BINGHAMTON, N.Y. April 29, 2025 – Southern Tier regional economic development leaders today released a blueprint on how the region can cement its role in Upstate’s clean energy and high-tech future by creating a wide range of jobs and economic opportunities that will provide upward mobility for current and future residents for years to come.
Produced by Newmark, a global development consulting firm, the New York Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy highlights key industries — including renewable energy storage development, clean transportation manufacturing and semiconductor packaging — that the region can attract by pairing existing resources and research capabilities with additional infrastructure expansion and workforce development programs.
The study was commissioned by IDAs that make up the eight-county Southern Tier, as defined by the state’s regional economic development boundaries. A summary of the New York Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy is available at https://theagency-ny.com/economic-development-resources
The strategy builds on the region’s growing reputation as a hub for energy storage research, development and manufacturing, while also positioning it as a key future supply chain location for semiconductor and other high-tech businesses that are rapidly growing along the Thruway corridor to the north.
The strategy’s release comes as people across the Southern Tier work to rebound from long-standing underemployment, poverty, and decades of job losses following the decline of major manufacturing industries. For example, Broome County’s overall and child poverty rates are among the highest statewide. Additionally, across the eight-county region, stretching from Steuben to Delaware, underemployment ranges from 22% to 30%, with more than half of the region’s production workforce aged 45 or older.
“Upstate New York is experiencing a high-tech renaissance that will redefine the state’s economy and help lead the nation’s tech boom for decades to come — and the Southern Tier deserves a place in that transformational growth,” said Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, the strategic partnership between Broome County Industrial Development Agency/Local Development Corporation and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. “I have put down roots here, raising my family in this region because I believe in our potential to generate new opportunities for future generations. With this blueprint, we have a clear path to follow to ensure that the Southern Tier soars.”
“The Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy is an important effort to leverage new business investment in Steuben County, positioning our region at the forefront of sustainable innovation and economic growth,” said Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA. “By investing in clean energy and advanced manufacturing, we are not only creating high-quality jobs but also securing a sustainable economic future for our communities. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving, forward-looking economy for Steuben County,”
“Economic development is very competitive and fast paced. While the region as a whole has a strong manufacturing, engineering, sales and R&D base to support and further develop the cleantech supply chain, we need to continue to move forward to remain competitive,” said Joe Roman, Executive Director of the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and President of Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG). “Addressing the shortage of sites and buildings that have the proper infrastructure and other amenities that companies desire is extremely important to our region and our growth in the cleantech space. Cleantech will be one of the pillars of economic development efforts in the future and will provide more opportunities for employment which will help keep younger generations here.”
“Governor Hochul, together with our local economic development partners, remains laser-focused in her support for creating next-generation clean energy opportunities in the region and across New York State,” said Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development. “These efforts are creating top-quality jobs and furthering the Southern Tier’s industry leadership in high-tech innovation.”
The regional expansion of industries like clean energy manufacturing and semiconductor packaging would complement the state’s high tech and clean energy strategies, while also driving new infrastructure projects and tax-base growth that would benefit all residents, regardless of whether they participate in the new workforce or in legacy industries that support new businesses.
Critically, the study underscores the importance of developing a diverse range of sites that can host new industries, from repurposing existing manufacturing and logistics facilities to developing untapped locations that can be tailored to companies’ needs. Experts gave high marks to key sites, such as:
· Wayland Business Park: The Steuben County site is expected to enable development flexibility for a wide array of potential users with smaller headcount requirements thanks to its overall size, excellent position along near major roadways and other factors, including its connection to adequate power.
· Broome Technology Park: This proposed Broome County development is aimed at creating a new sustainably focused technology park that attracts businesses in advanced electronics, semiconductors, test packaging, and related supply chains, as well as life sciences and agricultural processing.
· Cornell Business & Technology Park: The Tompkins County site is a prime flagship location for leading-edge businesses, with access to one of the state and nation’s top research universities and a highly educated graduating workforce that high-tech businesses need.
· Southern Tier Logistics: Offering a variety of space in a prime Chemung County location, the site lends itself to general manufacturing and distribution operations that can be laid out to fit the ultimate needs of businesses choosing to locate there.
· Former Matco Building: Located in Tioga County, the site has many move-in-ready qualities that companies could lean on to minimize upgrades and updates that may be needed to accommodate their unique needs.
Next steps for strategy implementation include ongoing coordination with higher education powerhouses like Binghamton and Cornell Universities; NYSEG, the region’s utility provider; workforce practitioners; and other critical stakeholders around necessary site and infrastructure upgrades, as well as development of a powerful marketing plan to promote regional strengths.
The strategy looks to build off recent investment through programs like the Upstate NY Energy Storage Engine, Federal Tech Hub designation, and New Energy New York program. Recent private sector announcements — including the expansion of BAE Systems in Endicott to combine the latest energy storage technologies with critical aircraft electronics and plans for Siemens Mobility to locate in Elmira to manufacture high-speed rail — demonstrate the region’s ability to attract new investment in the clean technology sector.
“The Southern Tier Cleantech Strategy is an important tool in learning how Tioga County and the Southern Tier as a whole can best position themselves to take advantage of the advancements being made in the energy and semiconductor industries in the surrounding regions,” said Tioga County ED&P Director
Brittany Woodburn. “The cleantech industry continues to grow and has the potential to bring high-quality jobs and economic opportunities to the area.”
“The study by the Newmark Group was incredibly important work that will help counties throughout the Southern Tier develop the appropriate strategies for us capitalize on the cleantech investment in our region,” said Salvatore Testani, president and CEO of Commerce Chenango. “Chenango County was very pleased to participate in the work and we look forward to working with other IDA leaders in our area to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.”
“Schuyler County congratulates all eight counties for this collaborative effort, a game-changer for the Southern Tier, positioning our region as a leader in clean energy economic development,” said Judy McKinney-Cherry Executive Director of Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. “By proactively assessing our assets and infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth, job creation and a resilient energy future. This study will ensure that our communities are prepared to attract investment, support innovation and lead the transition to a clean energy economy.”
“Collaboration is key in driving economic transformation. NYSEG is pleased to play a vital role in strategic investments that help shape the future of our communities,” said Trish Nilsen, president and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “This initiative will lay the groundwork for attracting high-tech industries, creating jobs and ensuring the Southern Tier remains a hub for clean energy innovation.”
