Rochester, NY – Today in Rochester, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton joined with New Jobs for New York, Greater Rochester Enterprise, and RenewNY to host a conference showcasing the job creation potential of the alternative energy industry in New York State.  The conference, “Alternative Energy in New York: Expo 2006,” brought together entrepreneurs and academic researchers from Upstate New York with investors and industry leaders from across the country to create the partnerships needed to accelerate job growth and ignite investment in alternative energy companies and technologies in the region.

During the conference, Senator Clinton met with leaders from Rochester’s public and private sector and academic research institutions to explore ways to position Rochester and the region as one of the nation’s centers of innovation for alternative energy technologies and to begin developing a plan of action.

“This is an important chance for investors to see firsthand the amazing alternative energy opportunities that exist in this region, “said Senator Clinton, Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of New Jobs for New York.  “By coming together in this forum, we can understand the potential impact of these technologies and develop a strategy for how we can use them to grow our economy and create jobs.
 
“New York has all the ingredients necessary to become a national leader for alternative energy technologies – top research institutions, a highly-specialized and educated workforce, talented innovators and motivated entrepreneurs,” said Roger C. Altman, Chairman of the Board for New Jobs for New York.

 “New Jobs for New York will help innovators and entrepreneurs connect with investors who see opportunities for growth in these technologies.”

Senator Clinton hosted a panel discussion featuring leaders from private industry in these technology sectors.

The panel discussion, entitled, “Perspectives on Trends and Opportunities in Cleantech Technology, Research and Development,” included Scott Bailey, Vice President, Delphi Powertrain Systems, Maurice Hladick, Director of Marketing, Iogen Corporation, John Hofmeister, President, Shell Oil Company, Beth Lowery, Vice President, Energy and the Environment, General Motors, and Mark Little, Senior Vice President and Director, GE Global Research.

Roger Altman moderated a second panel discussion entitled, “Innovation and Investment in Cleantech.” The members of the panel included Alexander “Hap” Ellis, General Partner, Rockport Capital, Peter Fusaro, Chairman & Founder, Global change Associates, David Kirkpatrick, Founder & Managing Director, SJF Ventures, Craig Cuddeback, Senior Vice President, Cleantech Venture Network and Tucker Twitmeyer, Managing Partners, Enertech Capital.

New Jobs for New York is a not-for-profit corporation created to concentrate efforts to retain and attract new investment and jobs in communities facing economic challenges across New York State. Roger Altman serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton serves as Chair of the Advisory Board.

Further Reading/Background Material:

Rochester / Finger Lakes Smart Energy Initiative-pdf