The Agency (Broome County Industrial Development Agency) has selected Karp Strategies, a nationally recognized economic development and workforce consulting firm, to lead a comprehensive planning study for the development of a proposed regional advanced manufacturing training center to support workforce needs in Greater Binghamton and the Southern Tier region. The initiative will help the region meet rising employer demand while expanding equitable access to high‑quality, family‑sustaining careers.
The planning effort is supported by $150,000 in funding from Empire State Development, enabling The Agency and its partners to advance a vision for a workforce center that strengthens the Southern Tier’s talent pipeline and supports long‑term economic competitiveness.
“This planning effort represents a critical step forward for the Southern Tier. As advanced manufacturers continue to expand and innovate in our region, we must ensure our workforce strategy evolves just as quickly. By designing a model that is grounded in whole-person support and employer alignment, we are not only preparing residents for high-quality, family-sustaining careers — we are strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the Southern Tier and positioning our region to lead in next-generation manufacturing. We’re grateful to Empire State Development for their support,” says Stacey Duncan, CEO of The Agency.
Advanced manufacturing has long served as a cornerstone of the Southern Tier economy, with major employers such as BAE Systems, Toyota Material Handling, Siemens Mobility, Alstom, and others continuing to invest and expand. Coupled with Binghamton University–led, federally funded energy and battery storage initiatives, the region is experiencing rising demand for skilled workers. With more than 4,000 open manufacturing positions today and continued growth projected, the proposed Center represents a strategic opportunity to ensure that this economic momentum translates into equitable access to meaningful, long‑term employment.
Karp Strategies has extensive experience designing sector‑based training, and has put together a multi-disciplinary team, including partners such as . The project team also includes key partners such as Stephen Tucker, President and CEO of the Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo, a successful model that has informed the Southern Tier’s approach.
The planning study will explore innovative approaches to whole‑person workforce development, including partnerships with wraparound service providers to reduce barriers to participation. While the Center will focus on advanced manufacturing training, it will also incorporate essential workforce readiness and life‑skills instruction — such as financial literacy, communication, and foundational academic skills — to prepare participants for long‑term success.
The study will also assess potential hub locations, governance structures, and operational strategies to ensure the Center is accessible, scalable, and responsive to employer needs. Findings will guide next‑phase development and position the Southern Tier to compete for emerging industries and future investment.
The Agency anticipates the planning study will be completed later this year.