Chemung County Chamber of Commerce

Corning Museum of Glass Nominated for National Recognition

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:55:02 GMT

The Corning Museum of Glass has been nominated in Budget Travel's new contest, "15 Places to See Before 15," which features attractions that are "fun, educational, and especially magical through the eyes of a child," as well as enjoyable for parents.

CMOG is a truly unique museum experience that offers:

•The world's best collection of art and historical glass. More than 45,000 objects trace 3,500 years of glassmaking history.
•Hands-on exhibits that tell the story of the science and technology behind innovations in glass.
•Live, narrated glassblowing demonstrations all day, every day.
•Make Your Own Glass, the museum's unique try-it-yourself glassmaking program.
•A fully equipped glassworking studio offering year-round courses in all levels of glassmaking.
•The Rakow Research Library, the world's library of record and the finest collection of research materials related to the art, history, craft and technology of glass.
•An 18,000 square-foot GlassMarket, where you can purchase glass treasures from around the world.

The voting deadline is February 28th, and individuals may vote daily. To vote, please visit www.budgettravel.com/contest/nominate-15-places-kids-should-see-before-15,10/.

Lt. Gov. Announces Medicaid and Pension Mandate Reform at Elmira Press Conference

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:44:32 GMT

Duffy Touts Pension, Medicaid Proposals in Elmira
By Ray Finger, The Star-Gazette

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposals for Medicaid and pension mandate reform will save Chemung County taxpayers about $4 million over the next five years, Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy said Monday.

Cuomo's pension reform proposal alone -- that would affect future state employees -- is expected to save Chemung County about $243 million over 30 years, Duffy said during a news conference in Elmira.

"The current employees of the state and local government are protected by the New York State Constitution with their pensions. What the governor is proposing is a Tier 6, which only impacts new employees ... people (who) aren't even employed yet," he said.

Cuomo is proposing a system with employee contribution rates that depend on the stock market, Duffy said. If the market is producing, rates are lower, and if the market declines, as has been the case in recent years, those contributions would go up. The workers in the system bear the brunt, not the taxpayers, he said.

Also, future employees cannot have overtime calculated into their final pension, Duffy said. Tier 6 would also include a voluntary 401(k) component that would allow those employees flexibility if they leave state employment after a few years, he said.

"You look at the trajectory of the pension costs three or four years out, there's not a city or a county in the state that can afford to make those payments," he said. "It's going to break local governments. There has to be some change, and while this change only applies to new employees, it's stepping in the right direction."

The savings from not having to pay unfunded mandates can be spent on new schools, libraries, parks, recreation centers, community centers or investment in infrastructure, Duffy said.

"Rather than spend it, you could actually give it back to the taxpayer," County Executive Tom Santulli said.

Growth in Medicaid spending is currently capped at 3 percent, but with a budget the size of Medicaid, that is a lot of money, Santulli said. "What this governor is proposing is that over that four-year period, this 3 percent goes away," he said. "That is a big step forward with the largest unfunded mandate there is."

Elmira Mayor Susan Skidmore pointed out that $100,000 equals 1 percent of the city's property tax levy. "If you look at a million dollars a year, that's an awful lot of money we don't have to tax people for," she said.

Ronald Bentley, chairman of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce and president and CEO of Chemung Trust Co., applauded Cuomo and encouraged the state Legislature to pass the reforms as soon as possible.

"For years, the private sector has watched helplessly as businesses and residents have fled our communities due to high taxes, unfunded mandates and no relief from state government," he said.

"Gov. Cuomo understands that for New York to once again be competitive and once again for the Empire State to be vital, we need a vibrant private sector supported by our partners with state government."

(For original story, visit http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120206/NEWS01/202060366/Duffy-touts-pension-Medicaid-proposals-Elmira?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE.)

DEC Focuses On Reviewing Tens of Thousands of Public Responses to Hydrofracking

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:18:49 GMT

DEC Panel Wades Through Responses
By Jon Campbell, Gannett Albany Bureau

The state's hydrofracking advisory panel is in flux as the Department of Environmental Conservation wades through tens of thousands of public responses it received on the much-debated drilling technique.

The work of the panel is considered crucial if the state is to move forward with hydrofracking. It was set to meet three times through April, but now that schedule is under review, said agency spokeswoman Emily DeSantis.

"Additional panel meetings were previously scheduled, but we are reviewing that schedule as our primary focus is currently on reviewing the public comments," DeSantis wrote in an email.

The panel is composed of 18 representatives from various groups as well as former and current elected officials. They are tasked with coming up with a new fee structure to generate state revenue from a potential gas-drilling boom.

The panel hasn't met since Dec. 20, and two January meetings were canceled. Since its launch in August, it has met a total of six times behind closed doors and postponed four meetings.

The infrequent schedule stands in stark contrast to the original timeline the DEC laid out for the panel. It called for recommendations on a state-level fee structure for gas drilling to be completed in November; a fee system for local governments was to be completed by February.

Since then, the agency agreed to combine the two sets of recommendations into a single report at the request of committee members. It has lifted any deadlines indefinitely.

"The panel itself generated a lot more questions than answers, so I think (the DEC) wants to give us plenty of time to really scrutinize a lot more aspects of the budgetary considerations," said Rob Moore, a member of the panel and executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York.

The creation of the committee was announced in conjunction with the DEC's latest set of guidelines and recommendations for gas drilling and high-volume hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale, which spans the state's Southern Tier into the Catskills Region.

The DEC's guidelines generated an unprecedented amount of response during a public comment period, which wrapped up on Jan. 12. So far, the DEC has tallied 46,000 comments and is still in the process of logging others.

High-volume hydrofracking -- the use of a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals to fracture shale formations and unlock gas -- is on hold in New York until the DEC responds to the comments and finalizes its review.

But whether the state will move to issue permits immediately after its hydrofracking guidelines are finalized is uncertain -- and the time schedule could rest on the pace of the advisory panel's work.

While the DEC has pledged not to issue more permits than it can properly regulate, it has also acknowledged the need for additional staff and resources at the agency if the drilling technique is given the green light.

Obtaining new resources at the DEC would largely be contingent on the panel coming up with a fee system that could cover the costs. The agency estimates the cost of regulating hydrofracking at about $20 million annually the first five years.

Bob Williams, a Windsor, Broome County, landowner and a member of the panel, said the advisory committee's work has an affect on those looking to lease their gas rights to energy companies.

"From my standpoint, I wish it was moving along faster," said Williams, who represents the pro-drilling Joint Landowners Coalition. "It would be nice if we were moving along faster, because it impacts my life, too."

One of the major impediments to coming up with any fee proposals, some panel members said, is a lack of information on how a gas-drilling boom would affect other state agencies, such as the state Health, Public Service, and Transportation departments.

The DEC provided the committee with a detailed, five-year estimate on necessary staffing levels in September, but the other agencies have yet to provide specific estimates.

"The resource needs of state agencies will be presented to the panel at a later time," DeSantis, the DEC spokeswoman, wrote. "Our primary focus is currently on reviewing the public comments."

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell, Broome County, said revisiting the committee's schedule is understandable and could be beneficial. Lupardo is one of two lawmakers on the panel, along with Sen. Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton.

"I understand why they need to do that," she said. "Given the things that we're working on -- state resources and the financial package -- it gives us some time to react to the DEC's final product and look at the market conditions we're facing if (high-volume hydrofracking) begins."

Libous, one of the state Legislature's biggest hydrofracking supporters, said he's OK with taking extra time to allow the DEC to make sure it has quality regulations in place.

"If the experts at DEC say that we should permit it, then it's got to be done right," he said.

(For story, visit http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120205/NEWS01/202050326/DEC-panel-wades-through-responses?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE.)

Vote Planned for West Water Street Development Project

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:47:16 GMT

The Elmira City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed plan at its meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

Downtown Elmira Eyes New Development
By Jenelle Tortorella, WETM

Elmira – A Queens-based developer wants to put apartments and commercial space in three vacant buildings in downtown Elmira. The Marvin, Harold’s and Rosenbaum buildings were targeted for demolition, but there may now be another option.

The 100-block of West Water Street may be getting a makeover soon.

Victory LLC, which is owned by The Harmony Group, proposed plans to develop the old Marvin, Harold’s and Rosenbaum buildings into apartments, commercial and retail space.

For local businesses, more activity in Downtown Elmira could mean more money.

