Partnering for a Better Greater Binghamton
Summer 2009
Broome County Economic Development
Reorganization Plan Being Pushed by
County Executive
(submitted by Darcy Fauci-Broome County Deputy Executive)
Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala is leading an effort to
coalesce the County’s economic development efforts under
one umbrella organization and eventually under one roof. The
County Executive announced in her 2009 State of the County
that she plans to pursue the creation of a non profit economic
development agency that will partner with the Broome County
Industrial Development Agency. The agency will carry out all
of the economic development efforts at the county level.
The organization is initially being referred to as the Southern
Tier Economic Partnership. It will incorporate the business
development efforts currently carried out by the IDA with
other business retention and expansion efforts, community
development efforts as well as tourism and industrial
development marketing. It may also focus on technology
transfer opportunities out of Binghamton University as well as
other high-tech economic development.
“We have formed wonderful partnerships in these past four
years and we have experienced many successes,” said Executive
Fiala. “However, we have not been operating as one organism
and that can lead to gaps in dealing with both local companies
as well as companies looking to relocate to the area.”
In addition, the Southern Tier Economic Partnership, or STEP,
will also invite the private sector to the table. This will give
the private sector something they have been asking for, for
years, a voice in determining the direction of our community.
This is not a new organizational structure. Other communities
throughout New York State operate under a public-private
non profit structure. The structure provides for a healthy
cross section of perspectives as well as a more focused and
consolidated effort because there is an amalgamation of
expertise and resources.
Executive Fiala believes that current economic conditions
demand that our community refocus and reorganize all of our
economic development and marketing efforts.
“We simply cannot afford to continue doing business as usual,”
said Fiala.
Helping Companies Grow and
Getting out the Word about Greater
Binghamton
(Submitted by Patrick Doyle, Broome County IDA)
The BCIDA has helped facilitate a number of new investments
in the region.  VMR Electronics, a fast-growing maker
of electronic cables and wire harnesses, is relocating and
consolidating its operations into the former Ascendia building,
a 160,000 square foot facility in downtown Binghamton.  The
company is making a $4.5 million investment including new
equipment and plans to create more than 50 jobs.  Financing
for the project is being provided through a public/private
partnership involving NBT Bank, the City of Binghamton,
the New York State Zone Capital Corporation, the New
York Business Development Corporation, and the Broome
County IDA.   The BCIDA played a key role in bringing the
partners and the project together.
Impress, one of the world’s leading can makers, is moving
forward on a $40 million state-of-the-art metal packaging
plant in Conklin.  The plant will be approximately 100,000
square feet and initially employ 75 people.  There are plans
for an expansion where employment could eventually be
doubled.  A team of representatives from the Broome County
Empire Zone, Empire State Development, Broome County,
and the Broome County IDA have been working closely with
the company.
Emerson Network Power has opened a new 40,000 square
foot headquarters in the Charles Street Business Park in
Binghamton.  This world-class facility is set to host visitors
from around the world and showcase the company’s global-
leading technologies in power protection.  There are several
5-6 acre sites available in the Charles Street Business Park. 
The Park is in a New York Empire Zone as well as a federal
HUB Zone.  Visit www.bcida.com for more information.  
The BCIDA continues to participate in a variety of business
development initiatives on behalf of the region.  Earlier this
year the Agency sponsored a booth at the Business
Many Ways to Promote Economic also features a variety of information available at the touch of
Development our hand. The touch screen will have categories of interest
(submitted by Judi Hess Greater Binghamton Convention from accommodations and dining to attractions and shopping.
and Visitor’s Bureau) Users of the kiosk will find information that will help them
enjopy their visit to the community AND encourage a return
As we all know, there visit! Businesses listed on the kiosk will have the ability to
is no single formula for update their listings by using a user code and password ~
promoting economic this will help ensure that the information is always current
development within any and accurate. The CVB worked in cooperation with Broome
community. Often times County Economic Development on this project.
there are even multiple
outreach programs within
a single organization.
