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Governor George E. Pataki to Receive The Business Council
Corning Award for Excellence
Annual Award to be presented at The Business Council Annual Meeting
ALBANY – Former Governor George E. Pataki has been named recipient of the 2026 Corning Award for Excellence by The Business Council of New York State, Inc. The award will be presented during an awards dinner at The Business Council’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
George E. Pataki served as New York’s 53rd Governor from 1995 to 2006. He began his political career as the youngest mayor of Peekskill and later served in the State Assembly and Senate. As governor, Pataki was a champion for the business community, delivering more than $147 billion in tax cuts, advancing regulatory reform, and helping create more than 700,000 private-sector jobs. He also led the state’s response to the September 11 attacks, protected over one million acres of open space, and promoted renewable energy. Since leaving office, he has continued his service through environmental consulting and the Governor George E. Pataki Leadership and Learning Center.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Corning Award,” said former Governor George E. Pataki. “New York’s strength has always come from its people and its businesses. Throughout my career, I worked to create opportunity, cut taxes, and build an economy where businesses and families could thrive. To be recognized for a lifelong commitment to the people of this great state is truly an honor. I thank Corning and The Business Council for this meaningful distinction.”
“The Business Council of New York State is proud to present the Corning Award for Excellence to former Governor George E. Pataki,” said Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State. “Governor Pataki’s leadership in cutting taxes, promoting job growth, and strengthening New York’s business climate helped lay the foundation for long-term economic progress across the state. His deep and sustained commitment to the people of New York makes him a most deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.”
The Corning Award, presented annually by Corning Incorporated and The Business Council of New York State, Inc., honors a New Yorker who has demonstrated outstanding professional accomplishment coupled with a deep and sustained commitment to the people of New York State. The award itself is a magnificent original work of Steuben Glass, handcrafted by master artisans in Corning, New York.
The Corning Award has been presented for 48 years by The Business Council of New York State, Inc. in partnership with Corning Incorporated. Recent recipients include Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO, The Business Council of Westchester (2025); John Catsimatidis, businessman and radio personality (2024); Kathy Wylde, President and CEO, Partnership for New York City (2023); Eric Mower (2022); G. Thomas Tranter, former President and Director of Community and Government Affairs, Corning Incorporated (2021); and H. Carl McCall (2020).
The Business Council Annual Meeting
The Business Council of New York State’s 2026 Annual Meeting will take place September 23–25, 2026, at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, New York. The three-day event will focus on the key issues facing New York’s business community, as well as the current and future political landscape shaping the state.
For more information about The Business Council Annual meeting, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit The Business Council Annual Meeting webpage.
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