“I think anything would be positive that would ‘fit’ Downtown,” said New York Sports and Fitness Owner John Maio. “I know the City’s been smart on what they’re putting down here, trying to compliment other businesses.”

“If we can get 25 apartments at market rate, we’re bringing in people with expendable income and those incomes then are used in the community,” said Dennis Hogan, who is the general manager for The Harmony Group.

The new plans come after other developers backed out of similar projects; now, Victory LLC is working to determine if the buildings can be refurbished.

The developer is planning to clean out the buildings and then determine if the apartments and retail space can be created in the existing buildings. If not, the buildings will have to be demolished.

So far, Victory officials say Rosenbaum’s is in good enough shape to refurbish; they’ll be inspecting the other buildings this week.

If approved, the City will sell the buildings for just $1. The $2.3 million Restore New York Grant the state awarded Elmira in 2008 to redevelop the buildings would be transferred in the sale and go toward the project.

Damomics owner Ron Friedman, whose building is next to these buildings, said he’s in favor of the project if it starts immediately.

(For full story, visit http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/Downtown-Elmira-Eyes-New-Development/j-kAc6uXQ0yWOazKto1gYQ.cspx.)

Elmira West Water Street Redevelopment Proposal to Get Closer Look
By Ray Finger, The Star-Gazette

Some cleanup is anticipated to begin Friday (1/27) to determine whether the former Harold's and Marvin's buildings in downtown Elmira are sound enough to rehabilitate.

Developer Uri Kaufman of Long Island hopes to turn those two properties on West Water Street, along with the former Rosenbaum's building, into loft apartments and commercial space.

On-site pre-kindergarten and day care are possible if the community decides those are things it wants, said Dennis Hogan, who works for Kaufman and is general manager of The Harmony Group, an umbrella organization that oversees such projects in upstate New York.

"We have a template. Rehabilitating these old properties is what we do," Hogan said. "You don't see a lot of these done because of the hurdles that it takes to get through this."

Hogan told Elmira City Council Thursday (1/26) about plans for the downtown buildings, and about The Lofts at Harmony Mills, a successful project in Cohoes.

That Albany-area project transformed a vacant cotton mill into loft apartments renting for $1,000 to $2,700 a month, depending on the number of bedrooms, square footage, which floor they are on and whether or not they face the Mohawk River, he said.

The rent includes telephone, Internet and cable TV service, Hogan said. "All you pay for is gas and electric."

Following Thursday's council workshop, he was to meet with Elise Johnson-Schmidt and Associates, preservation architects in Corning, to review designs created earlier for the Water Street buildings that possibly could be used, as long as they come close to fitting their template for apartments, he said. That could expedite the process threefold, he said.

"This section of Water Street has really stymied us," Mayor Susan Skidmore said. "We've had lots of starters, and that's as far as we've got, so we're really excited about this."

The goal is to preserve all three of the structures, Hogan said. Rosenbaum's has been examined and was determined to be OK, but he plans to go into Marvin's and Harold's on Friday with an engineer to look at areas they didn't have access to before to see if each building can be restored, he said.

If all of the buildings are viable, work will be done on all three at the same time, he said.

"We'll go in, we'll clean at the same time, we'll remediate at the same time. I know there are some environmental issues. We'll take care of it. It's part of the process," he said. "From there, we'll start our rehabilitation."

(For full story, visit http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120126/NEWS01/201260368/Elmira-West-Water-Street-redevelopment-proposal-get-closer-look?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE.)

Elmira Pioneers Baseball Team Under New Ownership

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:35:14 GMT

Local Pair Purchases Elmira Pioneers
By Joe Mink, The Star-Gazette

ELMIRA - The Elmira Pioneers are now under local ownership.

Donald Lewis and Nellie Franco Nichols have purchased the baseball team from Jeff Kunion, and all three were at the Hill Top Inn for the announcement Wednesday (1/18).

Lewis is an Edison High graduate who most recently has been assistant general manager of the Elmira Jackals. Franco Nichols is the wife of Robbie Nichols, the Jackals' general manager.

The Pioneers will continue to compete in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League and play their home contests at Dunn Field.

Lewis said part of taking over the Pioneers includes refurbishing the ballpark, and the home locker room has already been updated with new walls and paint. The visiting locker room also will be improved, he said.

Negotiations are taking place with Dan Shwam to return to return as manager, though Lewis added he's also spoken with other candidates.

Lewis said the manager will also handle the role of general manager and be responsible for bringing in the players. Some players have already been signed, Lewis noted.

He also said he spoke to Kunion two years ago about acquiring the team, but that Kunion wasn't interested in selling at the time.

"We stayed in touch, and finally everything fell together," Lewis said.

Lewis said he approached Franco Nichols about coming in as a partner.

"Nellie has always loved baseball," he said.

Franco Nichols will oversee daily operations of the team, including the interns and volunteers.

On Jan. 1, Kunion was named president of the PGCBL. He said the Pioneers will thrive under the new ownership.

"I live on Long Island. There was too much stress on travel, so I decided to sell the team," Kunion said.

He believes Elmira will continue to lead the league in attendance, something the Pioneers accomplished last season with a total of 35,453 and an average of 1,477. Amsterdam was second at 28,604 and 1,192, respectively.

Besides baseball, Dunn Field will also offer other events such as concerts, Lewis said.

There's also the possibility of the Pioneers and Jackals organizations helping each other out.

"We'd like to do co-promotions. It makes a lot of sense for us to work together," Lewis said.

June 8 will be opening day at Dunn Field, though the league schedule has not been released, so Elmira's opponent is not yet known.

The Pioneers compete in the PGCBL West with the Cooperstown Hawkeyes, Newark (N.Y.) Pilots and the Watertown Wizards. In the East division are the Albany Dutchmen, Amsterdam Mohawks, Glens Falls Golden Eagles and the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs of Little Falls, N.Y.

(For original story, visit http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120118/SPORTS/201180368/Local-pair-purchases-Elmira-Pioneers?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp.)

Local Officials React to Governor Cuomo's "State of the State" Address

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:49:23 GMT

(For the full text of Governor Cuomo's "State of the State" address, visit http://www.governor.ny.gov/sl2/stateofthestate2011transcript.)

Santulli Reacts to State of State Address
By Bobby Brooks, WETM-TV

Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli says the governor's speech was very ambitious. But, he says, it offered little insight as to how he plans to fix the county's biggest tax problem, unfunded mandates.

Santulli says the reason why the county's property taxes are so high is because it has to take that tax money to pay for unfunded mandates, like Medicaid.

If the state would step in and pay for them, Santulli says he could lower the property tax rate by 80%. Santulli said, “We collect $27 million in property taxes when you get your county tax bill. All $27 million of that goes to pay for unfunded mandates in the State of New York and that's still not enough. We have to take 25% of our sales tax.”

Santulli supports Cuomo's plans to repair highways, build the nation's largest convention center in New York City and give $1 billion annually to western New York.

But during a time when New York still has a $3 billion deceit, he's skeptical of where the funds will come from.

(For full story and video, visit http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/Santulli-Reacts-To-State-Of-State-Address/9hqbtxshtEOKmd7bfgNGgw.cspx.)

O'Mara Says Governor's Address Sets Stage for Another Productive Session, but Mandate Relief Needs More Attention

“We put down the foundation in 2011 for a long-term focus on property tax relief, less state spending and private-sector job growth. We’ve started remaking and rebuilding state government in fundamental ways. Now we need to keep building on this foundation of economic growth and fiscal responsibility in 2012,” State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) said in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s second State of the State message to the Legislature.

O’Mara, who’s in his first term representing New York’s 53rd Senate District, joined his Senate and Assembly colleagues in the Empire State Plaza’s Convention Center for Cuomo’s address – the official kickoff to the 2012 legislative session. The event also marked only the second time since the 1920’s that the speech wasn’t delivered in the State Assembly Chamber, a move Cuomo first made last year to allow for greater public attendance.

O’Mara said that Cuomo was on target by focusing his speech on the need to keep building on last year’s governmental and political successes and the spirit of bipartisan cooperation that produced an on-time state budget, a state budget that contained no new or increased state taxes and fees, the first year-to-year state spending decrease in over a decade, and a revitalized commitment to encouraging an economic climate that attracts businesses and industries and produces jobs.

Last year’s state budget also imposed a 2-percent cap on local property tax levy increases, a move which O’Mara and many other lawmakers say pinpoint one of this session’s overriding priorities: mandate relief. While the governor briefly highlighted mandated relief in today’s speech and anticipated the recommendations of a Mandate Relief Council set to begin work later this month, O’Mara said that the governor’s remarks fell short in one key area: eliminating the local share of Medicaid costs.

