The Business Council of New York State announced Wednesday, the three award winners of the second annual New York State Workforce Innovation Awards. The awards recognize outstanding workforce development training and education providers, as well as business leaders, focused on developing a strong and diverse talent pipeline.

The award winners include:

  • Higher Education Workforce Innovation Award:
    • CAHill Tech, Inc (Clarence)
  • Non-Profit Workforce Innovation Award:
    • The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) (Syracuse)
  • Business Workforce Leadership Award:
    • New York Power Authority (NYPA) (White Plains)

The award winners will be honored at a May 19th luncheon at the University at Albany’s ETEC Building.

The awards are custom designed by the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at Capital Region BOCES.

The event is sponsored this year by National Grid and BBL Companies.

Randy Wolken, President, and CEO of MACNY

“We are delighted to have been selected as the 2023 New York State Workforce Innovation Award recipient. It is an honor to be recognized as a leader and innovator in the development of workforce solutions. In partnership with The Manufacturers Alliance of New York, BMNA (Buffalo), RTMA (Rochester), CEG (Albany), Ignite LI (Long Island), MAST (Southern Tier), COI (Hudson Valley), and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (NYC), we are proud of the progress we have made in developing a strong and diverse talent pipeline through the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across New York State. Through our Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP), it is our mission to continue to support equitable access to Registered Apprenticeship for all individuals and assist companies in the recruitment, upskilling, and retention of new workers.”

Carley J. Hill, Founder/CEO & Michael John, COO, CAHill Tech Inc.

“CAHill is excited to continue pushing boundaries and supporting modern, hybrid models of education in the construction industry. The aQuiRe™ Construction Academy is having a positive impact on learners to achieve their career goals, and also contributes to the growth and development of infrastructure in our communities. We always strive to be at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry. This award is a testament to our supporters and our team’s hard work and dedication. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in us and our mission.”

Kaela Mainsah, Vice President, Environmental Justice, New York Power Authority

“The New York Power Authority’s Environmental Justice Department is honored to receive this award from The Business Council of New York State. This award belongs to the extraordinary students who inspire us in the work do. Our clean energy education programs include internships, scholarships, professional and trade skills development, and are specifically aimed at historically disadvantaged communities. We are proud to do our part in priming the workforce development pipeline with a pool of well educated, highly trained, and diverse future employees who are prepared for success in New York State’s emerging green economy.”

Voting Process

The top training and education applicants in each category were designated as “finalists” for the purpose of selecting a winner through voting on social media and The Business Council’s website. The combined online voting campaign was launched on Monday, April 3, and concluded on Monday, April 17, 2023. Voting was featured across multiple social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The campaign had over 20,000 social media impressions, including 675 shares, and over 600 likes of the finalists’ videos created for social media promotion. There were also approximately 1,300 online votes through The Business Council’s website.The Business Workforce Leadership Award was selected by The Business Council and was not part of the public voting process.