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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY | Progressing Climates A Growing Economy with Strong Business Leaders One of the country's most inspiring business success stories is still unfolding in Hornell. It began in 1850 when the Erie Railroad came to Hornell, turning it into an active hub on the route between New York City and Chicago. Trains moved through the city, carrying passengers and freight, around the clock. Hornell was the home of repair shops, car shops and administrative offices for the railroad. At the height of this era, nearly 5,000 railroad workers were part of Hornell's work force. But by 1976, with the downturn in rail usage, Hornell lost much of this business. The decision of the City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency (CHIDA) to purchase the former Conrail buildings, and then upgrade, enlarge them and add buildings, helped attract new rail-related businesses to the city. Currently Alstom, a 100-year-old European company based in France, has located and leased the facilities. Having served the rail system in Europe, the company knew well the business of transit car construction and refurbishing. Looking for a site for its United States production and marketing, Alstom chose Hornell. CHIDA Agency put together an attractive incentive package to help close the deal. Today Alstom is one of the largest employers in the area. Currently CHIDA and the City are renovating the Erie Depot to make it the new home for Alstom's management offices. The city assisted in finding more than $1.7 million in grants for this project and CHIDA contributed $650,000. Other major employers include A.L. Blades & Sons Inc. (construction), Alfred University and Alfred State College in Alfred, the Hornell City School District, the New York State Department of Transportation, St. James Mercy Health, Stern & Stern Industries, Inc. (synthetic textiles manufacturing), T.T.A. Systems LLC. (transit manufacturing), Steuben Tile (ceramic tile manufacturing), and The Gunlocke Company in Wayland (furniture manufacturing). To attract other industries, CHIDA owns and offers properties in the Ellis Industrial Park, the Shawmut Industrial Park and the South Yards Industrial Park, covering a total of 210 acres. Utilities, sewer and water are already available at these sites, which serve a population of more than 110,000 within a 25-mile radius. Tax and financing incentives make relocating even more attractive. CHIDA's efforts have resulted in $170 million in projects and more than 2,400 new jobs. This agency plugs into a variety of state, local and federal programs for capital, training and consulting needs. Working closely with business owners, the agency helps them address all aspects of relocation or new construction -a true One Stop Shop. Another excellent incentive is the On-the-Job Training Program, designed to help businesses train new employees at reduced costs. While employees are receiving training, the employer is reimbursed up to 50 percent of the person's wages for a designated period of time through the Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben Work force Development Board. This is one of the Chamber of Commerce's most attractive programs. Hornell's Economic Development Loan Program (EDLP) provides funds for local business development at a low interest rate. Funds are provided on a matching basis with the applying business shouldering one-half of the cost. Building renovation work is one component of this program. Hornell Partners for Growth (HPG) was established in 1997 as a Business Improvement District. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) throughout the United States are primarily viewed as a new mechanism for leadership and management for special events, consumer marketing, decorative plantings, business retention and recruitment. Bids such as Hornell's are known for consumer marketing, festivals, special events, decorative plantings, leadership, business retention and recruitment. HPG represents a concerted effort by local business leaders to change perceptions of the downtown as a whole -to surmount the limits of public resources; to respond to competition with well-funded, professional, private sector organization; and to view HPG as management, rather than service-delivery Ñ which is the appropriate lens through which to view this organization. HPG advocates for business-friendly policies so consumers will support their local business community. With all this to propel them forward, the City, the Chamber, IDA and HPG will continue to exercise a vital leadership role in our business community, which itself is always striving to improve the business climate in Hornell. Recently the City was designated as an Empire Zone by the State of New York. This is one of the most exciting economic development programs in the United States, and Hornell is grateful for this element in its package of benefits for recruiting new businesses. Qualifying businesses can receive total tax exemption for 10 years. Support from the local financial institutions - including Steuben Trust Company, Maple City Savings Bank, First State Bank, Bath National Bank, Community Bank, Hornell Erie Federal Credit Union, and Steuben Educators Federal Credit Union -helps families and businesses thrive in Hornell. A healthy economy, an available work force and a variety of available properties are the other elements of this equation for success. Offering the friendliness of a small city with the attractiveness of an active business community, Hornell merits more than one look as a headquarters or satellite location.
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