“I like Governor Cuomo’s ongoing focus on jobs and creating a better business climate, because it’s long overdue. We especially need to keep doing better for upstate. I’m fully on board with revamping the state bureaucracy so that it’s less costly and more effective,” said O’Mara. “But we need a more aggressive and urgent commitment to changing Medicaid. It’s a state-mandated cost that county governments can’t and, in my opinion, shouldn’t be expected to handle anymore.”

Late last year, O’Mara joined a bipartisan group of state legislators to co-sponsor legislation (S.5889) that would begin an eight-year phase-in of a complete state takeover of local Medicaid costs and save county taxpayers approximately $180 million this year. He’s also introduced legislation (S.5787) with local Assemblymen Phil Palmesano (R-C-I, Corning) and Chris Friend (R-Big Flats) that would effectively freeze local Medicaid costs.

While the governor has previously dismissed the idea of a state takeover, O’Mara and other lawmakers continue to believe it’s unrealistic for the state to keep requiring local governments to find a way to handle escalating local Medicaid costs in the face of the 2-percent property tax cap the state imposed as part of last year’s state budget.

"If we’re serious about meaningful mandate relief, the number one action that will make a difference is a state takeover of local Medicaid costs. It’s the largest state-mandated expense and it stands in the way of any hope for long-term property tax relief and economic strength,” said O’Mara. “I would have welcomed the governor’s call for an outright state takeover at the outset of this session, but we’re going to keep making the case.”

Area residents can currently share their views on a state takeover of local Medicaid costs through a new online poll.

(For full story and video, visit http://www.nysenate.gov/news/omara-says-governors-address-sets-stage-another-productive-session-mandate-relief-needs-more-at. To take the online poll, visit http://www.nysenate.gov/polls/2012/jan/03/do-you-agree-governor-cuomo-and-legislature-must-begin-state-takeover-local-medica.)

Nearby Gas Drilling Provides Economic Benefits Locally

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:24:46 GMT

With Gas Drilling Next Door, County in New York Gets Economic Lift
By Mireya Navarro, The New York Times

HORSEHEADS, N.Y. — At the Glamour and Glow boutique in the local mall here, crystal necklaces and fake fur vests have been hot-ticket items the last year.

When the drilling workers head home between long stretches of work in this gas-rich region, explained Christy Spreng, the shop’s owner, they need gifts for their wives and girlfriends. “They know what they want,” she said. “They’ll say: ‘Looks good. Wrap it up.’”

Sales are up 60 percent at the boutique this year. At the two Holiday Inns here in Chemung County, occupancy has been at or near capacity for months at a time. And in the nearby town of Big Flats, the regional airport has added flights, parking spaces and restrooms, and is extending a runway to accommodate larger jets.

This new base of customers — workers from Oklahoma, Texas and other parts of the country with long experience in drilling natural gas wells — are drawn to the region by jobs just across the state border in rural Pennsylvania, where a kind of drilling known as horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, has vastly expanded over the last two years.

In the same period, New York State environmental officials have been weighing whether such drilling should be allowed here. Until it does, Chemung County is savoring a hydrofracking boom without the hydrofracking.

The workers stream across the Pennsylvania border in search of amenities that are relatively scarce at the rural drilling sites. “Places are jammed,” said Thomas J. Santulli, the Chemung County executive.

The county’s hospitality, while hardly uniform, as opponents of fracking have made themselves heard, contrasts with the natural gas industry’s reception in some other corners of New York State. A few municipalities have moved pre-emptively to ban hydrofracking, citing the potential for heavy truck traffic, noise and, above all, the risk of contamination of groundwater supplies.

Horizontal hydraulic fracturing involves injecting water and chemicals into underground shale formations at enormous pressure to extract natural gas.

One reason that many in Chemung take the proposed drilling in stride is that gas exploration is nothing new here: dozens of conventionally drilled wells are active in the Trenton-Black River formation. All told, the county already has 3,400 acres of its own land under lease for gas exploration.

Still, the spillover from Pennsylvania is giving the county’s 88,000 residents a taste of how life might change, for better and worse, if the state gives a green light to the far more powerful method of extraction. County workers are busy surveying roads, training law enforcement personnel and visiting drilling centers in northeastern Pennsylvania to learn how their neighbors have dealt with traffic and an influx of thousands of workers.

Some downsides are anticipated in New York State.

A report commissioned this year by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, for example, predicts local housing shortages and a rise in rents as workers migrate to New York to take jobs in well construction and production that cannot initially be filled with local labor.

Some residents are already feeling pinched. “I was looking to spend $600 to $800, and it’s hard to find a decent place for that,” said Mark Stedge, 53, a resident who said he found most rents were more than double what he could pay. “The drillers are willing to pay anything because they need a place to stay.”

Nonetheless, the report said that Chemung and other counties in the state’s Southern Tier where shale gas is assumed to be plentiful can expect a surge in retail sales and tax revenue from those workers once drilling begins.

“These communities have the infrastructure,” said Kent Gardner, president and chief economist of the Center for Governmental Research in Rochester. “They have the commercial buildings, the lodging facilities and access to Interstate 86.”

Such amenities drew Sam Cullen, 33, a drill pipe worker from Harrison, Ark., who works about 35 minutes away in Bradford County, Pa., to the Texas Roadhouse restaurant here one recent evening. “There is nothing there — there’s no entertainment, there’s nothing to do,” he said of that Pennsylvania locale as he sipped a margarita.

Chemung County, Mr. Cullen added, “is where we spend our money.”

Last year, Chemung led all New York counties in the growth of sales tax and hotel tax revenue, as well as in the expansion of its tax base, avoiding the property tax increases and economic doldrums faced by local governments elsewhere in the state. To a lesser degree, Broome County, also right above the hydrofracking hot spots of Bradford and Susquehanna Counties, is also enjoying brisk business.

Mr. Santulli, the Chemung County executive, attributes at least half of its tax revenue growth to the increased activity of the extracting industry on both sides of the border.

He said 28 gas-related companies employing more than 1,000 had leased or bought more than one million square feet of commercial space in the county as a staging area for current and future drilling operations in the region.

Many businesses provide support and technological services for gas fields. One of the biggest, Schlumberger Technologies, is completing a 400,000-square-foot plant in Horseheads that will employ 400 people by next year.

Ann Crook, the manager of Elmira Corning Regional Airport in Big Flats, estimates one of five passengers flying in or out has some tie to the gas industry. Some are workers who head straight to the airport after working their final shift, which has prompted her to invest in some degreasing soap for the restrooms. “They do some serious cleanup here,” Ms. Crook said.

Local critics of the county’s boom are not hard to find. Some local antifracking groups complain that county officials rolled out the carpet for new businesses without requiring detailed environmental impact statements or considering the long-term consequences.

“The revenue is significant,” said Susan Multer, who lives in Horseheads and is a board member for a group called People for a Healthy Environment. “But we believe that the boom will turn into a bust later. The economic benefits will die, and we will be left with the health effects of the industrialization of what’s now our rural, quiet community.”

Some residents argue that the county is already contending with pollution problems that will only get worse if New York State starts issuing permits for the controversial fracking process. A group in Horseheads has sued Anschutz Exploration, a gas drilling company based in Denver, over two conventionally bored wells that the group says contaminated the drinking water.

In another neighborhood, residents are up in arms over a municipal landfill that began accepting drill cuttings from hydrofracking in Pennsylvania last year.

“What would happen if this gets in the water supply?” said Dr. Earl Robinson, a pulmonologist and critical care doctor who can see the landfill from his historic house in the Lowman neighborhood.

Officials with the Department of Environmental Conservation have judged the disposal of the shale waste in municipal landfills to be safe. The department has nonetheless been monitoring the site, and county officials have installed radiation detectors to monitor the cuttings, which they say make up 30 percent of the landfill’s capacity.

The rumbles of dissent are not lost on the drilling workers, whose cowboy hats and encrusted boots make them easy to spot when they drive into Horseheads for a meal or entertainment.

“People look at us like we’re idiots here,” said Jeff Lambert, 27, a drill pipe worker from Oklahoma who has worked in Pennsylvania since August.

“They want to know why we’re up here drilling,” he said. “I say, because you like to heat your home. You can’t get natural gas if you don’t drill.”

