Dear Council Members, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for donating your time and talent

to help advance the Capital Region Economic Development Council. Over the past year, we have developed a Strategic Plan that will advance our region and help make New York work for business and its residents. I have enjoyed getting to know you all, and am thankful for the new friendships and professional relationships that have developed out of our work together to make our Region a destination of choice. I also need to give a special thank you to our executive committee and workgroup leads: James Barba, Dennis Brobston, Todd Erling, Rocky Ferraro, Bill Hart, Linda Hillman, Ann Moynihan, Michael Tucker, and Omar Usmani. Your efforts truly helped to shape our plan and advance our region. Collaboratively, our Council has developed a solid plan to redefine how our region approaches economic development. When Governor Cuomo proclaimed our State was Open for Business, it was a proud moment for all New Yorkers. We should continue to applaud the Governor and Lieutenant Governor Duffy for enabling this paradigm shift. There is no question going forward, the new New York does work for business! I believe that the progress report we have submitted, along with the projects we have deemed priorities will secure the necessary funding to help businesses expand and improve the lives of the residents in our region. As we are ending this phase and gearing up for phase three, I believe the timing is right to make a change in the leadership of our Council. With that said, I will be stepping down as co-chair of the Capital Regional Economic Development Council, effective today, October 3, 2012. I speak for everyone on my team when I say we enjoyed hosting various events for the Council here at SEFCU. While we worked hard to advance the region, I hope you also enjoyed the food and beverage to help sustain your energy. I know I have many hours ahead of me on the treadmill to burn off some of the extra calories I took in during the marathon meetings! In all sincerity, thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance to make the Capital Region a destination of choice for business. I wish you all the best in future endeavors and hope that our paths cross again. Best regards, Michael Michael J. Castellana President & CEO SEFCU 700 Patroon Creek Blvd. Albany, NY 12206 This message may contain confidential information and is intended for the sole purpose of communication with the addressee. Dissemination or publication in any format is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error please notify SEFCU immediately.

Help save a tree. Please print this e-mail only if it is truly necessary. Thank you.