Manufacturing has long been a major driver of New York’s economy, shaping the development of the state with communities being built up around certain industries. And while the industrial landscape is very different than it was in the state’s formative years, one thing remains constant — the role of manufacturing as an economic cornerstone in communities across the state. Fulton is one such community. Perhaps most famous as the former home of Nestle, the city now calls itself home to manufacturers of many different stripes, who make products that are shipped around the world. Mayor Deana Michaels says the city is proud of that status, recognizing local manufacturers like Huhtamaki and Universal Metal Works by declaring October “Manufacturing Month” in Fulton. Michaels says these businesses are key to the health of the local economy and have played an important role in city improvement efforts. She also shares why she believes Fulton is a good home for manufacturers, and how she hopes to see the city’s manufacturers evolve in the future — as well as some of the efforts by the city to get more people interested in working in the industry. 

You can watch the full interview with Fulton Mayor Deana Michaels via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.