From Cashier to Marketing Coordinator: Mia’s Career Journey at Price Chopper

Updated: July 2025

Many companies locally and across the world utilize internship programs to attract, nurture, and retain young talent to their organizations. The goal of the Summer Internship program at Price Chopper/Market 32 is to provide professional experiences to students within their area of study.
  • What does the internship program entail?

The program is a 10-week program open to junior, senior, and graduate level students who desire real world, hands-on business experience, as well as a chance for exploration of the region.

“We gather as a group to support volunteer efforts within our Schenectady community. While also offering enjoyable things like month-long bingo activities, where interns would need to complete various tasks with the hopes of improving the quality of their experience. Lastly, a mentorship program was introduced this year giving interns the opportunity to learn and develop from someone other than their direct supervisor,” says Josh Deyo, Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Former intern Mia Teal is just one of the success stories from the program. From having a job as a cashier, to being accepted into the internship program after college and transitioning into a full-time career as Paid Media Marketing Coordinator at Price Chopper, Mia’s story exemplifies the transformative power of this corporate internship.

  • Internship Turned Career

Mia was born and raised in CapNY, in Clifton Park, where she found her first job at the age of 17 at Price Chopper. As Mia pursued her college education, she maintained a connection with Price Chopper, returning to work during her school breaks. This continuity allowed her to cultivate a deep understanding of the company’s operations and culture. Upon graduating from college, she was offered a summer internship with Price Chopper.

The program featured two weeks of intensive in-person and online training sessions, reflecting the hybrid approach brought on by the pandemic. During this time, Mia was assigned various projects and worked closely with seasoned employees. Mia’s journey evolved as she transitioned from e-commerce to digital media. The experience broadened her perspective, as she realized there was much more to the grocery industry than meets the eye. She mentioned that she learned far more during her internship than she could have ever anticipated from her college education.

  • Embracing Company Culture

Price Chopper’s culture of collaboration and community engagement has left an impact on Mia. She’s been encouraged by leadership to get involved & give back to the CapNY community outside of her work responsibilities. A colleague introduced her to the Capital Region Chamber Young Professionals Network (YPN), which encouraged her to reach out, network, and participate in various community building & professional development activities. Mia found herself taking on tasks like editing podcasts, and her commitment led her to Co-Chair the Communications Department by the president.

Mia’s story is a testament to the upward mobility within Price Chopper. She noted that many employees had transitioned from roles like bagging groceries to becoming company directors, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing internal talent.

  • Mia’s Life in CapNY

Beyond her professional work, Mia relishes the diverse experiences that CapNY offers. She enjoys hiking in spots like Lake George and Fort Ann, exploring local breweries, and practicing yoga at The Hot Yoga Spot. She finds the regions centralized location and its abundant recreational opportunities as one of the reason she decides to stay and build a life for herself.

 

Mia’s journey from a cashier to a Paid Media Marketing Coordinator at Price Chopper is a tale of determination, growth, and community engagement. Her experiences highlight the importance of staying connected with one’s roots and seizing opportunities for personal and professional development. In an ever-evolving corporate landscape, Mia’s story reminds us that success often finds those who are open to new experiences and committed to continuous learning and growth.

Learn more about Fresh Career Opportunities at Price Chopper/Market 32 here!

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Making the Move from North Carolina to CapNY: A Career Transplant Story

Updated: July 2025

CapNY is booming with potential, opportunity, & young professionals from all over the world are making the move to our Upstate NY region.
  • Regeneron as a National Leader in Medicine

You may have read throughout this website, and on the news, about local powerhouse Regeneron. Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company that invents life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases, from eye diseases to cancer.

It’s known as one of the hottest places to work in CapNY. In fact, Jackson Inchalik, Data Analytics Developer, moved from North Carolina to CapNY to take a job at this growing company. Here’s his story…

  • When did you relocate & why?

I graduated from High Point University in North Carolina in May 2020 with a job lined up at Regeneron as an Associate Data Developer. Because of months of Covid closures, I spent the final months of my college career with my family at home in Connecticut. When I was ready to venture out on my own, I moved in with another intern-employee conversion in the Rensselaer / North Greenbush area where I have since been living.

