(WNY News Now) – A powerhouse lineup of clean energy innovators, including NYSERDA’s Kevin Hale, will converge in Jamestown for Retool’25—bringing cutting-edge ideas to the manufacturing heart of Western New York.
Jamestown, NY ― Retool’25, a one-day conference scheduled for June 3rd at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, will feature Kevin Hale, the Director of Economic Development at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), as the afternoon keynote speaker. The conference is focused on energy innovation opportunities for manufacturers and commercial entities and is organized by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU), as part of the BPU’s Retool WNY initiative.
Hale’s presentation is titled, “Advanced Nuclear in NYS – Economic and Supply Chain Opportunities. “
Hale leads a team tasked with the development and implementation of strategies, policies, and programs targeted at clean energy firms and manufacturers with the goal of attracting new investments and jobs to New York state. He has previous professional experience at Enron Energy Services and Johnson Controls where he assisted industrial and commercial customers in developing energy supply and performance contracting solutions.
Kevin Hale, Director of Economic Development, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) said, “New York State is considering all pathways as we work toward a clean energy economy, including exploring the role of emerging technologies such as advanced nuclear. I look forward to joining our partners in Jamestown to discuss how to fully unleash the power of clean-tech supply chain opportunities while meeting growing energy demands.”
The conference also will feature panel discussions on supply chain opportunities for regional manufacturers, including a review of one company’s strategic partnership that was the result of a creative “Adopt a Startup” program. SoPark’s CEO Rupa Shanmugan and Vice President of Sales Joe Miano will talk about the development of that program and the emerging partnership with Stepwise, a startup company based in Buffalo. Austin Hunt, Chief Technology Officer for Stepwise, also will participate on that panel.
A second panel will feature Jacob Kumpon, Chief Operating Officer for Klaw Industries, a startup company that produces a cement product using recycled glass. The company was assisted by the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology and two of their team members will join that discussion.
Small and medium manufacturers and commercial business owners will benefit from two panel discussions on energy innovation and resources to help with energy efficiency projects. Elijah Jensen, the founder and CEO of BlackBox Energy Systems and a Cornell University professor, will discuss his company’s smart motors, generators, and sensors that can improve performance and reduce energy usage. Eleanor Rusling, CEO of MicroEra Power, Inc. will provide examples of decarbonization success stories in large buildings using thermal energy storage systems for heating and cooling. StarkTech Electrical Applications Engineer Pete Woodin will highlight ways artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve a building’s energy efficiency.
The Alliance for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), NY-BEST and Insyte Consulting will share examples of resources available to help manufacturers with supply chain connections; technology solutions; targeted energy reduction, and specialized grants for energy-related projects.
Co-presenting partners for this year’s event include non-profit NextCorps and the Scale for ClimateTech program, which is administered by NextCorps and SecondMuse. These two organizations are helping to scale up manufacturing in New York State, with a focus on commercializing clean technologies and solutions.
Jamestown BPU General Manager David L. Leathers noted the opportunity for regional manufacturers to learn how sustainability and energy efficiency efforts can help improve their bottom line.
“The focus of this year’s Retool conference is on ways to help small and medium manufacturers meet sustainability goals and improve their energy efficiency as that has a direct impact on both supply chain opportunities and net income,” Leathers said. “We believe the depth of knowledge from the speakers and panelists will provide a great opportunity for our attendees to take away information that can help their business now and as they plan for the future.”
BPU Business Development Coordinator Ellen Ditonto is the event’s organizer. “We are encouraging companies to spend the day with us and make important connections that could prove beneficial to our regional manufacturing base,” Ditonto said. Tickets are available at the registration site: Retool25.eventbrite.com or by contacting Ditonto at 716.661.1686 or by email: businessdev@jamestownbpu.com.
In addition to the Jamestown BPU, NextCorps Manufacturing Accelerator and Scale for ClimateTech, sponsors and vendors include the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, Live CHQ, Shults Subaru, Weber Knapp, Solar Liberty, Alliance for Manufacturing Technology, Insyte Consulting, NY-BEST, Buffalo Manufacturing Works, Sanfilippo Solutions, NEFF Automation, Industrial Support, Inc., and Re:Build Optimation.
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