July 13, 2020
New York State Phased Reopening
Phase Four Reopening

The Southern Tier Region, including Tompkins County are well into Phase Four of reopening. Guidance for Phase Four businesses.

If Your Business is Open, Follow Your Industry Guidelines and Submit an On-line Affirmation

Visit the NY Forward website to find your industry guidelines.
If you are operating as an Essential Business and do not fit under existing industry categories, use the   Essential & In-Store Retail Guidelines and submit your Affirmation . 
IDA Approves Affordable Housing Policy
The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, which is administered by TCAD, adopted a workforce housing policy to support more affordable housing development in Ithaca and Tompkins County. The Policy requires otherwise eligible housing project applicants an option of making 20% of residential units available to households earning 80% or less of area median income, or paying a one time payment per unit to support the Tompkins County Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF), The CHDF is a partnership between Cornell, the City of Ithaca, and Tompkins County. The fund has supported the development of 654 units of affordable housing at an average subsidy of $7,140 per unit over the past 10 years.  
The Ithaca Arthaus project is currently under construction and will provide 124 units of affordable housing. Rendering provided by Vecino Group
76West Semi-finalists Include Three Local Startups
Three Ithaca-based companies were selected as semifinalists in the NYSERDA 76West Clean Energy Competition . The group of 20 companies was selected from a worldwide applicant pool of 183 firms. The grand prize winner will receive $1 million while three runners up receive $500,000 each. Winning companies must establish a presence in the Southern Tier, in support of Governor Cuomo’s Clean Energy agenda as well as “ Southern Tier Soaring ,” an initiative to spur economic vitality in our region.

The local companies are Heat Inverse, Combplex , and Ecolectro .

Heat Inverse has developed a thin-film material that can reverse the greenhouse effect on the planet by passively pulling heat out of the atmosphere.
Comblex developed technology that remotely monitors beehive colony health.

Ecolectro has identified chemicals to make renewable energy systems safer and less expensive. Heat Inverse has developed a thin-film material that can reverse the greenhouse effect on the planet by passively pulling heat out of the atmosphere.

All three companies seek to commercialize technology developed at Cornell University .
Global NY Hosts Export Webinar Series
Empire State Development’s  Global NY Division  will be hosting a six-part webinar series through the month of August. Each presentation will feature one of their  foreign office representatives  - from Canada, China, Europe, Israel, Mexico, and South Africa - who will share in-depth research on market trends and doing business in their respective countries and answer questions. Companies may also schedule one-on-one consultations with the representatives following the series.
Whether your company is export-ready, or you’re interested in entering the global marketplace, the series offers an excellent opportunity for your business to connect with trade experts and explore new markets around the world.

Registration information available at  Global NY webpage.
Additional questions:
Call: 212-803-2300 Email:  globalny@esd.ny.gov .
#MasksAreGorges Video
TCAD proudly joined with community partners ( Tompkins Chamber ,  Downtown Ithaca ,  Visit Ithaca , City of Ithaca ,  Tompkins County Health Department , and Ithaca Flair )  in contributing to the making of the #MasksAreGorges video. Wear a mask to protect others in our community.
BEA Free Energy Services
The Business Energy Advisors (BEA) program, supported in part by TCAD, remains committed to assisting business owners and facility managers understand options to save energy and operational costs in their facilities. Click HERE find out more about the free energy services BEA provides.
Local Businesses Respond to COVID-19 Challenges
TCAD recently asked local businesses to share how they have adapted and even thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were amazed at how they pivoted to address everything from the need for remote work to curbside pickup and delivery, always remaining focused on safety and meeting customer needs.

Listen to their responses HERE or catch them playing on Cayuga Radio Group stations Lite Rock (97.3), QCountry (103.7), News Talk WHCU, and I-100 (99.9) during the week.

Our Community
Rosie Sees Increase in Demand for Services
Rosie , located on the Ithaca Commons, works with independent grocers across the country to provide consumers with online shopping options and delivery services. They have seen a huge increase in demand for their services since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Read more
Ithaca Ranked One of Best American Cities to Live in After the Pandemic
The Business Insider ranked 30 cities that could be the best to live in after the coronavirus pandemic for those looking for a new home while continuing to work remotely. Ithaca ranked #19 . Read more
Tompkins County Area Development | 607.273.0005 | info@tcad.org | www.tcad.org