  • What’s your role at Regeneron & how did you end up in the field?

I studied Computer Science and Mathematics at my university with little background or experience in Pharmaceuticals. Based off recommendations from other students I had met at my school, I began applying to Regeneron’s established internship program. After initially being turned down from the program, I gathered experience working in IT at Ashley Furniture. The following year I circled back to successfully join Regeneron’s internship program for the summer between my junior and senior year. After a summer of extensive learning and development, I had received a job offer that I excitedly accepted.

  • How does Regeneron’s work culture impact your ability to immerse yourself into CapNY life?

Regeneron has done a terrific job of getting me involved with the local community. From helping in Special Olympics’ training during Regeneron’s Day For Doing Good, to supporting local businesses with our Veteran’s fundraisers, I couldn’t thank Regeneron enough for getting me active in the local community. Regeneron’s workplace values of transparency and teamwork also applies to their interaction with the local community. They dedicated themselves to a high level of involvement and they leave a substantial impact on their local communities each and every year.

  • Why do you love living in CapNY? What is something that’s surprised you about this region?

I don’t think I will ever get over the natural beauty of upstate New York. Long car rides easily become a sightseeing adventure whenever you find yourself in a new area, and I have to admit that I find great peace in the outdoors, especially up here. One thing I was happily surprised by was activity going on in the area. I initially thought it would be much quieter in the region , but I quickly learned from colleagues about the surplus of activities there are between Albany and Saratoga. From horse racing to casinos to even watching a fellow employee’s local band perform at bars (Quick Fix!), there’s plenty to be explored.

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

5 CapNY Creative Side Hustlers You Need to Know About

Updated: July 2025

COVID-19 has drastically altered the way we approach life and the ways in which we inhabit the world. For some it has made them more cautious, feeling the precarity of each passing moment. Others have become more appreciative of the present, embracing the opportunity to take an extended pause. Living in a space of ambiguity provided the chance for some to reconnect with their passions and pursue them as a side hustle. If this is you, you’re not alone!
  • Rethinking Career Paths

All over CapNY, Upstate New Yorkers have been rethinking their career paths, choosing to maintain their 9-5’s while pursuing their passions on the side. With COVID giving them more downtime, these five individuals have been able to maintain their creative side hustles while putting in a 40 work week. These “hustles” have been both a re-connection to self and an outlet for creative expression. The world around us remains as uncertain as ever. From fashion, to screenwriting and directing, and music, these creatives shared what has given them courage to choose both.

  • ANTONETTE LEWIS | AKL Studios

Meet Antonette Lewis from Albany, the Creator-Director of AKL Studios. By day Antonette works at a lobbying firm, but by night she runs a beautiful luxury sunglass line. ”Since I was little I’ve been in love with fashion,” Antonette said. “One thing I always remembered was when my mom drew a wedding dress on a napkin. It was the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. I was like ‘I want to make that!’” She eventually wants to develop a clothing line, but for now, sunglasses are a good start.

So how exactly does Antonette balance it all? “I have a special routine I do. I wake up at 5 in the morning, I draft my social media posts for AKL Studios and send those drafts to my team. Then, I get ready to go to my day job. Once work is over I start working again with AKL. That’s the time I reach out to my manufacturers and my team. I prep a lot of emails.” 

Antonette Lewis

Since launching the line during COVID, Antonette feels she’s learned a lot about herself. “I’ve learned to trust myself more, to have more confidence. You don’t need to go to fashion school to run your own line. The only difference is that they have more money and access. You can do it on your own.” Since building that confidence, Antonette has expanded her line and plans to do more fashion shows, more photo shoots, more collaborations, and pop up shops in the future.

Fashion is booming here

Above all, Antonette believes that, despite popular belief, the fashion community is booming here. “There’s always so much going on. Watch Spectrum News! There’s always a gala, a fashion show, an event. There are a lot of unique people here!” Albany’s creative economy is growing and it’s here to stay. 

