Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and only a short drive from the Finger Lakes, Binghamton is the seat of Broome County and largest city in New York’s Southern Tier region. Binghamton, along with its neighboring cities of Johnson City and Endicott, was known historically for a booming factory industry that produced everything from lumber to cigars to shoes. As technology advanced, the region became known for its defense and technology firms. The most notable of these was the International Time Recording and Tabulating Company, which later helped form IBM. Binghamton’s manufacturing output remained strong until the mid-late 1900s when firms began to leave the area for more cost-effective alternatives. When IBM, which had employed 19,000 people in the region, decided to pull its manufacturing presence out of Endicott, it was as though the heart of the tri-city region had stopped beating.
With such a rich history of business and entrepreneurship, it’s easy to understand why Bandalier picked Binghamton to incubate its vision of A New American Workplace. In recent years, Binghamton has seen something of a resurgence within the education and healthcare industries. SUNY Broome and Binghamton University attract thousands of students every semester, and both schools are expanding their research work into new fields, increasing their collaboration with local businesses. Additionally, the Lourdes and United Health Services hospital systems have established a strong presence in the area, with many research and hospital facilities spread across the region. The nightlife and art scene have been reignited as well; many new restaurants and galleries have opened their doors in the revitalized downtown district, just blocks away from Bandalier’s office. Binghamton has also become home to LUMA, the world’s largest light projection festival.
Another key feature of the new downtown is the new Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, which provides startup support for innovative budding companies, hosting companies in IT, Virtual Reality, and even the creation of microgreens. With existing infrastructure in place including a large pool of entry-level talent and even former manufacturing facilities prime for repurposing, the city is set to re-establish itself as a new center for business in the Northeast. We’re proud to be a part of it!
