Dear eNews Reader,
The holidays are quickly approaching as we enter November. October was an especially busy time with fall activities, announcements, and anniversaries. The weather was unusual to say the least, but its hard to complain about those warmer days. Here are a few highlights from last month; as always, I am grateful to be serving this community.
Donna
BOCES Trade Complex Breaks Ground
We broke ground on a new Trade Complex at Broome-Tioga BOCES which should be completed by Spring, 2025. It will serve as a training hub for students interested in careers in the trades and heavy equipment operation. The complex was funded with a $1.3M Assembly grant that I requested. It will have a training building and solar training farm for electrical students. In addition, BOCES has already purchased a new truck and built a roadway to help train CDL drivers on site. I’d like to thank BOCES for their leadership in workforce development.
UHS Child Care Presents Recognition
I was invited to UHS Child Care Center as part of Jumpstart’s annual Read for the Record Day to promote childhood literacy. After reading to the children, I was honored with a plaque for securing an Assembly grant that was used to build their beautiful playground. This new child care facility has slots for over 80 children and is helping parents enter or stay in the workforce.
Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Celebrated During Cider Week NY
Welcoming Firomar to the First Ward
I joined local leaders at the former Charles Street power plant to announce that Firomar, with the help of City and State resources, is turning the plant into a clean energy manufacturing facility for high-efficiency building panels. This is a great addition to Binghamton’s First Ward neighborhood and I appreciate their investment in our community.
Local Farm-to-School Collaboration Receives Grant
I joined Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball in announcing a $100K grant to support our local Farm-to-School program. Broome-Tioga BOCES, Rural Health Network of South Central NY, and CCE of Broome County work together to run the state’s Farm-to-School program at 15 area school districts. The grant will help them continue the important work of incorporating fresh, locally grown foods into school menus.
Local Organizations Celebrate Big Milestones
Senator Webb and I presented a joint Legislative Resolution in honor of Kopernik Observatory’s 50th anniversary and longstanding dedication to our community. We were also invited to celebrate 50 years of Frito Lay in Binghamton and tour their production plant. And this month RISE celebrated 45 years of supporting victims of domestic violence, and Key Branding Labs celebrated their 10th anniversary at their new office space in Downtown Binghamton. Congratulations to all.