Click here to check out the AKL Studios IG.

  • NNEKA MORGINI | Tall Luxé

Meet Nneka Morgini, Creator-Director of Tall Luxé fashion line and Niskayuna native. When Nneka is not working on Tall Luxé, she works in Human Resources for a community college. She took advantage of the extra time the pandemic created and launched Tall Luxé this year. “It’s always been something I’ve been thinking about. I want to make clothes for taller women. It’s always a struggle because I’m 6’1 myself; it’s hard to find clothes that fit me well. Amid the pandemic I had more time to do what I needed to do to start my clothing line.”

Models for Tall Luxé

Through the creation of Tall Luxé, Nneka feels that she’s learned a lot about herself, “I never thought I was capable of doing something like this, to be honest. I’ve never taken that leap of faith to start this idea I have. I’ve always been shy and low key. I didn’t think about becoming an entrepreneur. When the pandemic happened, I thought to myself, this is the time to start. This line will be mine and I’ll be able to do something I’m actually passionate about. I’ve learned that I’m much stronger and resilient than I give myself credit for and that I need to get out of my own way. It takes believing in yourself to make things happen.” 

A rich creative community in Albany

Nneka feels there is a rich creative community in Albany, and that there’s so much to discover here as opportunities pop up each day. As her business grows, her goal for the next year is to network more and to be immersed in the Upstate fashion community. Nneka, similar to Antonette, wants to participate in more pop up shops and fashion shows. Until then if you’re a taller woman and you’re looking for some luxe looks, check out her site! Click for IG and FB.

  • KENNA HYNES | Director-Screenwriter, Musician

Meet Kenna Hynes, a director-screenwriter from Chicago who has found her stride with music video direction. When she’s not creating rich narratives with indie rock star Nandi Rose, she works at a recruitment agency. “I’ve always been interested in music. Before I got into film, I was a musician. I started out as a Camera Operator, Director of Photography, and then started making documentaries of artists on tour. From there I began to direct music videos. My job at the recruitment agency gives me the flexibility to continue my work in film.” 

Kenna Hynes

Kenna has been active in the film and music scene since 2012. But when COVID hit, she had to go back to the drawing board, because she wasn’t able to shoot film. “Having such a close relationship with Nandi Rose really got me through a big chunk of COVID. We started thinking of big ideas, and when it was safe to meet up, we started planning for future videos. It really gave us an outlet to be able to work on those projects together. Planning our next steps gave us something to look forward to and carried us mentally.”

Kenna Hynes

Outside of building upon her personal-professional relationship with Half Waif, Kenna took the extended pause to reorient herself in her goals, “The biggest takeaway I’ve had is that you need goals. You need to have a mission for yourself while still trying to be present and deliberate. I was getting into ‘good old days’ syndrome, where I was thinking ‘should I go back to Chicago? I’m not making movies.’ But I needed to see what’s in front of me. Being present here and focusing on who you’re with something magical will happen.”

You do not need to be in big city to make great art

Experiencing film in both a big city and upstate Kenna feels that Upstate NY still has so much to offer. “There’s less ego here. The Upstate community is forming and you’re a part of something here, creating a creative community together. You do not need to be in a big city to make great art.” There is a wealth of community here, if you find it. If you’re interested in seeing Kenna’s work, click here!

  • SPENCER SHERRY | Actor-Screenwriter

Meet Spencer Sherry of Saratoga Springs, landscaper by day, actor-screenwriter by night. Both his traditional job and his filmmaking are done in collaboration with his friend-business partner, which gives him the flexibility to shift gears.

Currently (and always) Spencer is writing. He has a very exciting Stephen King-inspired short film on the way, which he began writing for a student scholarship. It was initially rejected because it wasn’t on King’s approved short list, but “I wound up reaching out to his agent with nothing to lose, asking for a commercial contract to option it. He responded saying that I wasn’t a big enough name. I went back again for a non-commercial contract because I really believed in the story and then he said okay, and gave me a special contract. I’m psyched! Now I’m trying to put a crew together to take a swing at this.”

