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  • Inside the I-Corridor: Joe Stefko on New York’s Semiconductor Economy

    Inside the I-Corridor: Joe Stefko on New York’s Semiconductor Economy
    2026/09/10
    Ep.23 “One in four semiconductor chips that are produced in the United States are going to be manufactured within 350 miles of where we’re sitting.” For this installment of Inside the I-Corridor, Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with Joe Stefko, President & CEO of OneROC and Regional Innovation Officer for the New York Smart I-Corridor, to get the big-picture view of how Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse are becoming a globally competitive hub for semiconductors, microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. Joe brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Before leading OneROC, he worked on the front lines of Buffalo's fiscal recovery. Now he's helping Greater Rochester, and the broader I-Corridor, think regionally about its next major economic transformation. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sponsor: The Enterprise Center at Pathstone NY SMART I-CorridorLearn about supply chain, commercialization, workforce development and business opportunities across the corridor.https://nysmarticorridor.com/ Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN)Connect with resources for businesses interested in entering or expanding within the semiconductor and microelectronics supply chain.https://nysmarticorridor.com/supply-chain/ Commercialization & Collaboration Center (C3)Access university research, specialized facilities, prototyping, technical expertise and commercialization support.https://nysmarticorridor.com/innovation/ STEP UP — Workforce DevelopmentExplore workforce training, talent development and employer resources supporting the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.https://nysmarticorridor.com/talent/ OneROCLearn more about Greater Rochester's regional economic alliance and its work supporting economic growth and collaboration.https://www.oneroc.com/ Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE)Connect with Rochester-area economic development and semiconductor supply-chain resources.https://rochesterbiz.com/ NextCorpsEntrepreneurship, manufacturing, technology commercialization and business-growth resources for companies in the Greater Rochester region. https://nextcorps.org/ Monroe Community College — Optical Systems TechnologyLearn about MCC's precision optics education and workforce-training opportunities.https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/eomctech/programs/optical-systems-technology/ NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Exchange — October 8, 2026Meet I-Corridor partners and learn how your business can access funding, technical assistance, workforce solutions, commercialization support and supply-chain opportunities. Register:https://my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar/details/rochester-trends-ny-smart-i-corridor-opportunity-exchange-1683031 KEY TAKEAWAYS • The opportunity is bigger than Micron. Semiconductor growth is creating demand throughout a much larger regional ecosystem. • You don't have to manufacture chips to participate. Construction, skilled trades, transportation, logistics, landscaping, technology and professional services are among the opportunities emerging throughout the supply chain. • Small businesses have an entry point. I-Corridor programs can help companies assess their capabilities, strengthen areas such as cybersecurity and connect with buyers and technical assistance. • Workforce development is a major piece of the strategy. Many semiconductor technician positions won't require a four-year degree, creating new pathways into well-paying careers. • Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse aren't approaching this as competitors anymore. The three markets are combining their strengths to compete nationally—and globally. Chapters: 00:00 What Is the New York Smart I-Corridor? 00:58 Meet OneROC CEO Joe Stefko 02:08 How Joe Stefko Helped Buffalo Recover From Fiscal Crisis 07:28 Why Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Are Finally Working Together 10:09 New York Smart I-Corridor & the CHIPS and Science Act Explained 12:53 How Upstate New York Won Federal Tech Hub Funding 15:11 How Startups & Entrepreneurs Can Access I-Corridor Resources 18:27 What's Happened Since the NY Smart I-Corridor Summit? 19:32 Semiconductor Supply Chain Opportunities for NY Businesses 22:09 Propel NY: Helping Businesses Enter the Semiconductor Industry 23:37 How Your Business Can Get Into the I-Corridor Supply Chain 25:09 Construction, Logistics & Business Opportunities Available Now 28:37 How Businesses Should Prepare for Semiconductor Contracts 30:20 How to Access I-Corridor Funding & Technical Assistance 32:15 How the Tech Hub Could Transform Rochester's Economy 34:14 Semiconductor Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree 36:18 Making Sure Local Communities Aren't Left Behind 37:21 Workforce Development & Training Opportunities 40:14 STEP UP & New York's $200M ON-RAMP Investment 42:36 What Is OneROC? 46:08 Upcoming I-Corridor Opportunities for Businesses 47:11 How to Get Connected Inside the I-Corridor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 分
  • Inside the I-Corridor: Where Skilled Trade Workers Fit in the Semiconductor Boom

