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S2 Ep22 - Statewide Growth, Economic Development, & Rochester Roots – A Conversation with Empire State Development’s Vinnie Esposito
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In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily Miller and Steve McDonnell sit down with Vinny Esposito, Senior Vice President for Regional Economic Development at Empire State Development and a key member of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Upstate Affairs team.
Vinny shares insights from more than 20 years in public service, discussing how New York State is driving growth across upstate communities, strengthening regional economies, and preparing for the future of innovation in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy.
Here’s what you’ll hear about:
- Vinny’s journey from computer science to public service under mentor Congressman Joe Morelle
- Lessons in leadership and teamwork learned on and off the basketball court
- How collaboration through initiatives like “One ROC” is fueling Rochester’s growth
- Balancing innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure in the age of AI
- The statewide impact of projects like Micron, Fairlife, and High Falls State Park
- Governor Hochul’s leadership approach and her focus on upstate revitalization
- Why Rochester’s quality of life and talent make it a model for future growth
Whether you’re a business leader, innovator, or community advocate, this conversation offers real perspective on how public service, partnership, and long-term planning can shape a stronger future for New York.
Episode Breakdown
0:02 Welcome and introduction
2:20 From tech to public service
6:25 Expanding to statewide leadership
8:40 Building partnerships through “One ROC”
10:30 Revitalizing downtown and Rock the Riverway
16:50 Teamwork, politics, and collaboration
22:40 Addressing New York’s business challenges
27:50 AI, energy, and data center strategy
40:00 Micron, semiconductors, and innovation industries
44:30 Keeping tech talent in Rochester
51:30 Working with Governor Hochul
57:20 High Falls State Park, PGA, and the future of Rochester
Connect with the speakers:
Emily Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-666b66152/
Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/
🎧 Listen to more episodes: wilmactech.com/the-wilmac-wire-data-management-cx-ccaas-saas-technology-podcast
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By Wilmac TechnologiesSend us a text
In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily Miller and Steve McDonnell sit down with Vinny Esposito, Senior Vice President for Regional Economic Development at Empire State Development and a key member of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Upstate Affairs team.
Vinny shares insights from more than 20 years in public service, discussing how New York State is driving growth across upstate communities, strengthening regional economies, and preparing for the future of innovation in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy.
Here’s what you’ll hear about:
- Vinny’s journey from computer science to public service under mentor Congressman Joe Morelle
- Lessons in leadership and teamwork learned on and off the basketball court
- How collaboration through initiatives like “One ROC” is fueling Rochester’s growth
- Balancing innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure in the age of AI
- The statewide impact of projects like Micron, Fairlife, and High Falls State Park
- Governor Hochul’s leadership approach and her focus on upstate revitalization
- Why Rochester’s quality of life and talent make it a model for future growth
Whether you’re a business leader, innovator, or community advocate, this conversation offers real perspective on how public service, partnership, and long-term planning can shape a stronger future for New York.
Episode Breakdown
0:02 Welcome and introduction
2:20 From tech to public service
6:25 Expanding to statewide leadership
8:40 Building partnerships through “One ROC”
10:30 Revitalizing downtown and Rock the Riverway
16:50 Teamwork, politics, and collaboration
22:40 Addressing New York’s business challenges
27:50 AI, energy, and data center strategy
40:00 Micron, semiconductors, and innovation industries
44:30 Keeping tech talent in Rochester
51:30 Working with Governor Hochul
57:20 High Falls State Park, PGA, and the future of Rochester
Connect with the speakers:
Emily Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-666b66152/
Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/
🎧 Listen to more episodes: wilmactech.com/the-wilmac-wire-data-management-cx-ccaas-saas-technology-podcast