For Immediate Release
May 14, 2007
For More Information:
Contact: Stephen Kimball
607-273-0005
stephenk@tcad.org
In recent weeks there has been a great deal of media attention given to New York State's Empire Zone Program. While very important coverage has been given to the program, some of the information being presented does not reflect the way the Empire Zones Program currently works.
Heather Filiberto. Tompkins County's Empire Zone Coordinator, is available for interviews. She can discuss the Empire Zone Program in general and how it functions in Tompkins County. To set up an interview with Heather, please call 607-273-0005 or email heather@tcad.org. General information about Tompkins County's Empire Zone Program is available by visiting http://www.tcad.org/tcez/abouttcez.php and examining the materials available.
About TCAD
Tompkins County Area Development, Inc. (TCAD) is a private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1964 that provides the Ithaca area with innovative services to strengthen the economy. TCAD is dedicated to building a thriving and sustainable economy that improves the quality of life in Tompkins County by fostering the growth of business and employment. While working with business, not for-profit, higher education, and public sector organizations, we fulfill our mission by assisting in the formation, retention, expansion, and attraction of target businesses. As the community's lead economic development agency, TCAD offers financial assistance, technical assistance and real estate development services. TCAD is responsible for creating and implementing the comprehensive economic development strategy for the county that provides leadership to create a supportive economic environment. In addition, TCAD manages both Tompkins County's Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Empire Zones Program.
About Empire Zones
The New York State Empire Zones Program stimulates economic growth through a variety of State tax incentives designed to attract new businesses and support existing businesses that expand and create more jobs. The Program offers numerous tax incentives for qualifying businesses locating or expanding within the Zone, include a sales tax exemption, and real property and business tax credits. The Tompkins County Empire Zone is primarily focused on the growth of advanced technology and manufacturing firms. It also provides benefits to support commercial revitalization in the City of Ithaca's downtown.