That is the case at the Hagan Pet Foods, Inc. Surpasses
Greater Binghamton Employment and Private Investment
Chamber of Commerce During Tioga County IDA Pilot Program
and Convention & (Submitted by Jeff Stoke-Tioga County Economic Development)
Visitors Bureau.
County Executive Fiala,
On June 19th the Greater Chamber President Lou Santoni and Owego, NY – On February 28, 2009, the Tioga County
Binghamton Chamber Aviation Commissioner hold news Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Hagen Pet
and the Broome County conference at the airport to unveil the Foods, Inc. (company) successfully completed a ten (10) year
Industrial Development new information kiosk. Payment-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes (PILOT) program. The initial
Agency hosted our discussions began in October 1996 when Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
Annual June Job Fair. The event, sponsored by Employment currently located at 20500 Trans Canada Highway, Baie d’Urfe’,
Solutions and done in conjunction with the Broome-Tioga Quebec was evaluating business expansion opportunities at a
Workforce Development, took place at the BCC Ice Rink. 40- vacant Agway building in Waverly, NY. The Tioga County
50 local companies that have job openings were on hand to IDA was asked for financial and infrastructure assistance to
meet face to face with potential new hires. Those looking for complete the project.
employment were encouraged to bring copies of their resume
The Hagen Pet Foods, Inc. PILOT application in 1997
to share with employers. Additionally, there was a central
anticipated the following: create 25 new jobs, $620,600 in
resume drop off ~ all resumes collected were made available
new wages, $4,600,000 in new private capital investment,
to all participating companies after the job fair. They will be
and $162,293 in real property PILOT payments to the
able to review resumes and conduct follow up from the resume
municipalities.
database. Even in tough economic times, there are still quality
job openings and this job fair will help fill those positions. The Hagen Pet Foods, Inc. Post-PILOT evaluation revealed
the following: created 66 FTE jobs, $1,990,560 in new wages,
The internet provides an opportunity to reach out to people all
$18,000,000 in new private capital investment, and $160,370
around the world. Creation and maintenance of a quality website
in real property PILOT payments to the municipalities.
is a key promotional tool for any community, organization or
company. The Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Jake Dum, Plant Manager, Hagen Pet Foods, Inc. stated,
Bureau recently completed a complete redesign of our website: “Without the Tioga County IDA’s assistance, Hagen Pet
www.VisitBinghamton.org. The homepage features changing Foods, Inc. would not be located in Waverly, NY.”
photos, so returning viewers will see a fresh look and new
things to discover. The way a visitor navigates the page has Aaron Gowan, Chairman, Tioga County IDA stated, “With
also been edited and streamlined to make it easy to get around. the real property back on the tax rolls at 100%, almost $2
Popular items like our e-brochures and video link have been million in new annual wages, 66 new positions and $18 million
retained, while new features like maps have been added. in new private capital investment, we commend Hagen Pet
We invite you to take a look ~ it may even encourage you to Foods, Inc. for their continued growth and commitment to
become a tourist in your own community. our community.”

You only get one chance to make a first impression! To help The complete Post-PILOT Evaluation can be found at our
impress travelers arriving at the Greater Binghamton Airport, website: www.developtioga.com. For further information
an information kiosk has been installed near the arrival/baggage contact Douglas Barton at (607) 687-8255 or E-mail:
claim area. The kiosk will air our 4 minute tourism video and bartond@co.tioga.ny.us.

2
Job Training Available for
Displaced Workers
(Submitted by Terry Stark, Director Broome-Tioga Workforce NY)
Despite the announcement of layoffs within the Broome Tioga
region, Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced
chances are “good” that workers laid off from Lockheed and
Endicott Interconnect will find jobs in this region. Workers
including those from EIT and elsewhere who work in
advanced manufacturing, can use their period between jobs
to improve their skills, she said.  BiziLife.com. The Action Atlas is a map of local amenities, and
These training opportunities were highlighted at the Broome
Tioga Training and Career expo held at the Broome community
College Ice Center.  The event was targeted to approximately
3,000 unemployed workers and featured thirty training and
service providers including BU, BCC, Binghamton Vets
center, Broome Tioga BOCES, and sponsored by the Broome
Tioga Workforce NY.
