In 2015, the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) was created to strategically focus on the economic development of Upstate NY, as part of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) initiative, which created long-term, regionally-based strategic plans for economic growth in each of New York State’s 10 geographic regions. The Southern Tier benefits from a strategic location, world-renowned colleges and universities and a robust pipeline of STEM grads. The region’s  also home to 5,600+ farms and to top manufacturers in a mix of industries. Southern Tier Soaring, the URI-winning strategic plan developed by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, builds on a strong foundation of higher education institutions, the nonprofit sector and government agencies and key industries, including those mentioned below as well as healthcare and tourism.

• Build the Greater Binghamton Innovation Ecosystem
• Invest in the Advanced Manufacturing Industry
• Transform  the Food and Agriculture Industry
• Promote the Southern Tier’s Innovative Culture

Southern Tier Soaring will focus on increasing the region’s workforce through new business growth based on high-tech discoveries and entrepreneurship, while ensuring healthy communities and protecting the region’s natural beauty and resources.