Requirements
In 2004, the General Revenue Corporation (GRC) chose to locate a 220-person credit collection center in Chemung County. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Sallie Mae Corporation, GRC needed about 15,000 sq. ft. of office space, but was cautious about making a long-term lease commitment to a specific property until knowing that it could secure an ample, appropriate workforce.
Results
Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) identified several appropriate locations, including a portion of a 60,000-sq. ft. office building in Airport Corporate Park. Impressed with the space, GRC became interested in purchasing the entire facility to accommodate future growth, but had concerns about costs.
Recognizing the importance of having GRC purchase the facility, we spearheaded an incentive package in excess of $3 million by partnering with Chemung County, the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency, Empire State Development Corporation, the Town of Big Flats, the Horseheads Central School District, Bath National Bank, and Pyramid Brokerage. In December of 2004, GRC purchased the property and immediately began renovations.
To secure its workforce, GRC, in conjunction with the local office of the New York State Department of Labor, held the first of a series of planned job fairs to attract trainees. Similar events used by GRC at locations in Cincinnati and Las Vegas had seen limited success, but the response in Big Flats exceeded the company’s expectations—nearly 400 people attended. GRC identified over 60 candidates for the 30 training positions it needed to fill. The company now plans on growing employment in Chemung County to a minimum of 400.
