spoke with Jeff Kulikowsky over at NewsChannel 9 WSYR Syracuse. She did a fantastic job spreading the Advance 2 Apprenticeship program, showing everyone how advanced manufacturing is booming right here in Tompkins County.

From talking about cash stipends for students to highlighting how we help cover childcare and transportation, Mira made it clear that we’re here to help our community succeed.

We are so proud to have you on the IAED team, Mira! Thank you for being such a champion for local workforce development.



If you missed it, catch her full interview here:

Kuroyedov, the workforce development manager for Ithaca Area Econom...

07/30/2026

Meet Hailey Grasso, our new Business Services Associate

Hailey recently joined the Ithaca Area Economic Development team after relocating to Tompkins County following the completion of her Master of Public Administration at SUNY Brockport. Originally from Western New York, she was drawn to the Finger Lakes by its welcoming communities, natural beauty, and vibrant local economy. Before joining IAED, Hailey worked in municipal consulting and grant writing, helping communities gain funding for infrastructure, housing, public safety, and economic development initiatives.

As Business Services Associate, Hailey will support business outreach, client services, and IAED’s Business Retention & Expansion efforts, helping connect local businesses with resources to grow and succeed. She looks forward to building relationships throughout Tompkins County, learning from and about the local business community, and supporting IAED’s mission to strengthen the region’s economy.

Join us in welcoming Hailey to IAED and the community!

07/28/2026

🎉 Build Your Future with Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship – Fall 2026! 🎉

Are you ready to start a hands-on career in construction? If you enjoy working with your hands, being outdoors, and being part of a team, this program is for you!

Through Tompkins Build: Pathway to Apprenticeship, part of Ithaca Area Economic Development’s Workforce Development Program, you’ll gain real-world skills directly from trade unions—learning industry tools, math skills, and job site safety.

🔹 11-week paid training
🔹 September 21 – December 3
🔹 Monday–Thursday, 3 PM to 8 PM in Ithaca
🔹 Earn credentials: MC3, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR
🔹 Union entrance exam & interview prep
🔹 Visit local union training centers

✅ Open to individuals 18+ who are authorized to work in the U.S.
✅ High school diploma or GED preferred + reliable transportation required

📅 Deadline to apply: August 19
👉 Ready to take the next step? Sign up for an info session here: https://forms.gle/kjXvaA2fHB4vNfy79

Or reach out to Mira Kuroyedov at [email protected] | 607-273-0005 x227

Tag someone who should apply or share this with your network—let’s build a stronger workforce together! 🛠️👷‍♀️👷‍♂️

Thank you for your interest in Tompkins Build - Pathways to Apprenticeship! If you are interested in participating in the Fall 2026 program, please complete this interest form. The Pathways to Apprenticeship program is an unique opportunity that connects you to union career paths in construction and...

07/16/2026

IAED is partnering with the Westcott Community Center and Tompkins Learning Partners to launch a Summer Workshop Series. These sessions are perfect for anyone interested in the Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship program.

We will be focusing on real-world solutions for transportation issues and academic challenges to help you get ready for work. You will also get to connect directly with staff for one-on-one support tailored to your exact needs. Clearing these hurdles right now makes it so much easier to finish the program, get hired, and keep your job down the road.

Don't wait to build your career. Take the first step today and reach out to Mira Kuroyedov, our Workforce Development Manager. You can call her at (607) 273-0005 or shoot her an email at [email protected] to get all the details.

07/13/2026

Jumpstart Your Career in Manufacturing
Advanced 2 Apprenticeship®
Summer 2026 Program Dates: August 17th - September 16th
📍 TC3 Main Campus | 170 North St. Dryden, NY
🕘 Monday–Thursday | 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Registration Deadline | August 3rd, 2026

Looking for a career with room to grow? Advance 2 Apprenticeship® is a FREE, hands-on training program that helps you build in-demand manufacturing skills and connect with employers.

✅ No cost to participate
✅ CMfgA exam access
✅ Guaranteed job interviews
✅ Transportation & childcare support

Your next career could start here! Sign up today: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6e3d7adaad7948c6b46515a28684d4c8

Learn more about the program:
https://ithacaareaed.org/direct-to-work/

07/07/2026

The search continues for the right leader to help shape the future of economic development in one of New York's most dynamic communities.

Ithaca Area Economic Development is still seeking a Director of Business Services—a key leadership position focused on supporting businesses, driving growth, and strengthening the Tompkins County economy.

In this role, you'll lead our Business Retention & Expansion program, oversee the Revolving Loan Fund, and serve as Administrative Director of the Tompkins County IDA/DC. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated community and business leaders.

$90,000–$105,000 | 35-hour work week | Competitive benefits
If this sounds like the right next step for you—or someone in your network—we'd love to connect.

Learn more and apply at our website today.

Open Positions

06/30/2026

Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors:

• John Huhtala, President of the Central New York Market at Tompkins Community Bank
• Justin Runke, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel at Centralus Health
• Scott Doyle, Director of Energy Management & Sustainability at Ithaca College

Their leadership and expertise will help advance IAED's mission of building a thriving and prosperous Tompkins County. We look forward to the impact they'll make alongside our dedicated Board of Directors.

Please join us in welcoming John, Justin, and Scott!

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06/04/2026

Tompkins Build graduate, Terance, had his signing ceremony today to join the Laborers Local 785! Prentice Smith, Ithaca Representative for Laborers' Local 785 and Tompkins Build instructor, welcomed him to the union.

A special thank you to LeChase Construction for sponsoring the Tompkins Build program, providing the vital training that qualified Terance for this incredible opportunity.

Congratulations, Terance! We are proud of all your hard work and know that you will bring positive energy and drive to your new career!