(For original story, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/nyregion/hydrofracking-gives-chemung-county-ny-economic-boost.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss.)

Elmira Corning Regional Airport to Begin Daily, Direct New York City Service

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:41:08 GMT

At a press conference held on December 16th, Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli and Ann Crook, Elmira Corning Regional Airport’s Director of Aviation, announced Delta Air Lines will begin a daily flight to JFK International Airport beginning in June of 2012.

“We have been working for a long time to bring service to New York City to ELM,” said Santulli. “This once daily flight will be utilized by both business and leisure travelers, including those travelling internationally.”

“The number one request I get from our community for new service is for a direct flight to New York City. I’m delighted to say that we have done it! This new flight to JFK is only the most recent addition to Delta’s all-jet service at ELM. Delta’s commitment to Elmira Corning will open New York’s Finger Lakes Region to the world,” added Crook.

The Chemung County Chamber’s Air Service Task Force is pleased with this latest development. “We applaud how persistent and aggressive the airport and County Executive Santulli have been in capturing a transportation service that’s crucial to our best economic future,” said Chamber President Kevin Keeley.

The daily service from JFK to ELM will be on a 50-seat CRJ regional jet operated by Pinnacle Airline, and will begin on June 7th. Tickets began being sold on December 17th.

For more information on the Elmira Corning Regional Airport, visit www.ecairport.com.

Schumer Creates Campaign to Boost N.Y.S. Breweries

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:55:49 GMT

Schumer Campaign Aims to Promote N.Y. Microbrews
By John Zick, The Corning Leader

Corning, N.Y. — Beer lovers, you’ve got a friend in Charles Schumer.

Schumer, New York’s senior senator, announced Wednesday (December 14th) the creation of a new campaign aimed at placing more locally brewed New York beer in restaurants, bars and stores in New York City and throughout the state. His “I Love NY Brew” campaign is backed by the New York Brewers Association and many upstate breweries.

“Local breweries across the state are proven job-creators – helping support 60,000 New York jobs and brewing not simply great beer, but billions for our local economy, too,” said Schumer, a Democrat. “Craft breweries have catapulted New York to the top shelf of beer states, and our beers are more than ready for primetime. Whether you are searching for a six-pack at your local 7-Eleven or grabbing Buffalo wings with a beer after work, you should have a wide assortment of locally brewed beers to choose from.”

Schumer has written a personal letter to the National Association of Convenience Stores and Fuel Retailing and the New York State Restaurant Association urging those organizations to offer more beers from the state’s 77 micro-breweries, regional craft breweries and brewpubs.

“I’m strongly urging New York restaurants, bars and convenience stores alike from across the state to take a close look a New York’s beers and consider putting them on their shelves or on their menu,” Schumer said. “It would be a win-win, both for those selling the beer, and for the breweries making it.”

Schumer noted that some beers, like Genesee and Saranac, have gained popularity in New York City, but he believes the upstate brewing market is underutilized downstate.

New York-brewed beer currently represents a 7.5-percent market share statewide, according to David Katleski, president of the state Brewers association.

“One can only imagine the economic impact to our state if craft beer sale here reflected that of craft beer sales in Oregon, where they’re 30 percent,” Katleski said.

According to the Beer Institute, the 60,000 brewing-related jobs in New York paid $4.6 billion in wages last year and accounted for more than $13.2 billion in economic activity.

“Our local breweries provide good-paying jobs and help draw tourists and visitors to the Empire State,” Schumer said. “I’m going to do everything I can to help them grow and expand even further.”

There are 15 breweries in the Southern Tier and the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, and at least 10 more are planned, including one in the Town of Horseheads. Last year, the existing 15 breweries produced more than 550,000 barrels of beer.

(For original story, visit http://www.the-leader.com/features/x795099675/Schumer-campaign-aims-to-promote-N-Y-microbrews.)

Southern Tier Economic Development Council Presents Plan in Albany

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Economic Council: Rebuilding N.Y. Can Start in Tier
By Steve Reilly, The Star-Gazette

ALBANY -- Upstate New York can be rebuilt, and the Southern Tier -- with its under-exploited private-sector strengths and world-class educational institutions -- would be a great place to start.

At least that was the pitch from a group of the region's economic leaders, delivered at the New York State Capitol building Tuesday (November 29th) as part of a statewide competition for a total of $1 billion in economic development funds.

The hourlong presentation from the co-chairmen of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council -- a boiled-down summation of its 190-page proposal -- was one of 10 being delivered this week to a five-member scoring committee that decides who gets the biggest chunks of $200 million in direct funding up for grabs in the initial stage of the competition.

The Southern Tier's plan was outlined in a slideshow and video presentation by Cornell University President David Skorton and Corning Enterprises President and CEO Tom Tranter.

Skorton said the process of developing the plan helped leaders within the eight-county area -- which extends from Steuben to Delaware County -- to think of the region as a cohesive economic unit.

"This process really brought us together, and I think we'll be together and networked for the long haul," he said.

The Southern Tier council's plan proposes an investment of $122 million in public development funds over five years, which is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs and retain 3,000 more, generating a return on investment of $1,200 per capita.

Tranter said the proposed investment of public funding would, in turn, leverage $650 million in private-sector activity.

"That's a five-to-one ratio, so it's very good in that regard," he said.

The plan is broken into 14 proposals that each fall under the umbrella of five strategies developed by the council, focusing on health care, renewable energy, rural economics, infrastructure and transportation.

The proposals include:

» The Community Revitalization Project, a $60 million investment in 60 to 75 major community revitalization efforts that would create 4,500 jobs and 35 to 40 businesses.

» A Rural Initiative Venture Fund that would create 2,000 jobs through a $10 million investment in diversifying, improving and expanding the region's agribusiness industry.

» The Next Generation Transportation Development Initiative, a $14 million investment aimed at establishing the Southern Tier as a bedroom community for New York City with a high-speed inter-city transportation project.

» A three-year, $7 million regional broadband project that would connect 26,000 rural homes and businesses to enhanced Internet service.

» A $5 million investment in renewable energy that would retrofit 145,000 buildings and create 4,500 jobs.

Following the 30-minute presentation, the council took questions for another 30 minutes from the scoring committee -- composed of two state officials and three outside experts -- that will grade the proposals.

Several of the questions focused on the flooding that struck the region in early September, with the heaviest rain falling Sept. 7, the day of one of the council's scheduled meetings.

"On that day in September when we were trying to find roads to get to and from Binghamton, the majority of the council showed up," Skorton said. "My own perspective is that the flood just made people's wills stronger to unite as a region."

Tranter said the proposed $60 million Community Revitalization Project was moved from a lower slot to the No. 1 funding priority as a result of the flood.

"The flood actually became a differentiator for us because of the devastation," he said. "Everyone rallied around."

The presentation also highlighted underexploited strong points of the region: the largest wood-pellet plant in the Northeast, the state's strongest rural and forest-based economy and two nationally-prominent universities in close proximity to strong tech-sector businesses like Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and BAE Systems.

Notably, mention of one potential economic driver was altogether absent from the presentation: natural gas drilling.

Early in the process, the Southern Tier council issued a statement indicating the region's mineral resources would be excluded from its proposal because state environmental regulators are not issuing permits for hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to extract oil and gas from tight rock formations like the Marcellus and Utica shales.

With drilling out of the equation, the Southern Tier's effort will be pitted against those from the rest of the state.

By early- to mid-December, the scoring committee is expected to decide on four regions that will take home $40 million economic development packages and six that will have to share the remaining $40 million pot.

An additional $800 million in existing grants, tax credits and other incentives is up for grabs in the competition, but proposals for this chunk of funding are being graded privately by the economic councils and state agencies.

Prior to the presentation -- the first of five held Tuesday -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo greeted the attendees and said the competition has been working "even better than we'd hoped."

"The level of excitement all around the state (and) the level of competitiveness has been fantastic," Cuomo said.

"Allow me ... to thank you for your vision," Skorton said to the governor. "We really applaud the process and we're ready to compete with anybody."

"Give him two extra points," Cuomo joked.

(For story, visit http://www.stargazette.com/article/20111129/NEWS01/111290368/Economic-council-Rebuilding-N-Y-can-start-Tier?odyssey=nav%7Chead. To read the full plan, visit http://nyworks.ny.gov/content/southern-tier.)

