If you would like to get in touch with the BDC, feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about what Cortland County has to offer.
Cortland County Business Development Corporation
40 Main Street, Suite A
Cortland, NY 13045
Melanie Vilardi
Executive Director
Melanie@cortlandbusiness.com
Andrea Skeels
Chief Financial Officer
Economic Development/Community Relations Specialist
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.
Director of Finance and Project Development
Andrea began working for the Cortland County Business Development Corporation and the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency in 2024 as the Director of Finance and Project Development.
With a background in accounting and finance- her prior experience includes working for ALDI USA as an accountant, specializing in auditing and asset management, and most recently as an accountant and internal auditor for the Student Government Association and ASC of SUNY Cortland.
Born and raised in Homer, NY, Andrea’s love for local business started with her first job at Sarvay Shoe Company- a job she held through high school, college, and beyond. She is a graduate of Homer High School and SUNY Cortland.
Andrea still resides in her beloved hometown and enjoys spending time with her husband Adam and their 4 dogs.
Executive Director
Before this appointment, Brendan was most recently the Director of Community and Economic Development at The Agency, a local development corporation that serves as the IDA and BDC equivalent in Broome County, NY. In his time at The Agency, he helped secure nearly $2 million in state and federal grants to help small businesses and prepare development sites to become shovel ready. He has also assisted the Local Planning Committee at the Village of Johnson City in their Downtown Revitalization Award.
Brendan also previously served the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce as Director of Government Relations, and he currently sits on the Board and serves as the Treasurer for the Rural Health Network of South-Central New York.
Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife and young children and doing many activities geared toward his growing family.