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Economic Development in Chemung County
Partnerships among local government entities with Chemung County encourages business growth and expansion while maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by our residents and visitors. Our government officials recognize that a business or industry that located in one area of the County truly benefits the entire County.
Chemung County is governed by a County Executive and a 15-member legislature, all elected to four-year terms. The County government structure includes an Industrial Development Agency, Planning Board and two sewer districts, which continually work with local development groups charged with attracting new business and industry. An appointed City Manager oversees day-to-day operations in the City of Elmira which is governed by a six-member City Council and the Mayor. Town boards and supervisors oversee the governments of 11 outlying towns, while mayors and village boards govern four villages.
Elmira Downtown Development is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is the administration of the city's 52-block Business Improvement District. EDD plans and manages special events, including concerts, promotions, festivals, holiday celebrations, and a weekly farmer's market. EDD oversees the development of the central business core through its business recruitment and retention operations; the Downtown Showcase Open House event has identified several new business tenants. Environmental improvement programs include matching grants programs utilizing Community Development Block Grant dollars for facade improvements; annual Downtown CleanUp events; and implementation of the city's Master Plan Design Guidelines. The EDD office serves as a central communication point between city government officials and downtown constituents, enabling coordinated dissemination of information regarding road work, rules and regulations, and special programs. Staff also offers public and media relations assistance and continuing education workshops and seminars to constituents.
Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) is a public-private economic development agency. In addition to partnerships with business and government agencies, they staff the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency and administer the Elmira Empire Zone, as well as the City of Elmira Commercial Loan Program. They share an office complex with the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce, the Chemung County Planning Department and the New York State Empire Development Corporation, which means that they can provide timely and effective one-stop solutions.
Regional Economic Development and Energy Corporation of the Southern Tier Central Region, NY (REDEC) is an important and vital contributor to the economic health of the region, by participating in projects that will have a positive impact on employment and broaden the communities’ tax base. REDEC has developed working relationships with the private financial institutions, economic development organizations and Chamber of Commerce. Equally important are the dedicated volunteer board of directors and the local business community. REDEC/RRC is committed to promoting the businesses and economic vitality of our region.
Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology (AM&T) is a not-for-profit economic development organization that receives significant financial support from the New York Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), New York's high-technology economic development agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). AM&T servers as NYSTAR®'s designated Regional Technology Development Center for the Southern Tier and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country and works directly with regional companies to increase their competitiveness and profitability.
As public policy issues are debated at all levels in numerous arenas, the Chamber is at the table, representing the best interests of our community, our economy and our members.
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