State DEC Holds Public Hearing on Natural Gas Drilling in the Southern Tier

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:32:32 GMT

Fracking Regulations: DEC's Latest Script Produces High Drama at Hearing
By Steve Reilly, The Star-Gazette

BINGHAMTON -- It was the perfect setting for the Southern Tier's longest-running drama.

In Binghamton's downtown Forum theater Thursday (November 17th), two hopelessly divided sides took center stage in a region at the crux of New York's natural gas drilling debate.

And, predictably, voices were raised and fingers were wiggled when the estimated 1,050 people began voicing their opinions on the state Department of Environmental Conservation's proposed regulations for hydraulic fracturing.

This was the second of four hearings DEC will hold this month to take public comments on its proposed regulations. After the close of the public comment period Dec. 12, the agency is expected to consider relevant feedback as it creates the final draft of the regulations before issuing permits to drill wells as soon as sometime next year.

During the first of two three-hour sessions Thursday, 63 people spoke, divided almost evenly between the two sides of the drilling discussion.

The comments -- limited to three minutes each -- drew lively reactions from a vocal crowd, which met the speakers with applause, boos, and the wiggling fingers and crossed arms popularized by the Occupy Wall Street protests.

Drilling advocates expressed frustration with DEC's three-and-a-half year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. Meanwhile, opponents urged further study.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell, the leadoff speaker, expressed concerns about drilling in floodplains. Still, she was one of the few who straddled the fence.

"It's obvious that many people are frustrated with the pace of the review process," she said. "Some want to speed it up, some want to slow it down."

Both sides shared grievances with DEC's revised draft of the Generic Environmental Impact Statement, a 1,500-page document that lays out the agency's regulatory groundwork for high-volume, hydraulic fracturing -- a technique used to unleash gas trapped deep inside rock formations like the Marcellus Shale.

Sarah Eckel, policy director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment, called for a ban on treatment of hydrofracking wastewater in municipal sewage treatment plants.

"There's no plan for waste disposal for fracking waste in New York," she said. "We can track it and know where it's going, but we have no plan."

Others, like Tioga County resident Ron Dougherty, said onerous environmental restrictions in the SGEIS and a proposed prohibition of drilling on some state lands will push drilling companies and jobs out of the state.

"These barriers go against the New York State energy plan and will deprive New York of a source of long-term reliable energy and long-term tax growth," Dougherty said.

Advocates of drilling echoed a common refrain: the three-and-a-half year moratorium on hydrofracking in New York has gone on too long.

"These drilling opponents will never be satisfied," said Julie Scott, a landowner from the Town of Barker. "Their tactic is to delay, delay, delay until it is too late. Please don't let this happen."

Not surprisingly, perhaps, those concerned with the state's movement toward natural gas drilling said the delays are necessary because of perceived inadequacies in the regulatory framework.

Wes Gillingham, program director for Catskill Mountainkeeper, said the SGEIS presents an "erroneous analysis" of the environmental risks of hydraulic fracturing and includes other oversights, including failing to ban the storage of wastewater in open pits.

"This is outrageous," he said to standing applause. "We want that document thrown out."

While the crowd was mostly civil, at least four people were escorted out of the theater -- two of whom attempted to unfurl a large protest banner, which violated the facility's rules.

Speakers were urged to focus their statements on the SGEIS, but many comments veered toward appraisals of whether drilling should take place in New York.

"Waste disposal and earthquakes alone are two insurmountable problems," said Chenango County resident Kim Michaels. "Natural gas drilling in New York needs to be banned."

"This is a limited time offer," said John Cuomo, a Tioga County landowner and consultant. "Gas companies will not invest their resources where the regulatory environment is full of requirements and restrictions. Drilling opponents will never be satisfied."

Comments of elected officials, who were allowed to speak first, took up the initial half-hour of the early hearing.

Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, D-Ithaca, drew cheers for urging the DEC to withdraw the document and referring to the portion of the document dealing with socioeconomic impacts as a "cut-and-paste job from industry press releases."

A common pro-drilling argument -- that gas drilling could be a source of much-needed job growth in the Southern Tier -- came from Broome County Legislator Steve Herz.

"I submit that with the good and reasonable regulations that DEC has put together, and the leases the landowners have formulated, the natural gas industry will provide the funding to create what we need," Herz said.

The public hearing was the second of four that will be held by DEC this month, and the only one in the Southern Tier, a region has drawn strong interest from natural gas companies for its position atop an energy-rich swath of the Marcellus Shale.

The crowd remained equally boisterous in the second three-hour portion of the meeting, but some of the reaction took a different twist.

"Our natural resources that we have here with natural gas have brought our country closer than ever to achieving energy independence," said Scott Kurkoski, attorney for the Joint Landowners Coalition of New York, whose comments elicited a strong reaction from both sides. "It's time to move forward. Three-and-a-half years is enough."

Fingers were wiggled at the comments of Brendan Woodruff, hydrofracking campaign organizer for the New York Public Interest Research Group.

"The revised SGEIS does not include an adequate assessment of cumulative impacts, including public heath impacts and proper disposal of the toxic and possibly radioactive wastewater," Woodruff said. "You have opted to fast-track the process instead of ... undertaking a full environmental review."

Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli Unveils Proposed Budget

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:48:45 GMT

Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli has unveiled his proposed 2012 Budget, which will hold the line on the County property tax rate for the seventh straight year.

“Despite the continuing fiscal pressures of New York State’s unfunded mandates, I am pleased to be able to present to the Chemung County Legislature a budget which continues the previous year’s tax rate of $6.98 per thousand of assessed valuation and further maintains the property tax levy at last year’s level in the amount of $27,005,000,” said Santulli. “These unfunded mandates in 2012 will consume this entire tax levy as well as 23%, or $9,395,338, of our sales tax revenues."

Santulli’s 2012 Budget proposal recommends total net appropriations of $177,216,755 for the fiscal year that commences on January 1, 2012. This represents an increase of $9,002,154, or 5.4%, from the $168,214,621 approved by the Legislature for the current fiscal year. Santulli noted that this increase in appropriations is almost entirely due to the annual increase in mandated program costs, especially Medicaid. The budget is now subject to review and approval by the County Legislature.

Santulli went on to say, “Chemung County currently possesses on a real dollar basis our largest fund balance ever, which is in line with NYS Comptroller DiNapoli’s recommendation to local municipalities of 10%-15% in unreserved fund balance for day to day operations. In addition, in 2010 we led the State of New York in sales tax growth, room tax growth, and full value growth. These are extraordinary achievements for a small upstate county. We find ourselves in a far better financial situation than the vast majority of the counties in our State. Due to the still struggling economy and the unfunded mandates imposed by the State of New York, many municipalities are experiencing a fiscal crisis to a magnitude that has never been seen before. The problem is further compounded by a two percent property tax cap imposed by the Governor and the State Legislature which was enacted without the necessary mandate relief. Chemung County is in a fortunate position with many positive economic indicators which have assisted us in weathering this crisis. However, without serious mandate reform, I worry that our fate could be determined by Albany’s inaction on this issue. This budget holds the line on spending in all of the programs that we have the ability to control. Unfortunately, there is unsustainable growth in spending in State mandated programs.”

The County Legislature has scheduled workshop sessions to review the proposed 2012 Budget on November 14th following the regular meeting which begins at 7:00 PM, and on November 15th at 7:00 PM in the 5th floor Legislative Chambers of the Hazlett Building. A session may also be held on November 16th if needed. The public is welcome at these sessions, as well as at the formal Public Hearing to be held on the 2012 Budget at 7:00 PM on November 21st.

The proposed budget will be available for viewing in the Legislative Chambers and on the County website.

*NOTE: The “full value tax rate” is the average of the rates of the city of Elmira and the eleven towns within Chemung County. Final rates are contingent upon action by the Legislature in amending the proposed budget, state equalization rates, special district charges, etc.

For more information, visit http://www.chemungcounty.com/index.asp?pageID=290&nid=741&CatId=32

Chemung County Transit Rebranding Planned

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:13:56 GMT

Over the past few months, Chemung County Transit has worked with Riger, a marketing and communications company in Binghamton, to create a new name, logo, and slogan. Coordinated by mobility manager Tina Hager, a rebranding committee directed Riger staff to create a name that will be shorter and easier for riders to remember and a logo that is visually appealing. The new name selected is C TRAN, and the slogan is, “the smart way to go.”

