Scream louder than the pessimists.
That’s how Steve Griffin has approached his role as CEO of the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center. But, now that he’s been in the position for more than a decade – and closing in on his 12th year of service for the FLDC – the hard work is paying off.
While Yates is a rural community – it’s one that has found a lot of success in recent years. They lead the nine-county Finger Lakes region in job growth; and last year won the $10 million prize connected to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Griffin attributed long-term planning, plenty of studies and plans that outlined how $10 million could help Penn Yan to their success in the DRI application process.
And folks are engaged.
Griffin said DRI meetings have seen ‘record turnout’ according to state officials who also attend meetings and become an integral part of the process – once New York selects a winning community. “It’s been the most-rewarding thing to see residents turnout and take part in the process,” Griffin said. “We have some incredible residents who all want to see the best out of Penn Yan.”
Griffin was this week’s guest for FingerLakes1.com’s Sunday Conversation. He sat down with Josh Durso, News Director, to chat about economic development, some state initiatives that are challenging business growth in the region, and much more.
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