Advance Albany County Alliance

Introducing Kevin O’Connor, CEO of the Advance Albany County Alliance! With decades of experience in economic development and business growth, Kevin has played a key role in shaping the Capital Region’s economy. As a founder and former CEO of FirstLight Fiber, he helped grow the company into one of the largest fiber-based telecom providers in Upstate NY and Northern New England. Kevin’s leadership also extends to his time as President of the Center for Economic Growth, where he was instrumental in attracting the semiconductor industry to the region and leading major infrastructure projects like the redevelopment of Albany International Airport and the Amtrak Train Station. Now, as CEO of the AACA, he continues his mission to drive business expansion, create jobs, and strengthen Albany County’s economy. #AdvanceAlbany #MeetTheTeam #EconomicDevelopment #AlbanyNY #Leadership #CEO

Meet Amy Thompson, Chief Financial Officer at Advance Albany County Alliance! With a strong background in accounting and financial management, Amy oversees the financial operations of Advance Albany County Alliance, Albany Business Development Corporation, and Albany County IDA and CRC. Her career spans roles at BST & Co CPAs LLC, New York Oncology Hematology, and more, where she provided leadership in financial strategy and operations. Amy’s expertise ensures the success of initiatives that support Albany County’s growth and development. ?? ??Headshot by: Baker Public Relations #MeetTheTeam #EconomicDevelopment #FinanceLeader #AlbanyCounty #AdvanceAlbanyTogether

The Advance Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA) announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the former College of Saint Rose campus. This initiative aims to transform the historic campus into a vibrant hub for community and economic growth. Proposals are due by March 28, 2025. For inquiries, please reach out to Dylan Turek, Senior VP of Development, at [email protected]. We invite developers and contractors with a vision for revitalizing this cornerstone of Albany County to submit their proposals. Together, we can honor the legacy of the College of Saint Rose while fostering new opportunities for our community. To access the full RFP document and learn more about this exciting opportunity, please visit: https://lnkd.in/emnaTmit

Advancing sustainability in Albany County! ?? Plug Power 's hydrogen and fuel cell technology empowers businesses to achieve greater productivity and sustainability, advancing a greener, electrified world. This new anchor industry reflects Albany County’s dedication to fostering innovative businesses and creating a sustainable future. Together, we’re making Albany County stronger, greener, and more forward-thinking! Governor Kathy Hochul attended Plug Power’s grand opening event in 2023, marking the start of a new chapter for sustainability and innovation in our region. Credit: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul #Sustainability #AlbanyCounty #GreenInnovation #PlugPower #EconomicDevelopment #AdvanceAlbanyTogether #Sustainability #EconomicDevelopment #PlugPower #GreenInnovation #AlbanyCounty #AdvanceAlbanyTogether

Meet Kevin Catalano, Senior Vice President & Director of Commercial Lending at Advance Albany County Alliance! ?? Kevin brings extensive expertise in commercial lending to his role, helping local businesses secure the resources they need to grow and succeed. His work is integral to fostering economic development and driving progress across Albany County. ??: Headshot by Baker Public Relations #MeetTheTeam #EconomicDevelopment #AlbanyCounty #CommercialLending #AdvanceAlbanyTogether

This Valentine’s Day, we are sharing the love for our community! ?? Support Albany County by shopping local, contributing to community initiatives, and investing in what makes our region unique. Together, we can create a stronger, local economy. ?? Have a business idea or looking to expand? AACA is here to support local business development and help Albany County thrive. Let’s advance Albany County together! #LoveAlbanyCounty #EconomicDevelopment #ShopLocal #AdvanceAlbanyTogether #ValentinesDay

Our team was thrilled to support the mission of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) by sponsoring and attending the 2025 Economic Development Conference at the Albany Capital Center. Alliance CEO Kevin O’Connor joined a panel on PILOT agreements, as well! The Advance Albany County Alliance is proud to be a leader in the transformation and growth of New York’s tech, green and clean economy of the future. #NYSEDCConference #EconomicDevelopment #Albany #Technology #BusinessDevelopment #AlbanyCounty

Meet Antionette Dukes-Hedge, Economic Development Coordinator at Advance Albany County Alliance! Antionette brings extensive experience in non-profits, corporate operations, and project management to the team. Since joining AACA in 2022, where she started as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and since, has been promoted to Economic Development Coordinator. In her current role, she drives economic development initiatives and supports high-level administrative needs. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Antionette holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing with a concentration in Project Management. Antionette has also worked in finance and human resources, and she’s a proud licensed Notary Public. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband, two kids, and their beloved dog, Shuri. ?? ??: Baker Public Relations #AdvanceAlbanyCounty #MeetTheTeam #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityImpact

Last month, we were proud to present Faith Creative Names with an Al Tech Loan to help them fully purchase their own facility. Honoring Black History Month, we'd like to highlight the woman and minority-owned business on Central Avenue in Albany. The shop specializes in uniforms, promotional products and helps clients create long-lasting relationships through the power of branding. With support from the Advance Albany County Alliance, Faith Creative Names received a loan to kickstart their journey, and we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll continue to have in our community. We are committed to empowering minority owned small businesses and fostering growth in Albany County! #BlackHistoryMonth #MinorityOwnedBusiness #Expanding #Albany #Community #BusinessDevelopment #LoanFund

Common Roots Brewing has made an incredible mark in Albany since opening its Albany Outpost in the historic former home of the C.H. Evans Pump Station! With support from the Advance Albany County Alliance’s loan program, they transformed this unique space in the Warehouse District into a vibrant hub for craft beer, community events and amazing food. Christian Weber, President and Co-Founder, reflects: “The community has been incredibly welcoming, and we’ve really enjoyed becoming a part of the Albany scene. From hosting local organizations to running Trivia Night and Foundation events, we’re here to be a positive force in the Capital District.” As they continue to grow, Common Roots is planning new events, special beer releases and even stronger ties to Albany’s community spirit. Stop by and raise a glass to their ongoing success! ?? #HistoricAlbany #LocalBusiness #CraftBeer #Community #EconomicDevelopment