Jeffrey Bray, executive vice president of the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, has received the 2002 Robert T. Dormer Developer of the Year award.

The award was presented May 23 by NYSEDC at its Annual Meeting at the Otesaga in Cooperstown.

NYSEDC presents the Dormer Developer of the Year each year to an economic-development professional with an outstanding record of achievement in economic development, an unwavering commitment to the NYSEDC, and outstanding leadership in the profession.

“Jeff Bray has been consistently successful in a small rural county with few advantages of location, poor transportation access, an economy dependent on a single struggling industry, and an unemployment rate that was the highest in the state,” said Ron Coan, NYSEDC chairman.

“Despite these challenges, Jeff and the Fulton County EDC have developed a diversified economy that now boasts more jobs than that county has ever had.”

Bray has led successful efforts to develop more than two million square feet of office parks, with capital investments exceeding $125 million. He has also helped attract high-profile corporations such as Wal-Mart and Spalding. And he has led successful efforts to finance some $4.5 million in small-business investments while developing more than 2,000 new jobs.

Bray is also known for fostering a team-based approach to development, for public service, and for sharing his experience with younger professionals in seminars and workshops on economic development, McMahon said.

© 2002 New York State Economic Development Council