    Inside the I-Corridor: Where Skilled Trade Workers Fit in the Semiconductor Boom
    2026/08/26
    Want a piece of New York’s growing semiconductor industry? Let's go Inside the I-Corridor with fabrication consultant Griffin McGuire of SetPoint Advisors to unpack some of the biggest takeaways from the two-day NY Smart I-Corridor Summit and what they mean for the Upstate New York workforce. Griffin serves as a vice chairperson at the American Welding Society (AWS), Niagara Frontier section, where he focuses on welding standards and skilled trades advocacy. Episode Takeaways: 🔹 The semiconductor opportunity goes far beyond chips. Construction, fabrication, logistics, raw materials, suppliers and skilled trades will all be needed as the ecosystem grows. 🔹 There’s a gap between research and the shop floor. Upstate has world-class research, but manufacturers need help understanding how their existing capabilities can translate into semiconductor opportunities. 🔹 Our workforce has to evolve, too. Griffin explains how the American Welding Society (AWS) connects students with employers and gives experienced welders pathways to advance into roles like welding inspection as the physical demands of the trade become harder. 🔹 Getting into the supply chain requires preparation. Businesses will need to understand the standards, certifications and capabilities major semiconductor companies expect from suppliers. The opportunity is coming. The question is: where do you fit? Resources: Connect with Griffin McGuire / SetPoint Advisors:SetPoint Advisors Follow the American Welding Society – Niagara Frontier Section for events, student opportunities and industry networking:AWS Niagara Frontier Section Griffin McGuire serves as a vice chairperson at the American Welding Society (AWS), Niagara Frontier section, where he focuses on welding standards and skilled trades advocacy. He is a seasoned fabrication consultant and exotic materials expert who bridges the gap between engineering, materials science, and manufacturing. He boasts an extensive background in traditional manufacturing environments, starting his career as a welder and ascending to an associate welding inspector. Griffin is the founder of SetPoint Advisors, a consulting firm that specializes in assisting with the logistical challenges of semiconductor fabrication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分
  • Inside the I-Corridor: Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today | RIT Certified

    Inside the I-Corridor: Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today | RIT Certified
    2026/08/05
    Ep. 21 Go inside the NY York Smart I-Corridor and get ready to take advantage of the CHIPS Act and the $100 Billion investment in Upstate New York's emerging semiconductor economy. Welcome to Elevating Enterprise's new podcast series Inside the I-Corridor series. Hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams visit RIT Certified's newly renovated space to explore the workforce development strategies powering the next generation of modern manufacturing employees for Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Director Rosalie Clemens and Associate Director AJ LiVecchi explain why the I-Corridor isn't about one company or one city, it's about building an entire regional ecosystem where every organization has a role to play. Resource Links: Suscribe to Inside the I-Corridor Newsletter on LinkedIn Website: https://certified.rit.edu/ Register for the Teacher's Cohort Circuiting Success here https://certified.rit.edu/circuitingsuccess Email AJ LiVecchi:‍ ajlcert@rit.edu Episode Key Points: ✅ The I-Corridor is an economic development strategy—not simply a Micron project. ✅ Workforce development isn't something that happens to companies. It's something companies actively build. ✅ Existing employees often need targeted upskilling—not another four-year degree. ✅ AI is rapidly changing professional development, knowledge transfer and advanced manufacturing. ✅ Rochester's competitive advantage comes from strengthening its existing expertise in optics, photonics and precision manufacturing—not competing directly with Syracuse. ✅ Businesses that invest in learning today will be best positioned when the region's semiconductor ecosystem reaches full scale. Chapters: 00:00 Why Everyone Is Talking About the I-Corridor 00:58 Meet RIT Certified 01:47 What RIT Certified Actually Does 04:06 What Is the New York Smart I-Corridor? 06:43 Preparing Today's Workforce for Tomorrow's Jobs 07:57 Semiconductor Career Accelerator Explained 10:57 The Skills Summit & AI Workforce Strategy 14:06 AI, Virtual Chips & Manufacturing Training 15:36 Using AI to Capture Knowledge Before Employees Retire 20:43 Rochester's Photonics Advantage 22:18 Why Companies Must Own Workforce Development 23:57 Why Professional Development Improves Retention 26:36 Cybersecurity, AI & National Security 29:35 Solving Real Business Problems with Custom Training 31:54 Why Automated Assembly Is the Next Big Opportunity 34:02 What Rochester Can Learn from Arizona's Tech Boom 35:45 Why Rochester Shouldn't Try to Be Syracuse 39:43 Preparing Teachers for Semiconductor Careers 43:41 Why Every Business Should Prepare for the I-Corridor Now 44:38 Three Big Takeaways for Business Leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 分
  • 10X Your Business Value, Reach Your Freedom Point Faster | Jenn Piper, Volare AI

