County Conversations

Making Local and Global Strides for the Future of Air Purification

In this episode we discuss air purification and how counties can continue to provide safe work environments. Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario for the conversation is Vinny Lobdell, HealthWay Family of Brand's® Global President. Vinny gives insight into the solutions his company has been providing to many since 2003, and he explains how his family's business successfully operated throughout the pandemic.

This Upstate NY company has been continuously learning how to best support each individual county with its top-of-the-line Air Purification Solutions. HealthWay® will be exhibiting at the upcoming NYSAC 2022 Legislative Conference on March 14-16th in Albany.

The Role of Disability Service Providers in the New York State Economy

This episode features a discussion on a recent Rockefeller Institute of Government report commissioned by the New York State Industries for the Disabled and the NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation.

The report includes a breakdown of the economic impact of 10 regions where NYSID Member Agencies provide employment to individuals with disabilities. The findings clearly show that disability service providers are major local employers and generate millions in annual revenues.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation are Katie Tucci and Jennifer Lawrence from NYSID.

Fostering Diversity and Creating Inclusive Workplaces

This episode features a conversation on ways to foster diversity in the county workforce and the role of the Chief Equity and Diversity Officer in working with stakeholders from across the organization to create an inclusive workplace environment. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Deanna Carrithers, Chief Equity and Diversity Officer with Tompkins County.

Keep Local Sales Tax Local

In this episode we discuss a top priority for counties this legislative session, eliminating the diversion of local sales taxes to fund state programs. Joining NYSAC’s Communications Manager Tom Oldfather is Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC’s Legislative Director, and Dave Lucas, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs.

To learn more about the priorities ahead for NYSAC this legislative session, be sure to visit our website at nysac.org/stateadvocacy.

Counties, Cities and Towns Weigh in on State Budget Proposal

NYSAC recently provided testimony to state lawmakers during the Joint Legislative Hearing on Local Government. The local government hearing is one in a series of joint senate and assembly legislative hearings to gather feedback on the Governor's proposed state budget, and offers elected officials and representatives of local governments an opportunity to brief lawmakers on the challenges they face and their priorities in the budget. 

In this episode, we’ll be hearing the testimony delivered by the three municipal associations representing local governments in New York State: NYSAC, NYCOM and AOT.

More resources and analysis of the Executive Budget Proposal can be found on our website at nysac.org/nysbudget.

What Local Leaders Need to Know about Cybersecurity

This episode features a conversation on cybersecurity and how local government leaders can be prepared for a cyber incident within your organization. NYSAC, in collaboration with the Center for Technology in Government at the SUNY Albany, recently published a Cybersecurity Primer for Local Government Leaders. As discussed in this episode, the Primer is geared for all the non-technical leaders within a county that must play a role as part of their county’s protection team.

Joining NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne for the conversation are Meghan Cook, Program Director for the Center for Technology in Government at the State University at Albany, Robert Corpora, Cortland County Administrator, and Glenn Marchi, Commissioner of the Dutchess County Office of Central & Information Services.

Visit nysac.org/cyber to download the Primer as well as additional documents, workshop and webinar recordings related to cybersecurity.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor for this episode, the New York State Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR).

Supporting Older New Yorkers with the Association on Aging in NY

In this episode we discuss opportunities and priorities for the year ahead in supporting older residents and their families. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Becky Preve, Executive Director of the Association on Aging in New York. To learn more about the Association on Aging and the resources they provide, visit their website at agingny.org.

2023 Executive Budget Proposal Highlights with NYSAC’s Legislative Team

Following the release of Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 Executive Budget Proposal, the NYSAC Legislative Team began analyzing the legislation and searching for new appropriations and programs as well as any new regulations or mandates.

In this episode, our team breaks down the top takeaways for county leaders from the budget proposal. Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire for the conversation are Patrick Cummings, NYSAC Counsel, and Dave Lucas, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs.

For all NYSAC analysis and reports, make sure to visit our website at nysac.org/nysbudget  

County Probation Departments: Challenges and Priorities for 2022

This episode features a conversation on the ever-changing roles and responsibilities of county probation departments, how recent changes to New York State’s criminal justice system have brought new responsibilities and challenges, and what county probation administrators will be advocating for in the upcoming legislative session.

Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is Luci Welch, Orleans County Probation Director and President of the NYS Council of Probation Administrators, along with Bob Iusi, Warren County Probation Director, and Chair of the Legislative Committee for COPA.

Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

This episode features a conversation on ways to foster a diversity in the county workforce and the role of the Chief Equity and Diversity Officer in working with stakeholders from across the organization to create an inclusive workplace environment.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Deanna Carrithers, Chief Equity and Diversity Officer with Tompkins County.