Rochester Economic Leader Wins Top 50 National Honor

When you help bring companies like Toyota Material Handling, fairlife, and Edwards Vacuum to your region, people notice. Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, just proved that on a national stage.

Hurlbutt earned a spot on North America's Top 50 Economic Developers list from consulting firm Consultant Connect. The annual award recognizes professionals who've made measurable differences in their communities, with nominations coming from peers across the industry.

For 18 years, Hurlbutt has worked at Greater Rochester Enterprise, spending the last seven as its leader. During that time, he's helped attract major investment projects that brought jobs and growth to the nine-county region surrounding Rochester, New York.

His strategy centers on showcasing what makes Greater Rochester special: a highly educated workforce, a business-friendly climate, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Those aren't just talking points. They've convinced companies to choose Rochester over competing locations again and again.

The Ripple Effect

When economic developers succeed, entire communities benefit. The companies Hurlbutt helped attract didn't just build facilities. They created jobs, supported local suppliers, and gave workers paychecks that circulate through neighborhoods.

Edwards Vacuum manufactures high-tech equipment. Fairlife produces dairy products. Toyota Material Handling makes forklifts and warehouse equipment. Each represents different industries, but all found what they needed in Greater Rochester because someone championed the region.

This isn't Hurlbutt's first recognition either. Last year, the New York State Economic Development Council named him Economic Developer of the Year for the entire state. Now his impact is being acknowledged across North America.

He'll be honored at ECONOMIX, a leading economic development conference, on November 10 in Grand Rapids. There, he'll join 49 other professionals who've proven that smart, persistent work can transform regional economies.

The award matters because it shows what's possible when leaders focus on their community's strengths and work to share them with the world.