Spencer Sherry

COVID has given Spencer the chance to dig in and develop projects to shoot in the fall. “We’ve been really fortunate because business on the landscaping side didn’t slow down at all, and we’ve been able to push each other to work on film projects. I’ve written more than I ever wrote in a year. The pandemic made me get the confidence to write for the sake of writing.  For me personally, I’ve had this trepidation of wanting to save a project when I have the technology, funds, and the means to make a film. Now I just want to crank out stories with very little fear of it being made. The nebulousness of Covid helped with my trepidation.”

The Upstate community is invaluable

Outside of honing his craft and leaning into exploring writing, Spencer has been delving more into the local film community. To Spencer, the Upstate community is invaluable. “It’s so much tighter here than it is in bigger cities. No one in New York wants to help a lowly PA on their passion projects. But here people are willing to help, getting locations is easier, people are so much more accommodating. It outweighs the potential money that can be made.” 

If you want to see Spencer’s work check out his IMDB here, otherwise stay tuned for his projects to be filmed this fall!

  • SYMONE NOELLE | Singer-Songwriter

Last but certainly not least, meet Symone Noelle a singer-songwriter who has used the pandemic to fully launch her creative path. Formerly an interior designer, Symone is no stranger to a creative career, but music has always been her passion. “Covid provided a big push for me to follow my music. It was a challenging time for my mental health but it encouraged me to not sit around and let things happen. With my music it was a now or never kind of thing.”

That encouragement pushed Symone right into the studio. She’s releasing her new single and video entitled “All for You” in August, and is preparing for her EP’s release in spring of 2022. She describes her music as New Wave R&B in the same vein as Kehlani, SZA, and 6LACK, but doesn’t limit herself to one genre. “My EP will be more than just R&B. It will have a little bit of everything. Neo-soul, Alternative, Rock and New Wave R&B.  I don’t want to be just one thing.”

Symone Noelle
Upstate is like a family

As Symone is exploring her sound and making her mark in the music world, she has also been exploring the music scene both Upstate and in New York City. “I think that New York and Upstate have a lot to offer, but what sets Upstate apart from the hustle and competitiveness of New York is the network here. It’s almost like a family, people help each other out on projects and work together.” She is happy to get her start here. 

You can check out Symone’s music on Spotify. Click here for her IG.

  • Written by: Arielle Steele

7 Cool CapNY Healthcare Career Tracks for Non-Clinical Professionals

Updated: July 2025

When you walk the halls of a healthcare facility — especially the hospital — you will notice all the letters after the doctors’ names.
However, I’m happy to report that there are MANY great, behind-the-scenes health care careers that are keeping patients and community happy and healthy all across the CapNY.

Many of us non-medical workers have had to Google a long clinical acronym or ask Siri to explain the medical condition discussed in today’s 9 AM meeting. In fact, I learned today that the health care industry is also referred to as the “medical industry.” This sector includes any business that facilitates getting healthcare to patients. Think: urgent care and pharmaceuticals to insurance companies and beyond.

Those of us without clinical backgrounds have very rewarding and successful careers in the healthcare industry. And, once you are in with an organization, the opportunities are endless.

Check out these seven exciting non-clinical career paths you might want to consider.

  • 1. Vendor and Contract Management, Health Insurance Provider

Neil O’Brien-Bosselman, Director, Program Management, Ancillary Contracts at MVP Healthcare has a great perspective on the wide variety of opportunities and backgrounds in the healthcare industry.

“Operational teams in the Health Insurance space are made up mostly of non-healthcare professionals who have very diverse educational and work experience. For example, my team has backgrounds in business administration, finance, and data science. Their skills and previous work history provide them with a unique approach to solving operational issues. We think outside of the box and aren’t afraid to take risks.” 

Neil wants young professionals to know there is always significant growth potential in the health insurance model. It is an ever-changing world – and MVP in particular, is always hiring for many different types of professionals.

