Leadership Tioga: How-to’s of Doing Business in Tioga County

Leadership Tioga was lucky enough to meet this month at State Line Auto Auction in Waverly, N.Y. What a perfect setting to discuss doing business in Tioga County. 

State Line Auto Auction began in 1981 in the Barber family’s horse barn, auctioning just 20 to 30 cars per week. Now with the third generation in charge, 1,200 to 1,400 cars are auctioned per week to all size dealers. State Line Auto Auction is a company that Tioga County can be very proud of.

LeeAnn Tinney, director of Economic Development and Planning (ED&P) and Bryant Myers, executive administrator of the Industrial Development Agency (IDA), began the morning with an insightful overview of the who, what, how and why of economic development in Tioga County. 

In their presentation, Tinney and Myers explained that economic development is more than just attracting and retaining jobs and businesses. The following items highlight their work: improve the quality of life in communities, support agriculture and forestry, improve vitality of towns and villages, provide a diverse economy, improve the tourism industry, lower unemployment, increase the sales and property tax base, market sites, expand and upgrade infrastructure and utilities and provide planning and support. 

ED&P and IDA can do this incredible work by establishing working relationships with a variety of agencies. The Leadership Tioga class was provided with examples of the recent successes (Crown, Cork & Seal and Owego Gardens) the county has had as well as upcoming plans and developments (Owego’s Gateway Project).

Jim Julian, president of SCORE, presented next about the resources that are available through this organization. SCORE, which formerly stood for “Service Core of Retired Executives”, has been around for 50-plus years. It provides free and confidential business planning help for new and existing businesses. SCORE holds workshops throughout the year on a variety of topics, and is always looking for referrals as well as volunteers to become SCORE mentors.

For more information on any of the agencies in this article or for more information on the Leadership Tioga program, contact the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce at (607) 687-2020.