Unemployed workers could obtain information on upgrading
their skills or training to enter a new field, particularly in the
emerging “green” industries.
The Broome Tioga Workforce NY, along with other workforce
areas has received $4.4 million dollars in training funds under
the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.  Broome
Tioga’s portion is $1.4 million and has begun to fund training
in healthcare, manufacturing and green jobs, including
weatherization.
Broome Tioga Workforce NY has a new look to its website.  presentations for professional associations.
Information is regularly updated to inform jobseekers
of training opportunities and “hot jobs” posted by local
employers. Check it out at www.broometiogaworks.com .
Binghamton Local Development
Corporation and BCC based
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
Business Plan Competition
(Submitted by Merry Harris, Binghamton Economic Development)
Mayor Matt Ryan
was joined by the
Binghamton Local
Development
Corporation
(BLDC) and the
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) to award
Kathryn Fletcher first place in the BLDC/EAP Business Plan
Competition. The prize includes $5,000 to be used towards
growing Fletcher’s promotions firm, H2Innovations.
“We received a number of promising business plans, and
Kathryn’s was the most professional, comprehensive, and
practical,” said Merry Harris, BLDC Executive Director
and Director of the City’s Office of Economic Development.
“As she stated in her application, Kathryn will utilize the
prize money to expand H2Innovations’s unique services for
Binghamton’s organizations and businesses. By supporting small
business development in creative ways, the BLDC and EAP
are strengthening our local economy, stimulating additional
entrepreneurship, and enhancing our local quality of life.”
H2Innovations promotes local organizations and businesses
through innovative advertising tools such as the Action Atlas and
BiziLife.com is an internet guide for local events, networking,
and customer trends.
“We’ve worked hard to make H2Innovations a reliable promotions
resource for the Binghamton community, and winning this prize
affirms our progress,” said Fletcher. “Binghamton’s strong cultural
traditions, tourist attractions, and educational institutions make
it a great place to do business, and we’re pleased to be a part of
the city’s growing business community.”
Introduced in February, the BLDC/EAP Business Plan
Competition seeks to cultivate local business development,
highlight the BLDC’s financing programs, and raise awareness
about other community resources for small business growth.
The BLDC’s Marketing & Outreach Committee developed
the contest as part of its overall strategy, which also includes
signage on current construction projects, advertising in local
business journals, mailings to local small business owners, and
To ensure it received the best applications possible, the
competition required applicants to attend an EAP tutorial.
While some applicants received this training through the
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program’s regular classes, 21 took
part in the EAP’s business plan workshop held on March 14th
at Broome Community College. The participants represented a
diverse variety of experiences.
“This contest demonstrated that Binghamton is an attractive
place to do business no matter your background,” said EAP
Director Ginny Robert. “We wouldn’t have seen this turn out
without our community’s spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation,
and inclusiveness, and we’re looking forward to another
successful competition in 2010.”
The competition included judges from the BLDC and EAP.
Representing the BLDC were Chet Schultz of HSBC Bank
and Tim Grippen, who serves as BLDC Board President
and recently was named a Regional Representative for
the New York State Department of Labor. The judges
representing the EAP included Howard Garrity of SBA, Diane
Julian of NBT Bank, and Bill Ritter of SCORE, a national
nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education.
The $5,000 prize money will come from the BLDC’s Marketing
& Outreach Committee’s annual budget.
3
State Announces Upstate Revitalization
Fund
(Submitted by NY Empire State Development)
In May of 2009, Governor Paterson announced the availability
of $120 million in the Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund to
finance business investment, infrastructure upgrades and
downtown redevelopment that will advance New York State’s
economic vitality. The Fund will support projects that help
provide a framework for future growth in regions with stymied
development. Administered by Empire State Development
(ESD), it will help to attract businesses, improve commerce
and revitalize local economies.
