Annual Report to the Community 2020

2020 REPORT TO THE C O M M U N I T Y

A YEAR OF

PERSEVERANCE TOGETHERNESS LEARNING ADAPTING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

T H E A G E N C Y- N Y. C O M

202 MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNIT Y

STACEY DUNCAN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOHN M. BERNARDO | CHAIRMAN

TO C A PT U R E 2020 I N O N E W O RD, T H E M O S T O B V I O U S C H O I C E W O U L D B E “U N P R E C E D E N T E D.”

This past year has truly been one unlike any other. While typically that saying is often found to be trite, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequential shut-down and phased reopening of our economy, we have weathered a great storm in Broome County’s history.

What we are no stranger to, however, is resiliency. The ability of this community to rally around one another and strive to come out on top together is something that never ceases to amaze. This community value of resilience is one we hope to embody and promote through our work at The Agency and as part of the Leadership Alliance.

This year’s one-of-a-kind health crisis necessitated a truly one-of-akind response. The vision of the Leadership Alliance has always been to be recognized as the single voice for economic development and driver of collaborative efforts to strengthen the area’s long-term sustainability, and in the few short months after our formation, that was truly put to the test due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Agency and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce came together to identify the immediate, short term, and long term needs of our business community as a result of the pandemic and worked with key business leaders, elected officials, and area stakeholders through the COVID-19 Economic Response Recovery & Resiliency Task Force to isolate impactful solutions. Through up-to-date programming and publications, we were able to keep the community informed and discover new ways to assist businesses technically and financially. Now, as we see the emergence of the COVID-19 vaccines as we enter 2021, The Leadership Alliance is dedicated to continuing to lead the business community in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

While it is easy to focus on the many challenges brought by 2020, it is equally just as important to highlight the many successes. The Agency is proud to have been able to deliver some truly innovative and progressive economic development initiatives this year. Whether it was through supporting our small businesses across the Southern Tier through our Broome County Emergency Loan Fund, promoting business expansion through our BR+E program, or one of the five innovative PILOT projects approved this year, The Agency did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop us from working towards our mission to deliver economic development that benefits the community. This year, The Agency championed $247,544,374 in new investment, a growth of well over 100% when compared to both 2018 and 2019, in addition to securing a major $160,000,000 bond issuance for United Health Service’s hospital expansion, providing $1,012,000 in loans to businesses, and another $9,940,361 through our Small Business Incentive Program.

To capitalize on investments such as these, The Agency also spent much of 2020 looking forward by developing a comprehensive site inventory and making potential development sites, such as the former IBM Country Club in Union and the former BAE Site in Johnson City, shovel ready. In an effort to make our community even more development friendly, The Agency hopes to attract new developers to continue this upward trajectory. So while 2020 will remain described in our history as unprecedented, Broome County can never be captured in just one word as we are truly resilient, ever growing, and ever evolving together.

020 THE AGENCY WHO WE ARE

The Agency is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors that is appointed by the Chairman of the Broome County Legislature. The Board governs the activities of both the IDA and the LDC.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JOHN M. BERNARDO

WAYNE L. HOWARD

JOHN J. STEVENS

CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN

TREASURER

RICHARD A. BUCCI

DANIEL E. CROCKER

BRIAN T. ROSE

CHERYL I. SACCO

JOE P. MIRABITO

JAMES R. PEDUTO

SECRETARY

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

STACEY DUNCAN

TOM GRAY

NATALIE ABBADESSA

BRENDAN O’BRYAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

BUSINESS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

CARRIE HORNBECK

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

THERESA RYAN

AMY WILLIAMSON

FINANCE MANAGER

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

JOE MEAGHER

LEGAL COUNSEL

202 STRATEGIC PL AN 2021 - 2025

1

Strengthen the Capacity of the IDA and LDC Entities in Support of These Strategic Priorities.

