A presidential visit inspires pride for what this region has accomplished and promise for what's to come. As our Erin Vannella reports, Obama's presence here might do a lot more than just keep the capital district on the map.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- "You know, the governor pointed out to the President that there's one key anchor tenant that's missing here," said College of Nanoscience and Engineering CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. "It's the federal government and the Department of Defense."

Yes. For the nanotech school and the Capital Region, this visit is about making a good thing even better since hosting the President invites more eyes and more wallets to an increasingly valuable market player.

"So the hope is that as we bring the Department of Defense in as a partner that the President himself will recognize that," said Kaloyeros. "This is the place."

But while some in the industry want to use the visit to attract federal dollars, many present and future leaders say now is the time to bask in POTUS glory.

"This is the example that is held high for us to visualize a future in America that is driven by advanced manufacturing," said 21st Congressional District Representative Paul Tonko.

"It's a huge compliment I think to the nanoscale complex and to SUNY Albany to have the President here and honestly, I'm just honored to be here," said UAlbany student Lauren Bailey.

"The fact that the President is here today, he could've gone anywhere, 50 different states and he chose to come right here, "said 20th Congressional District Representative Chris Gibson. "So this is something we can all be proud of."

"I think it's a great opportunity that he came here and spoke at the University at Albany and everyone's going to see that we have a great school here," said UAlbany student Cassie Tavernier.

"When the President of the United States comes in and recognizes this and says the rest of the country should look at this and try to duplicate it, that sends a strong message. Globally, as well as nationally," said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.