Examples of Blueprint Fund uses include projects that advance
local development and small businesses, such as making
improvements to industrial parks and providing loans for
purchase of equipment, real estate or other needs. Eligible
applicants include municipalities, businesses, academic
institutions and non-profits.
Funds, which will be provided in the form of subsidized loans,
convertible loans and grants, will be allocated in three “tracks:”
Business Investment Track, Infrastructure Investment Track
and Downtown Redevelopment Track. A single applicant can
apply for multiple projects, however, each project may only
be applied towards one of the three Tracks.
Business investments are capital expenditures that facilitate an
employer’s ability to create new jobs in New York State or
retain jobs that are otherwise in jeopardy.  Within the Business
Investment Track, five-year job commitments will be required
of all beneficiaries.
Infrastructure investments are capital expenditures for
infrastructure, including transportation, water and sewer,
communication, and energy generation and distribution,
as well as finance planning or feasibility studies relating to
capital expenditures.  the following: created 30 new PT jobs, over $1,800,000 in
The Downtown Redevelopment Track will finance
rehabilitation and new construction in downtown areas
statewide.  Funding will be available for a range of commercial
uses, including retail, office and commercial.  Funding will also
be available for projects that are likely to increase tourism,
including hotels, cultural institutions and entertainment
facilities, and streetscape improvements.  that it is today.”
To ensure that each project meets the specific needs of its
region, all applications will undergo a competitive review
process by ESD’s Regional Office Directors, with the support
of central ESD resources. Requests for business investment
assistance will be reviewed on a rolling basis, while requests
for infrastructure and downtown redevelopment assistance
will follow a quarterly calendar. The first round of applications
was due June 15, 2009. Awards will be announced August 17.
Please visit the ESD website, www.nylovesbiz.com regularly
for additional Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund information
and application forms. As always, if you have any questions
about doing business in New York State, please contact our
Southern Tier Regional Office, headed by Regional Director
Kevin McLaughlin, at 607-721-8605.
ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency and
also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic
tourism brand.
Owego Associates Inc. Continues to Grow
After Completing Expansion Project
(Submitted by Jeff Stoke-Tioga County Economic Development)
On February 27, 2009, the Tioga County Industrial
Development Agency (IDA) and Owego Associates, Inc.
(company) successfully completed a fifteen (15) year Payment-
In-Lieu-Of-Taxes (PILOT) program. The initial discussions
began in June 1992 when Owego Associates, Inc. at 1100 NYS
Route 17C, Owego, NY was evaluating business expansion
opportunities for a new conference center and the Tioga
County IDA was asked for financial assistance.
The Owego Associates, Inc. PILOT application in 1992
anticipated the following: create 32 new jobs (FT/PT),
$1,255,831 in total wages, $1,400,000 in new private capital
investment, and $430,255 in real property PILOT payments
to the municipalities.
To date, the conference center annually entertains over 60,000
guests at over 1,500 events. The hotel collects over $32,000
in occupancy tax each year and that number would be higher
if not due to the fact that many visitors are government
employees. The four (4%) percent sales tax collected and
passed on to Tioga County equates to over $82,000 annually.
The Owego Associates, Inc. Post-PILOT evaluation revealed
total wages, and completed a $1,400,000, debt-free conference
center which now contributes $37,805 in new annual real
property taxes.
James VonEsch, General Manager, Owego Associates, Inc.
stated, “Without the Tioga County IDA’s assistance, the entire
Owego Associates complex would not be the growing success
Aaron Gowan, Chairman, Tioga County IDA stated, “With the
real property back on the tax rolls at 100%, over $1.8 million
in new wages, over $37,000 in new real property taxes and
over 60,000 visitors annually attending events and spending
money in Tioga County, NY, we commend Owego Associates,
Inc. for their continued expansion and commitment to the
community.”
The complete Post-PILOT Evaluation can be found at our
website: www.developtioga.com/Projects/IDA-Projects.html.