As part of the project, Riger also created a bus design for four new Gillig buses coming in December. The C TRAN name will be implemented through a “soft start” that will phase in C TRAN bus decals on existing buses, newly designed bus schedules, C TRAN monthly passes and tokens, and a new website domain in the next six months. As buses in the fleet are replaced, C TRAN will implement the new paint design of red and white graphics over a base paint of metallic silver. Funding for the rebranding was available due to Federal Transit Administration funds related to mobility management and marketing. For information and bus schedules, visit www.chemungtransit.com.

Chamber Invites Nominations for ATHENA Award

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:02:40 GMT

The ATHENA Award celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The award honors individuals who strive to the highest levels of professional accomplishment - women and men who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who open paths so that others may follow. The award will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Breakfast, to be held on December 6, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. at the Elmira Country Club.

Nominees should be a man or woman who assists women in reaching their full leadership potential; a person who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in his or her business or profession; and a person who provides a valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

To nominate an individual for this award, please submit the following information to the Chamber by November 4th at 5 p.m. Nominations may be dropped off in person (400 East Church Street, Elmira), e-mailed
(info@chemungchamber.org), or faxed (607-734-4490):

1. The name, title and company (as well as the business address, phone, fax and e-mail address) for the nominee.
2. A paragraph on why the nominee is deserving of the ATHENA Award.
3. Specific examples of demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership of professional women.
4. A list of special recognitions, projects and achievements, including professional affiliations, directorships, trusteeships, chambers of commerce, merchant associations or other designations.
5. A description of local, state and national level participation, length of service and offices held in organizations.
6. A list of honors for service to profession, industry or business community. A list of publications or articles published supporting service to the profession, industry or business community.
7. Discuss briefly any additional factors for consideration regarding this nomination.

An attached resume would be helpful.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber at (607) 734-5137 or e-mail Susan Panetta at susan@chemungchamber.org.

The ATHENA Award is sponsored by Elm Chevrolet, Howell Packaging and WETM-TV.

A Taste of the Finger Lakes Featured at Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Event

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:58:25 GMT

When the Kennedy Center of Washington, DC presents the 14th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday, October 23, there will be a small, but meaningful, link to Finger Lakes Wine Country at the festivities.

Glenora Wine Cellars’ special edition Mark Twain Riesling has been chosen as the only wine to be included in the prestigious gift bags provided to this year’s award recipient, Will Ferrell, and some 60 select guests. The limited-edition wine was launched in 2010 as a joint project between Glenora Wine Cellars and the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce to honor the American humorist who drew inspiration from the region’s rolling hills while penning his best-known classics in Elmira.

“We are extremely excited, and proud, to have our limited edition, custom labeled Mark Twain Riesling included in this elite award ceremony,” said Gene Pierce, Owner and President of Glenora Wine Cellars. “This is an honor not only for us but for the Finger Lakes region as a whole. Riesling is the perfect wine to showcase, as it’s the Finger Lakes premier wine!”

Ferrell will also receive a personal invitation to visit the region to tour the Mark Twain Study and gravesite and area attractions & wineries. “We are thrilled for the chance to share Elmira’s Twain legacy at this event named to honor one of our own while also showcasing a wine from the Finger Lakes,” stated Kevin Keeley, President of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce. Keeley added that he was “hopeful this connection between Mark Twain Country and the Mark Twain Prize for Humor will become an on-going tradition.”

According to the Kennedy Center, the Mark Twain Prize for Humor is awarded each year to a humorist who has had an impact on American society in ways similar to Twain. A cast of top entertainers will salute Will Ferrell in the Concert Hall. The evening will pay tribute to the humor and accomplishments of the television icon and motion picture star. Ferrell will join the line-up of previous award winners that includes Tina Fey, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Billy Crystal, Neil Simon, Steve Martin and more. The event will air on PBS stations nationwide on Monday, October 31 at 9 p.m.

Ferrell starred on Saturday Night Live for seven seasons, famously depicting such beloved characters as Craig the Spartan Cheerleader, Alex Trebek, Chicago Cubs sportscaster Harry Caray, and President George W. Bush. Ferrell’s film credits include Elf, Old School, Stranger than Fiction, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, among many others.

Finger Lakes Wine Country is the most affordable and beautiful wine country destination in North America with four wine trails, over 100 wineries and over 400 unique things to do including shopping and dining experiences, world-class museums, and a local culture that is both warm and welcoming. For further information on this year-round destination, visit www.FingerLakesWineCountry.com, www.Facebook.com/FingerLakesWineCountry, www.Twitter.com/FLWineCountry, or call 800.813.2958. Download the free Finger Lakes Wine Country mobile travel app at www.FLWC.mobi.

Chamber Invites Nominations for Partners in Education Award

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:23:56 GMT

The Partners in Education Award was developed to promote the collaboration of Business and Education. As such, the award will celebrate outstanding efforts of a teacher or other school system staff member who is working toward this cooperative objective in a remarkably creative yet constructive way, on behalf of the students and the community.

The award will honor a Chemung County school teacher or other staff member who has far exceeded the duties and traditional expectations of a job description and to an extraordinarily high level demonstrates the following:

1. A general understanding and appreciation of local economic development and workforce development issues and a positive promotion of those issues with students, including an encouragement that students explore local career opportunities.

2. Subscription to the philosophy that business is the customer of the school district.

3. A commitment to develop in students the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in today’s local workplace. A promotion of soft yet essential skills such as interpersonal communication, responsibility, critical thinking and creativity, especially in concert with the applications of higher level math, science and technical concepts through relevant problem solving.

To nominate a candidate for the Partners in Education Award, please send a nominating e-mail to tara@chemungchamber.org and include the following:

A. The nominee’s first and last name

B. The nominee’s title and school or district of employment

C. The nominator’s name, title and contact information

D. In no more than 100 words, a description of how the nominee portrays the award criteria and in so doing becomes a deserving recipient

Nominations must be received by the Chamber of Commerce no later than October 26, 2011.

The successful nominator will be notified by November 18, 2011, two weeks before the presentation event. The nominator will have the honor of informing the recipient of the award. The recipient and two guests and the nominator will be complimentary invitees to the presentation. Additional tickets to the event will be available for purchase.

The award will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at the Elmira Country Club.

CVS Distribution Center Celebrates Grand Opening

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:53:38 GMT

Massive CVS Distribution Center Open for Business
By John Zick, Corning Leader

A few years ago, it was nothing more than 300 acres of marshy farmland. Today, it’s the epicenter of regional activity for the country’s leading retail pharmacy.

Dignitaries from all levels of government were on hand September 28th to mark the official grand opening of the enormous CVS/pharmacy distribution center in the Town of Chemung, just north of Interstate Highway 86 near the Chemung-Tioga line.

The 751,000-square-foot facility, which opened for business in June, is responsible for providing merchandise to more than 100 CVS stores in the region. By the middle of next year, the distribution center will serve more than 350 stores.

More than 300 people will work full-time at the facility by the end of the year, and 600 full-time employees will eventually work there. That number does not include truck drivers.

“Our Chemung distribution center is supporting the expanding distribution needs of our retail stores and is an important part of our company’s overall growth,” said Larry Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Caremark. “The 600 jobs we are creating here is part of our hiring effort for more than 5,000 positions around the country and across all areas of CVS Caremark’s business over the next 12 months.”

Officials lauded the project as one of the most important recent economic developments in the region. CVS considered 27 sites before deciding to build in Chemung.

“CVS could have built this anywhere,” Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy said. When using a CVS store in New York state, “it will be good to know everything started right here.”

All the officials on hand touted the 600 jobs the facility will create, as well as the opportunity for more in the future.

“This is our prescription: Jobs,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “That’s just what the doctor ordered for the Southern Tier.”

Said U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning: “It is all about the jobs. New York state is open for business.”

The state-of-the-art facility cost $90 million to construct, and more than 90 New York-based businesses helped build it, according to the company.

The facility, which is expandable to more than a million square feet, is the largest industrial building in the state to be certified “Gold” by LEED, the nation’s preeminent green-building certification program.

There are 17 other CVS distribution centers in the country.

CVS is the largest pharmacy/health care provider in the country with 7,200 stores, Merlo said.

State Sen. Tom O'Mara Column: "The Labor of Rebuilding"

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:31:31 GMT

The aftermaths of Hurricane Irene, likely to be among the top 10 costliest natural disasters in American history, and, now, Tropical Storm Lee remain devastating.

