BINGHAMTON, NY – The SUNY Business and Education Cooperative of the Southern Tier (SUNY BEST) will host a presentation titled "Increasing Community Support for Economic Development and Well-Being of the Greater Binghamton Area and the Southern Tier," at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, in room 220 at Binghamton University’s Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton. This presentation is free and open to the public.

With over 30 years of experience in the utility industry, Jeff Smith, retired executive from NYSEG, will offer his perspectives on the economic development challenges facing our country and the Greater Binghamton area. He will share his recommendations and attempt to build on the positive momentum of the many planning and support programs that are currently under way. This interactive presentation will encourage attendees to provide their perspective on the problems we are trying to solve, provide a historical analysis of priorities in the region and to create a list of priorities that participants might consider in the coming year. Smith will provide several examples of how community leaders, volunteers and interns can help to accelerate the progress of these efforts. 

Smith, a lifelong resident of the Southern Tier, serves on several non-profit organizations in the area and has lectured on energy policy and economic development throughout Upstate New York. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MBA from Binghamton University. Smith is a registered professional engineer in New York state.

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 for those entering the main entrance of 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.