As we advance into the second half of 2025, our region finds itself at a pivotal moment, characterized by both challenges and opportunities. At Mohawk Valley EDGE, we are working with urgency and optimism to ensure that our region not only navigates at this moment but also emerges stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than ever. Our team is dedicated to redeveloping sites and launching innovative workforce-development initiatives. We are committed to building the necessary infrastructure — both physical and human — that will drive the Mohawk Valley’s next chapter of growth.

Chobani at Griffiss: A $1.2 billion catalyst for regional growth

One of the most significant developments in the recent history of the Mohawk Valley is officially underway. Chobani is set to begin construction on a $1.2 billion, 1.4 million-square-foot natural-food manufacturing facility at the Griffiss Triangle Site in Rome. This project represents the most significant investment in natural-food production in American history and is expected to create more than 1,000 high-quality jobs.

The new facility will have the capacity to produce more than 1 billion pounds of dairy products annually across up to 28 production lines, processing more than 12 million pounds of milk each day at full capacity. Chobani plans to purchase an estimated 6 billion pounds of raw milk annually from New York dairy farms, up from the 1 billion pounds it currently sources. This expansion will provide a significant boost to the state’s dairy economy.

The Oneida County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) continues to be a driving force in the region’s economic development, playing a key role in major projects like Chobani’s expansion at Griffiss. In addition to supporting industrial growth, the IDA is also addressing the region’s housing needs by backing mixed-use redevelopment and exploring innovative financing tools to expand workforce and housing options.

For nearly three decades, the Griffiss Local Development Corporation (GLDC) has led the transformation of the former Griffiss Air Force Base into a thriving business and technology park. With more than $1 billion invested to date — and more on the way —Griffiss stands as one of the nation’s most successful base-reuse projects.

Convening for Agriculture: A regional vision for dairy growth

As upstate New York experiences a surge in dairy demand driven by transformative investments from companies like Chobani, HP Hood, and others, Mohawk Valley EDGE is actively working to bring together stakeholders from across the agricultural, workforce, education, and policy sectors. Our goal is to develop a unified, regional response that ensures farms of all sizes — especially small and mid-sized operations — can participate in and benefit from this growth.

We are currently in the process of organizing a Dairy Roundtable that will serve as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and action. This event will focus on building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agricultural ecosystem across the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Key areas of discussion will include workforce development, housing, immigration reform, and education — critical components for the long-term sustainability of the dairy sector.

Details of the roundtable will be announced soon, with plans to convene stakeholders later this summer. This marks the beginning of a long-term, coalition-driven initiative to elevate agriculture as a strategic growth sector and ensure that upstate New York farmers are well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding dairy economy.

Preparing the Next Big Site

As the Mohawk Valley gains national recognition in advanced manufacturing and agribusiness, EDGE is preparing the next wave of development sites to sustain this momentum. We’re focused on locations that are infrastructure-ready and aligned with the needs of high-tech industries like semiconductors, clean energy, and food production.

With support from New York State’s FAST-NY program, EDGE has secured major funding to accelerate development at two key sites: expanding infrastructure at the Marcy Nanocenter for future semiconductor growth, and transforming the Triangle Site at Griffiss into a premier hub for advanced food manufacturing — to be home to Chobani’s $1.2 billion facility.

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without strong collaboration at every level of government. I want to especially recognize Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente for his unwavering commitment to the Griffiss Triangle and the leadership of his team. Their partnership has been vital as we work together to shape the next chapter of growth at Griffiss.

Reimagining St. Luke’s: A new chapter for a historic site

As part of our commitment to revitalizing legacy properties, Mohawk Valley EDGE is leading the transformation of the former St. Luke’s Hospital campus in New Hartford. This 53-acre site is being reimagined as a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that reflects the region’s values and future needs.

In partnership with Oneida County and Mohawk Valley Health System, we’ve developed a bold, community-driven vision that includes housing, parks, trails, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. As we move forward with environmental reviews and developer outreach, we’re laying the foundation for a connected, wellness-focused district that honors the site’s history while embracing its potential.

Navigating Industry Headwinds: Wolfspeed and Semikron Danfoss

While the Mohawk Valley continues to attract transformative investments, we are also navigating the realities of a shifting global economy. Two recent developments —Wolfspeed’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and Semikron Danfoss’s decision to scale down operations at its Utica facility — highlight the volatility of the advanced manufacturing sector and the importance of regional resilience.

Wolfspeed filed for bankruptcy in July, as part of a prepackaged restructuring plan to reduce its debt by $4.6 billion. Despite this, the company remains committed to its operations in the Mohawk Valley. The Marcy-based 200mm silicon carbide fab continues to ramp up production. Hiring activity remains strong, and the facility is on track to significantly expand capacity through 2026.

Meanwhile, Semikron Danfoss has begun a controlled ramp-down of production in Utica due to declining demand and changes in federal policy on electric-vehicle incentives. The company has offered severance, job placement, and career counseling to affected employees.

Mohawk Valley EDGE is working closely with Empire State Development, New York State, and regional workforce partners to support impacted workers and connect them with new opportunities. Our goal is to retain talent and minimize disruption to families and the local economy.

These moments remind us that progress doesn’t always follow a straight line. Economic development can be unpredictable — it takes flexibility, strong partnerships, and a long-term focus on innovation and workforce strength. At EDGE, we’re staying the course. Even when the road gets bumpy, we’re committed to supporting advanced manufacturing and keeping the Mohawk Valley moving forward.

A Vision for Transformational Growth

At EDGE, we believe economic development is about people. Whether it’s supporting workers in the dairy sector, helping small manufacturers enter the semiconductor supply chain, or revitalizing long-neglected neighborhoods, our goal is the same: to build a Mohawk Valley that works for everyone. The road ahead will not be without challenges. But with strong partnerships, a clear vision, and a deep commitment to our communities, we are confident that Mohawk Valley’s best days are still to come.       

Shawna Papale is president of Mohawk Valley EDGE.