The on-going pandemic continues to significantly impact individuals, organizations, businesses and life itself, all across the world. For me, there is one message that stands out, “we need to appreciate life, who we are....as a people...and all that we have. Life can change in a minute – and it certainly has during the past 21 months.

I believe that we will continue to experience some ups and downs in the new year, but I’m also confident that “2022” will offer opportunities for us to grow. I encourage everyone to develop a plan of action, set some goals and be ready to seize your moments for growth and success.

This past year, the Genesis Group celebrated its 20^th Anniversary. Genesis is using adaptive leadership to: take action, achieve results and to make a difference in the Mohawk Valley region. Our organization will continue to be a “trusted voice” that advocates and partners with those seeking positive transformation. Our focus will continue in areas of education, healthcare, agri-business, insurance, banking and finance. . The Genesis Group will also continue to be a source for news & information, views and opinions, commuity projects, regional events and The Genesis Center for Data Analytics. Our focus remains on the community’s agenda!

History can help us grow and move forward by its examples that brought hope to the region in the past. From 1798 until the advent of the Erie Canal in 1817, the Mohawk Valley was a small wilderness community growing at a slow pace. The canal rejuvenated our transportation and forwarding business, commerce and trade reigned supreme, and new hope was born. 

In 1845, transportation and forwarding industries lost out to the emerging railroads.

And now it’s our turn. We have the opportunity to grow our economy with the emergence of the nanotechnology industry. In Marcy, Wolfspeed is putting the finishing touches on its billion dollar chip fab that will employ more than 600 people. In Rome, Griffiss Business and Technology Park is home to more than 6,000 jobs. In Utica, Mohawk Valley Health System is building a new state of the art hospital and medical center campus. In Herkimer County, investments continue with Tractor Supply, Amazon, and expansions by The Fountainhead Group and Pepsi. These are “just a few” of the many projects underway throughout the Mohawk Valley region. 

Combined with our rich history, a skilled workforce and the will of our citizens, the Mohawk Valley (region) has much to look forward too! As I look ahead, I do so remembering our past experiences, appreciating our blessings today, and with hope for our future. 

Happy New Year!

— Raymond J. Durso, Jr., president & CEO, The Genesis Group, Utica.