May 18, 2009

ITHACA--Cornell University President David Skorton will lead a task force that will diversify and strengthen New York State's economy. 

  The Govermor issued an executive order last week to create the task force.  President Skorton says now, it is more important than ever to help the state's economy.       

   Skorton says he was humbled when Governor David Paterson asked him to lead a new task force that will bring together the state's leaders in education and industry.  The purpose is to study and make recommendations on how to better grow and diversify New York's economy.  

    Paterson says he doesn't want the state too dependent on any one sector of the economy.  The task force will look for areas of industry where New York has an advantage over other states, and then look for ways to expand and grow that industry.  Skorton says food, wine, and research technology will all be closely examined.      

   President Skorton will work alongside some of the state's most important business leaders; like Corning Inc.'s CEO Wendell Weeks and former New York City Deputy Mayor John Dyson.  Skorton says together, along with resources from the state's colleges and universities, they will help revamp and revitalize the state's economy.      

   Governor Paterson says on or before December 15th, the task force will issue its recommendations.