Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Welcomes Two New Members
July 12, 2021
Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna
The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) recently welcomed two new members to the council that is tasked with implementing a focused, strategic plan that reflects the Finger Lakes region’s efforts to ensure sustainable and long-term growth in the nine-county region.
DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D., president of Monroe Community College, and Faheem Masood, president and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union will replace Lisa Barnes and longtime member Augie Melendez on the council. The FLREDC is working to leverage the region’s advantages in key industry sectors, including agriculture and food production, health care and life sciences, optics, photonics and imaging, tourism, arts and skills and talent development. The FLREDC represents a nine-county region composed of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties.
Faheem Masood
FLREDC Co-Chairs, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bob Duffy and SUNY Geneseo President Denise Battles, said, “We want to thank Lisa and Augie for their tireless efforts in assisting with our mission. Augie has been with us since the beginning, dedicating himself to our mission and working tirelessly to improve the economic outlook of the Finger Lakes region. Lisa’s expertise in regional business and economic development has served our community well during her tenure. Their contributions and impact on this community cannot be overstated. While we are saying goodbye to two great leaders, we are excited to welcome Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna and Faheem Masood to the council. Together, we will continue to work toward our mission of ensuring a strong and prosperous future for our region. We remain steadfast in our commitment to move the Finger Lakes forward and are lucky to have them with us in that effort.”
“I’m excited to join the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council to realize a vision that will bring our economy back quickly and energize those who love to live, work and learn here,” said Dr. Burt-Nanna. “A highly motivated and educated workforce will make all the difference and MCC is ready to do its part.”
“It is an honor to represent ESL and serve on the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. The work conducted by this council in partnership with Empire State Development continues to be vital to the progress and resiliency of our regional economy,” Masood said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow councilmembers in our collective efforts to develop a more prosperous Finger Lakes region.”
In May of 2021, Governor Cuomo launched Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off a new decade of economic development in a post-pandemic recovery. The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources.
The regional councils will identify and recommend priority projects that will be eligible for up to $150 million in capital funds on a rolling basis, meaning projects will be reviewed throughout the round. An emphasis will be placed on project readiness and alignment with each region’s strategic plan. Additionally, projects within each region will also be eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in the region. Projects from all 10 regions submitted through the CFA will be eligible for over $525 million in other state agency funds, which are available on a set timeline. Regional Economic Development Councils will review these projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies.