Nozzolio announces $100k grant for CCC

Continuing his commitment to creating jobs and promoting career growth in the Central Finger Lakes Region, New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that he has secured $100,000 in state funding for the construction of a “Smart Classroom Center” at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Cayuga Community College. The state investment is in addition to a $65,000 state grant that Senator Nozzolio secured last year to establish the Institute.Senator Nozzolio made the announcement at a meeting of the Cayuga County Focus Group that released the economic development report, A Call to Action: A Blueprint for our Region’s Future, last year.“The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will give students the opportunity to receive hands-on training and practical experience for starting up their own business,” said Senator Nozzolio. “This new ‘smart classroom’ will allow students, as well as local businesspeople, to better integrate the newest technologies as they work to become better entrepreneurs. The new facility will also help to reinvigorate downtown Auburn.”“Successful small businesses are critical for the economic growth of our area and I am pleased to support such a worthwhile investment for our young entrepreneurs and the future of the Central Finger Lakes region,” continued Nozzolio.Cayuga Community College (CCC) is developing the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to nurture budding entrepreneurs in the Finger Lakesregion. The ‘Smart Classroom Center” will enable businesses in Cayuga County to use the teleconference facilities for business operations, reducing the need for long-distance traveling while conducting business. These new facilities are mentioned in the best-selling book The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman as the future of conducting business in the global economy.Dr. Daniel Paul Larson, President of Cayuga Community College, said, “I would like to sincerely thank Senator Nozzolio for his continued commitment to CCC and for his financial support of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We are excited about the opportunity to significantly strengthen the Institute. The ‘smart classroom center’ will give our students, as well as local business people, access to technology that has not been available to them before. This announcement will greatly benefit the college community and all of the budding entrepreneurs in the area.”Jack Bisgrove, local businessman and entrepreneur, said, “The new, high-tech ‘smart classroom’ is critical to the success of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Our region will now have access to technology that is necessary for success in the 21st Century. Senator Nozzolio is to be commended for his continued strong commitment to creating new jobs in our region.”The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will provide a clearinghouse for information, support services and business expertise for entrepreneurs. Those at the Institute will receive help on developing business plans and neighborhood ventures and would help promote the revitalization of economically challenged areas in the region.In addition, the Institute will provide students with courses and entrepreneurial opportunities, including a student incubator system for testing and promoting new ventures in the marketplace. Internships and work-study opportunities will be available. The Institute will develop training for existing and emerging organizations with the use of workshops and seminars.“The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Cayuga Community College is a major asset for our region and will lead to the creation of successful careers for our young people,” Senator Nozzolio concluded.