As our nightly newscasts have continued to show us day after day over the past two weeks, the northeastern United States was particularly hard hit – especially many upstate New York communities, including our region. The damage in numerous upstate counties is astonishing. Roads and bridges in rural regions have been entirely washed out. Main Streets were turned into riverbeds. Of course the losses for countless individual homeowners are heartbreaking and simply unimaginable.

And the storms have hit upstate agriculture at the worst possible time with the year’s harvest underway. The terrible losses of livestock, crops, barns, and equipment are unfathomable and, in most instances, unrecoverable. “I’ve been involved in agriculture my entire life,” the state’s agriculture commissioner reflected, “and there have been times when the weather has wreaked havoc on livestock and farms, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything on this scale here in New York.”

So clearly the recovery and the rebuilding effort will demand the attention of federal, state and local leaders for months and months to come. Government plays a vital role in these responses. You can stay updated on the effort through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s website, http://www.governor.ny.gov/. The damage assessments will be ongoing. The governor has established an Upstate Storm and Flooding Recovery Task Force to coordinate the statewide response. The hard work of putting these communities back together will be intensive.

The bottom line is that we will carry on. That was the message being delivered again late last week.

“All levels of government are working together to help New York recover and we will not stop until the job is done," the governor said. Or as one upstate farmer who suffered enormous crop losses summed it more philosophically to the New York Times: “You put your boots back on and deal with it.”

What comes to mind most quickly in assessing disasters like these is, again, the overwhelming response from New Yorkers as a whole. One upstate daily newspaper wrote in an editorial, “If any additional proof were needed that it is a new day for New York, it came on a day that, ironically, many New Yorkers would surely have traded for a new day…Communication was constant. The governor’s office updated the media constantly on road conditions, power outages and the like. Cuomo’s demeanor at press conferences was no-nonsense but reassuring. It all added up to an executive in control – something the state had gone largely without in many ways for at least the past four years.”

Equally impressive was the response from volunteers, work crews, and first responders who once more proved that when disaster strikes, so many stand ready and willing to help. National Guard units from Hornell and Horseheads were mobilized. Local Red Cross volunteers and DOT workers were sent out. The Bath Volunteer Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue team was deployed. The list goes on.

The timing of this reminder of the willingness of people to pull together has been equally poignant – arriving as it did as the nation prepared to observe the 10th anniversary of September 11th. To this very day, while 9/11 evokes such a difficult mix of emotions, one of the most powerful feelings of all remains this one: we are Americans and above all else, in the toughest of times, we will stand together in aid, in comfort, and in resolve. This same resolve is being demonstrated again at this very moment in the ongoing storm recovery.

Gillibrand, Schumer Announce $8.5M for Elmira Corning Regional Airport

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:55:42 GMT

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced that Elmira Corning Regional Airport is set to receive $8,556,627 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds to extend the runway and parallel taxiway at the airport.

“This is great news for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of Elmira Corning Regional Airport every day,” said Schumer. “With this investment, Elmira Corning airport will make runway and taxiway renovations that will improve both passenger safety and the smooth operation of the facility. I will continue to deliver resources like these that promote safety at all New York airports.”

“This is an important investment for Elmira Corning Regional Airport,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help support infrastructure upgrades to improve the airport and provide better service for travelers.”

"The project is essential to accommodate the growth that we've been experiencing at the airport,” said Ann Crook, Manager of the Elmira Corning Regional Airport. “This federal investment will create jobs in Chemung County and help continue to grow our local economy."

This federal grant will be used to complete Phase III of the construction of extending Runway 24 and the parallel taxiway.

DEC, Regional Economic Development Council Invite Input

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:20:40 GMT

Regional Economic Development Council of the Southern Tier Invites Input

The Regional Economic Development Council of the Southern Tier, in conjunction with Binghamton University Continuing Education and Outreach (CEO) office, wants to learn how you feel about economic development issues.

The short questionnaire, located at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CommunityEconImpact, is designed to allow you to voice your opinion. The survey should take no more than ten minutes. Answers will assist the Regional Economic Development strategic planning process.

All information collected through the survey is strictly confidential. Self-identification is optional. Responses will only be used for planning purposes. If you have any questions, please contact Frank Surdey at frank.surdey@labor.ny.gov

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Comment Period Opens

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation opened a more than 90-day public comment period on its Revised Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens recently announced. In addition, the agency will issue its proposed regulations governing high-volume hydraulic fracturing in early October.

The Revised Draft SGEIS can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/75370.html

"Throughout this process, DEC's number one priority is to protect the state's drinking water and environment in concert with exploring options to safely and efficiently extract the state's natural gas. This will enable New York's economy to benefit from this resource and the job opportunities that development is expected to bring," Martens said. "We look forward to receiving comments from the public that will help inform the final conditions for high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State. The proposed environmental mitigation measures and the regulations that codify those measures go hand in hand. It makes sense to move forward with them together and hold simultaneous public comment periods and hearings."

The public comment period for the Revised Draft SGEIS concludes Dec. 12. The public comment period for the regulations will begin in early October and will run concurrently with the SGEIS public comment period. DEC plans to hold four public hearings during the comment period for the SGEIS and regulations in November. The hearings will be held in counties within the Marcellus Shale region, as well as New York City. Exact dates and locations will be released in early October.

Under the public comment schedule, the public will have more than 150 days to review the proposed environmental mitigation measures in the draft SGEIS, which were released July 1, and more than 90 days to review the SGEIS sections and mitigation measures addressing socioeconomic, community character, visual, noise and transportation impacts. Once the comment period is complete, DEC will review the comments on the draft SGEIS and proposed regulations, and prepare responses to be released with the final SGEIS. No permits for high-volume hydraulic fracturing will be issued until the SGEIS is finalized and DEC issues the required Findings Statement.

Comments can be submitted to DEC's website (www.dec.ny.gov) or by mail to:

Attn: dSGEIS Comments
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

Congressman Tom Reed Visits Anchor Glass

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:57:28 GMT

Reed Visits Anchor Glass
By Bill Mich, YNN

ELMIRA HEIGHTS -- Anchor Glass provides the glass bottles for some of the most recognizable food and beverage companies in America like Sam Adams, Mike's Hard Lemonade and Mott's Applesauce. But even with such a large client base, there are still concerns for the company.

"We're neat, we're clean, we're organized, we're doing what we are supposed to do. But it comes to a point of reality. Any one of these machines can be pulled out and moved to our sister plants if we aren't competitive," said plant manager Michael Sopp.

Congressman Tom Reed is out to ensure businesses like this stay local and is visiting manufacturers to hear about the challenges they face and what he can do to help.

"Talking about lowering the tax burdens, making sure everyone pays their fair share. Talking about the utility rates, making sure we keep them low. Get the domestic supplies of long-term energy sources online," Reed said.

During his tour of Anchor Glass, Reed learned that energy is a major concern for the company. The annual utility bill for the plant runs more than 14 million dollars and energy costs are stunting the growth of numerous companies throughout the region.

"The energy policy that we are trying to focus on is, I think, critical to an operation such as Anchor Glass here. You saw the furnaces, the natural gas and the electric demand that the company relies upon. We need to focus on an energy policy that lowers those costs and makes them stable," Reed said.

And despite those costs, Anchor Glass will be investing 10 million dollars this year to retain jobs and increase production. But others may not have that extra capital to spend, and may have to rely on party leaders in Washington to make changes for their future.

(For video, please visit http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/555504/reed-visits-anchor-glass/)

Local Manufacturers in Talks to Share Employees

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:00:37 GMT

Two Local Plants Talk About Sharing Employees
By Jeff Stone, WETM-TV

Sikorsky Aircraft workers in Big Flats who are being laid off may be getting some help from another local manufacturer.

Conversations are underway between Sikorsky and CAF USA to see if laid off Sikorsky workers could help build railcars at the CAF USA plant in Elmira Heights. That's according to Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli, who says the two companies do similar work.

Santulli says, "In both of those businesses, whether you're making helicopters or railcars, they're based on contracts. It takes time even when a contract is approved to actually get it running. So I think they can really help each other out by sharing their employees when either one is in a lull."

Sikorsky announced in June that nearly 400 workers in Big Flats are being let go because of a lack of aircraft orders. Santulli says CAF USA will soon begin to build railcars for Amtrak that will need 300 to 500 workers and possibly more down the road if the contract goes well.

