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A new program focused on the research and development of new insurance policies and products to promote the adoption of clean technologies across New York state is on the way.

Th e program will provide funding for products that manage the fi nancial risk associated with climate change, supporting the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of reducing carbon emissions 85 percent by 2050. “New York state is leaving no stone unturned in our fi ght against climate change, and that includes investing in industries that will develop and advance clean, green technologies,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By promoting innovative policies that will create more sustainable climate technology, we are taking bold action to meet the challenges of climate change. My administration remains laser focused on supporting key initiatives that will benefi t both businesses and consumers while contributing to our state’s nation-leading climate eff orts.” Th e New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will select a program administrator to develop the new initiative, manage operations, leverage industry expertise, and boost research and development to establish new risk models.

Th e program administrator will also select innovative insurance ideas, products, and services, such as insurance for residential and commercial renewable energy projects, that will develop new business models to enable future climate technology solutions.

Th e program administrator will be awarded up to $1.5 million to work with managing general underwriters (MGUs) and managing general agents (MGAs) that can research, develop, and test new insurance products, and it will award up to $5 million in competitive grants which are anticipated to be announced in 2023.

“Addressing the fi nancial risks from climate change through the research, development and advancement of insurance innovation for clean, effi cient technologies is a win-win for New York businesses and consumers alike,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Th e availability of this important R&D funding will ultimately support new business models that seek to overcome barriers for bringing new products to market and build on Gov. Hochul’s all-encompassing approach to achieving a carbon-neutral economy by mid-century.” NYSERDA will accept applications from qualifi ed organizations through Oct. 12. A scoring committee will evaluate all proposals based on the published criteria. Each applicant must show how they can promote the research and development needed to bring new insurance products and services to market to meet the state’s climate and clean energy goals. Th is includes soliciting new insurance ideas, managing the development and growth of the program, and reducing risk for climate technology solutions and services.

Th is program is supported through NYSERDA’s Novel Business Model and Off ering initiative, which promotes new business models, commercial service or product off erings, and tools that enable scaling of climate solutions through customer acquisition or increased capital fl ows. Th is program works together with NYSERDA’s innovation and entrepreneurial support programs to advance innovative technologies to market.

Offi cials said since 2009, the state has invested more than $28 million through NYSERDA’s entrepreneurial support programs, supporting nearly 374 companies and generating more than 1,700 jobs. More than $1.8 billion in private investments and $200 million in project fi nance capital have been created while helping bring more than 589 new and improved clean energy products to market, including LED lighting systems, home appliances, longer-lasting batteries, and more effi cient heating-and-cooling systems. Funding for this initiative is provided through the state’s 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.

SUNY Empire State College has been accepted as a premier member into the Amazon Career Choice program, an education benefi t that empowers Amazon employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere.

SUNY Empire is the fi rst institution within the SUNY system to partner with the Amazon Career Choice program.

Offi cials said partnership with SUNY Empire will make it more convenient for Amazon’s hourly employees to earn their undergraduate degree online, in person at SUNY Empire locations, at Amazon Career Choice classrooms located across New York state, or a combination of all three.

Th rough its Career Choice program, Amazon provides funding for employees’ tuition, books, and fees with no lifetime limit on participating.

SUNY Empire and Amazon are collaborating to hold fall information sessions for Amazon employees across New York state, beginning with the company’s two Staten Island distribution centers, as well as distribution centers in Albany and Buff alo. Th e goal is to eventually expand the partnership to eligible employees in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Th e college will also begin off ering college courses on site at Amazon’s Career Choice Classrooms in Staten Island and Albany in the spring of 2023. In the U.S. alone, the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 Amazon employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs.

SUNY Empire was selected to Amazon’s Career Choice program, in part, because of its unique position within the SUNY system as a pioneer and leading provider of online and hybrid education and supports for working adults. Th e college is also a national leader in prior learning assessment (PLA), evaluating and granting college credit for relevant prior work and life experience.

Last year, SUNY Empire’s graduates were awarded nearly 45,000 PLA credits, saving them time and money in completing their undergraduate degrees. SUNY Empire off ers more than 110 online undergraduate, graduate, and certifi cate programs.

State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “I’m excited about the collaboration between SUNY Empire and Amazon and the resulting investment in the New York state workforce. Th is is an attractive opportunity for working adults who need fl exible, aff ordable educational options so they can earn their college degrees while working and supporting their families.”

SUNY Empire State College President Lisa Vollendorf said, “through our participation in the Amazon Career Choice program, we will build the diversity of our students and provide access for Amazon employees to affordably and conveniently earn college credit for their experiences while they work, earn their degrees, and tend to their personal and community commitments. We are excited to provide access to educational opportunities to Amazon employees.”

“At Amazon, we’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere,” said Carley Graham Garcia, head of community aff airs at Amazon in New York. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with SUNY Empire on our Career Choice program to give our employees access to pursue the education path that fi ts their passions. Whether employees are looking to fi nish their bachelor’s degree at SUNY Empire or build on their foundational skills of English profi ciency or GED preparation with our national partners, we’re prepared to meet our employees wherever they are on their educational journey.”

Th omas Signor

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Koskey, Rath & Florio, PC of Valatie, N.Y., where he managed internal audits for community bank clients. He also served as chief compliance offi cer for Paradigm Capital Management, and most recently was vice president and chief risk offi cer for National Bank of Coxsackie.

“I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at Pioneer, and to have the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, community-minded fi nancial institution,” said Signor. “From an unparalleled dedication to serving its customers, to an unwavering commitment to the highest standards, to a supportive culture that values each employee, Pioneer is well-positioned for growth, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Signor is a graduate of Siena College, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. for their generosity in making this event possible.”

Businesses interested in attending the B2B Expo as a participant or sponsor are encouraged to register for booth space ahead of time by emailing Andrea Cole at acole@ saratoga.org.

Presenting sponsor is the Aidondack Trust Co. Gold sponsors are ADKtechs, AIM Services, Inc., Amsterdam Printing , Arnoff Moving and Storage, KPM Restoration, Mackey Auto Group, Phinney Design Group, Quick Response Restoration and the Colwell Law Group.

Chamber B2B Event

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