Reduce and Mitigate

Development Barriers,

Particularly Infrastructure, Availability of Sites and Work to Advance Site

Readiness in partnership

with Local Municipalities.

5 2 4 3

Continue to Advance Comprehensive Business Recruitment and Retention Strategy that Responds to the Most Critical Issues including post-COVID Recovery, Gap Financing and Strengthening the Innovative and Entrepreneurial Atmosphere.

Facilitate a Collaborative Approach to Advancing the Economic revitalization of the Binghamton, Endicott and Johnson City Urban Cores and Positioning the Targeted Areas for Long-term Economic Sustainability.

Continue as a Lead

Partner in the Development and Implementation of

a Workforce Development and Talent Attraction Initiative.

020 We promote and leverage all available resources and Broome County’s strengths to foster economic growth and create prosperity in an ethical and transparent manner.

The Agency is a catalyst, partner and investor that delivers clear benefits including job creation, development sites and enhanced quality of life for the residents of Broome County.

202 P R O J E C T ’ S

PILOT PROGRAMS TOTAL INVESTMENT: $247,544,374

SPARK BROOME, LLC | JOHNSON CITY

Spark Broome, LLC is working to spark new life into the former Sears building located at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Plans to subdivide and repurpose the 150,000 square foot two story building will allow for the space to serve a strategic mix of tenants. Due to the building being vacant since September 2017, a substantial amount of work was necessitated, however, Spark Broome, LLC has been aggressive in re-imagining the space and has already opened two of the three planned new facilities.

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $11,915,000 JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: TENANTS WILL CREATE JOBS

The new Career and Community Services Center houses both the Broome County Department of Social Services and Broome Tioga Workforce. Both have relocated from their former Front Street offices to their new and improved location at 501 Reynolds Road. The Center affords Broome County residents the opportunity to access critical social services as well as search and prepare for the job that is right for them. Lourdes Hospital will also be opening new facilities focused on comprehensive health and providing accessible top of the line clinical care.

Thanks to additional financial support through The Agency’s Small Business Incentive Program, Beer Tree Brew Company was able to open its second location, Factory by Beer Tree, in November 2020.

Featuring a beautiful indoor dining area and event space, additional room to increase brewing operations, and a striking, modern façade, this location brings an exciting level of activity to a mall that has seen an alarming decrease in tenants and visitors over the past 3 years. Development like this is encouraging and acts as a blueprint for what the future could hold for the Oakdale Mall.

020 ONE NORTH DEPOT | BINGHAMTON

The mixed use development located in downtown Binghamton, NY at 1 North Depot Street will accomplish a number of development priorities for The Agency. First and foremost, One North Depot will bring at least five units of affordable commercial space, 55 residential units, over 8,000 square ft of shared work space for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and 10,000 square ft of new green space close to the urban core of Binghamton, NY. Future residents will be able to purchase a work/live package giving them access to a work space on the lower levels in addition to their loft apartment. A primary focus of the redevelopment project will be to preserve the historic integrity of the structure as the building on site, built 1876 and 1885, is listed on the national register of historic places, and is a local landmark.

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $11,475,825 JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: 3 NEW

L3 | BINGHAMTON

L3 relocated their operations to a new facility at 147 Industrial Park Drive in Binghamton, NY. Currently, they are the sole tenant of this building and in 2020 worked with the owner on building renovations, including the addition of 20,000 square ft of space, bringing the building total to 100,000 square ft.

The Binghamton facility primarily provides simulation solutions for military aircrew, as well as related maintenance training and applicable curriculum development. This project serves a critical need to retain more than 100 engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs in Broome County. L3 is one of the few remaining companies with a meaningful footprint in the simulation industry.

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $ 9,460,000 JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: 13 NEW, 105 RETAINED

159 WASHINGTON HOLDINGS, LLC | BINGHAMTON

The former Ellis Brothers furniture business is to be renovated into a 4-story mixed use building in downtown Binghamton. Approximately 20,000 square ft will be renovated into 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments geared towards young professionals working in downtown Binghamton. With commercial space on the first floor. This is a historic building and the front façade will be preserved in accordance with local CAUD and State Historic Preservation guidelines.

