By David Bertola | Buffalo Business First | 5/8/15
Event to bring together green energy manufacturers, investors
At the upcoming Upstate Venture Association of New York Venture Forum, renewable energy manufacturers and financiers will talk about what’s driving growth of the renewable energy sector in Upstate New York.
“This is a renewable energy, manufacturing and financing showcase for Upstate new York, and we’re gathering leaders from manufacturing, financing and renewable energy from throughout the state,” said Sam Ticknor, executive director of Upstate Event to bring together green energy manufacturers, investors May 8, 2015, 12:34am EDT UPDATED: May 8, 2015, 9:00am EDT Venture Association of New York. “New York State is creating a buzz in the renewable energy sector, and this event will showcase that.”
Ticknor added that a similar event was held in Albany last year, “But not to this magnitude.”
He said that event, held at the University at Albany, sold out and had attendees from all over the state.
“Given that this hasn’t been done in Western New York, and with things like SolarCity happening in Western New York, we thought it was the perfect time to host a similar event in Western New York.
Ticknor expects the May 13 Buffalo event to attract about 150. The “Renewable Energy Manufacturing & Financing Opportunities in Upstate NY” event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the offices of D!g at 640 Ellicott Street in Buffalo, will feature two sets of panelists. One will discuss the financial landscape and what investors are looking for. The other will be focused on manufacturing and include an update on solar manufacturing in New York. An update on SolarCity and other projects will be among the topics.
Launch NY President and CEO Marnie LaVigne will give opening remarks, and will be followed by Jennifer Tegan, managing director of Cayuga Venture Fund, who will provide an overview of Upstate Venture Association of New York.
Both panels will be moderated by David Flynn, partner at Buffalo-based law firm Phillips Lytle LLP. Flynn is practice leader for Phillip Lytle’s energy, environment, Marcellus shale and nanotechnology practice teams.
NYSERDA and Phillips Lytle are sponosrs of the event.
“It’s a good opportunity to bring investor groups in, and see and understand some of the renewable energy finance opportunities that exist here,” said Flynn.