Kevin McLaughlin, The Agency

Are you looking for a location that will provide a rewarding career? Dynamic business opportunities? An idyllic quality of life? Look to Broome County, N.Y. to satisfy all of this and more. Nestled among peaks and valleys in New York’s southern tier region, Broome County enjoys a perfect location between Interstates I-81, I-88 and the future I-86. Broome County provides freight rail access and air service to major destinations in the U.S., making it ideal for businesses needing strategic transportation or access service for leisure travel. Access to every major city in the northeast within a day’s drive adds to Broome County’s strategic appeal.

Our locational advantage is also demonstrated through the diversity of industry that has sustained the Broome County economy. The economy spans from major high-tech and traditional manufacturing companies such as BAE Systems, Universal Instruments, McIntosh Labs, and Frito-Lay. We are also turning into a major hub of research and development through the growth of Binghamton University. This diversity provides the knowledge and workforce to grow at multiple levels of the economy, from industrial to start-up stage. Another reason why Broome County is prime for new business development.

A long history in technology and innovation doesn’t hurt. With a legacy of being the original home to IBM and Link flight simulation, Broome County, and the southern tier region, enjoy a higher percentage of scientists and engineers than other regions throughout New York state. This foundation is driving the new economy, through valuable connections with R&D at Binghamton University, Cornell University and other colleges in the region.

Distribution is a significant industry for Broome County because of its location and solid workforce. Broome County is the home of major food distributors including Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc. and Willow Run Foods, Inc. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. which relies heavily on state-of-the-art distribution, was founded in Broome County, as a small bait and tackle shop in the city of Binghamton.

Healthcare is another key industry in Broome County. Major hospitals systems including United Health Services and Lourdes Hospital, part of the Ascension Health Care System operate in Broome County, providing state-of-the art treatment in oncology, cardiology and non-invasive surgery. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, our hospitals are providing state-of-the art health care in our region. These health care centers not only continue invest in their own infrastructure, but are some of the community’s largest supporters.

This mix of healthcare, high tech and manufacturing operations – in addition to a thriving local university – ensures that the community is full of talent. Broome County is in many ways enjoying an economic renaissance, and Binghamton University is leading the way. Binghamton University has been a catalyst in getting new enthusiasm into our community, which over time, will lead to significant new business opportunities.

Construction is underway for the Southern Tier High Technology Incubator which will attract opportunities for research and commercialization of ideas in the area of health care and smart energy. Scheduled for completion in early 2018, is a $70 million School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences that will open up new investment in bio-pharmaceutical infrastructure.

All good business needs to come with an unmatched quality of life and we have that in Broome County. There are not many places where you can have “big city” amenities with a small town feel, but we’ve been able to capture both. With an average commute time of less than twenty minutes, it is not surprising why Broome County is often hailed as a great place to raise a family. Quality education and opportunity make this a prime location for business expansion or for those looking to put down roots. Broome County boasts a world class opera and philharmonic and Broadway level performances in downtown Binghamton. Broome County is home to the Binghamton Senators, the AHL-affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, as well as the Binghamton Mets, a Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Broome County is also the site of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, a PGA Champions Tour event, drawing in thousands of spectators from outside of the area. It’s not many communities that afford these kinds of amenities, but we are fortunate to have them all.

But perhaps what often goes unnoticed is the natural beauty surrounding Broome County. Our backdrop is an array of hills and valleys, scenic river ways, and thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails. Agriculture is also a significant driver, contributing more than $30 million annually to our economy. It doesn’t take long to drive towards our rural areas and find a local farm stand or farmers’ market. Locally sourced products are becoming a significant consumer priority and Broome County is on a growth trajectory in agri-based businesses.

If all of this didn’t convince you to consider Broome County for new business investment, then I encourage you to call, or visit with us. Economic development is nothing more than a conversation. What can we help you with? How can we lead you to thrive? Start a conversation with us today.

Kevin McLaughlin is the executive director of The Agency Broome County IDA/LDC, Binghamton, N.Y.