Student Intern Contributing to Business Vitality

ONEONTA—Victoria Spina, a rising senior from Hartwick College, has joined the Innovation and Acceleration Center at Otsego Now as its marketing intern this summer. The center, which opened in February, helps small businesses and entrepreneurs launch their ideas and businesses in Otsego County.

Conducting market research and creating digital content for a manufacturer in Morris is among Spina’s early accomplishments. Her talents are ramping up with a sales campaign for New Path Label Applicators, owned by Paul and Julie Koch. They make a simple, easy-to-use machine to apply adhesive labels to flat packaging without needing pneumatics or compressors.

“I’m very excited to be working so closely with the community. I love learning about all the businesses and being able to help them achieve their goals,” says Spina, who lives in Worcester. “This label applicator may end up around the world and I can say I helped develop and launch a marketing campaign.”

Spina is pursuing her bachelor’s degree with a double major—business and art—as well as an anthropology minor.

The next significant project for Spina is developing a business and service database with the Regional Innovation Council, a project led by SUNY Oneonta. Under the direction of Innovation Acceleration Center Coordinator Tammy Graves, Spina is discovering the region’s business enthusiasts.

“Victoria is playing an integral role in our business service offerings,” said Graves. “Otsego Now is delighted to offer this invaluable opportunity to college students who are passionate about a hands-on, immersive experience.”