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $ 1,578,200 JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: 5 NEW

NORTHLAND POWER | WINDSOR

Northland Power will acquire, construct, install and equip up to 26 wind turbines in the towns of Sanford and Windsor. The project will have a capacity of up to 124 MW to produce electricity into the power grid. The project expects to create 150 construction jobs with a total compensation of up to $5 million in host community agreements to the towns of Sanford and Windsor.

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $ 213,115,349 JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: 4 NEW

202 SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM TOTAL INVESTMENT: $9,940,361

OVERVIEW - In 2020 there were 7 Small Business Incentive Program applications in 2020 across a variety of industries including

manufacturing, construction, service, and more. All were granted an 8% Sales Tax Exemption. The total amount of dollars invested

in 2020 was $9,940,361, with total exemptions coming in at $415,829 which allowed businesses to retain 140 positions and create 54 new jobs.

DAVIDGE HOLDING, LLC

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $9,460,000 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $20,400 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: RETAINED 21 WELL PAYING JOBS

The Davidge Holding, LLC project culminated in the relocation of the offices of local architectural firm Chianis + Anderson from its current location in downtown Binghamton to the existing structure located at 31 Front Street.

SIMULATION & CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES, INC

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $703,50 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $40,880 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: RETAINED 11 POSITIONS AND CREATED 4 NEW POSITIONS

Financial assistance from The Agency provided Simulation & Control Technologies, Inc (SCT). with the necessary capital to acquire, renovate, and remodel the structure located at 430 Airport Road, Endicott. The project transformed the building from a warehousing and distribution facility to offices and manufacturing facility. Renovation was necessary to meet the manufacturing needs of the company to expand product lines making this site the new location of Simulation and Control Technologies, Inc.

020 GJS PROPERTY GROUP, LLC

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $1,110,000 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $60,000 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: RETAINED 9 JOBS AND CREATED 5 NEW POSITIONS

GJS Property Group, LLC acquired and renovated the facility located at 87 Main Street in the Village of Johnson City, NY in order to start a new plumbing and manufacturing business at that location. Renovations included replacing the cold storage buildings in the rear of the property, replacing the parking lot, key energy efficient upgrades, office fit outs, and interior and exterior visual upgrades.

BEER TREE BREW WORKS, LLC

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $2,100,000 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $96,000 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: CREATED 25 NEW POSITIONS

The PILOT granted to SPARK Broome LLC in 2020 for the renovation and subdivision of the vacant Sears Building at the Oakdale mall allowed for tenants to move in and renovate the space to fit their needs. Beer Tree Brew Works, LLC renovated approximately 23,000 square ft to create a modern, vibrant microbrewery and taproom. This project is a shining example of what future development at the Oakdale Mall could be.

OPHTHALMIC ASSOCIATES OF THE SOUTHERN TIER, P.C

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $994,361 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $79,549 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: RETAINED 36 JOBS AND APPROX 6-9 NEW JOBS WILL BE CREATED

Thanks to financial assistance through the Agency, the Ophthalmic Associates of the Southern Tier successfully acquired and renovated the existing building at 530 Columbia Dr., Johnson City into their new office space. The office was able to purchase additional equipment and furniture in order to better serve their patients by opening a new ambulatory surgery center for ophthalmology.

VESTAL ASPHALT, INC

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $460,000 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $20,000 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: RETAINED 50 JOBS AND CREATED 3 NEW POSITIONS

In 2020 Vestal Asphalt, Inc participated in The Agency’s BR+E program to assist in the renovation of the existing structure at 201 Stage Road in Vestal, NY. Renovations allowed for Vestal Asphalt to relocate their corporate offices at this new facility.

