Auburn Industrial Development Authority

The Auburn Industrial Development Authority (AIDA) is re-establishing its Marketing Committee to help advance our organization’s communication with businesses, developers, and the community more broadly.

AIDA is an economic development organization that provides financial assistance to businesses and developers that are making substantial capital investments in the City of Auburn. The intention of this financial assistance is to facilitate projects that will provide economic benefit to our community in the form of new jobs and wages, expanded tax revenues, needed goods and services, and more.  Examples of some projects that AIDA has supported include Logan Lofts, Hilton Garden Inn, Nucor Steel Auburn, Tessy Plastics, Prison City North, and Plaza of the Arts.

Our 2026 Workplan includes a handful of key activities and initiatives focused on crafting consistent messaging, information sharing, and public relations, although there could be some additional marketing related activities that arise throughout the year. Activities could include drafting press releases, letters, or other communications; planning events; creating marketing materials; engaging with community groups; etc.

We ultimately aim to have a committee of 5 to 7 people who are invested in Auburn’s growth and success, including those who live, work, own a business, and/or own property in the City.  Ideally, members of the committee would have some relevant experience in marketing, public relations, content creation, and/or a relevant skill set. That said, we also encourage emerging creatives and leaders looking to hone their skills in a real-world context to reach out!

It is anticipated that the Marketing Committee will meet 3 to 5 times from May to December, 2026 and 4-6 times annually thereafter. Each meeting would be an hour in length. There is also likely to be some light work and correspondence between meetings to help advance initiatives.

If you are interested in joining the AIDA Marketing Committee, please fill out the expression of interest form by April 30, 2026 to tell us a bit about you: https://tinyurl.com/aidamarketing. If you have any questions regarding the committee or the form, please email auburnida@gmail.com.

Gwen Webber-McLeod, Chair | Member at Large | 2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Leadership and Diversity Consulting | Current Employment: CEO, Gwen, Inc.

Terry Cuddy, Vice Chair | City Council | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29

Professional Background: Education & Graphic Design | Current Employment: Teacher, Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES; City Councilor, City of Auburn

Daniel Lovell, Secretary | School Board Member | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Information Technology, Marketing & Communications | Current Employment: Senior Systems Technician, Cayuga County; Member of the Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education

Tessa Crawford, Board Treasurer | Member at Large | Term2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Accounting | Current Employment: Business Executive, Auburn Enlarged City School District

William Andre | Member of Labor | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Union Operations and Labor Relations | Current Employment: Retired

Courtney Hennigan | Member at Large | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29

Professional Background: Human Services | Current Employment: Outreach Coordinator & Support Specialist, Cayuga County WIC

James N. Giannettino, Jr. | City Council (Mayor) | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Business Operations | Current Employment: Assistant Operations Manager for Community Computer/MEDENT; Mayor, City of Auburn

Karen Walter | Member-At-Large | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Civil Service (State & Local) | Current Employment: Retired

Matthew Del Favero | Member of Industry | Term: 2-5-26 to 1-31-29
Professional Background: Information Technology | Current Employment: Project Manager, Community Computer/MEDENT

The AIDA Board is appointed by the Auburn City Council.

Tracy Verrier | Interim Executive Director

Professional Background: Economic development professional | Current Employment: Owner/Member, Red Clover Consulting, LLC

Robert Poyer, Hancock Estabrook | Legal Counsel