MACNY’s Oct. 15 event covered workforce, energy issues, & more

DeWITT, N.Y. — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, on Oct. 15 hosted its annual legislative breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse, near Carrier Circle in the town of DeWitt. Those attending included key stakeholders, industry leaders, and legislators. It was an event that included a panel discussion on workforce, economic development, and energy issues. The panelists included Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s regional director of external and customer affairs in Central New York; Susan Cole, state government affairs specialist at Novelis North America; Joanne Fernandez, director of U.S. state government affairs at Corning Incorporated; and Vlad Gutman-Britten, director of policy and analysis at NYSERDA. “Manufacturers are the backbone of New York’s economy, and energy is central to their ability to remain competitive and grow,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, said in an announcement about the breakfast. “Today’s discussion brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the challenges and opportunities we face around workforce, economic development, and energy policy. By working collaboratively with our elected officials, we can ensure that manufacturers continue to innovate, invest, and create jobs that strengthen communities across our state.” The event also included a meet-and-greet with state and federal elected officials, a presentation on MACNY’s key legislative priorities, and an energy-focused panel discussion. MACNY also noted that the primary objective of the event is to share success stories and highlight legislative and policy issues impacting the manufacturing industry in Central New York and beyond.