SUNY Potsdam Welcomes Community for Economic Fusion 2015

POTSDAM, NY (03/05/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam will bring together students, faculty, alumni, businesses and community partners in a new event, Economic Fusion 2015, on Thursday, March 19, in the Performing Arts Center.

The summit will celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, with a focus on the North Country economy, and the College's commitment to the community. All events are free, and employers are encouraged to attend.

Economic Fusion 2015 is sponsored by Slic Network Solutions.

"One of my top priorities for SUNY Potsdam is to create a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation throughout our campus, while creating a strong partnership with our local and regional stakeholders," President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said. "We look forward to igniting innovation through this inaugural event."

The economic fusion event will kick off with the College's first-ever campuswide student innovative idea competition, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Proscenium Theater. The competition is designed to promote a spirit of entrepreneurship and highlight students' creative and innovative ideas. Entries can focus on business, service, creative or philanthropic ideas. Ideas will be judged on their social, cultural or economic impact. The contest is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in all majors. Finalists will present their ideas to a panel of alumni and community members. The first place winner will receive a prize of $500, with second and third place awards of $250 and $100, respectively.

The innovative idea competition judges include:

• Allison Carney '99, co-owner, Brick & Mortar Music
• Dale Rice, director, Small Business Development Center, SUNY Canton
• Vicky Strader, vice president and branch manager, Community Bank
• Phil Wagschal '85, president, Slic Network Solutions
• Sarah Parker Ward '09, principal and communications catalyst, Kathleen Palmer Media

At 3 p.m., there will be a presentation about how SUNY Potsdam and The Crane School of Music could attract and grow music industry business in the region. Speakers include Thomas Plastino, deputy CEO and chief financial officer for the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, and Fred Hanss '83, director of planning and development for the Village of Potsdam.

Immediately following, there will be an economic development panel discussion, moderated by North Country Public Radio reporter/producer David Sommerstein. The panel will discuss barriers and opportunities for spurring growth and creating jobs in the North Country, with a focus on how higher education can play a role in economic development.

The panel includes:

• Mark Dzwonczyk, president and CEO, Nicholville Telephone Company
• Stephen Hunt, North Country regional director, Empire State Development
• Patrick Kelly, CEO, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency
• June O'Neill (Hon. '99), chair, SUNY Potsdam College Council
• James Petercsak, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, Crane School of Music

Employers from across the region will connect with students in a unique networking reception called "Schmooze-A-Palooza," from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center lobby. In addition to finding out about different industries and job opportunities, students will be able to get valuable feedback on their resumes and "elevator pitch" speeches from professionals in an array of fields. Participating students who speak with five employers will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad.

Registration has been extended for employers to take part in this free event. For more information, please contact Meg Bain, assistant director of career planning, at (315) 267-2700 or bainmm@potsdam.edu.

The day will conclude with the presentation of awards, including:

• Student Innovative Idea Competition: Awarding cash prizes for first, second and third place winners
• Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year: Marc Compeau '89 and Christine Compeau '89
• Entrepreneurial Business of the Year: Frazer Computing
• Community Leader of the Year: Slic Network Solutions

For more information, contact John M. Wicke, director of strategic alliances for SUNY Potsdam, at (315) 267-2106 or wickejm@potsdam.edu.

To register or learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/economicfusion.

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community recently launched Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which aims to raise $27 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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