BINGHAMTON, NY – The SUNY Business and Education Cooperative of the Southern Tier (SUNY BEST) will host a presentation titled "Economics of the Not-for-Profit Community" at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in room 220 at Binghamton University’s Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton. This presentation is free and open to the public.

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, nonprofits are a nearly $200 billion statewide industry and a $1.5 billion industry segment in the Southern Tier and Broome County. United Way Executive Director Alan Hertel will provide an overview of the economic impact of not-for-profit organizations from a national, state and local perspective. Discussion will also touch upon challenges facing the non-for-profit sector and its contributions to quality of life that may be taken for granted.    

Guest speaker Alan Hertel is executive director for the United Way of Broome County, Inc. Prior to joining the United Way, he worked at NYSEG for 30+ years and has experience as a small business owner. Hertel is actively involved in community affairs and is past chair of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and current director for Visions Federal Credit Union.

The nonprofit community provides 5.5 percent of the nation’s entire gross domestic product (GDP) or $805 billion worth of output according to The Independent Sector. In addition, NYS Department of Labor statistics indicate "the not-for-profit segment accounts for approximately 10% of our workforce" and has been documented to provide a more efficient service delivery than many other segments, including government funded organizations.

Pre-registration for this discussion is required through the SUNY BEST website at http://ceo.binghamton.edu/sunybest. For additional information, e-mail sunybest@binghamton.edu.

Directional signage to the meeting room will be visible when entering the Downtown Center from Washington St. Parking is available in the Collier Street Ramp, the Water Street Ramp, (both within two blocks of the Downtown Center) or, if available, at any of the metered parking spots in front of the building on Washington St.