Several major economic development projects are underway in Chemung County — including a new Amazon distribution center in Big Flats and a Siemens Mobility high-speed rail manufacturing facility in Horseheads.
Now, Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) is unveiling a new five-year economic development plan and fundraising campaign to keep that momentum going and open the door to even more business growth and job creation.
STEG’s “SOUTHERN TIER RISING 2031” plan, introduced during a kickoff event for investors Thursday, July 30, emphasizes several core goals for attracting new businesses to the region and helping existing enterprises expand.
“STEG has emerged as an important connecting point for the businesses in the region, aligning our interests toward growth and increasing our competitiveness for investment and talent,” said campaign co-chair Scott Beecher, president of Ward Diesel and Ward Apparatus in Big Flats.
“Now is the time to build on our success and raise our profile as a region,” Beecher said. “The SOUTHERN TIER RISING 2031 plan has the right focus to strengthen and maintain economic growth in the years ahead.”
In addition to Beecher, Jeff Kenefick of Chemung Canal Trust Co. and Angela Hawken of Southern Tier Logistics are co-chairing the fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $1.9 million.
By 2031, STEG projects an additional 3,600 jobs that will generate an estimated $167 million in new annual payroll and $92 million in new annual consumer spending in Chemung County.
“As a relatively new business in the region, we are excited about the strong partnership we have established with STEG and the growth we will see in the coming years,” Hawken said. “We made the right choice to locate in Chemung County, and we are proud to serve as an engine for growth, not just for new businesses coming in, but for local businesses that are benefiting from opportunities to serve as our partners.”
STEG is a private nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency to retain, expand, and attract industry and high-quality jobs to the county.
The fundraising campaign for SOUTHERN TIER RISING 2031 has already raised 83% of its goal from 51 investors.
“This level of investment is a strong testament to the commitment of our business community to Chemung County’s future,” said STEG Vice President Jill Koski. “We look forward to working closely with our leaders to raise the visibility, economic strength and quality of life in the region.”
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Southern Tier Economic Growth reveals plan to energize local economy
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
