Finger Lakes Economic Development Center of Yates County

09/16/2026

A bottle of wine, cider, beer or spirits may look like the end of the story.

In Yates County, it’s really the middle.

The story can begin with a farmer growing grapes, apples, or grains.

It continues with a producer transforming this ingredients into a finished product.

Then comes the tasting room, restaurant, retailer, lodging provider or event that brings people into the community.

And along the way, the economic impact spreads.

That’s the farm to glass ecosystem and it’s one of the reasons Yates County’s agricultural and craft beverage industries are so important to the county’s economic future.

09/14/2026

What starts on a farm can end up supporting an entire local economy.

In Yates County, grapes, apples, grains and other agricultural products help fuel a growing craft beverage industry. One connecting farmers, producers, tasting rooms, restaurants, retailers, tourism businesses and local workers.

There are 100+ wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries in and around Yates County, with the craft beverage industry contributing more than $30 million annually to the local economy and supporting 750+ full- and part-time jobs.

That’s why Farm to Glass is more than a great experience.

It’s economic development in action.

Follow along this week as we explore the people, businesses and industries behind Yates County’s Farm to Glass economy.

09/02/2026

🚀 LEAD THE FUTURE: Leadership Yates County Applications Are Now Open!

Whether you are a company CEO refining your strategic vision or a rising manager leading an expanding team, Leadership Yates County is built to elevate your impact. The FLEDC has again partnered with Intent to develop and facilitate this premier 6-part executive series, equipping high-potential leaders with practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity, and regional vision.

Why Join the Next Cohort?

* Proven Track Record:* 100% of inaugural participants reported transformative growth in their ability to lead with purpose and confidence.

* Actionable Curriculum:* Master strategic thinking, team alignment, feedback frameworks, and organizational change.

* Cross-Industry Perspective:* Engaging with leaders across diverse sectors brings fresh insights to solve complex operational challenges.

* Lasting Network:* Build deep connections with local peers and grow alongside executives driving Yates County forward.

"This isn't a training session. It's an opportunity to learn and grow as a leader alongside my colleagues." - Member of the 2025 cohort

Key Program Details:

* Application Deadline: October 31st
* Program Start Date: January 28th
* Location: Keuka College

👉 Ready to elevate your leadership journey?
Learn more about the program and apply online by October 31st at www.fingerlakesedc.com/leadership-yates

08/31/2026

Now THAT is how you support a local business in Downtown Penn Yan! 👏

The crowd was out the door and around the block for the “Stuff the Bag” sale at Simplicity on Main. Seeing our sidewalks full of neighbors supporting downtown businesses is exactly what makes living and working in Yates County so special.

Congratulations to the Simplicity on Main team! Next time you're downtown grabbing lunch or enjoying Keuka Lake, make sure to pop in, say hello, and shop local.

08/18/2026

Black Squirrel Farms receives the Manufacturing Business of the Year award for its innovative approach to sustainability, agriculture, and rural economic impact. 👏

Led by Sara Tyler (On the right in the top photo), New York State’s first 20-C licensed black walnut processing facility is turning an overlooked local resource into a growing range of value-added products, from walnut oil and soaps to BBQ smoking chips.

08/18/2026

Excited to have John Kriese and Jason Henderson from the Yates County Farm Bureau joining us this Thursday (8/20) for our Open Mic discussion on WFLR at 8:30am to talk all things agriculture in Yates County . Hope you can tune in!

08/17/2026

As Chair of the Keuka College Community Associates Board, presenting the Donald and Corrine Stork Award for Community Service is always one of my absolute favorite days of the year!

It is a privilege to gather with our Keuka College family and local community members to honor those who embody what it means to be "actively engaged" in lifting up everyone around them.

This year, we had the honor of recognizing Steve and Susan Heller.
As I shared during the celebration, Steve and Susan remind us that community isn’t just where we live—it’s a promise we make to show up, lend a hand, and leave things better than we found them.

Thank you, Steve and Susan, for setting such an inspiring example of a life lived with purpose! And to the Stork family and everyone who joined us to celebrate, thank you for continuing this incredible legacy of community engagement.

Read more about their story and this year's ceremony:

More than 100 friends and supporters attend a College luncheon to honor the Penn Yan couple.

08/05/2026

Our Welcome to Yates event tomorrow has been postponed due to conflicts. We will send an update out regarding the next WTY when we have more information.

06/07/2026

06/05/2026

We are very excited to announce that our new website is live! 🖥️

The updated user-friendly FLEDC website has been built to better connect residents, businesses, employers, and our future community members with the resources and information they need. 🔗

From business support to community information, the new website is designed to make it easier to explore what makes Yates County such a special place to live, work, grow, and invest. 🌱

Explore the new site at fingerlakesedc.com