  • 2. Fundraising & Philanthropy

Almost all hospitals have a Foundation or Philanthropy legs of their organization. Many projects and new equipment are likely partially or entirely funded by grants and/or community donors. These professionals excel at relationship building and community involvement in order to secure these generous gifts.

“There is an incredible responsibility that comes with supporting the community,” says Victoria Hostig, Director, Community Relations & Executive Director, CDPHP The Foundation. “The real magic happens when you meet the people who are being helped by your gifts. We take great pride in working with more than 600 not-for-profit organizations each year.”

Her advice for someone interested in this type of role: lead with a passion for giving back to the community. This job is not about giving away money. It’s about making an impact on people.”

  • 3. Operations and Safety

Taylor Mickle, Manager of Operations and Safety at Ellis Medicine, started as a part-time transporter when he was an undergrad. Now, he is managing large projects within the department of mental health. “There are always new challenges that come up, and my days never feel stagnant. I often get to wear many hats, working on finance or project management to patient, staff, and environmental safety. There are so many different things in a day — I do not just sit at a desk. I am always learning something new, which allows me to grow professionally”. 

His advice for anyone interested in heading down a career in healthcare…get involved in any way that you can. Try an internship or an entry-level position. Healthcare is no different than any other field; there is always a place for hardworking, dedicated professionals. When he first started, one thing that surprised him was him not having a lot of healthcare experience or a clinical background was not unique. It was actually very common!

  • 4. Dining & Nutritional/Culinary Services

The thought and creativity put into food offerings in healthcare cafeterias is really impressive. Depending on the hospital, there are thousands of employees alone that eat their meals here, plus hundreds of patients who must eat well to aid in their healing. And, family members and visitors need good food while putting in bedside shifts.

“I get up every day ready to come to work. I was biology major, and, thanks to this job, I’ve discovered a real love for food service. It’s a fast-paced environment and very rewarding,” says Steven Stannard of Albany Medical Center. “Every day is different and I love the family environment. We work as a team.” “There are good benefits and the people are great,” says fellow AMC employee, Rukundo Nsanzurwanda

Food service employees also appreciate the stability and comraderie of healthcare. Chef Carol Gaggi of Ellis Hospital says, “I worked in restaurants first but they did not have any perks, like set schedules, benefits, vacations, etc.  I really like the stable hours, the ability to do different jobs and of course, the people.”

  • 5. Marketing & Communications

I may be partial, but I think the marketing teams have the best jobs in healthcare. If you get jazzed about being involved with just about everything, have endless curiosity, and thrive in a diverse environment – then dive headfirst into marketing and communications in the healthcare space.

In my first year at Ellis, I was part of four major advertising campaigns that included eye-opening focus groups, an autopsy (yes, you read that right, I asked to see an autopsy), large scale public relations efforts, and over 20 sponsorships and community events. And remember, I have absolutely zero clinical experience or background. I have often left a meeting with a list of ‘things to Google’ so that I could quickly sound somewhat knowledgeable on what a pulmonary embolism is or what acute care entails. But all of these moments and experiences are what continue to make my job so exciting.

  • 6. Project Management and Business Development

Cailin Burke, Sr. Project Management Specialist at St. Peter’s Health Partners started her healthcare career in the Volunteer Dept. and quickly took on more and more responsibility. Now she helps lead different key business initiatives at St. Peters Medical Associates in partnership with a variety of different service lines and medical practices. “Healthcare is an incredibly rewarding industry to work in and is unlike any other industry I’ve experienced. It’s fast paced, ever-changing and demanding. The best qualities to embrace as a healthcare employee is patience and resilience.” Like many of us in healthcare the reward is always greater than any challenges. Even ‘behind the scenes’ work like project management makes a significant impact on the care patients receive and their experience.

  • 7. Organizational Development and Human Resources

An enthusiastic Gen Z in the infancy of her career, Naresha Murray, Organization Development and Training Coordinator at Ellis, is involved in duties way outside of the realm of HR. In her “official” role, she manages the Employee Orientation program, which exposes her to all areas of the organization. As one of the first faces our newest employees see when coming on board, she welcomes and guides them through their first days as part of the Ellis family.