    10X Your Business Value, Reach Your Freedom Point Faster | Jenn Piper, Volare AI
    2026/04/15
    Ep.20 If your business can’t run without you… it’s not an asset. “As soon as you walk out the door, so does your business intelligence.” Jazzy T sits down with Jennifer Piper of Volare AI to break down an unpopular truth: if you’re building a business that depends on your presence, your decisions, and your constant involvement… you have created a high-paying job—not a transferable asset. You didn’t start your business to work 60-hour weeks with nothing to show for it. With proven scaling experience and AI-powered insights, Volare AI helps uncover the hidden gaps holding you back—so you can finally step into the role of visionary, not overworked operator. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: ✔️ Define your freedom point (and why it matters from day one) ✔️ Measure your business value using a real health score ✔️ Understand why “10X” doesn’t mean what you think it does ✔️ Build systems that allow your business to scale—and eventually run without you 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS ✨ Stop Guessing Your Business Value Use Jenn’s assessment tool to calculate your business health score across leadership, recruiting, sales, marketing, financials, and productivity. ✨ 10X Is Based on Profit—Not Revenue Your valuation is tied to EBITDA (earnings before interest and taxes)—not top-line revenue. Your multiple depends on industry, systems, and risk. ✨ Your KPIs Should Lead to Freedom If your metrics don’t tell you how close you are to stepping away, you’re tracking the wrong numbers. RESOURCES 🔗 Connect with Jennifer Piper on LinkedIn 🔗 Visit Volare AI - Take the Business Health Assessment 🔗 Connect with Jazzy T on LinkedIn: Learn more about Podcast Advertising | JazzCast Pros Chapters: 00:00:00 Build a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You 00:06:02 How to Increase Your Business Value with a Health Score 00:08:04 Why Business Assessments Feel Scary (and Why You Need One) 00:09:41 Systems & SOPs for Creative Entrepreneurs 00:12:39 Turning Your Business into a Transferable Asset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 分
  • Public Speaking Pro Tips with Candice Kellogg

    Public Speaking Pro Tips with Candice Kellogg
    2026/04/10
    “There’s no transformation without transparency.” That's why I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey into public speaking. Ep. 19 Elevating Enterprise, I'm flipped from interviewer to student when Candice Kellogg, Master Trainer with Dale Carnegie, turns our interview into a live coaching session at the Women Empowering Women Conference. No notes. No prep. Just my experience. And in that moment, I realized what so many of us struggle with:Confidence in private doesn’t always translate to confidence in public. Candace walks me (and you) through how to speak with authority—without hiding behind a script—and proves that your lived experience is more than enough. 🎤 The 3 Essentials of Public Speaking You must earn the right to speak You must be excited about your message You must be eager to share the value 🔗 Resources: Connect with Candice Kellogg | LinkedIn Learn more about Dale Carnegie public speaking training 🎤 Podcast Movement Conference: https://podcastmovement.com Ready to use your voice as a business asset? Start as a guest, advertiser, or launch your own show with JazzCast Pros. 👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn ⁠Jazzy T Williams ⁠ 🌐 Visit: ⁠https://jazzcastpros.com⁠ Subscribe, share, and send this to someone who needs the push. Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Broadcaster's Fear of Public Speaking 00:01:34 – Meet Candice Kellogg (Dale Carnegie Master Trainer)00:02:04 – Purpose vs Position: Aligning Your Work00:04:32 – “No Transformation Without Transparency”00:05:09 – The Coaching Begins00:06:43 – Speaking Without My Notes00:07:06 – Podcasting vs Broadcasting00:08:48 – The Power of One Clear Message00:09:27 – The Breakthrough: I Just Gave a Talk?!00:10:54 – “You’re Ready Right Now”00:11:39 – My 3 Takeaways to Elevate Your Enterprise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 分
  • Sponsorship as a Leadership Strategy | Taletha Best, YMCA

