BINGHAMTON, NY - The SUNY Business and Education Cooperative of the Southern Tier (SUNY BEST) will offer the final program in its three-part series on college towns at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in room 220 of the Binghamton University Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton. This presentation is free and open to the public.

John Gutenberger, senior advisor to the Office of Community Relations at Cornell, will explore how Cornell University and Ithaca have addressed issues such as university expansion and building within the home community. Specific examples will be provided and lessons learned will be shared.

Cornell University and its home community of Ithaca have a relationship that spans 150 years. The success of both is intricately intertwined. The cooperative and collaborative environment that is a cornerstone of current relations has resulted from years of experience, negotiations, shared visions, and trial and error. As a college town, Ithaca's economic vitality and quality of life has been greatly influenced by nearby higher education institutions. Gutenberger is a graduate of Michigan State University. Previously, he served four terms on Ithaca’s Common Council and three terms as Ithaca’s mayor. He is also a former supermarket owner.

Pre-registration for this discussion is required through the SUNY BEST website at http://ceo.binghamton.edu/sunybest. For additional information, send an e-mail to 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, any of the metered parking spots in front of the building on Washington St.