Eckert Brings Orange County’s Economic Development Perspective to Statewide Conference

From left to right: Conor Eckert, Orange County Partnership; Michael Boncardo, Hodgson Russ & Ryan Silva, New York State Economic Development Council

Orange County Partnership President & CEO Conor Eckert joined economic development and municipal leaders from across New York State at the New York Association of Towns’ Legislative Conference in Albany on September 23.

Conor participated in the panel, “Growing the Local Economy: Partnerships, Tools, and Strategies for Towns,” alongside Ryan Silva, Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council, and Michael Boncardo of Hodgson Russ.

The conversation centered around a message that is especially relevant to Orange County: economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

For towns looking to attract investment, support existing businesses and create new opportunities, having the right partners at the table can make all the difference. The panel explored how municipalities can work with economic development organizations, IDAs, chambers of commerce, regional partners and state agencies to address infrastructure, workforce and community development needs.

Conor also discussed the importance of helping communities understand the full impact of real estate and business investment. A new project is more than the investment made within the boundaries of a single property. It can create construction and permanent jobs, generate demand for local businesses and services, support infrastructure improvements and create additional economic activity throughout the community.

That multiplier effect is an important part of the economic development story. When new investment comes into a community, those dollars can ripple outward, supporting contractors, suppliers, restaurants, retailers and other businesses while strengthening the local economy.

Conor shared Orange County’s experience bringing the public and private sectors together to move projects forward, from coordinating with municipalities and utilities to connecting companies with workforce resources, incentives and infrastructure.

As communities across New York compete for new investment, collaboration, and understanding the broader impact of that investment, remain critical to creating long-term economic growth.