April 2002

Cortland's Business Climate Topic of New Cable Access Show: "Cortland County Matters"

Cortland's business climate is the topic of the first segment of a new CACTV-2 cable access series, "Cortland County Matters," hosted by Kurt Behrenfeld. The concept for the series was developed by Behrenfeld, who is vice president of Impact Sports Equipment and a member of the Cortland Business Network. Future segments being planned by Behrenfeld will focus not just on the economic health, but the physical, mental, educational, safety and even spiritual health or well-being of the community, exploring important current issues and topics of public interest. A website is being created, http://www.ccmatters.com, and a P.O. box is being set up to take suggestions and comments on past and future shows.

The initial show features a 45-minute interview with Cortland County Chamber Executive Director Garry Van Gorder and BDC Executive Director Linda Hartsock. The wide ranging conversation addresses such topics as economic and demographic trends, the general climate for business development in Cortland, projects on the horizon, and the local economic impact of 9-11 and the recession of 2001. In addition, it explores the role of each organization in building an infrastructure for business in the County.

The first segment is set to air four times on the following dates:

• April 23 at 11 am
• April 24 at 8 pm
• May 1 at 8 pm
• May 2 at 10 am

"We commend Kurt for taking the initiative in putting this series together," said Hartsock. "The show will give the community access to information about some of the most important issues facing the public."