4
Tracking Broome County’s Cost of Living Broome County Continues to Promote
Greater Binghamton Modeling and
Broome County is once again taking part in the ACCRA Cost of Simulation Coalition
Living Index survey. It has been a number of years since our area (submitted by Darcy Fauci-Broome County Deputy Executive)
was incorporated into this national assessment which measures an
area’s cost of living and compares it to other communities in the Broome County Economic Development and the Broome
country. Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala’s staff gathers County Industrial Develop Agency are continuing their
the necessary data quarterly and submits it to the Council for efforts to highlight Greater Binghamton’s strategic assets
Community and Economic Research. in the area of Modeling and Simulation.
“We felt it was very important to track our area in terms of how The Greater Binghamton Modeling and Simulation
much it costs to pay for basic necessities like housing, food, utilities Coalition was created last year. It is a partnership
and healthcare,” said Executive Fiala. “Based on our first results, we involving government, economic development,
think we fare pretty well, certainly in the areas of housing costs and Binghamton University, BCC and our local modeling
groceries but you always want to do better! Areas of concern that and simulation companies.
should come as no surprise to anyone are the cost of our utilities
and the cost of healthcare.” So far the Coalition members include: Binghamton
Simulator Company, Diamond Visionics, L-3, Link
The first quarter of 2009, showed that Greater Binghamton was at Simulation and Training, Rockwell Collins Simulation
96.4% of the national cost of living index. 100% is national average. and Training, RPA Electronics Solutions, Inc., Simulation
Composite Index 96.4% (100%) and Control Technologies, Inc., Virtusphere, Concurrent
Grocery Items 94.1% and D& R Technical Solutions.
Housing 86.9%
Utilities 108.7% The latest marketing tool is a two and a half minute
Transportation 97.9% professionally produced video. It aims to educate people
Healthcare 124.6% about the area’s simulation history with Edwin Link
Miscellaneous Goods 98.1% and the creation of the Blue Box. It also focuses on the
tremendous expertise that currently exists within our
Comparative community data is available at the ACCRA website, local companies as well as our educational institutions.
www.coli.org, there is a charge for each individual data request.
Broome County Economic Development will be incorporating this Final edits are being made to the video. When it is
completed, it will be added to local websites. It will also
cost of living information in future “Community Profiles” which can
be distributed to representatives in the defense industry,
soon be accessed at www.greaterbinghamton.com.
editors for magazines focusing on the M & S industry,
as well as clients and vendors of our local companies.
The video will also be submitted to SIM TV, the internet
Most Expensive COL television network for the simulation and training
1. New York (Manhattan) NY 219.3 industry.
2. New York (Brooklyn) NY 180.4
3. Honolulu HI 165.5 Broome County Economic Development and the BCIDA
4. San Francisco CA 164.9 supported the Coalition’s efforts at last year’s I/ITSEC
5. New York (Queens) NY 159.2 conference in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest gathering
6. San Jose CA 158.5 in the Modeling and Simulation Industry. Plans have
7. Truckee CA 148.7 been formalized for both of these organizations to once
8. Stamford CT 147.9 again represent the Greater Binghamton community and
9. Orange County CA 145.5 the Coalition at the conference this year.
10. Nassau County NY 143.0
This video and the previous brochures that have been
Least Expensive COL
1. Pryor Creek OK 83.1 produced are an attempt to heavily market our region’s
2. Pueblo CO 83.7 cluster of M & S companies in the hopes of; growing
3. Fort Smith AR 83.7 these companies, attracting and retaining a workforce
4. Martinsville-Henry Co. VA 84.2 to support these companies and to simply promote our
5. Ashland OH 84.6 region’s diverse economy.
6. Martinsburg-Berkeley Co. WV 84.8
7. Mason City IA 85.0 We once again need to tell the world that Greater
8. Dothan AL 85.1 Binghamton is a place where technology is not just
9. Tupelo MS 85.3 used it is created and our people do not just work, they
10. Jonesboro AR 85.5 innovate!
5
STOC Angel Investment Network Helps
Local Entrepreneurs with Start-up
Funding
The STOC Angel Investment Network (STOC-AIN),
comprised of over 20 accredited high net worth individuals,
was formed in late 2007 and has been meeting monthly to
evaluate local business investment opportunities. The Angel
investors, all local businessmen and women, have expressed
an interest in supporting local entrepreneurs with early stage
investments. Most opportunities are based in the region’s
deep technology history and are protected by patents and
other intellectual property. Typically, investors get a share of
ownership based on their level of investment.
