Saratoga County Steps Onto the World Stage During Business Summit

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Economic Development Corp. brought Saratoga County to a worldwide audience last month at the International Business Exchange Summit. Saratoga was the only New York county represented among 248 international businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development professionals from California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio. 

The virtual event was designed to connect resources, people and locations to expand markets and launch international operations. Representatives from Canada, Ireland, and the European Union participated in the discussion. 

“This was a great opportunity to showcase Saratoga County, not only the economic development environment but the quality of life our residents enjoy every day,” said Greg Connors, president and CEO of SEDC, in a statement. “We made mutually beneficial connections to expand trade markets and open development opportunities for the Capital Region.”

Connors represented Saratoga County at the summit, along with County Executive Steve Bulger.

Local entrepreneur Martin Wawrla also joined the call to share his experiences building businesses in the Capital Region for the past 40 years. Wawlra moved to the United States from Austria as a young man, then started and sold three businesses over the course of his career. 

Wawrla’s advice was twofold: joining groups where you can talk to experienced business people will help you learn and grow, and even a small investment in real estate will help entrepreneurs secure funding for business development (Wawrla’s first purchase was a dilapidated home in Center Square for $11,000).

Following the International Business Exchange Summit, a familiarization tour of Saratoga County sites, suites, buildings, and public attractions is scheduled for early 2025 in partnership with We Are Global Irish leadership, hosts of the summit.