BROOKLYN, N.Y. — As New York continues expanding its manufacturing economy and investing in its energy industry, Sports Power Infrastructure (SPI) and the Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA) today announced the launch of the inaugural Athletes Make The Best Workforce + Supplier Market Report | Energy + Manufacturing. The initiative marks the latest milestone in the organizations' growing strategic partnership to help governments, utilities, manufacturers, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations strengthen workforce development, supplier participation, and community benefit programs. Serving New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson, the regional market intelligence initiative is designed to help New York's energy and manufacturing industries leverage the leadership, discipline, and competitiveness of athletes to advance local content and domestic content objectives while creating new workforce, supplier, and economic opportunities.
New York's manufacturing sector contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state's economy and employs more than 410,000 workers. At the same time, billions of dollars are being invested to modernize the electric grid, expand generation and transmission infrastructure, strengthen energy resilience, and grow advanced manufacturing. Together, these investments are creating significant demand for skilled workers, qualified local suppliers, and stronger community partnerships.
Research shows athletes develop many of the qualities employers value most, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, discipline, and accountability. Studies have also found that former athletes are more likely to become entrepreneurs, making them a strong pipeline for workforce development, supplier growth, and small business creation.
From August 1 through October 31, 2026, the initiative will survey teen, adult, and senior athletes across New York City, Long Island, and the Mid Hudson. Participants who complete the free survey will be entered to win premium sports and entertainment experiences while contributing to the inaugural Athletes Make The Best™ Energy + Manufacturing Workforce & Supplier Market Report, scheduled for release in November 2026.
The report will provide employers, utilities, manufacturers, government agencies, workforce organizations, educators, economic development leaders, and policymakers with actionable insights to strengthen hiring, supplier development, and community benefit strategies across New York's energy and manufacturing economy.
"New York's manufacturing and energy industries are creating extraordinary opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs, and local suppliers," said Philip Rugile, President of the Institute for Workforce Advancement. "This report will help identify talent, strengthen local supplier networks, and maximize the impact of these historic investments while advancing local content throughout the region."
"Athletes already possess many of the qualities employers are seeking," said Tenicka Chaney, Managing Director of Sports Power Infrastructure. "By transforming athletic performance into workforce and supplier intelligence, we can help employers discover talent, help entrepreneurs grow businesses, and help more New Yorkers participate in one of the state's largest economic opportunities."
Sports Power Infrastructure also invites qualified nonprofit organizations to become Community Benefit Partners. Through the Sports Power Infrastructure Fund™, managed by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization The SPIN Foundation, selected organizations may receive mini grants supporting workforce development, supplier readiness, career training, and community engagement across New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region.
The initiative will also include participation in regional energy and manufacturing events throughout the fall, including the Sports Power Energy + Manufacturing Social on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Brooklyn. Held during National Manufacturing Month, the event will bring together employers, utilities, manufacturers, investors, nonprofit organizations, educators, government leaders, and community partners to strengthen workforce, supplier, and community benefit opportunities across New York's energy and manufacturing economy.
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