Regional Economic Plan is Making a Difference in CNY
By: Randy Wolken, President and CEO of MACNY, Co-Chair of Regional Economic Development Councl of Central New York
Originally published on syracuse.com

On Jan. 1, I was appointed as the incoming co-chair for the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) of Central New York. As a member of the council since its inception in 2011, I am both honored and humbled to be taking on a leadership role with my co-chair, SUNY Upstate Medical University President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena. I am the president and CEO of MACNY – The Manufacturers Association. We are the largest manufacturers association in New York state, serving over 300 manufacturing and technology companies in 26 counties.

Our Central New York Region has been blessed with many attributes that make our REDC efforts productive: a robust and engaged business community; dedicated and passionate legislative leaders; a powerhouse of academic institutions and healthcare facilities; world-class companies, resources and quality of life; and most importantly – a passionate workforce and citizens within our region. These attributes help make us a resilient community. When we work together, as we do in our REDC process, we have limitless potential for growth. In establishing the REDCs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo put these decisions back into the hands of local community leaders and stakeholders, and for that I thank him.