Center on Rural Innovation Keynote Speaker at SEEC Annual Meeting, May 28, 2025
2024 SEEC Annual Report Release: Future Ready Schoharie County
Schoharie, NY (May 12, 2025) – The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) will host its annual meeting, Future Ready Schoharie County, on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 AM. The event will feature keynote speaker Molly Pyle, Director of Tech-Based Economic Development, representing the Center on Rural Innovation and related Rural Innovation Strategies Inc. The SEEC 2024 Annual Report will also be released as a compilation of public-private investments that are preparing Schoharie County for a resilient future.
Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) is a national nonprofit that uses data-driven research, partnerships, programming, and investment to support and connect rural leaders as they build tech ecosystems in rural America. This year’s keynote speaker is Molly Pyle, Director of Tech-Based Economic Development, who brings a national perspective on how rural communities can build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems that leverage technology for startup growth, business retention, expansion and talent development and attraction.
“I am pleased to present at the SEEC Annual Meeting and will share notes from our recently released report Role of Broadband in Rural Economic Growth & Resilience”, remarked Molly Pyle, CORI. At a meeting of the Mohawk Valley Broadband Coalition on May 7th a CORI colleague of Pyle noted Schoharie County is leading in some meaningful county-level data as reported.
Ms. Pyle will be joined by a dynamic panel of tech professionals working out of the SEEC coworking hub at 287 Main Street, Schoharie, including leaders from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and The Alloy Network. Together, they’ll dive into how rural areas like Schoharie County can leverage technology for economic growth.
“This is a one-two punch – a chance to hear from a national leader and coordinator of global summits with opportunity to shake hands with the tech-talent already working within our communities,” added Julie Pacatte, Executive Director, SEEC.
Pyle has worked with MIT Solve, global women leaders in STEM and entrepreneurship with the U.S. State Department, and incubator and accelerator programming at Singularity University, where she coordinated global summits for thousands of attendees across 15 countries.
Key topics will include:
● Using technology to retain and expand local businesses
● Attracting and developing tech talent in rural communities
● Tackling skepticism around rural tech innovation and startup potential
Guests will enjoy refreshments from local favorites Middleburgh Coffee Co., Love Shine Tea, and Chatty Wren Coffee Roasters.
Learn more and register now at seecny.org or call (518) 517-1700
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About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp.
Established by the private sector, Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation, commonly known as “SEEC,” was organized as a not-for-profit to strengthen Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison to local municipalities and institutional leaders with the common goal of highlighting distinctive points of light within the community, cultivating entrepreneurial endeavors and enhancing the ability of local businesses to add value to their enterprises. SEEC is guided by social, environmental and financial principles that will accelerate growth and help provide sustainability through a collaborative and thriving business community.
About The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)
The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) is a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic prosperity in rural America through the creation of inclusive digital economy ecosystems that support scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation. Founded in 2017, CORI collaborates with rural leaders to develop data-driven strategies, provide technical assistance, and foster partnerships that empower communities to thrive in the digital age. Through initiatives like the Rural Innovation Network and the CORI Innovation Fund, the organization works to close the rural opportunity gap and ensure that rural communities have equitable access to the tools and resources needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy. For more information, visit www.ruralinnovation.us.
About Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. (RISI), a taxable nonprofit to implement CORI mission.
Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. (RISI) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing economic prosperity in rural America through the development of inclusive digital economy ecosystems. Founded in 2017 and based in Hartland, Vermont, RISI collaborates with rural communities nationwide to provide strategic support in areas such as tech-based economic development, broadband consulting, entrepreneurship consulting, and grant writing and funding support. By leveraging data-driven strategies and deep community engagement, RISI empowers rural leaders to build resilient, future-focused economies. For more information, visit www.ruralinnovationstrategies.com.
PRESS CONTACT:
Emily Smith, Marketing Coordinator Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) Email: marketing@seecny.org Phone: 518-517-1700