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Hosted by our Economic Development Community Relations team, the inaugural State of Our Communities Summit brought together local leaders, innovators, and community members to collaborate, share ideas, and shape the future. Held at HQ in May to celebrate the International Economic Development Council’s 2025 Economic Development Week, this event marks the beginning of a lasting commitment to fostering partnerships, driving positive change, and strengthening the connections that make our communities thrive. Click on the links below to view the insightful content that was shared.
DAY 1
The summit began with opening remarks and a welcome message, setting the stage for two days of insights, collaboration, and community-driven conversations.
Niagara Bottling State of Our Communities Survey Results
We shared results from a survey distributed to over 650 community leaders, staff, utility partners, nonprofit organizations, and economic development groups. The session highlighted how this feedback has begun shaping Niagara’s community partnerships and support strategies.
Presenter: John F. Krug, Director of Economic Development, Niagara Bottling
Community Comes First: Building Reciprocal Local Partnerships
Panelists explored how to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that address local challenges and unlock meaningful engagement opportunities.
Presenters: Kevin Kieft, Manager of Economic Development, Niagara Bottling; Dr. Christine Bridges, Executive Director, Keep Jackson Beautiful; and Margaret Creighton, President & CEO, Positive Tomorrows
Finding Talent in Today’s Workforce
This session featured innovative workforce strategies and success stories from partners in Pennsylvania and Michigan focused on talent attraction and retention.
Presenters: Drea Silva, Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Niagara Bottling; Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development, Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc.; and Justin Al-Igoe, Executive Director, Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair
Economic Development: Building Long-Term Prosperity Together
Experts from Florida and Mississippi shared collaborative approaches to driving sustainable economic development and strengthening local economies.
Presenters: Patrick Drinan, Director of Economic Development & Community Relations, Niagara Bottling; Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County; and Justin Hall, Executive Director, Marshall County Industrial Development Authority
How We Move: Transportation and Infrastructure
The panel discussed the evolving role of infrastructure and transportation in enabling regional growth, featuring real-world examples from Indiana and Florida.
Presenters: Mike Malone, Vice President of Logistics Operations, Niagara Bottling; Marc Hildenbrand, Chief Director – Engineering & Operations, River Ridge Development Authority; and Crawford Powell, President, Clay County Economic Development Corporation
DAY 2
Day 2 began with welcome remarks from our Executive Vice President, Brian Hess.
Water is Life: Hydration, Health, and Wellness
We examined the vital role of water in health and wellness, highlighting research, nonprofit work, and quality standards supporting healthier communities.
Presenters: Laura Current, Vice President of Quality, Niagara Bottling; Dr. Colleen Muñoz, Director, University of Hartford – Hydration Health Center; and Elizabeth McSwain, Executive Director, Caramel Connections Foundation
Responding and Rebuilding: How Our Work Makes a Difference
This session showcased how Niagara and partners have responded to disasters and helped communities rebuild with resilience and long-term support.
Presenters: Lexi Taylor, Finance Operational Analyst, Niagara Bottling; Todd Fountain, General Manager of Emergency Preparedness, Duke Energy; and Mike Wedell, Deputy Chief, City of Ontario Fire Department
Culture: Delivering on Your Brand
Speakers shared how aligning organizational culture with brand values has helped drive meaningful community and economic engagement in Missouri and Alabama.
Presenters: Vanessa Perry, Director of Training & Talent Development, Niagara Bottling; Chris Gutierrez, President, KC SmartPort and Kansas City Area Development Council; John Sweatman, Director, City of Opelika Economic Development
We celebrated the people and communities who exemplify excellence in collaboration, impact, and innovation across Niagara’s network.
- Keep Jackson Beautiful – Enduring Impact Award
- Temple Economic Development Corporation – Economic Development Partnership Award
- City of Opelika – Governmental Partnership Award
- Caramel Connections Foundation – Outstanding Achievement by a Nonprofit
- City of Mesa – Innovation in Public-Private Collaboration
- Tangipahoa Parrish – Innovation in Public-Private Collaboration
- City of Groveland – Legacy Award
