“Our regional economic development councils have done outstanding work to help us build these new economic development strategies. Their achievements have been second to none, as shown by being recognized as Best Plan awardees. They’ve secured critical state investments in our local economies and these investments are going to help spark economic growth throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. I’m confident our local councils will continue to fine-tune local initiatives and compete effectively for job creation and other economic opportunities in the future.”