CELORON, N.Y. — Retool'24 is part of a greater Western New York initiative to help promote economic development through clean energy opportunities.

What You Need To Know

  • Retool'24 in Jamestown part of the WNY initiaitve

  • A number of vendors and companies on hand as part of the showcase

  • There were a number of speakers sharing success stories

The conference and vendor showcase is made possible thanks in part to a three-year grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERTA.

"We are making connections. Western New York, the Southern Tier and all of New York state has a part to play in that," said Ellen Ditonto, business development coordinator, Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.

The event includes companies like Nextcorps in Rochester, operators of the scale for climate tech program in upstate New York. 

Leaders work with inventors, creating the next generation of products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

"So, it's economic development here in the region and across New York state. It's bringing new, clean products to help all of us live better lives," said Mike Riedlinger, commercialization manager, Nextcorps.

The event included other success stories from manufacturers like Viridi in Buffalo and panel discussions about supply chain opportunities.

They're efforts in line with the state's recently passed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Law, which requires New York to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% from 1990 levels by 2050, putting the state at the forefront of clean energy initiatives. 

"Whether it's a new industry coming in or a company that's here that needs to look at transforming their productions line so that they can make parts for a clean energy company," said Ditonto.