Clemens Center Selected as 9/11 Exhibit Location

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:32:51 GMT

Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Museum, and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum recently announced the locations for thirty "New York Remembers" exhibitions that are being organized as part of a statewide recognition of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The exhibitions will give New Yorkers a place to remember the victims of September 11th and honor the countless heroes who came from all corners of the state to help in the clean-up and recovery efforts. The exhibitions will feature historical artifacts from the collections of the State Museum and National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Each location will open during the week of August 29th and continue until the end of September. All will be open on Sunday, September 11th.

Many of the artifacts being exhibited have never been seen by the public, including: the trailer used by families visiting Ground Zero that includes photographs and messages; damaged emergency vehicles and other vehicle parts; aluminum and glass from the buildings; religious "symbol steel" created by the workers at the site; and airplane fragments including landing gear and engine parts. The stories behind all the artifacts will be told as part of the exhibitions.

"Every community across New York felt the impact of the senseless acts of terrorism that claimed thousands of lives just one decade ago," Governor Cuomo said. "These exhibitions will give New Yorkers in towns, villages, and cities all across the state a gathering place to once again stand as one community to make sure we never forget those who lost their lives on September 11th and to embrace the spirit of unity that brought us together on that day of devastating tragedy."

Joe Daniels, President of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, said, "As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, people from all around the state, country, and world will reunite to remember how we were all affected by the attacks. We're grateful for the opportunity to help the State of New York tell the story of 9/11 through some of our authentic artifacts from the World Trade Center. This comprehensive statewide exhibition will give New Yorkers the chance to pay tribute to those killed on 9/11 and recognize the global outpouring of compassion we saw in the minutes, days, and weeks that followed."

All of the objects are being moved and installed with existing state resources, including resources from the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and Division of Military and Naval Affairs. The locations of the exhibitions are either in a public building or space, or have been provided to the state at no cost.

The following is a list of exhibition locations:

• Buffalo:
Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State College

• Syracuse:
The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology

• Utica:
Mohawk Valley Community College

• Watertown:
Dulles State Office Building

• Binghamton:
Binghamton University

• Stony Brook:
Stony Brook University

• Jamestown:
Jamestown Municipal Building

• Niagara Falls:
Niagara Falls Conference Center

• Batavia:
City Hall

• Geneva:
Geneva Public Library

• Auburn:
Cayuga Community College

• Elmira:
Clemens Center

• Ithaca:
Rothschild Building at Ithaca Commons

• Plattsburgh:
City Hall

• Monticello:
Sullivan County Government Center

• Middletown:
SUNY Orange

• Poughkeepsie:
Dutchess Community College

• Saratoga Springs:
City Center

• Amsterdam:
Riverfront Center

• Suffern:
SUNY Rockland Community College

• Norwich:
Council of the Arts

• Oneonta:
Yager Museum of Art & Culture at Hartwick College

• Hudson:
FASNY Museum of Firefighting

• Lake Placid:
Lake Placid Convention Center

• Potsdam:
SUNY Potsdam

• Rochester:
Rochester Museum and Science Center

• White Plains:
White Plains Library

• Mahopac:
Mahopac Library

• Rockville Centre:
Recreation Center

• Albany:
State Museum/Empire State Plaza

Gillibrand Aims to Make Newtown Battlefield a National Park

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:38:42 GMT

Newtown Battlefield a National Park?
By George Kastenhuber, WETM

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation to begin the process of making the Newtown Battlefield National Historic Landmark a National Park. As the site of a critical victory for the Continental Army during the American Revolution, the Newtown Battlefield is an important historic and cultural landmark for the people of Chemung County and New York State.

“Making Newtown Battlefield a National Park is an integral part of Chemung County’s economic development, bringing jobs and businesses to the region,” Senator Gillibrand said. “New York is known for her history, and this designation would attract more tourism for the area and strengthen our commitment to preserving our landmarks.”

“We believe that this important piece of American history deserves protection and that as part of the National Parks System it would also serve as a catalyst to increase tourism in the region,” said Bruce Whitmarsh, director of the Chemung County Historical Society.

The Newtown Battlefield National Historic Landmark, spanning across the towns of Elmira, Chemung, and Ashland, is the site of The Battle of Newtown, which was the most significant military engagement of the Sullivan Campaign of 1779 and a major victory for the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

In 1972, the Federal Government recognized the Newtown Battlefield as a significant historic resource by naming the site a National Historic Landmark. In 2007, the National Park Service confirmed the site’s historic importance through their Report on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites, in which they categorized Newtown Battlefield as a Class A site, finding, also, that the battlefield is largely unprotected by either public historic preservation agencies or nonprofit organizations.

This legislation would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the significance of the Newtown Battlefield and the impact of making it a National Park. This study, an important first step in the process of making Newtown Battlefield a National Park, will also examine the logistics of operating the site, and its potential impact on the general public.

Making the Newtown Battlefield a National Park has the potential to bring significant federal resources to Chemung County and the surrounding area, stimulating economic development, preserving the historic battlefield and increasing tourism in the region.

(For video, please visit http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/Newtown-Battlefield-A-National-Park/yIOoVAHxlUy3zW1TlPWoTQ.cspx.)

State Sen. Tom O'Mara Column: "Making Hard Work Pay Off"

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:42:26 GMT

State Sen. Tom O’Mara Column: “Making Hard Work Pay Off”
(Week of July 25, 2011)

Now comes what just might prove the toughest and most important job of all: turning around the upstate economy.

It’s an economic revitalization that’s been talked about, incessantly, over the past three decades. But the actions have never truly matched the words. I think, and I sure hope, that’s about to change. With the end of the successful Empire Zone program last year, this new effort becomes all the more critical.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature are coming off a legislative session that, viewed in the light of actions living up to words, was remarkable in the recent history of Albany. Don’t just take my word for it.
The strongest proof of this year’s success isn’t found in what the governor or legislators are saying about it. Instead, just look at the advocacy groups that have lined up in recent weeks and welcomed the session’s results. Good government advocates praising ethics reform. Business leaders touting less state spending and no new taxes. Environmental groups excited about the potential for green jobs.

The change has been hard to believe, really, for anyone who pays any attention at all to New York government. Now comes the best change of all, in my view. I’ve been as pleased as anyone by the fact that, in my first term in the Senate, there’s been this turnaround -- especially in the mindset that government can make a difference. But I also know as well as anyone that everything’s not suddenly coming up aces in our regional economy. Job losses continue. Work remains hard to find for too many of our unemployed and underemployed citizens. Local governments face daunting burdens and challenges.

So here’s what Governor Cuomo had to say last week, and it was music to many ears: "We have made great progress, but there is still a long way to go. It is essential that we build on the momentum, fix state government, and create jobs for New Yorkers across the state."

Translation: New York government’s not going to sit and rest in the shade of this year’s achievements. Far from it. With states across America and communities throughout New York still under the dark cloud of an economy that’s proving stubbornly slow to recover, we’re going to step up our own efforts to try and do something about it. I share a core belief with many others that private-sector job creation must be economic priority No. 1 and that government, by itself, can’t create that growth. But there’s no denying that government can play a key role in helping to establish a climate that can help open the door.

Governor Cuomo began 2011 with an economic call to arms: “New York is open for business.” The state Senate quickly followed suit by adopting a comprehensive new jobs plan. This year’s state budget, as I’ve stressed in this column and elsewhere since April, took important steps. Now we need to kick the effort into high gear. The 10 regional economic councils established in this year’s state budget are getting underway. They’ll be reaching out locally and statewide with an offer: tell us what economic strengths you can build on, pinpoint weaknesses, put together a plan, and make your case. I look forward to joining with area business leaders, community officials and others to do anything and everything necessary to make a strong and successful case for our region.

The governor has labeled this new phase “NY Works.” You can read more about it at http://www.governor.ny.gov. In addition to the regional councils, other specifics include:

-- changing the way businesses apply for hundreds of millions of dollars in state economic development funds;

-- a new marketing campaign, "New York is Open for Business," to more effectively help New York State stand up and stand out to business leaders worldwide making the decisions on where to locate their operations and create jobs;

-- overhauling the state’s procurement practices for goods, services, and real estate with the goal of savings hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and streamlining the process for attracting businesses and industries, large and small, to New York.

New York government proved it can work throughout the 2011 session. But even more importantly, it’s about to show that we’re going to keep on working, day in and day out, to turn this state around. However, it is vitally important to recognize the input of our local communities in this effort, including our Industrial and Economic Development Agencies that have been performing yeoman’s work in promoting our region’s strengths.

It’s one of the most important opportunities we’ve ever had to live up to one of the nation’s bedrock ideals: Hard work pays off.