"We had to reinvigorate or reshape our economy and we've been doing that. Two-thirds of the deal flow of Empire State Development last year was upstate," Gunderson said.

But recently, Governor Paterson announced he wants to reorganize the agency and combine the upstate-downstate branches, prompting speculation that Gundersen's job is on the line.

Earlier this week, Avi Schick, the president of the agency, stepped down, citing personal reasons. This follows Patrick Foye's resignation in March as downstate chairman.

Ever since the rumors first surfaced, politicians all across upstate have been rallying behind Gundersen, even using this groundbreaking as a stage.

Gundersen addresses rumors of job speculation

As the governor calls for the reorganization of the Empire State Development agency, there are questions about what such a move would mean for the upstate chairman, Dan Gundersen. There is fear among many leaders in upstate that Gundersen may lose his job and they're worried the work he has done will be lost along with him. Our Karen Lee explains.

"He really understands the upstate economic economy and he understands that New York State could be stronger as one," said Matthew Ryan, the Binghamton mayor.

"It's a pride, it's a coming together that had not existed for decades and unity of purpose, upstate came together. Now what we need to do is come together as a full state," said Gundersen.

Both Paterson and Gundersen have yet to make an official announcement, but the economic czar says he has been in talks with the governor's office.

"I have said that for me, this isn't a job it's a cause and I have thrown myself into this cause and my interest is in staying with it if my skills and if my talents can be called upon," said Gundersen.