Naresha is also part of the Code Gray Response Team. I was surprised to hear that anyone would choose to be involved in this crisis diversion group. As part of the response team, when a Code Gray (violence in the workplace – primarily in the ED or on our Mental Health Units) is called, she, along with a team of other employees, work to diffuse the situation. It’s a high adrenaline change of pace for her from her usual to-do list. “The balance of having both keeps me challenged, motivated, and continuously growing. I love that I have the opportunity to be a part of something that I had once assumed was only appropriate for those with a clinical background”.

These are only seven non-clinical career paths one can take within the healthcare industry, there are so many more and at different levels of an organization. Just remember to have an open mind, absorb all that you can, be flexible, ask questions, and know that wherever you are and whatever you are doing in this industry, you are making a difference in the lives of patients and your community. Oh, and, whether it be a hospital or an insurance company, they are ALWAYS hiring!

  • Written by: Leah Lapointe

The New Tech Valley: 5 CapNY Companies With Global Impact

Updated: July 2025

Meet the amazing tech companies that make CapNY one of the nation’s fastest growing metro areas for manufacturing jobs!

We’ve Come a Long Way

In the late 1990s, under the moniker “Tech Valley,” NY’s Capital Region committed to competing with major tech players like Boston and Silicon Valley. 

Now, CapNY has built a strong foundation of tech-centered education at RPI. Plus, companies like Global Foundries and General Electric — and others you’ll meet below — are making major strides in industries like medicine, software, semiconductors, and more. 

CapNY has increased semiconductor patents and has been named a top contender location for tech jobs. Additionally, CapNY is one of the fastest growing metro areas for manufacturing jobs!

Here’s the scoop on some of the hottest CapNY “Tech Valley” companies you should know…

GLOBALFOUNDRIES (GF), Malta

GLOBALFOUNDRIES® (GF®) is a global semiconductor manufacturing company. Translation: GF produces chips that power everything from smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to 5G and automobiles! And, since 2009, over $15 billion has been invested in GF’s flagship manufacturing site, Fab 8, located in Saratoga County. 

Worldwide, GF employees approximately 15,000 people at sites in 14 locations across the world. 3,000 of them work right here in CapNY. A 2018 Georgetown University study on the Economic Impact of GF on the Capital Region identified over 18,000 jobs created since 2009. There’s also been expansion of regional infrastructure, housing, entertainment, and other attractions in Saratoga County and the region overall. 

GF is also committed to CapNY’s STEM education. “Our partnerships with the Capital Region’s colleges and universities help support our talent pipeline,” Benyon said. “(We’re) engaging K-12 students through science fairs, STEM expos, career panels and career fairs. We see STEM continuing to grow in our area, which is critical to our future talent pipeline.”

The range of opportunities at GF is impressive. “GF employs engineers and technicians, as well as people in IT, finance, business, operations and more,” said Peter Benyon, VP and General Manager at Fab 8. “Through our diversity and inclusion initiatives, GF is increasing representation of women and developing them at all levels within the company. Many of our women leaders have been recognized for excellence by community organizations.”

PVA, Cohoes

This Cohoes-based company creates equipment used in automated dispensing and spray coating across industries from automotive electronics, medical, alternative energy, and aerospace. Translation: PVA’s customers employ their robotics to precisely glue parts together or selectively apply a protective film on circuit boards to protect electronics from moisture, vibration, and foreign debris.

PVA is routinely recognized as an industry leader. They are a three-time winner of Circuits Assembly’s Service Excellence Award. And, to great acclaim, PVA developed and manufactured an emergency ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being located in CapNY has been a huge positive for PVA. The Albany area is centrally located and has the benefits of a big city with a small city feel. The abundance of local colleges and universities provides a diverse, qualified pool of potential employees,” Hart said. And, “with customers around the world, the ease of Albany International Airport is vital. We have visitors and are shipping products daily.”

With sites in The Netherlands and China, PVA has a global reach from their Spindle City site. Exports account for over 60% of their total sales. Their customers are often in high volume manufacturing environments like China, Mexico, and India, according to Frank Hart, Managing Director – Global Sales and Marketing.

