The Southern Tier is wired for growth. It’s time to plug in
For decades, the Southern Tier has wrestled with economic decline. Since 2000, Binghamton has lost 6,500 manufacturing jobs — a staggering 37% reduction — as losses also piled up down the road in Elmira (19% decrease) and Ithaca (25% loss). What’s more alarming is witnessing local pride fade under the weight of shrinking opportunity. But the story can, and must, change — not by clinging to the past but by leaning into new opportunities like the bright future of clean energy and advanced manufacturing. A recent strategy report commissioned by regional economic development leaders lays out a clear path forward. [...]









