Press Release
For Immediate Release
Guiding Economic and Community Development
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, leaders from various Delaware County agencies, organizations, public authorities, foundations, businesses and lenders met to discuss their priorities and economic development goals for 2020.
Many economic sectors in Delaware County were represented at the meeting including education, finance, government, and private businesses. Priorities identified by the group include the lack of housing, public transportation and cellphone service as well as population recovery.
Evan Bowker, representing the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency and Economic Development, noted that all organizations were advocating for the betterment of Delaware County and the IDA in particular, in collaboration with local lenders, is looking to better-fund small business. For some of the attendees, Bowker said, it was a reminder as to what is available in the county. For others, he continued, it was an introduction.
Davenport Supervisor and Economic Development Committee Chairperson Dennis Valente discovered that there are many resources in the county and that those in attendance share common goals. “We need to work together,” Valente said.
It’s not just about job creation, Valente continued,”Because we appear to have plenty of jobs.” One of the initiatives of the IDA, he said, is to purchase and rehab derelict properties and to make those properties usable for commercial purposes.
The purpose of the forum, sponsored by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber President Ray Pucci said, was about getting accurate and current information into the hands of Delaware County business owners.
The information collected at the round-table discussion will be used by the Chamber to formulate a user-friendly print and on-line guide to available resources and further used to tackle the identified issues from a wholistic approach.
For more information about Delaware County Chamber of Commerce initiatives for community and economic development visit delawarecounty.org or call 607.746.2281
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Director Kevin DePodwin facilitated the roundtable discussion held at Delhi Telephone Company on Feb. 11.
Delaware County Industrial Development Agency Chairman Jim Thomson, left, and Davenport Supervisor and Delaware County Economic Development Committee Chairman Dennis Valente discuss potential solutions for business development.
Lillian Browne
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
5 1/2 Main Street
Delhi, NY 13753
607-746-2281
info@delawarecounty.org