Kitware Inc., Clifton Park

Kitware creates custom R&D software solutions to help companies solve advanced scientific challenges. Some cool examples: They’ve built algorithms that can spot fake news or count marine wildlife, and technology that is used to help detect and treat cancer and plan complex surgery. Their computing tools can stimulate blood flow in the body for medical research, and others can analyze trends in climate data.

Founded in 1998 by Will Schroeder, Ken Martin, Lisa Avila, Bill Hoffman, and Charles Law, the leaders shared a passion to bring advanced visualization technology to the world. 

Using Kitware’s VTK software, this image depicts a particle and streamline visualization of airflow around a helicopter rotor. VTK allows us to render complex data at the high frame rates required for virtual reality.
One of Kitware’s core capabilities is artificial intelligence. We’ve developed software tools that allow scientists to analyze image and video data collected from different camera systems mounted on various platforms.

Early on, Kitware secured funding from the National Library of Medicine. This success led to an open source business model that eliminates competition and encourages collaboration. Impressively, they’ve grown from five original employees to over 200 worldwide, with over 100 in CapNY. And,the company remains 100% employee owned.

“Kitware is proud to have our roots and our headquarters in New York’s tech valley. We are surrounded by so much innovation and growth,” said Lisa Avila, president and CEO of Kitware. “CapNY offers some of the best culture, arts, and leisure activities in the country. The region’s proximity  to NYC and Boston, as well as the surrounding academic institutions, makes it an attractive place to live, work, play and learn.”

Vyv, Troy

Founded in Troy in 2012, Vyv (formerly Vital Vio) invented a revolutionary, UV-free approach to cleaning. Translation: Vyv’s antimicrobial lights allow people to live and work freely around Vyv lights, without the limitations of UVs. You’ll find Vyv products in overhead lighting, inside consumer products, behind elevator buttons, and in industrial processes. 

Vyv began when CEO and co-founder, Colleen Costello’s grandmother contracted a serious — and preventable — MRSA infection during hospital stay. A biomedical engineering student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Costello’s research revealed that this was not an isolated incident. As a result, she and a team of engineers at RPI developed a smarter way to manage bacteria levels. Subsequently, Vyv invented proprietary continuous-use, UV-free antimicrobial light technology.

From idea to implementation, Vyv has found CapNY to be an ideal home to build upon that bright idea. 

“This has been a great area to grow our company,” said Costello. “First, there is a high-quality talent pool coming from our universities. Also, the business ecosystems have helped us to grow. And, this area’s high quality of life make us feel fortunate to be part of this community.” 

Vyv partners globally with FORTUNE 500 companies, including Delta Air Lines, Dorel Juvenile, Broan-Nutone, Middleby and a myriad of major healthcare systems.

Regeneron, Rensselaer and Troy

Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company that invents life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases, from eye diseases to cancer.

The company was founded by physician-scientists in 1988 and they quickly recognized the importance of in-house production capabilities. Therefore, they acquired the former Sterling Pharmaceuticals facility in Rensselaer and began making product for clinical trials.

Today, all of Regeneron’s nine FDA approved medicines are made at their production site in Rensselaer. In 2018, the company announced they would invest $850 million to expand existing operations and build a new fill and finish facility on Tempel Lane in East Greenbush.

Most recently, they stepped up to aid in COVID-19 treatment and research. Their antibody cocktail helps those suffering from the disease experience less severe symptoms and hopefully, make a strong recovery. More on that here.

When asked why Regeneron likes doing business in CapNY, Christine Childrose, Vice President of Human Resources responded, “The Capital Region has been a great place for Regeneron to grow and expand. In the last three years alone, we have hired more than 1,300 talented people with more than 30% of our entry level roles coming from local colleges and universities. With excellent school districts, an affordable cost of living, vibrant downtowns and a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities, the Capital Region is also increasingly attractive to people looking to relocate for a better quality of life.”

  • Written by: Lauren Mineau