While the specifics of investments are kept confidential, two
local companies who have announced support from STOC-
AIN are Threadsmith and NanoMas. Threadsmith, a custom-
embroidery company that recently relocated from Vestal to
the Town of Union, announced that it had received $1 million
in venture capital to expand its business and hire employees
as a follow-on to the initial STOC-AIN investment. The
technology used by Threadsmith—developed by president
David Goldman and chief technical officer Nirav Patel—
allows customers to create and order a variety of embroidered
items from its Web site in real-time using their own logos or
other artwork, he said. More details on the business can be
found at www.threadsmith.com.
“The initial help STOC provided with our investor
presentation and the contacts we made through STOC were
invaluable during our early stage growth. With our Angel
investment, we were able to build out the business enough to
attract subsequent institutional investments from High Peaks
Venture Partners, Advantage Capital and the NYS Common
Retirement Fund,” Goldman said.
NanoMas is one of the exciting new companies based in the
Binghamton University Innovative Technologies Complex
“pre-incubator,” where University-based technologies are
developed in anticipation of commercialization. Founded
by a group of seasoned researchers and scientists, NanoMas
is focused on bringing the research breakthroughs in
nanotechnology to real world applications. NanoMas’s
proprietary technologies enable advancement in printed
electronics industry as well as bring disruptive technologies
to many existing products in high growth industries like solar
cells and fuel cells.
“NanoMas is excited to receive funding from the STOC-AIN
investors. Coupled with several other investments, we are
now in a position to launch our business,” said Zhihao Yang,
NanoMas CEO. “We look forward to relocating from the
Innovative Technologies Complex into Greater Binghamton
and hiring a number of management, science and production
personnel locally. STOC has been instrumental in helping us
with our business planning and funding.” More details can be
found at http://nanomastech.com/index.html.
STOC Hosts Year-end CIC2020
Presentation
(submitted by John Hayek-Executive Director STOC)
On May 11, the Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition’s
Networking Café hosted the business public at the Binghamton
University Downtown Center to hear the end-of-year student
reports from the CIC 2020 Leadership Institute. CIC 2020
(KICK 20-20) is a student-run economic development
think tank at Binghamton University whose efforts focus on
reversing the “brain drain” of Greater Binghamton by working
to increase the retention rate of Binghamton University
graduates in the local area. The name CIC 2020 corresponds
to the vision of retaining 20% of graduating seniors by the
year 2020.
The CIC 2020
Leadership
Institute presented
The Partnership
for Knowledge
Entrepreneurship
to introduce
strategies for
putting brain
power to work towards growing local organizations and
creating an environment that fosters innovation and
promotes economic development.    To culminate a semester
of exploring the community and discussing its challenges with
area leaders, the students reported out on their findings and
shared highlights of their research.  The presentation focused
on ways to engage the University with local businesses and
organizations, emphasizing that it is essential to collaborate
to compete.
Many community leaders, including a number of STOC
members, participated in the focus groups which were seminal
to the studies. Areas of study included Technology, Innovation
and Entrepreneurship, Business and Industry, Art and Culture,
Health Care, Government, Sports, Travel and Tourism, Real
Estate, Media and Academic/Private Sector partnerships.
Student reports made suggestions for improvements in these
important community areas. To review the detailed reports,
go to http://www.cic2020.org/.
Over 80
business,
academic and
government
leaders
attended
the STOC
Networking
Café on June
11th.
