“The Future of Albany County is Green” Event
Latham, N.Y.—Local industry leaders involved in the Capital Region’s most high-profile green energy projects met for a panel discussion on Wednesday evening, talking and taking questions about sustainability and its role in the regional economy.
The Stakeholders, Inc. hosted the panel as a kickoff to its new professional speaking series, “The Sustainable Communities Institute.” Speakers included Megan Daly, chief commerce officer at the Albany Port District Commission and John Taylor, senior economic developer for the Town of Bethlehem, as well as representatives from the Office of the Albany County
Executive. Topics included the Port of Albany’s offshore wind project, expected to create 500 temporary construction jobs and 300 permanent careers at a wind turbine manufacturing site; and Plug Power in Bethlehem, a proposed fuel cell factory that would create nearly 700 jobs at its outset and more than 1,600 at full build-out.
Kevin O’Connor, director of economic development for Albany County and the Advance Albany County Alliance Local Development Corporation, and city planner Joseph Seman-Graves with the City of Cohoes, also joined the panel. “I am thrilled that so many high-profile economic minds in our region are willing to lend their voices and expertise to The Stakeholders Institute,” said attorney Catherine Hedgeman of Hedgeman Law Firm. Hedgeman is the founder and president of The Stakeholders, Inc. and served as host and moderator for Wednesday’s panel.
“The continuing responsible development of Albany County depends upon the willingness of area leadership to share their wealth of knowledge and to network with the young and hungry generation that will come next,” Hedgeman added. “The Stakeholders Institute is lucky to foster great relationships with such important minds in the Capital Region, and I look forward to the next panel in our speaking series coming in 2023.”
Wednesday’s event was made possible by presenting sponsors the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, Hedgeman Law Firm, NBT Bank and Advance Albany County Alliance.
About The Stakeholders:
The Stakeholders is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that people are key to the sustainability of New York’s Capital Region. The organization seeks to retain and attract residents, workers and visitors and foster regional pride by connecting individuals with area resources and providing enrichment through programs on education, capacity building and philanthropy.