Rebranding Upstate as New York's Innovation Corridor | Lomax Campbell

Ep. 25 Buffalo. Rochester. Syracuse. Three cities with distinct identities, industries, and strengths. But what if we started thinking of them as one interconnected economic powerhouse? **Dr. Lomax Campbell, founder and CEO of Third Eye Network**, is calling for a bold regional marketing strategy: a unified Upstate New York metroplex under the identity of the **Innovation Corridor**. Drawing on his experience conducting economic feasibility studies, developing marketing strategies, and building entrepreneurial ecosystems across 21 states and approximately 60 communities, Dr. Campbell offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to position a region for long-term economic success. From Micron's planned $100 billion investment and the New York Smart Tech Hub to Syracuse's ON-RAMP workforce initiative, the conversation goes beyond the headlines to examine the partnerships, infrastructure, and community engagement needed to turn major investments into lasting economic opportunity. **Key Takeaways:** - Why Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse need a stronger collective identity to compete nationally and globally. - How a metroplex strategy could connect regional supply chains, workforce development, and economic resources. - What Dr. Campbell's work in other cities reveals about building successful entrepreneurial ecosystems. <!--THE END--> - Why small businesses and MWBEs must build capacity, relationships, and industry knowledge now to participate in the region's growth. Sponsored by The Enterprise Center at PathStone, a CDFI helping small businesses access the capital and support they need to grow. https://www.theenterprisecenterinc.org/ Hosted by Jazzy T and RJ Williams in Rochester, NY [www.JazzCastPros.com/ElevatingEnterprise](www.JazzCastPros.com/ElevatingEnterprise%20) **The big idea:** The Innovation Corridor isn't just about attracting semiconductor manufacturers. It's about creating a connected regional economy where businesses, workers, and communities across Upstate New York can grow together. Subscribe to *Elevating Enterprise* for more conversations connecting you to the people, resources, and opportunities shaping Upstate New York's future. **Resource:** Third Eye Network — https://thirdeye.network *Inside the I-Corridor is sponsored by the Enterprise Center at PathStone.* Chapters: 00:00:00 Why Upstate New York Needs One Economic Identity 00:01:30 Inside the I-Corridor: Beyond the Big Investments 00:03:03 What Makes an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Work? 00:06:32 Behind the Scenes: Micron's $100 Billion Investment: 00:09:51 Economic Development Lessons from Other Cities 00:11:41 Turning Underused Spaces into Small Business Opportunities 00:15:33 Syracuse ON-RAMP: Building the Semiconductor Workforce 00:20:36 How to Get Involved with ON-RAMP 00:21:21 Buffalo, Rochester & Syracuse: Three Cities, Different Strengths 00:26:50 The Vision: One Upstate New York Economic Powerhouse 00:29:30 Why the I-Corridor Needs a Stronger Regional Identity 00:32:32 What the Erie Canal Can Teach Us About Collaboration 00:35:38 Building an Economy That Includes Everyone 00:36:36 How Small Businesses Can Prepare for What's Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices