Manufacturing must be central to plan, Assemblywoman says

At a news conference Monday, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo called upon the Governor to work with her and her regional colleagues to establish an enhanced economic development plan for the area; a ‘Southern Tier Billion’ similar to other initiatives in other parts of the state such as Buffalo.

“In light of recent announcements affecting the region, it’s even more important that the Governor focuses on a jobs plan for the Southern Tier,” said Lupardo (D-Endwell). “I have several ideas that will help put residents back to work. From agriculture and food processing to development of green alternative energy, we have tremendous potential; but we need a commitment from Albany to help make it a reality.”

The success of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council and partnerships with Binghamton University and SUNY Broome were cited by Lupardo as a positive start to the Southern Tier’s resurgence. Manufacturing, once the cornerstone of the local economy, must be a central component of future economic development.

“We have talented job seekers ready to get back to work,” Lupardo said. “The development of high-tech, as well as the research at our colleges has been terrific. We must now translate that knowledge into production that will create long-term employment.”

Assemblywoman Lupardo has already been in contact with his office and will make this her top priority for coming legislative session. The Governor indicated support for more economic focus in the region in a statement made with the media Sunday.