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Cortland County

In the Heart of New York State

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Contact Info

Garry L. VanGorder
Executive Director

40 Main Street, Suite A
Cortland, New York 13045

Phone: 607-756-5005
Email: garry@cortlandbusiness.com
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Karen Niday

Karen Niday

CFO/Economic Development Specialist

Karen Niday began working for the Cortland County Business Development Corporation and the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Project Development. Her role as Director of Project Development has included the formation and coordination of the Cortland County Empire Zone Program as well as assisting the organizations with the management of economic development resources for Cortland County business development.

Prior to joining the BDC/IDA as an employee, Karen worked with the two agencies as a private contractor providing bookkeeping and accounting services since 1993.  With a background in accounting/finance, her prior experience included working with Galileo Corp, an electro optics firm located in Sturbridge Mass in the executive offices serving as an assistant to the President of Sales, and as an assistant to the controller for Clenet Coachworks, a custom car manufacturer located in Southern California.

Upon moving to Central NY in 1987, she has been very involved with several not-for-profit organizations serving as a board member, treasurer and on numerous committees. In 2009 she was presented with the Andy Sonnek Memorial Award from the Cortland County United Way for her time and dedication to the organization.

Karen and her husband Tim currently reside in Tully NY.

Garry L. VanGorder

Garry L. VanGorder

Executive Director

garry@cortlandbusiness.com

Garry VanGorder was named executive director of the Cortland County Business Development Corporation and President/CEO of the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency in 2009 after serving eight years as executive director of the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Garry was a staff member of the Metropolitan Development Association, Central New York’s premier regional economic development entity now known as Centerstate CEO. He began his career as a general assignment reporter at newspapers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York, and later worked as a communications specialist for Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.

A Cortland County native, he holds an Associate’s Degree in Journalism from the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical College at Morrisville and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from SUNY Oswego.

Mr. VanGorder is Board Chair for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, president of the Cortland Regional Sports Council board of directors, board member ex officio of the Cortland Downtown Partnership, a member of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, co-chair of the $10 million Cortland Downtown Revitalization Initiative, board member for the Cortland Housing Assistance Council, and a participant in a host of other community initiatives.

Garry and his wife, Valarie, live in Cortland.

Eric Mulvihill

Economic Development/Community Relations Specialist

Eric Mulvihill was named as an Economic Development Specialist with the Cortland County Business Development Corporation in 2021 after serving for five years as the Clerk of the Cortland County Legislature.

Prior to his appointment as Clerk to the Legislature Eric was the News Director of local radio station WXHC based in Homer. Eric started his career in journalism in 2001 working for Eagle Broadcasting.
Eric is a lifelong resident of Cortland County, he has spent several years serving in various service and volunteer organizations including the Homer American Legon, Chairman of the Homer Winterfest, and the County traffic Safety Board.

Eric currently serves as the President of the Cortland County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Board of Directors.

Eric enjoys outdoor recreation activities including skiing, kayaking, and time with family and friends. He lives in the Village of Homer.