Economic News for Ithaca and Tompkins County

March 2023

IAED In the News: Prioritizing a Strong Workforce

IAED President, Heather McDaniel, was highlighted by the Ithaca Journal in a recent article titled “Prioritizing a Strong Workforce.” In it, she shares IAED’s strategic priorities for 2023 and reviews the innovative Direct to Work program and our abiding commitment to community. Read the article here.

IDA Members Tour SouthWorks, Library Place

The seven members of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) Board of Directors were officially seated to 1-year terms on February 8. One week later, they joined IAED President, Heather McDaniel, on site tours of SouthWorks – the $350 million project aimed at transforming the former Emerson Power Transmission plant to a mixed-use neighborhood – and Library Place. Travis Hyde’s Library Place is a 55-and-older residential community located just a few city blocks from the Commons; it received tax incentives through the TCIDA in 2019.



The Library Place tour also happened to coincide with Heather’s birthday! Celebrants joined in a collective rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and were treated to lavender cream puffs from Scratch Farmhouse Catering to mark the event.

Ithaca in Top 25 Best Place to Live in Northeast

Ithaca landed at No. 12 on Livability.com’s recently released “Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast.” The report found that affordability and local amenities are top priorities for people looking to relocate. According to Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief, “People are thinking about where their money goes the furthest right now, as remote work continues for many, and affordability is harder and harder to find.” Read the full report here.

HELP WANTED: Input on Local and NYS Wage Policies

IAED, the Tompkins Chamber, Visit Ithaca, and Downtown Ithaca Alliance seek feedback from local businesses from all sectors about the possible impacts of proposed NYS and local wage policies.

Although wage change policies do not adversely impact all businesses, and many are supportive of living wages or increasing the minimum, other employers may not be able to manage substantial hikes over a short period of time. Offer your input by completing this survey. The submission deadline is March 31.

Inaugural Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium Held with Micron

IAED, the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, Cornell University, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and TST BOCES participated in the inaugural Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium kickoff meeting on March 15. The group is comprised of members from Tompkins, Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, and Oswego counties, and aimed at creating an ecosystem across New York State to support growth of Advanced Manufacturing and the semiconductor chip industry. The group met with Micron executives to learn more about the company and envision a roadmap to achieving industry workforce goals.

OSWD Workforce Development Grants Due March 31

Round 3 of the NYS Office of Strategic Workforce Development’s grant programs is now open. Updated guidelines and materials can be found on the website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with awards announced every three months. The next deadline is March 31. For more information, or to apply, visit esdny.gov/office-strategic-workforce-development.

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

IAED is Hiring a Business Services Specialist

IAED is seeking a self-motivated, forward-thinking, and creative Business Services Specialist to establish and maintain relationships with business leaders in our community. Check out the full description and apply at IthacaAreaED.org.

Visit Ithaca Area Economic Development's Website