Governor Cuomo visited Schenectady County Community College where he unveiled plans for the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council. The group is charged with developing a comprehensive business plan for the area. At stake, $1 billion from the state economic development fund, but they'll only have 90 days to convince the state they should get a piece of it. Our Solomon Syed has more.

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- "You have 10 different regions, you have 10 different economies."

That, as Governor Andrew Cuomo explained, necessitates his 10 region-specific economic advisory councils. Thursday, he revealed who will be on the Capital Region's team.

He continued, "I can't say to the Capital Region, 'this is what you must do.'"

Instead, that job will fall to RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson and fellow co-chair, SEFCU President and CEO, Michael Castellano. Together, with other business and academic leaders, they'll develop an economic growth plan tailored to the area's needs. Chief among them are nanotechnology and, of course, education.

"It's time for us to get together and move this region forward," said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.

"We're meeting next week and every week after that, it's going to be hectic, it's going to be a challenge," said Jeff Stark, president of the Greater Capital Region Building Trades Council and advisory council member.

They're competing with nine other regional councils for a piece of the billion dollar pie set aside in April's budget deal. The governor says some regions may go home empty-handed.

"We have this mentality of just give people a check, give them money, and whatever happens, happens," Cuomo said. "I think the federal model, the competitive model, works much better."

The team also feature's Albany Medical Center President James Barba, Stewart's President Gary Dake, and SUNY Albany president George Phillip.

However, Price Chopper CEO and well-known republican donor, Neil Golub, is not on the council.

"He's one of the individuals I think they definitely should be reaching out to, and getting his input," said Assemblyman Jim Tedisco. "If there's a more successful businessman than Neil Golub, I'm not sure who that might be."

Regardless of who they ultimately consult with, the council will have just 90 days, until November 14th, to submit what they hope is a winning strategy.