PRITCHARD PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT: $3,787,500 TOTAL OF EXEMPTIONS: $99,000 8% SALES TAX EXEMPTION JOBS CREATED/RETAINED: WILL RETAIN 13 JOBS AND CREATE 9 NEW POSITIONS

Pritchard Property Development used financial assistance from The Agency to renovate an existing structure and complete the construction of new buildings on the south side of Binghamton. The transformation of the former Number 5 restaurant will culminate in a new service station and bank at the 33 S Washington Street property in Binghamton.

202 COVID-19

RESPONSE & LOOKING FORWARD WITH BLUEPRINT

In the months after the formation of the Leadership Alliance in October 2019, The Agency and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce could not anticipate the arrival and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two boards of directors had met in January 2020 to identify key action items that would satisfy the mission and values of the Leadership Alliance and further economic and business development in Broome County. Together they landed on the creation of an Economic Development Blueprint to improve Broome’s economic health and the quality of life for all residents of Broome County.

With the onset of the pandemic, however, the Leadership Alliance quickly shifted gears to address business and community needs in real time. The Leadership Alliance formed the COVID-19 Economic Response, Recovery & Resiliency Task Force which initially met on a weekly basis, put out critical programming, weekly community updates, and three key COVID-19 resource publications. After surveying Broome County business leaders in March, the Leadership Alliance learned that what businesses needed most behind financial assistance was accurate up to date information on where to locate this assistance. With this information, the Leadership Alliance responded with the creation of the Resilience Toolkit for Broome County Businesses. The Toolkit is updated on a weekly or as needed basis as more information is released and includes financial resources for employees, businesses, non-profits, agricultural enterprises, and arts & cultural organizations.

As New York State began its phased reopening, the business leaders were surveyed once again, this time noting that they needed guidance on the ever-changing COVID-19 regulations for businesses. To address this, the Leadership Alliance created its second COVID-19 resource document, the Broome County Reopening Playbook, which breaks down the phased reopening guidelines by industry and provides information for best practices on reopening for all industry sectors to follow.

This document is also updated on a weekly or as needed basis as guidelines are released by New York State.

BROOME COUNTY a good life.

TM

Finally, with the development and distribution of vaccines in late 2020, the Leadership Alliance developed its third document in its COVID-19 resource series, a brief COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ with information from the CDC on each vaccine, who is eligible, where to receive a vaccine in the County, transportation assistance for vaccines, and more. Both the Toolkit and the Playbook have been updated to include the same COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ information, to broaden the reach of this critical information.

With 2021 brings the onset of COVID-19 vaccinations and the rolling back of some of the most restrictive regulations on businesses across New York State, thus the Leadership Alliance is once again looking into the future to recovery and resiliency efforts post COVID-19. As the state and Broome County get a better handle on this pandemic, the Leadership Alliance has set its sights on the development of an economic development blueprint for a better Broome in 2021.

020 COMMUNIT Y DEVELOPMENT

LDC - UNITED HEALTH SERVICES BOND PROJECT – BCLDC TOTAL BOND AMOUNT: $160 MILLION

In early 2020, the Local Development Corporation Board voted to approve financial assistance through the issuance of bonds for United Health Services Hospitals’ expansion of their Wilson Medical Center campus in Johnson City. Plans for the expansion include the creation of a new emergency department, purchase of a new MRI unit, and the renovation of patient rooms to create 30 new private rooms and open up the possibility to develop more private rooms in the future. The project came to the Agency as proof of UHS’ commitment to improve access to healthcare in the region as a part of Wilson’s Facility Master Plan. This project will assist Wilson to meet the advancing technological needs of the health care system and more effectively meet the needs of their patients as well. Currently, Wilson is a 280-bed acute care facility and the Southern Tier’s only critical care hospital, and is essential to our community. In addition to the creation of 100 new jobs, UHS believes this project will allow them to lower the costs of their services for their patients due to the increase in efficiency in patient treatment.

