August 2003

Cortland BDC-IDA To Host Downtown Business Association Breakfast To Welcome SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum

The Cortland County Business Development Corporation-Industrial Development Agency will host a breakfast for members of the City of Cortland's Downtown Business Association to meet new SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum. The event, which is open free of charge to DBA members, will be 8:00 am on Friday, September 5 at the Community Restaurant in the City of Cortland. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the BDC-IDA at 756-5005.

The event will be an opportunity for downtown businesses who are members of the DBA to hear Dr. Bitterbaum's perspective on the college-community connection, and to discuss ideas about how to enhance collaboration. Dr. Bitterbaum brings a diverse background in community and economic development to his new position, having played an active role in community organizations. He has a strong background in both educational and economic development through his most recent position as president of West Virginia University at Parkersburg. In that capacity, he launched the university's first capital campaign, helped increase enrollment and retention, created a Council of Grants to bring external dollars to campus, and also worked on economic development projects. He has served on the board of directors of numerous nonprofit organizations.

A native of New York City, Dr. Bitterbaum returns to his home state after living and working in varied communities across the United States, from Hawaii to Florida, Nebraska, North Carolina and Missouri -- providing a good perspective on communities and what makes them work. He and his wife, Ellen, a college instructor, deaf educator and audiologist, have two children, David, 14 and Anna, 11.

For information or reservations about the DBA breakfast, contact the BDC-IDA at 756-5005.