6
Binghamton University Sustainability Initiatives
(Submitted by Binghamton University)
Fuel cells with platinum ambition
C.J. Zhong is leading a search for a platinum-based catalyst
that could be at the heart of next-generation fuel cells.
These hydrogen-powered fuel cells work something like a
conventional battery, but they never run out. The catalyst
platinum turns out to be the best at speeding up the chemical
reaction within hydrogen-powered fuel cells. But platinum’s
superior ability to catalyze the combination of the oxygen
from the atmosphere with hydrogen is offset by economics
and chemistry. And so Zhong’s research has several goals.
Besides reducing the amount of platinum used in the catalyst,
he is exploring how to increase its activity and stability.
How does this make my life better?
A switch to fuel cells could help break America’s dependence
on petroleum products.
Batteries for the new electric economy
Energy storage is a crucial issue for the development of hybrid
and electric vehicles as well as more efficient use of electrical
power sources. The University, a world leader in research on
advanced batteries based on lithium, will play a key role in
the development of new energy storage devices. M. Stanley
Whittingham’s research focuses on developing batteries that
combine high energy density with high charge and discharge
rate capability.
What does this mean?
An “electric economy” in which clean electric energy
replaced fossil fuels for heating and transportation would
benefit the environment and reduce the risk of energy
shortages.
Taming computers’ need for power
Binghamton’s low-power computing group is designing new
computer chips that use 40 to 60 percent less energy than
current industry standards, and could save millions annually
in utility costs. Kanad Ghose’s research in high-performance
computing and computer architecture has resulted in
breakthrough designs in processor architecture, power-aware
systems and high-performance computing infrastructures.
Qinru Qiu’s new work on low-power computing and dynamic
power management could lead to smaller computers that
function more efficiently and use less energy. This research
comes at an opportune time: Power demands have risen
exponentially in the last couple of decades.
Why does this matter?
The benefits of low-power computing include reduced
energy consumption, improved reliability and cheaper
manufacturing.
Squeezing juice from the sun
The new Center for Autonomous Solar Power will help
to address the national energy crisis as well as lead to the
establishment of companies that will create jobs upstate.
The center, led by Seshu Desu, focuses on tapping into the
sun’s immense supply of renewable energy and making it
easily accessible as a flexible, large-area and low-cost power
source. The latest addition to the University’s New York State
Center of Excellence in Small Scale Systems Integration and
Packaging, CASP will develop thin film solar modules. This
technology mimics nature’s own energy-conversion processes.
How does this affect me?
Potential applications include devices that will charge cell
phones and laptops without the use of batteries.
Key to a new industrial revolution
The Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing
helps to demonstrate the feasibility of roll-to-roll (R2R)
electronics manufacturing with its prototype tools and by
establishing processes that produce low-volume test-bed
products. Research at the center will result in flexible, rugged,
lightweight electronic components and innovative products
that will be critical to next-generation applications in areas
such as military and homeland security, lighting, energy and
power generation, displays and product identification and
tracking. The R2R process is itself more environmentally
friendly than traditional manufacturing methods; it also will
enable numerous energy-efficient technologies.
What does this mean for Greater Binghamton?
If R2R manufacturing takes off, some see this area becoming
“Flexicon Valley,” the birthplace of a new industrial
revolution.
Cool consideration of a hot issue
The Integrated Electronics Engineering Center, part of the
University’s New York State Center of Excellence, is leading
the way in finding new techniques to optimize the energy
efficiency of data centers. Data centers, also called servers,
process and protect vital information related to areas as diverse
as financial markets and military institutions. This research,
led by Bahgat Sammakia, will result in new designs for data
centers that can be employed around the world.
What’s the benefit of this research?
Billions of dollars are spent every year to cool servers. New
techniques developed at Binghamton will save money and
electricity.
7
Commission on Smart Growth Releases
Final Report
(Submitted by Merry Harris, Binghamton Economic Development)
The City of Binghamton’s Commission on Sustainable Development
& Smart Growth released its final report on June 3rd. The 72-page
document outlines a comprehensive approach to improving the
City’s economic, environmental, and social health over the long-
term. Focus areas include economic development, green building,
land use, stormwater management, and climate protection.
