ALFRED – Startup Allegany hosted the first Tri-Collegiate
Think Tank on Saturday, November 7, 2020, surpassing expectations with over 30
students from Allegany County’s three institutions of higher education
participating. The virtual event brought together students from Alfred State
College, Alfred University, and Houghton College to participate in entrepreneurial-focused
panels addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on three sectors that
play a significant role in the health of Allegany County’s economy. The panels
included representatives from Ljungstrom and Northern Lights in the
manufacturing sector, Great Lakes Cheese and Cornell Cooperative Extension
Allegany County in the food and agricultural sector, and Houghton College and
Alfred State College in the education sector.
Startup Allegany’s Tri-Collegiate Think Tank Forum was
launched with the intent to get students thinking entrepreneurially, leading to
new student-led companies in the region that might solve some of these
difficult challenges. “Startup Allegany’s Tri-Collegiate Think Tank Forum was a
wonderful, impactful event that will help attendees ‘Hit the Ground Running’ on
creating solutions to real-world problems. I am honored to have served as one
of the speakers for this event, and I wish the attendees the very best in their
ventures.” said Dr. Skip Sullivan, Alfred State College’s President who kicked
off the event.
“We are thrilled with the student enthusiasm and turnout for
this first county-wide event, and remarks from each school’s president made the
event even more impactful”, added Ashleigh Madison, IncubatorWorks Program
Director and project manager for the event. Dr. Shirley Mullen, Houghton
College President added, “The Tri-Collegiate Think Tank is a great opportunity
for students from our three higher educational institutions to be inspired and motivated
by each other—and to connect with potential mentors from all sectors of county leadership.
I commend those who made this happen—even in the time of the pandemic—and hope
it becomes an annual event in the county.
Startup Allegany, the County’s collaborative group promoting
entrepreneurial student-focused initiatives, hopes to hold more events that
inspire students to pursue business ideas and solutions to real-world problems
right here in Allegany County. “In Spring 2021 we are planning a Shark Tank
style business plan pitch competition with all three schools; and we are hoping
the pandemic subsides by then as we want this to be a high energy ‘live’ event”
said Ms. Madison.
Dr. Mark Zupan, President of Alfred University who closed the event commented, “We are heartened by the significant student, faculty, and staff interest in entrepreneurship across the three institutions of higher education in Allegany County. This interest bodes well for creating new employment opportunities needed to retain our graduates in the region, leading to a brighter future for our County.”