It's time to get down to work. With the announcement Monday of an
eight-person informal coalition, the BC Plan for Greater Binghamton
shifts from a study phase to an active one. The team represents key
players in the process of changing the economic outlook: Broome
County, the Broome Chamber, Broome County Industrial Development
Agency, the Economic Development Council, the Regional Development
Foundation for Greater Binghamton, and the Broome-Tioga Workforce
Development System.
It's heartening to see Binghamton University also represented
through its president, Lois DeFleur. Developing industry-specific
education and training programs through BU, Broome Community College
and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services will help retain a
skilled work force.
The coalition announced goals it has culled from the BC Plan
developed by AngelouEconomics. It sees the resurgence of Greater
Binghamton linked to the establishment of two business incubators,
redevelopment of brownfields, earmarking sites for industrial and
commercial development, creating national and local marketing
campaigns, supporting programs and groups such as the successful
Southern Tier Young Professionals that attract and retain young
adults, creating leadership and entrepreneurship training programs,
improving the county's gateways and raising funds through public and
private grants.
Deborah A. Williamson, a member of the Broome-Tioga Workforce
Development System, said the effort will work only if people replace
individual survival with total survival. She's right.
In forming the coalition, neither Binghamton nor the Town of
Union was selected to have a direct role. Organizers wanted to avoid
a shift in focus from the greater picture.
Rather than revert to "what's in it for me?" form, municipal
leaders should wait to voice their criticisms and give the coalition
a chance. If they want to help the process, there will be
opportunities for them to volunteer on individual projects.
We wish this coalition good luck in clarifying its vision and
enacting true, positive change for Greater Binghamton. Our future
comes down to one word: teamwork.
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