IDA of the Month: A reminder from The Agency Broome County Industrial Development Agency/LDC: We got you

We Got You

During such an unprecedented time, we can only imagine how frightening it is to be a business owner. As we slowly work to strategically open up New York State, businesses that call Broome County home and businesses looking to move here alike are naturally nervous. Now more than ever, we at The Agency want to remind you – we got you. We have met this one-of-a-kind pandemic with immediate response through the creation of an emergency response loan fund, leveraging of community partnerships through the COVID-19 Economic Response, Recovery and Resiliency Taskforce, and publication of a one-stop location of information and resources to help businesses stay afloat. 

It’s natural to be scared of what the “new normal” will look like. Small businesses are the backbone of this economy, and we acknowledge the loss of some of the community spaces and familiar faces that have been a stalwart of our local economy. It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through 2020 – but it’s time to define what we want the next six months to look like. 

We have a long history of resilience in Broome County and we are bearing the fruits of this in our economy. Prior to COVID-19 our business leaders expressed great optimism about our economy and we will continue to nurture this optimism through our Leadership Alliance with the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, and our commitment to business and investment opportunities. 

Even in uncertain times, we are a part of the community that you can always count on to help you succeed.  With our numerous loan programs, and financial support via real property tax abatement programs, sales and mortgage tax exemptions, and other financing incentives for larger projects, we can move rapidly into economic recovery. 

Broome has always been home to the good life, and so much is waiting for Broome County residents when we fully reopen, between our beautiful natural surroundings and flourishing downtown businesses. We are inspired by the strength of our community. We are in awe of our award-winning school districts which successfully transitioned to distance learning while continuing to support individual students. Local non-profits and organizations have remained dedicated to their missions, such as VINES, striving to operate their urban gardens and farm share throughout this pandemic.  

Whether you are moving here for work, starting a business, or a community member in need of assistance, we invite you to step forward with us into the future. As we rebuild Broome County as we reopen, remember we are truly stronger together. 

#wegotyou 

https://theagency-ny.com/broome-county-business-retention-expansion-services

Stacey Duncan is the executive director of The Agency Broome County IDA/LDC and the president and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Binghamton, N.Y.