Ithaca Area Economic Development Body Expands Business Support Team

The Ithaca Area Economic Development body has hired Andrew Beckmann as Director of business services and Hailey Grasso as a new business services associate, effectively doubling the size of the team dedicated to assisting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Beckmann brings a background including financial analysis at Cornell University Real Estate Asset Management and will oversee the group's revolving loan fund and administration of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency and Tompkins County Development Corporation. Grasso will support the team's work with an emphasis on customizing its customer relationship management system.

The hiring aims to strengthen the support structure for businesses and entrepreneurs in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Beckmann's expertise in finance and capital stacking was cited by Tompkins County Legislator Deborah Dawson as beneficial to the communities they serve. The body's work assists local businesses through technical and financial support.