Kevin McLaughlin, Broome County Industrial Development Agency

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? Organizationally, the Agency completed its first-ever strategic plan, which has outlined the steps to provide more innovative and enhanced programs and services for the business community. For example, one of the goals we were able to accomplish in 2014 is the sale of an Agency-owned property to ADEC Solutions, a global solutions company that plans to fully-utilize a 20,000 s/f facility and add more than 200 jobs in the next three years. This property had never before been on the tax-rolls, which is a huge win for local taxpayers. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? This year brought a number of positive announcements regarding business development in Broome County. One of the most notable developments was our ability to provide financing to Mountain Fresh Dairy, LLC. Mountain Fresh purchased the former Crowley Foods facility and will put this plant back in operation to produce high-quality kosher dairy products. This plant is a one-use facility and Mountain Fresh will look to rehire nearly 90 former Crowley employees with experience in dairy product production. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? In 2015, the agency will be pursuing a comprehensive rebrand and marketing strategy to identify the Agency as the dynamic and approachable driver for economic development and business financing in Broome County. We will introduce a number of new programs and services to attract new investment, work with existing businesses, and encourage start-up companies to locate in Broome County. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? We are seeing an increased interest in real estate in Broome County for both residential and commercial purposes. This is in part due to the growth of Binghamton University as a major research and development center. Additionally, because of the existence of programs like START-UP NY and the Innovation Hot Spot program, we can link companies up with properties that could potentially provide significant tax incentives to locate in Broome County.