Mohawk Valley mourns loss of economic-development leader

UTICA — With the sudden passing of Steven DiMeo on Wednesday March 6, the Mohawk Valley region and its residents lost more than just a family member or friend. The area lost an economic-development wizard who touched the lives of many residents who probably didn’t even know who he was. Through efforts like working to redevelop the former Griffiss Air Force Base to fighting years later to keep the Air Force Research Laboratory there, from persuading companies to open up shop in the Mohawk Valley and convincing others not to leave, “he has touched so many lives,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. says in an interview with CNYBJ. DiMeo wanted what was best for the Mohawk Valley, but never wanted the spotlight. DiMeo had a long career in economic development including serving as Utica’s commissioner of urban and economic development. But it was the 1993 decision to close Griffiss Air Force Base as part of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) that led DiMeo to Rome and, eventually to Mohawk Valley EDGE. He was appointed president after its creation and served in that role until his death, more than three decades later. DiMeo’s death generated an outpouring of condolences, praises for his accomplishments, and promises to carry forward the torch, from regional economic-development organizations, universities, politicians, and more. “I am saddened by the sudden passing of Steve DiMeo,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement provided to CNYBJ. “He was a visionary and a tireless advocate for his community, and his 30 years of service leading Mohawk Valley EDGE helped transform the region leaving it better off today than when he first started.” “Steve DiMeo was one of Utica’s best drum majors,” U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “We worked to rebuild Griffiss after BRAC; we fought New York Regional Interconnect when they tried to take advantage of Oneida County. We worked hand-in-glove to bring good-paying tech jobs to the county and game-changing companies like Wolfspeed to Marcy, along with so much more. Steve was a uniquely effective advocate, a partner, a friend, and just a good guy.” “Under his leadership, Mohawk Valley EDGE has been a long-time partner of the Oneida Indian Nation, and we are grateful for all of his efforts to promote economic development within the region,” Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said in a statement. “His passing is a great loss for all who knew him and the Mohawk Valley as a whole.” “Steve was a testament to the fact that one person can make a very big difference,” Empire State Development said in its statement. “While few successes are achieved alone, some are not possible without certain individuals. Steve was that person for the Mohawk Valley.” “He was a true legend and powerful supporter of everything Mohawk Valley,” NY CREATES President David Anderson said. “We will miss his matter-of-fact, yet kind, approach, along with his sense of humor, that enabled him to champion impactful progress.” “May we all find inspiration in Steve’s decades of contributions to the Mohawk Valley; and let us honor his legacy by carrying on his important work,” SUNY Polytechnic Institute posted on its Facebook page. As the area’s biggest advocate, DiMeo taught lessons that will help the area continue growing, Picente says, adding that the EDGE leader taught him to be bold. “If you don’t swing, you’re not gonna get a hit.” DiMeo’s swings, or grand visions to some, are what convinced Picente and countless others that the Mohawk Valley had something to offer. That push to be bold and go for the big swing, Picente notes, is what enabled him to bring the Utica University Nexus Center to life in Utica. DiMeo was such an expert at knowing all the pieces needed to put together an economic-development deal, no one person could ever fill the shoes he left behind, Picente says. But it’s important that the area keeps moving forward, building upon what DiMeo helped start.  “He’s left us with the blueprint,” Picente says. “I’m confident that his legacy will move us forward. We’re going to be ok because of him.” Services for DiMeo took place Thursday, March 14. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, three children, and five grandchildren.