Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park
Announces Resignation of Daniel Fessenden

Fessenden to Retain Seat on CAFTP Board

GENEVA, NY – Today, Daniel J. Fessenden, executive director of the Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park (CAFTP), announced his resignation from the research park effective January 2, 2007. Fessenden said he leaves the position with great pride in the park's accomplishments and with deep gratitude for having had an opportunity to play a role in its establishment and growth.

“It has been my tremendous privilege to help launch the Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park,” said Fessenden. “The Technology Farm is well-positioned to become a significant contributor to our region’s economy and a unique venue for food and agriculture enterprises to gain competitive advantages by working closely with Cornell University.”

Fessenden has been elected to seat on the CAFTP board of directors, which will allow for his continued involvement with the organization. Hired as the Park’s first chief executive in September 2004, his board membership commences January 2, 2007.

Fessenden, a native and resident of Cayuga County, NY, has accepted a new position as executive director of the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Inc., near his family’s home in Auburn, NY.

“The Technology Farm has benefited greatly from Dan’s leadership, energy and vision,” stated Dr. Robert Seem, CAFTP president. “We are grateful for the solid foundation he has helped establish. His continued involvement as a board member will be an enormous advantage for the park.”

During Fessenden’s tenure, the CAFTP has:

• Completed a $10 million phase-one development transforming a former research farm into a university-based research park complete with high-end commercial infrastructure and a 20,000 ft. multi-tenant, business accelerator building;

• Developed solid working relationships with numerous Cornell University administrators, researchers, centers and departments to benefit the long-term viability of the Park;

• Secured more than $2.8 million of grant funding to support the initial development and operations of the Park;

• Received commitments from two governmental agencies to construct major, anchor facilities at the Park that will result in nearly $70 million of construction over the next two years:
o The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service will build a 59,000 ft² national Center for Grape Genetics Research; and
o The State of New York will construct a new, state-of-the-art, 80,000 ft² food testing laboratory.

• Recruited several new, emerging companies -- each working with Cornell University researchers -- as initial tenants of the Park;

• Launched a marketing strategy including participation in major food and biotechnology trade shows to promote The Technology Farm to established firms worldwide.

The Technology Farm will immediately launch a search for a new executive director, and hopes to have a new chief executive on board by early 2007. If necessary, the board will appoint an interim executive. Anyone interested in learning more about the position can find information at: www.thetechnologyfarm.com

The Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park, is also known as The Technology Farm. The 72-acre research park enables collaboration with world-class faculty at Cornell University and the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Tenants can link to cutting-edge research in food, agriculture and bio-based sciences.


# # #


MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Robert Seem 315.787.2388
Dan Fessenden 315.781.0070 x2010


© Copyright 2000-2006 ontariocountydev.org