VILLAGE OF JOHNSON CITY PARTNERSHIP

The Agency continued the collaborative partnership with the Village of Johnson City in 2020. The Agency has been working with a number of property owners in the Village to access funds available through New York State to help them perform façade updates on their properties. The Agency has also worked with these businesses to identify other ways The Agency can assist in their redevelopment projects. The Agency has also facilitated regular stakeholder meetings with our partners in the Village, County and Town of Union to coordinate efforts, identify hurdles to development, and solutions to those obstacles. These meetings have been pivotal to have an open flow of information and continue the progress seen in Johnson City.

BROOME COUNTY SITE INVENTORY MAPPING

On a regular basis The Agency will be approached by different entities, informing us that a developer is looking for a specific size parcel of land with specific utilities available to the property. In order to more effectively locate parcels that are a great fit for interested developers, The Agency pursued the creation of a Site Inventory Mapping for all of Broome County. As of 2020, The Agency has concluded the first phase of this process, having identified all available parcels in Broome County and obtaining important information on these properties. The Agency then used standardized grading of each 250+ properties to identify the top properties to redevelop in the County.

In the upcoming Phase II of this process The Agency will go into greater detail on these top properties to create spec sheets containing all the information a developer will want to know, specific to each property. The Agency believes these spec sheets, and the site inventory process, will go a long way in helping The Agency, and our local Economic Development partners, to better promote Broome County as having the best sites to develop.

IBM COUNTRY CLUB

During the Spring of 2020, The Agency pursued a variety of environmental reviews and surveys of the property located at 4301 Watson Boulevard in the Town of Union, NY to make development of the site more attractive and accessible for potential developers. Completed reviews and surveys include a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, a Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey Report, a Full Building Lead-Based Paint Survey Report, and the receipt of a Letter of Condemnation from the Town of Union. The redevelopment of this site would meet The Agency’s stated goals of stemming disinvestment in neighborhoods, returning vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties to productive use and turning vacant spaces into vibrant places. Redevelopment would also achieve recommendations found within the Comprehensive Plans developed

by Broome County and the Town of Union respectively.

600 MAIN STREET; OLD BAE SITE REDEVELOPMENTPROJECT – BCLDC

The Agency concluded a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) on the former BAE Site at 600 Main Street in the Town of Union. Both of these studies were required by the state in order to continue with the redevelopment of one of the only parcels of open and developable land in Broome County. These studies help to identify any significant adverse impacts redevelopment of this site might cause to the surrounding communities and clearly state what can or cannot be done on the site while keeping the best interest of the community in mind. These studies included public hearings, where we received a wide range of public input regarding their concerns and suggestions for the site. In combination with the research, The Agency concluded on redevelopment scenarios, thus working to ensure this site is as shovel ready as possible. The Agency will continue to research and identify ways we can make this site as easy as possible for a developer to purchase and build on.

EPA BROWNFIELDS GRANT FOR COMMUNITIES

The Brownfields Grant for Communities is a grant set up by the Environmental Protection Agency set aside for cleanup and redevelopment, job creation, and economic development. The Agency was selected to receive a $300,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant targeting many of the old industrial facilities that have been the face of Broome County for many years and a reminder of our post-industrial past. The Agency has since met with a steering committee to help direct our focus on what properties to start our Phase 1 & Phase 2 environmental assessments on. The Agency will also be using some of the funding in this grant for public outreach to seek input from the public on what they want to see redeveloped on these properties. Some of the funds will also go towards our ongoing Site Inventory process.

202 COVID-19

THE A GENCY CO VID-19 EMERGENCY LO AN PROGRAM 2020 TOTAL INVESTMENT: $1,012,000

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 The

The Agency was able to waive application and closing fees,

Agency developed the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program.

waive the principal and interest payments for 12-months, waive

The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program was designed for

the typical 10% equity requirement, and expedite the loan re-

small businesses located in Broome, Chenango, Cortland,

view and closing processes. The Agency has had 88 inquiries

Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga, and Tompkins Coun-

for our Emergency Loan Program since March 2020 and we suc-

ties that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

cessfully closed 21 emergency loans helping businesses across the Southern Tier and totaling over a million dollars.

