FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 3, 2024
Contact: Miles Burnett 607-773-8771 / press.sd52@gmail.com

Senator Webb Delivers $150,000 in State Funding to the Chambers of Commerce Across Senate District 52

(BINGHAMTON, NY) Today, Senator Lea Webb announced that she has secured $150,000 in
the New York State 2024-25 budget for the Greater Binghamton, Cortland, and Tompkins
Chambers of Commerce to support workforce development programs in the Southern Tier.
This funding will permit each Chamber of Commerce in Webb’s district to provide essential
occupational and hands-on training for employees to support crucial job preparedness and career
development programs. The funds will aid in the creation of more skilled labor, thereby
attracting more businesses and promote greater employment opportunities within the district.

● $50,000 for the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.
● $50,000 for the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce
● $50,000 for the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce

“It is vital that we support the initiatives that bolster our local workforce and increase job
preparedness in the Southern Tier,” said Senator Lea Webb. “Our local Chambers of Commerce
do important work engaging with stakeholders and implementing programming that boosts
economic development and supports local businesses. I am thrilled that I was able to secure this
funding in our 2024-25 state budget and look forward to the positive impacts this allocation will
have on our community."

Said Stacey Duncan, President & CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce,
“No matter their size or their industry, every business has the same need: Talented local workers
who both have the skills to fill current positions and can learn the skills needed to evolve with
their jobs over time,” said Stacey Duncan, executive director of The Agency and president and
CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.“Thanks to Senator Webb’s leadership, we have the resources to help provide the training employees need to lead their industries forward. That’s how we grow Broome County and make ourselves a destination for investment.”

Said Bob Haight, President & CEO of the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, “We
appreciate Senator Webb recognizing that Workforce Development is the #1 concern of our businesses.
Having a vibrant community requires a strong business community. This funding will strengthen our
Chambers’ efforts in this area.”

Said Jennifer Tavares, President of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, “I would
like to express gratitude to Senator Webb and her team for providing this funding for the
workforce development initiatives we lead, and for recognizing the critical roles that chambers
play in our communities. Workforce challenges and training needs continue to impact thousands
of businesses in our region, and funding that supports recruitment and retention of well-matched
employees – particularly in the sectors most impacted by the pandemic – is an investment that
benefits us all.”