In one key section, the report recommends that the City adopt
Smart Code, a unified set of ordinances that would fundamentally
reform local development practices, including building design,
parking management, and more. As a single body of standards,
Smart Code has been heralded for enabling developers to do
business more efficiently.
The Commission report also explains how Smart Code enables
Smart Growth, an urban planning approach that concentrates
development and reduces sprawl. Smart Growth is known to
produce cost-savings, limit local taxes, conserve resources, beautify
neighborhoods, and strengthen metro economies.
“This report is a blueprint for balancing our many priorities for
years to come, and we’ll move forward on the recommendations
as soon as possible,” said Mayor Ryan. “I would like to thank
the Commission for their dedication over the past year. Their
work shows once again the positive impact of community-wide
partnerships and participation.”
“Smart Growth and SmartCode make the most sense when applied
on a regional basis,” said Merry Harris, Director of Economic
Development for the city. “We look forward to working with our
planning and development colleagues in Greater Binghamton to
explore these approaches more fully and provide information and
training to those responsible for planning and zoning.” Harris
added. “My office worked with a graduate student in the BU MPA
program on a survey of area developers and business owners to
get an idea of their level of knowledge and support for sustainable
development. For the most part there is interest and support but
we want to expand the base and gather additional data.” Harris
said.
The Commission on Sustainable Development & Smart Growth
was one of four commissions convened in April 2008 to investigate
the most pressing issues related to City finances. The other
commissions were asked to address personnel costs, sanitation,
and housing. Like the Commission on Sustainable Development
& Smart Growth, these bodies have included representation from
City Hall, the Council, and the community.
The Commission on Housing & Homeownership released its final
report in April 2009, and the other two commissions are expected
to submit their final reports in the coming weeks. Together, the
commissions are known as the Partnership for Change Initiative.
The Commissions’ reports are now available on the City’s website
cityofbinghamton.com.
Broome County Project Updates:
(Submitted by Broome County Planning& Economic Development)
Intermodal
Bids were opened for the Binghamton Intermodal
Terminal to house BC Transit, BC Lift,  Shortline/
Coach USA, Greyhound and retail space.  The project
is funded by a mix of federal,  state, and local funds. 
This $12.4  million  project broke  ground in April
2009 and will be completed mid-2010.  The County
is  working to have the building meet the standards
of  LEED certification, an environmental/energy
efficiency rating.
Brandywine Study
Broome County secured a $175,500 grant from New
York State to prepare a Brownfield Opportunity Area
plan for the Brandywine Corridor.  This 137-acre swath
of land in the heart of Binghamton, is the gateway to the
community.  By preparing a Brownfield Opportunity
Area plan for this area, we can focus public and private
sector investment and help the community achieve its
vision.  We have hired Elan Planning and Design of
Saratoga Springs, New York to coordinate this effort.
 
Getting the Word Out About Greater
Binghamton Continued from Page 1
opportunity to promote Greater Binghamton’s strategic
location, strong building assets, and great workforce
to businesses exploring back-up facilities outside the
metropolitan area.  This is the second year Greater
Binghamton has been represented at this show.  
The Agency also participated in the CoreNet Global
conference in Dallas.  CoreNet Global brings together
site selectors and real estate executives from around the
world.  The conference provides a number of unique
opportunities to introduce the advantages of Greater
Binghamton to key corporate leaders.
Greater Binghamton received a special focus in
recent New York features in Business Facilities and
Business Expansion Journal.  The articles highlighted
Greater Binghamton’s technology focus, the region’s
high quality of life, and our proximity to the major
metropolitan markets in North America.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber and the Broome
County IDA partnered on the spring Job Fair, June 19th
at Broome Community College.  The event provided
an opportunity for employers and potential employees
to gain valuable face to face contact as well as exchange
ideas and information.  For more information about our
organization, visit www.bcida.com
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