BUSINESSES SERVED:

AIRPORT INN RESTAURANT ALICE’S CLOSET

ANTONIO’S BAR & TRATTORIA

BERNICE BREWS

BRIGHTDRIVE, HCS

BRYANT HEATING AND AIR CONDITION INC. DANIEL LIBURDI HAIR SALON

NORWICH HAIR CUTTING & STYLING

DGC JEWELERS INC.

ENDICOTT COIL

NORTHSIDE AUTOMOTIVE HIGHLAND HOLLOW

INTEGRATED WOOD COMPONENTS TEASERS HAIR AND NAIL STUDIO

ODYSSEY SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC PAULUS DEVELOPMENT CO. THE SHOP RESTAURANT

020 YOHANCE BAILEY | OWNER OF: YOHANCE BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY | JC, NY

ECK PLASTICS | BINGHAMTON, NY

good life STORIES

“Our neighbors are friendly, and we are

”“We are within driving distance of

lucky to be a part of an open-minded and

some of the most exciting cities to

supportive community.”

visit and largest markets”

When someone captures a human face, whether on film or in a sketch, there is a unique complexity behind each subject.

Looking into the face of local photographer Yohance Bailey, one can see many things - the kindness that fuels his career as a nurse and his commitment to his community, the passion that drives his small business, and the joy of a man aiming to get the most out of life. To Yohance, what he believes makes Broome County home to a good life, is the same thing he loved to show in his art, the people. Yohance met his wife here in Broome County, where they raise their two daughters.

Eck Plastic Arts has been producing the final pieces to other manufacturers’ puzzles for several decades. In 2016, Brett Pennefeather took over the role of President of Eck Plastic Arts when Bob Eck was ready to retire and he and his family purchased the company. Via a variety of manufacturing strategies, such as injection molding and vacuum forming, Eck Plastic Arts primarily focuses on creating the industrial parts needed by its partners to put together the machines that help us work better, such as Raymond’s forklifts and BAE’s electric hybrid bus systems. A Broome County native, Brett believes his location is a key part of his Eck Plastic Arts’ success, for both the business and his employees.

“There are good schools here where our children are afforded lots of opportunities like theater or volleyball, or whatever they want to pursue. Our neighbors are friendly, and we are lucky to be a part of an open-minded and supportive community.”

As an artist, Yohance says it is encouraging that there are more people doing the things they love here, more artists here contributing to the arts and culture scene within Broome County, and he hopes he is doing his part.

Contrasting color and unity through photography, the tagline of his business, he says is the representation of how he views the world. With a portfolio full of diversity, he hopes to continue to produce photography to make you pay attention.

For Brett, it is all about promoting a healthy and happy workplace culture. “We are within driving distance of some of the most exciting cities to visit and largest markets, five hours from Boston or D.C., four from Baltimore, three from Philadelphia. Yet, we are far enough away where my employees are able to buy their own homes.”

Strategically, Eck Plastic Arts, thanks to their location, is able to better service their customers while maintaining a large market to pull from for business; plus, this way, he and his employees are able to enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank. With competitive wages paired with the beautiful surroundings of Broome County, it is obvious for the employees at Eck Plastic Arts that a good life is a choice.

BROOME COUNTY a good life.

