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Labor Statistics for the Southern Tier Region Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins Counties

Private sector employment in the Southern Tier declined over the year by 300, or 0.1 percent, to 225,800 in March 2012.  Job gains were largest in professional and business services (+1,000), trade, transportation and utilities (+900), natural resources, mining and construction (+500), leisure and hospitality (+400), financial services (+200), and other services (+200).  Job losses were centered in education and health services (-3,400) and manufacturing (-200).   Government employment fell (-1,800) over the year.

 

Special Interest to the Southern Tier Region:

Floods Threaten Job Growth in the Southern Tier

By Christian Harris, Labor Market Analyst, Southern Tier
(Excerpted from the November 2011 issue of the Employment in New York State newsletter)

At first glance, the Southern Tier region’s economic picture showed little change in recent months. From the first half of 2010 to the first half of 2011, the region’s total nonfarm job count (private and public sectors) grew by 1,300, or 0.4%. This growth rate lagged comparable increases at the national (+0.9%) and state (+0.6%) levels over the same period.

However, a closer look at job figures shows that some areas in the Southern Tier region beat both the U.S. and New York State in job growth between January-June 2010 and January-June 2011. Growth rates in these areas include:

  • Chenango County, +1.8%
  • Ithaca metro area (Tompkins County), +1.5%
  • Elmira metro area (Chemung County), +1.0%

The Floods of 2011

This past summer Mother Nature left her mark on the Southern Tier as Hurricane Irene ravaged the region on August 28, followed by Tropical Storm Lee on September 7-8. The back-to-back storms revived memories for long-time residents of the June 1972 flood caused by Hurricane Agnes in the Corning-Elmira area -- which claimed more than 20 lives and caused millions of dollars in damage -- and more recently the floods of 2006.

Irene and Lee brought massive destruction and devastation to the region. They inflicted heavy economic costs and took an emotional toll. FEMA estimates the record flooding destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes. It affected over 2,100 businesses, according to the Small Business Administration. Early estimates from the NYS Department of State put the damage in Broome County at $435.6 million and Tioga at $279.6 million. The brunt of these storms focused on the east-central part of the region -- Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware counties.

Employment Impacts

Sadly, a few local businesses have chosen to close – including call center operator Synergy Solution and outdoor sporting goods retailer Gander Mountain in Johnson City (Broome County). They cite sky-high rebuilding costs. Total employment at these two businesses was almost 300.

Two high-profile manufacturers – Amphenol in Sidney (Delaware County) and BAE Systems in Johnson City (Broome County) -- have abandoned their sites. They are searching for new locations, due to large-scale water damage from the floods. The potential loss of large manufacturers, which typically pay well, would harm the region’s economy. Thus, government and economic development officials at every level are scrambling to find nearby plant sites for the affected companies.

Many businesses have sought to jump-start the rebuilding process to cut their losses. They hope that insurance payouts coupled with government financial aid will help to offset rebuilding costs. Countless local businesses, as well as national retailers such as Home Depot, Christmas Tree Shops, Five Below, and Toy-R-Us/Babies-RUs, are companies committed to rebuilding.

The state Environmental Facilities Corp. (EFC) is providing interest-free loans to municipalities with wastewater and sewage treatment plants damaged by the floods. The City of Binghamton and Village of Endicott (Broome County) are among 13 applicants that will share in a total loan package of $11.3 million. Of the 13 municipalities funded, nine will receive $1 million each. These include Endicott and the Town of Owego (Tioga County) that saw more than $3 million in damage to their infrastructure.

Summary

There is no doubt that the recent floods left a lasting mark on the Southern Tier. What remains is a more tightly knit and stronger community, poised for the next challenge.

 

 

If you have any further questions regarding the Southern Tier Labor Market, please contact:

Christian Harris
NYS Department of Labor
2001 Perimeter Road E. Suite 3
Endicott, NY 13760
Phone: (607) 741-4485
Fax: (607) 741-4527
E-mail: Christian.Harris@labor.ny.gov