Economic development has a new brand and a new vision in Broome County

There is a new look in economic development in Broome County. The Broome County Industrial Development Agency recently launched our new brand at a presentation to the community in April. I am pleased to introduce you to The Agency, the approachable, dynamic driver of economic development in Broome County (http://theagency-ny.com). We still govern the operations of the Broome County Industrial Development Agency and the Broome County Local Development Corp., but with a bold new strategy for economic opportunity in Broome County. The Agency is a full-service partner in business development because our development team understands that sometimes putting a project together is more than just site selection - it's understanding what your true business goals are. What kind of workforce does your company need? What kind of transportation system and access will help you move your product? What are your cost limitations? Where do you want to be in one, five, or ten years? In economic development, that initial conversation is critical and The Agency is your first call for business development assistance in Broome County and here's why: We help you Plan. Thinking about starting a project? Let us help you identify your project's critical needs, whether it be site selection, access to public infrastructure or the most ideal transportation connectivity. We have the expertise to help you plan for success. We help you Build. New builds require a lot of work. We'll help you identify the resources you need to assist with your build and see if you qualify for tax incentives such as PILOT programs or industrial bonds. We help you Expand. We want to be there when you are ready to expand. The Agency has a number of resources that can help you with your growth plans including low-interest loan programs to help you achieve your expansion goals. We lead you to Thrive. We are confident that by locating or expanding in Broome County, you can achieve the ideal work/life balance. You can achieve your business goals and thrive in an affordable and dynamic community. There are a number of exciting reasons to consider Broome County for business development right now. There is a renewed energy and refreshed vigor about opportunities for job creation, research and development, and a new entrepreneurial spirit in our community. We are embarking on an exciting phase of economic development over the next several years, including the construction that will soon begin on the Southern Tier High Technology Incubator (STHTI), a $19 million, 35,000 s/f facility in downtown Binghamton. This facility will provide the infrastructure needed for companies focusing on energy, electronics and health with specialized laboratories associated with industry-based R&D. The space will also be designated START-UP NY space, which can provide tax incentives (http://startup.ny.gov) for eligible companies coming into New York State. STHTI will also be a partner in the newly formed Southern Tier Startup Alliance (http://ststartup.com), which can offer tax benefits to qualified early stage startup companies. Construction is on-going at Binghamton University's $70 million Smart Energy Research and Development Facility. Research will focus on alternative energy production, harvesting and storage in areas such as thin-film solar panel design and production, consumer-ready solar cells and next generation battery production. Broome County is the place to link to cutting-edge research and development. Next year, BU will break ground on a $60 million School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences campus in Johnson City, adjacent to UHS Wilson Medical Center. The school will be located on the original site of the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, and will be a dynamic visual demonstration of how BU is driving the new economy in Greater Binghamton. The construction of the Pharmacy School is just the beginning of the transformation of a former industrial spine in Broome County. This project will catalyze the development of a state-of-the-art health care district linking research and development in the pharmaceutical industry to clinicians and practitioners at UHS Wilson Hospital and Lourdes Hospital. Broome County is the place for pharmaceutical research and development. Broome County is also the place for opportunities in agribusiness and food start-ups. SUNY Broome Community College will soon begin development on restoring the historic Carnegie Library in downtown Binghamton and transforming it into a center for hospitality training and culinary arts. Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with New York State to develop a Taste NY headquarters (http://taste.ny.gov) in Broome County and will soon begin development of a Regional Farmers Market equipped with a commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs. Broome County provides all the amenities you need to expand or relocate your business in the year ahead. Anchored by a diverse make-up of high-tech companies and premier education institutions, Greater Binghamton is the perfect size for opportunity. We are proud and excited about our new brand and our new vision for economic opportunity in Broome County. I think you will be too. Give us a look at http://theagency-ny.com. But more importantly, give us a call. Kevin McLaughlin is the executive director of The Agency, Broome County IDA/LDC, Binghamton, N.Y.