As part of a statewide initiative to strengthen ties between businesses and the New York state government, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has appointed Syracuse University Nancy Cantor to co-chair the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council.

Cantor, alongside Rob M. Simpson, president of CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity, will coordinate economic development planning in Onondaga county, as well as Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties, according to a July 26 news release from Cuomo’s office.

The Central New York council is one of ten councils located across the state. Each council will help localize the state’s approach to economic planning, which differs from the ‘top-down development’ planning currently used by the state, according to the release.

‘For too long, Albany has imposed one-size fits-all economic development plans across the state, ignoring the unique assets and challenges of each region,’ Cuomo said in the release.

Economic development in New York State is currently managed by dozens of separate state and local agencies, according to the release. The councils will serve as a forum for the various agencies.

Each council will develop an economic plan specific to their geographic region. The state will then work with the councils to help carry out the development plans, according the release.

Kevin Quinn, vice president of public affairs at SU, said Cantor’s strength as a communicator will help unite the Central New York council.

‘I think she brings a strong track record of bringing people together in a collaborative fashion to drive change, create opportunity, and advance a region’s economic opportunities,’ he said in an email.

Cantor will attend a series of local meetings for the position and because the position is voluntary, Quinn said he does not anticipate Cantor’s role as regional co-chair will conflict with her responsibilities at SU.

dbtruong@syr.edu

Published on July 31, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Debbie: dbtruong@syr.edu | @debbietruong