Cortland Moves Up Five Places in 2003 Rankings

Cortland was once again hailed one of "America's Top Small Towns for New and Expanded Facilities" in the March 2003 issue of Site Selection magazine, the leading international publication for economic development and corporate real estate. The rankings, compiled by Georgia-based Conway Data, included an assessment of thousands of communities across the country with a population base of less than 50,000. This year, Cortland moved up five places in the rankings to 36th place nationally for small towns with the most corporate investment from 2000 to 2002. Cortland was ranked 41st nationally on the list of top small towns for new corporate investment from 1999 to 2001, which was published in the March 2002 issue of Site Selection Magazine.

Governor Pataki announced the rankings in a press release on February 25 which is posted on New York State's web site: www.empire.state.ny.us

Each year Conway Data ranks communities and states across the country for Site Selection Magazine's "Governor's Cup" competition. The rankings are considered the official scorecard in the international economic development community, since they are based on actual investment and facilities expansion.

New York placed 8th overall in the Site Selection ranking for small town projects. Nearby Ithaca made the top 100 list at 92nd place. Overall, New York State remained 3rd in the nation overall for attracting new and expanded corporate facilities, including projects in both small towns and metropolitan areas.

Site Selection is the oldest publication in the world dedicated to corporate real estate and economic development, and is regarded by corporate real estate analysts as "the industry scoreboard." The trade magazine's circulation base consists of more than 45,000 executives involved in corporate site selection decisions, most at the CEO/President/CFO/COO level. It is distributed internationally, with a large global readership.

"Our board of directors has set their sights on being one of the best small towns in American for economic development," said BDC/IDA Chairman Paul Slowey. "Clearly, Cortland is moving up in the world. This recognition comes on the heels of a number of other prestigious awards Cortland has received at the state level, such as the first-ever Quality Communities Award for Excellence."

Two consecutive years on Site Selection's list of "America's Top Towns" demonstrates the positive momentum underway in the County, according to BDC/IDA Executive Director Linda Hartsock. "The ranking reflects $90 million in new private sector investment from 2000 to 2002. This has been a team effort, with tremendous federal, state, regional, county and local partnerships. Private sector leaders, particularly members of the Cortland Business Network, truly deserve accolades for championing this economic renaissance. Cortland is now a pacesetter for the rest of the country, and the Cortland business community is leading the way, making significant reinvestments in the County."