About IAED
Who is Ithaca Area
Economic Development?
Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) is a private non-profit economic development organization serving Ithaca and Tompkins County. We are New York State’s first and only Accredited Economic Development Organization, one of just 70 across North America.
Since 1964, IAED has maintained a singleness of purpose: create a supportive business climate that attracts, grows, and retains companies that provide quality employment. To that end, IAED provides customized economic development solutions to help you grow and prosper. It’s who we are and what we do.
Through forward-thinking, strategic partnerships with businesses, government, academic institutions, and area non-profits, we’re your one-stop shop for success. Check out this website and some of the amazing things we’re doing. Then get in touch and let’s get creative together!
Our Services
Direct Services
IAED provides customized resources that fit the needs of businesses at every stage of growth and development. From start-ups to stalwarts, IAED promotes economic vitality through financial support, workforce services, assistive technologies, and so much more.
Planning & Strategy
IAED develops and engages community partners to implement the Tompkins County Economic Development Strategy 2.0 and COVID-19 Recovery Strategy. And we’re just as integral on other important projects with local, regional, and state partners.
Leadership
IAED president, Heather McDaniel, serves on the boards of the Internal Economic Development Council, NYS Economic Development Council, and Tompkins County Air Services Board. Her staff follow suit, sharing their expertise at all levels of governance.
Programs & Initiatives
Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency
The TCIDA delivers tax incentives to support job growth, business development, and community revitalization.
Tompkins County
Development Corporation
The TCDC is a conduit to the tax-exempt bond market and low-cost financing.
Initiatives
IAED coordinates key initiatives, including the 2020 Water & Sewer Evaluation Update, Tourism Capital Grants, broadband infrastructure, and more.
IAED Loan Fund
The IAED Loan Fund helps entrepreneurs start new enterprises and expand existing businesses.
Our Team
IAED is dedicated to helping businesses start, grow, and stay in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Our team brings with it a wealth of knowledge and experience to support a healthy and prosperous local economy.
Heather McDaniel
President
Chuck Schwerin
Managing Director of Business Services
Danielle Szabo
Director of Workforce Innovation
Kurt Anderson
Director of Development, Operations, and Strategy
Ina Arthur
Manager of Administrative Services
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Dr. Greg Galvin, Chair
Chairman/CEO, Rheonix
Cathy Hart, Vice Chair
General Manager, Ithaca Marriott
Jeff Gorsky, Treasurer
Partner, Sciarabba Walker & Co.
Joel Malina, Secretary
VP University Relations, Cornell University
Greg Hartz
President & CEO, Tompkins Community Bank
Lisa Holmes*
Administrator, Tompkins County
Laura Lewis
Acting Mayor, City of Ithaca
Chris Malcolm
Manager, Wegmans
Directors
Johanna Anderson
Executive Director, INHS
Rosemary Avila*
Executive Director, Workforce Development Board
Julie Baker
Co-Founder/VP Operations, Ursa Space Systems
Illa Burbank
COO, iFyber
Larry Baum
Past Chair
Shawna Black
Legislator, Tompkins County
Katie Borgella*
Commissioner of Planning, Tompkins County Planning Dept.
John Collett
VP/CFO, Cayuga Medical Center
Sophia Darling
VP/CFO, Boyce Thompson Institute
Tim Downs
VP Finance and Administration/CFO, Ithaca College
Jerry Goodenough
VP Development, Heorot Power
Tom Knipe*
Deputy Director of Economic Development, City of Ithaca
Anne Koreman
Legislator, Tompkins County
Ed Lavigne
Supervisor, Town of Lansing
Laurie Linn
Advisor, Brandmint
Dr. Jeff Matteson
District Superintendent, TST BOCES
Deb Mohlenhoff
Director Community Outreach & Engagement, TC3
Brian Noteboom
Local 277 Representative, NASRCC
Tom Robinson
Plant Manager, Borg Warner Morse TEC
Tom Schryver*
Executive Director New Market Advancement, Cornell University
Jennifer Tavares*
President, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Jeremy Thomas*
Senior Director, Cornell University Real Estate
Shawn Wilczynski
Mine Manager, Cargill, Inc.
*Ex-officio, non-voting
Contact IAED
What does your business need? We’ll help answer your questions, connect you to resources, and support your business as it starts, grows, and evolves.