Orange County Partnership’s Eckert Named ‘Rising Star’ by NYS Eco. Development Council

GOSHEN—The Orange County Partnership announced on June 1 that Conor Eckert, the Senior Development Officer and Vice President of Business Attraction for the Orange County Partnership, has received the coveted “Rising Star” award from the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC).

The award was presented to Eckert, who joined the Orange County Partnership in March 2022, during NYSEDC’s Annual Meeting at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, NY the previous week.

“The New York State EDC is proud to recognize Conor with the 2022 Rising Star Award. His thoughtful approach to serving his community, combined with his ability to build strategic relationships and his understanding of economic development policy make him the ideal candidate for this award and the future of the economic development industry,” said Ryan M. Silva, Executive Director of the NYSEDC. “Conor ‘gets it’ and we look forward to his continued growth and involvement with the NYSEDC.”

At 25, Eckert is already widely known and respected in the business and economic development communities in Orange County and the Mid-Hudson region.

However, Eckert’s achievements were indeed being noticed by key economic development leaders in the state that led to his Rising Star award. For example, longtime economic development official Alexander “Sandy” Mathes, Jr., president of Mathes Public Affairs in Coxackie, NY, said of Eckert’s award: “As we embrace the promising future of economic development, Conor stands as the perfect example of professionalism, the drive to make a difference and commitment to excellence. The NYSEDC’s naming of him as the New York State’s Rising Star is the perfect recognition of his hard work, eagerness to learn and how amazing our profession is as we move forward with a new generation of leaders.”

Eckert came to the Orange County Partnership earlier this year after serving almost two years as the Executive Director of the Town of Montgomery Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Director of Economic Development for the Town of Montgomery where he was involved in helping attract and secure incentives for new projects that included the new Amazon fulfillment center. He was responsible for the business attraction, retention and expansion efforts in the Town of Montgomery, managing a growing project portfolio of more than $200 million. He also managed the public and community affairs and operations of the IDA.

During his time with the Montgomery IDA, he spearheaded new marketing initiatives, community engagement events and initiated and implemented successful economic development strategies. The town and the IDA currently have a development pipeline of more than 1.5 million square feet of commercial space.

The NYSEDC Rising Star Award honors an individual age 40 and under who has made a significant contribution to the economic development profession in New York. Consideration was given to quality of service and impact on New York’s economy. The award was based on the following criteria: specific project involvement resulting in economic growth, including increased capital investment and employment for New York; involvement with NYSEDC; innovation in performing his or her job; community/volunteerism within the community at large and specific achievements that have had a direct positive impact on New York’s economy.

“We are delighted to hear Conor Eckert was selected to the NYSEDC Rising Star Award. Conor has distinguished himself to be an excellent economic development professional for Orange County. His impact to our county is broad and noteworthy. Our board and the management of the Orange County Partnership is proud to have him on the team,” said Michael Gilfeather, Orange County Partnership Chairman of the Board.

Maureen Halahan, President & CEO Orange County Partnership, added, “Conor is intelligent, driven, and serious about the profession. He’s already perfected many of the skills that bring on positive outcomes when attracting new business, such as: research, outreach, engagement, tenacity, patience and the ability to stick with a project until it’s closed. Don’t let the tailored suit fool you, he’s also funny and warm and truly New York State’s Rising Star and the newest member of the Orange County Partnership team.”

Eckert, an Orange County resident who was born and raised in the Town of Montgomery, is a graduate of Pine Bush High School and Orange County Community College. He graduated in 2019 from SUNY Binghamton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government and earned his Master’s Degree of Public Administration from SUNY Binghamton in 2020.

Among Eckert’s professional affiliations include: a member of the SUNY Orange Board of Directors and chairman of its Marketing Committee; a member of the SUNY Orange Alumni Relations Advisory Committee, and a Board Director of the Wallkill River School of Art. He also was a Class of 2021 graduate of the Leadership Orange program.

The New York State Economic Development Council is the state’s principal organization representing economic development professionals with more than 900 members that include the leadership of Industrial Development Agencies and Local Development Corporations, commercial and investment banks, underwriters, bond counsels, utilities, chambers of commerce, higher education institutions and private corporations. The purpose of NYSEDC is to promote the economic development of the state and its communities, to encourage sound practices in the conduct of regional and statewide development programs, and to develop education programs that enhance the professional development skills of its members.

The Orange County Partnership is a private, not-for profit organization that markets the county to growing companies interested in expanding their locations or opening new facilities.