By Katie Ellis| DECEMBER 6, 2012
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday appointed Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger as co-chair of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), making the announcement during a stop at the Greater Binghamton Airport. Stenger, who has served on the REDC since January, replaces Cornell University President David Skorton in the role, and will serve with co-chair Tom Tranter, president and CEO of Corning Enterprises.
Cuomo and his Strategic Assessment Team were in Binghamton to get an update on the successes the region has experienced from the first year of economic development funding through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application. The Southern Tier REDC was awarded $49.9 million in the first year, which has been used to start 55 separate projects resulting in the retention of 1,075 jobs and the creation of another 1,385 jobs. The projects have also leveraged $132 million in additional funding for the region.
“Leadership is very important in this process and makes all the difference,” said Cuomo. “We’re here today looking at what we did with the first round and we’re very excited about what you’re doing here.
“You have the history, geography, diversity, great universities, advanced manufacturing, a great rural community – all the assets,” Cuomo added. “Now you have the leadership and energy to take the Southern Tier higher than ever before. I’m just along for the ride.”
Stenger, who served with Tranter as emcee for the governor’s visit, expressed his firm commitment to the REDC. “I’m ready to go and will do the best I possibly can to make the Southern Tier a very important part of the state.”
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