    Sponsorship as a Leadership Strategy | Taletha Best, YMCA
    2026/04/02
    Ep. 18 Event sponsorship can be transactional or transformational. At the Women Empowering Women Conference, the presenting sponsor the YMCA did more than put their name on the event. They brought their team, created space for growth, and treated this experience as an extension of their leadership development strategy. In this live conversation, Chief People & Culture Officer Taletha Best breaks down how the Y builds culture from the inside out—through employee engagement, leadership development, and real community connection. Because strong organizations don’t just invest in marketing, they invest in their people. 🎯 Key Takeaways: The difference between sponsorship and active investment The evolution of the YMCA—from the Young Men’s Christian Association to an inclusive organization serving the unique needs of each community. Why putting your team in the right rooms accelerates growth How culture drives long-term impact Hear more from our Women's Empowerment Series 5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith | Podcasts Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman | Podcasts Soundbites + Highlights | Media Training from Women Empowering Women | Podcasts 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Chapters: 00:00 Sponsorship vs Just Visibility 00:45 Meet Taletha Best, YMCA Chief People & Culture Officer 01:20 What “People & Culture” Really Means02:15 Leadership, Engagement & DEI in Action 03:15 What Does YMCA Stand For?5:00 Serving Neighborhood Needs 6:00 Why the YMCA Sponsors Women Empowering Women7:00 Filling Your Team’s Cup vs Just Expecting Output 8:00 Conference Takeaways: Growth, Failure & Mindset9:00 “You Haven’t Failed If You’re Not Done” 9:30 Final Thoughts + What’s Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 分
  • 5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith

    5-Step Cycle for Organizational Change Management | Jacqueline Phichith
    2026/03/30
    You bought the system. You held the meeting with your team. So why isn’t anything changing? Ep. 17 Jazzy T sits down with Jacqueline Phichith to break down the real reason change fails inside organizations, and it has nothing to do with the technology. It’s about where people get stuck. Jacqueline introduces the ADKAR framework, a simple but powerful way to understand how people actually move through change. Awareness – You know the change is happening Desire – You actually want to engage with it Knowledge – You understand how to use it Ability – You can apply it in real life Reinforcement – It becomes part of how you work This conversation will help you identify exactly where the breakdown is—and how to move people forward with clarity, not frustration. 🌐 Resources: Jacqueline Phichith, Communications & Change Leadership | CCMP, 📍 CooperCompanies, Rochester, NY 🔗 LinkedIn: Jacqueline Phichith | LinkedIn Hear more from our Women's Empowerment Series Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman | Podcasts 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 分
  • Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman

    Why 45% More Women Work in Construction | Jenna Tatar, Riedman
    2026/03/26
    "Development isn't just about building buildings. It's about shaping how people experience their environments and their communities." — Jenna Tatar In this kickoff episode of our Women’s Empowerment Series, Jazzy T sits down with Jenna Tatar, Operational Excellence Manager at Riedman, to unpack why now is the time for women to step into real estate development. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The pay gap is shrinking in the real estate development industry. There's a 45% increase in women's participation in construction over the last decade How operational roles translate vision into real-world impact Media training from JazzCast Pros helps you practice your voice, refine your message, and show up confidently in high-stakes rooms 🎧 Listen to High Vibe Table Talks ep 142 with Merchon and Jazzy T for our biggest takeaways from the sold-out Women Empowering Women Conference—including behind-the-scenes media training moments. 🌐 Resources: 👩🏽‍💼 Jenna Tatar, Operational Excellence Manager, Riedman📍 45 East Ave, Rochester, NY 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-tatar-pmp-1630875/ 9th Annual Women Empowering Women Conference March 18, 2027 Learn more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 分