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CEANY Region West Conference

SUNY Corning Community College

April 17, 2026 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Agenda

9:00am – 9:45am  Check-in, Light Breakfast & Networking

Commons Building – Triangle Lounge

9:45am – 9:50am Welcome, Introductions

Tyre Bush – CEANY Region West Chair

9:50am – 10:00am Greetings

Dr. Tony Wohlers – Vice President of Academic Affairs

Commons Building – Triangle Lounge

10:00am – 11:15am "Breaking the Paper Ceiling: A Skills-First Future for Western New York”

Mr. Jamie Johnson – Executive Director Steuben County IDA

11:15am – Noon MakerSpace Visit and Demonstration (Group A)

Digital Dome Presentation (Group B)

Noon – 12:45pm Lunch

Commons Building – Staff Dining Room

12:45pm – 1:30pm Digital Dome Presentation (Group A)

MakerSpace Visit and Demonstration (Group B)

1:30pm – 3:00pm “Strategic Synergy: Building the Partnerships of Tomorrow”
(Panel Discussion)

3:00pm – 3:15pm Evaluations, Door Prizes & Departure

Image Description: Image of presenter Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA with presentation name "Breaking the Paper Ceiling: A Skill-First Future for Western NY" Image of Corning Community College with presentation name "Strategic Synergy: Building the Partnerships of Tomorrow".

More Information on Presentations

More on the Keynote Speaker: 
Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA

Jamie will share his unique vantage point on the evolving needs of Western NY industries. There is an increasing shift towards micro-credentials, competencies and Skilled Thorough Alternative Routes (S.T.A.R.S) are becoming recognized along with traditional degrees.

Points to be shared

• How a skills-based approach to hiring can help employers bridge the current gap and how training providers can support them
• The role of the IDA to assist aligning regional education with the needs of local industry
• The economic impact of removing the “paper ceiling” to create a more inclusive and resilient economy in Western NY
  
  

“Breaking the Paper Ceiling: A Skills-First Future for Western NY”

As the landscape of local industry shifts from traditional benchmarks to a focus on specialized competencies, how we define 'qualified' is changing. Join us for an engaging session with Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA, as they share a unique vantage point on the evolving needs of regional employers—from advanced manufacturing to tech.

 

We'll explore the transformative rise of STARS (workers 'skilled through alternative routes') and discuss how micro-credentials and a skills-based approach are becoming as vital as four-year degrees. In this session, we will delve into the critical importance of skill-based training in developing a workforce that meets the specific demands of local manufacturers. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and ever-evolving industry standards, area businesses are in constant search for employees who possess specialized skills and competencies. The traditional reliance on academic qualifications is proving insufficient, and employers are now prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate practical expertise and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

 

We'll examine the IDA's role in aligning regional education with these technical industry demands, and how skill-based training programs are pivotal in bridging the gap between educational institutions and businesses. By fostering partnerships between educational providers and industry leaders, we can create pathways for workers to gain the necessary skills and credentials that employers are actively seeking.

 

Furthermore, we will highlight the powerful economic impact of removing the 'paper ceiling' to create a more inclusive, resilient, and competitive workforce in Western NY. By embracing a skills-first approach, we can open doors for a diverse range of individuals, enabling them to contribute their unique talents and drive innovation within our local industries."


"Strategic Synergy: Building the Partnerships of Tomorrow"

In a rapidly shifting economic landscape where 60% of the workforce is approaching retirement, the urgency to develop the next generation of talent has never been greater. To remain relevant, we must move beyond traditional models and proactively align our offerings with the real-time needs of regional employers, employees, and the community. Join us for a high-impact conversation featuring the local "movers and shakers" who are working toward bridging the skills gap through sustainable strategic partnerships.

We will explore a fundamental shift in how we need to do business: moving from reactive programming to predictive development—ensuring that when we build a training or degree program, our students don't just graduate, they secure interviews and jobs. Consider how you can work to create a "future-proof" ecosystem where education and industry work in lockstep to build the workforce our community needs before the need arises in your service area!

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