TM

To read more good life stories, go to WWW.BROOMEISGOOD.COM/STORIES/

202 TECH FORWARD BROOME COUNTY DASHBOARD

In 2020 The Agency worked with the economic data and software experts at eImpact to develop the Broome County Dashboard. The Dashboard monitors the economic health of Broome County through providing both baseline data, including population and workforce numbers, as well as changes to the economy following the shutdown and subsequent phased reopening of the county caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data points the dashboard tracks include historical hiring trends, annual average income per industry, labor distribution, in addition to COVID-19 key performance indicators. Changes in employment, small business revenue trends, and real estate data are just some of the COVID-19 specific data sets included in the dashboard. The Broome County Dashboard is housed on The Agency’s website and can be found at this link: www.theagency-ny.com/broome-county-statistics

ONLINE LOCAL SHOPPING DIRECTORY

During the 2020 holiday season, The Leadership Alliance between The Agency and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce launched their new online shopping directory titled “Bring Broome Home.” The Bring Broome Home directory features dozens of local businesses from the Broome County area that sell their products online and encourages shoppers both in and outside of Broome County to bring a bit of Broome to their home. With COVID-19 occupancy limits, social distancing and facial covering mandates, this online directory was designed to make it easier and safer to support local businesses while shopping from home. Housed on Broomeisgood.com/directory, the Bring Broome Home directory also highlights additional shopping resources through the Chamber’s Buy in Broome program. Businesses and area organizations can also list special events they may be hosting. Interested Broome County businesses with an online shopping platform or a special event to be listed should reach out to Amy Williamson, acw@theagency-ny.com, for information on how to participate.

Go to www.broomeisgood.com/directory/

MAP ME

The Agency has facilitated the development of a variety of projects from housing to manufacturing to distribution and more. With over one hundred and fifty projects since its inception, the IDA has had a massive impact on the economic health of Broome County. With each small business incentive, loan, or PILOT project, The Agency only continues to invest in the quality of life in Broome County, ushering in millions of dollars in investment, new jobs, and revitalizing Broome’s downtown communities.

To capture the wide array of investments that The Agency has brought to Broome County, The Agency intern, Kevin Wu, utilized the MapMe software to create an interactive map that displays critical projects completed by The Agency. This project map can be found on the main page of The Agency homepage at the bottom of the page www.theagency-ny.com.

020 PROJECT UPDATES

SUNY BROOME CULINARY

Construction began on the former Carnegie Library on Exchange Street in downtown Binghamton in 2019 as SUNY Broome looked to transform the historic building into a state of the art culinary campus and event center. Completed in 2020, SUNY Broome hospitality students attended their first day of classes in January of that same year. The culinary campus boasts state-of-the-art kitchens, a full mixology lab, and modern, high-tech classroom spaces, in addition to venues for events such as weddings.

BEER TREE FACTORY

Factory by Beer Tree completed its construction and celebrated its grand opening in November of 2020. The second location owned

by Beer Tree Brew Works allows them to expand both their brewing and dining operations. Featuring two levels of indoor dining, outdoor patio dining, and event space, all shrouded in a sleek modern design, the Factory by Beer Tree brings much needed and exciting development to the Oakdale Mall.

AOM LOFTS @ JC

Development company AOM Investments LLC celebrated the grand opening of their transformative project in downtown Johnson City, LOFTS@JC in late November 2020. Formerly the location of an old Dollar General, the site located at 128 Grand Ave in the Village of Johnson City is now home to a beautiful luxury residential complex. The three-story multi-family apartment building offers twenty-four total units and on-site parking. Model options include 1Bed/1Bath, 2Bed/2Bath and 3Bed/3Bath units, all fully furnished, with in-unit washer dryer and top-of-the-line appliances. The building also has an amazing amenities center, with a lounge, game area, study/conference room and a fully equipped fitness center. Located strategically in the heart of Johnson City, a block away from the BU Health Sciences Campus and two blocks from the UHS-Wilson Medical Center, this $6.5 million building will address young professional housing needs in the area, providing a luxury living experience at a reasonable price.

2020 A YEAR OF

#COMMUNITY #ECONDEV #WEAREBROOME #BROOMEISGOOD #TOGETHER #COVID19RELIEF

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