AUBURN - For the coming year, Auburn Industrial Development Authority is thinking small.
The economic development board detailed the organization's goals during the Wednesday meeting. Chair Charles Mace wants to set the agency's sights on attracting small-scale companies. Specifically, AIDA should approach alternative energy and high-technology companies.
Besides being a better fit for the small city, smaller companies can grow with Auburn.
AIDA should promote Auburn's characteristics, rather than marketing the state, Mace said. He mentioned promoting Auburn's quality of life.
Member Ginny Kent said the organization could work with other agencies to promote the region. They could share resources to market the area and reach companies.
“What will lift up Auburn will lift up Seneca Falls and Syracuse, and vice versa,” Kent said.
Mace also recapped the AIDA's accomplishments for 2007. The Nucor Steel payment in lieu of taxes agreement was a large feat. It also created a Web site.
In the interest of retaining existing companies, members approached local manufacturing industries to tell them what the authority can offer.
Maintaining the city's industries is an important part of AIDA's work, member Kevin Maher said. Keeping companies is less expensive and easier than moving an outside corporations into the city.
Existing companies add the majority of jobs, Planning and Economic Development Director Jennifer Haines said.
She suggested AIDA members or planning staff talk to the city's industries to see if there are other industries that could complement what is already in Auburn.
Cooperation with Cayuga County officials was another achievement Mace named.
“They realize what's good for them is good for us and vice versa,” he said. “They have the land. We have the infrastructure.”
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or
jessica.soule@lee.net
Besides being a better fit for the small city, smaller companies can grow with Auburn.
AIDA should promote Auburn's characteristics, rather than marketing the state, Mace said. He mentioned promoting Auburn's quality of life.
Member Ginny Kent said the organization could work with other agencies to promote the region. They could share resources to market the area and reach companies.
“What will lift up Auburn will lift up Seneca Falls and Syracuse, and vice versa,” Kent said.
Mace also recapped the AIDA's accomplishments for 2007. The Nucor Steel payment in lieu of taxes agreement was a large feat. It also created a Web site.
In the interest of retaining existing companies, members approached local manufacturing industries to tell them what the authority can offer.
Maintaining the city's industries is an important part of AIDA's work, member Kevin Maher said. Keeping companies is less expensive and easier than moving an outside corporations into the city.
Existing companies add the majority of jobs, Planning and Economic Development Director Jennifer Haines said.
She suggested AIDA members or planning staff talk to the city's industries to see if there are other industries that could complement what is already in Auburn.
Cooperation with Cayuga County officials was another achievement Mace named.
“They realize what's good for them is good for us and vice versa,” he said. “They have the land. We have the infrastructure.”
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or
jessica.soule@lee.net
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