The recent negativity surrounding the word “border” is quite remarkable. We see this division particularly evident in the U.S. southern border, where it has further deepened the distrust and animosity between political parties. However, examining the word’s history reveals its original meaning. “Border” is derived from the Old French term “bordeure,” which referred to the colorful edging that adorned the face of a shield. This concept of a circular band surrounding an area should encourage a more extensive conversation on utilizing the resources between the Capital Region in New York and the Berkshires region in western Massachusetts.
As a resident of the Hudson Valley who recently took over a clean tech start-up based in western Massachusetts, I’ve noticed a lack of dialogue regarding regional collaboration between the two states. Nevertheless, there are subtle indications that the groundwork has been laid. During one morning, I witnessed an Albany news show discussing Pittsfield schools. Additionally, RPI actively participates as a board member in the incredible Berkshire Innovation Center located in Pittsfield. Even the Albany Symphony has performed a Berkshire concert series on both sides of the border throughout the years.
It’s imperative that we recognize the economic and social interconnectivity between these two regions. Thankfully, achieving greater recognition is now easier as both states have politically aligned governors who genuinely desire to see emerging technologies and ideas outside of “Boston” and “New York City” thrive.
As our company plans to open its first final assembly facility in Pittsfield later this year, I’ve been impressed by the level of commitment displayed by the leaders in the Berkshires towards growing their region. Similarly, as we establish a small presence in Troy, every interaction with officials at RPI, Russell Sage, and the welcoming Troy Innovation Garage reinforces the idea that the necessary support exists.
CESMII, an organization hosted at RPI, has the potential to significantly boost clean technology development and deployment in the area. As the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, CESMII’s mission is to assist manufacturing companies in achieving world-class and efficient assembly operations. That’s why I’m thrilled that our recent acceptance into CESMII opens the door for collaboration beyond the New York-Massachusetts border.
Throughout my journey to establish SolaBlock as a dual Massachusetts-New York company, I’ve encountered resistance to the idea of a start-up being in two places simultaneously. However, my excitement about joining CESMII can be traced back to experiences in Youngstown, Ohio.
In 2012, I co-chaired the Cleveland-Pittsburgh TechBelt Initiative. Growing up in Youngstown, located between the two cities, I knew that northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania shared more similarities than differences. At the time, the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania dismissed our efforts, believing we wouldn’t make significant progress. That changed when President Barack Obama awarded the first public-private research center for advanced manufacturing to the TechBelt region, beating out prestigious institutions such as MIT and Georgia Tech.
Our victory came from the genuine unity of our application group, rather than a haphazard team put together solely to win the $70 million award. Subsequently, the governors took notice and praised us when a closed warehouse in downtown Youngstown was transformed into a center for 3D printing research. Borders become invisible when it comes to innovation.
Our company aims to replicate the successful partnership we fostered back then. We have executive offices, R&D, and sales in Troy, while manufacturing and operations will be in Pittsfield. I have a deep love for both states, particularly Troy and Pittsfield, which we currently call home. I appreciate that officials at NYSERDA and MassCEC understand our need to comply with both states’ green building mandates and momentum. If officials in New York and Massachusetts embrace the original concept of a border, the Capital-Berkshire Region will be a thriving circle filled with growth and opportunity.
– Eric Planey, CEO of SolaBlock Inc.
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