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
Danielle Szabo,
Director of Workforce Innovation
Kurt Anderson,
Director of Development, Operations, and Strategy
Kellea Bauda,
Director of Business Services
Ina Arthur,
Manager of Administrative Services
Mary Holland-Bavis,
Workforce Program Manager
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Cathy Hart, Chair
General Manager, Ithaca Marriott
Joel Malina, Vice Chair
VP, Community Relations, Cornell University
Jeff Gorsky, Treasurer
Partner, Sciarabba Walker & Co.
Jodi Lee Denman, Secretary
CFO, Knickerbocker Bed Company
Katie Borgella*
Commissioner of Planning & Sustainability, Tompkins County
Robert Cantelmo
Mayor, City of Ithaca
Dr. Greg Galvin
Past Chair, President/CEO, Rheonix
Anne Koreman
Legislator, Tompkins County
Directors
Johanna Anderson
President, Tompkins Community Bank of CNY
Julie Baker
Co-Founder/VP Operations, Ursa Space Systems
Sophia Darling
VP, Finance and Administration, TC3
Tim Downs
VP Finance and Administration/CFO, Ithaca College
Peter Dugo
President, Arnot Realty
Greg Hartz
Board, Tompkins Community Bank of CNY
Lisa Holmes*
Adminstrator, Tompkins County
Tom Knipe*
Deputy Director of Economic Development, City of Ithaca
Dr. Amy Kremenek
President, TC3
Jason Leifer
Supervisor, Town of Dryden
Christine Lovely
VP & Chief HR Officer, Cornell University
Chris Malcolm
Manager, Wegmans
Margo Martin
Superintendent, Groton Central School District
Greg Mezey
Legislator, Tompkins County
Charlie Mulligan
Startup Mentor, Advisor & Investor
Kelly Nelson
Plant Manager, Borg Warner Morse TEC
Brian Noteboom
Local 277 Representative, NASRCC
Carrie Pollak
Partner, Hancock Estabrook
Tom Schryver*
Executive Director New Market Advancement, Cornell University
Chris Sponn*
Director, Tompkins County Workforce Development
Dr. Martin Stallone
CEO, Cayuga Medical Center
Jennifer Tavares*
President, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Jeremy Thomas*
Senior Director, Cornell University Real Estate
Lisa Whitaker
President & CEO, CFCU Community Credit Union
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.