We’re thrilled to introduce you to our interns here at the EDC, starting with Haley West!
“Haley has been a wonder to watch here at the EDC,” said EDC President Jim Siplon. “She is very mature in her work, and her understanding of complex moving parts in our economy and community is exceptional. We are better for the time she has spent with us and know great things are in her future.”
Here she shares a bit about what she’s learned during her time with us at the EDC, her career goals, what she loves most about life in Warren County, and more…
On School and Career
My name is Haley West. I graduated from Warrensburg Junior-Senior High School in June of 2024, and I will be attending the University at Albany in the fall to study Business Administration in hopes to get my MBA. In high school, I was a part of the Senior National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. I was also a part of the Early College Career Academy program through SUNY Adirondack and WSWHE BOCES, where I took various college-level business and entrepreneurship courses. In the future, I hope to have a management or marketing position within a business.
On Life in Warren County
I have lived in Warrensburg my whole life. I love how beautiful the Warren County area is, from the nature to the history. Some of my favorite things to do in the region are to spend time in Lake George, do various activities in nature, and go shopping.
Outside of school, I spent most of my time dancing. I have danced competitively for around 10 years, and it is something I have always been very passionate about. I would participate in 2-3 competitions a year along with a spring performance, a performance of The Nutcracker, and an annual recital through my dance studio.
On Economic Development in Warren County
I have been an intern with the EDC for about 8 months now. I initially started this internship to fulfill a Work-Based Learning requirement through my ECCA program, but I quickly fell in love with the environment and the work being done at the EDC, leading me to stay much longer.
This role holds significant importance to me because throughout my life I have witnessed the economic evolution of Warren County without fully understanding the underlying processes and efforts. It brings me a profound sense of purpose to see the changes happening around us – changes that might go unnoticed by many – and to know that I have contributed to some of these transformations.
During my time at the EDC, I have learned about the extensive resources available in the Warren County region, which has greatly improved my perception of the area. Some of the most interesting projects I have worked on include my involvement with the Partnership for Community Belonging and researching the substantial impact of healthcare on our economy. So far, I have gained a deep understanding of the importance of networking, business relationships, and available resources. Most importantly, I have learned about the extensive efforts required to drive change.
