Local businesses report feeling positive about upcoming operations
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Local businesses largely feel optimistic about the year ahead according to a recent survey of companies.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber held its annual Economic Forecast breakfast and Building BC awards presentation Wednesday morning at the Holiday Inn in Binghamton.
In its survey, the Chamber says 84 percent of respondents expected their business to grow this coming year, while 15 percent expected to stay the same. None indicated that they would contract.
This year's Transformative Award went to Spark JC, owners and renovators of the Oakdale Commons.
The Matthews and Newman families who operate Spark JC say they're not only saving what was a dying mall, they're making it better than ever.
'We live here, and we saw the demise of the Oakdale Mall, now known as Oakdale Commons. So, to see the transformation means a lot to us. And we're here every single day, seeing it just like everyone else is. So, very proud,' said Marc Newman.
The Restorative Award went to Station 45 American Chop House on Lewis Street in Binghamton.
Owner and developer Mark Yonaty took the aging and deteriorating Lackawanna Train Station and brought it back to its former grandeur, outfitting the restaurant with period appropriate fixtures and decor.
Yonaty says despite the challenges and delays of COVID-related supply chain issues and government red tape, the result was worth the wait.
'It's a meaningful project. All four of my uncles left from that train station for World War II. There's a lot of meaning in that building. The fact that we rehabilitated a building that was once scheduled to be demolished by the City of Binghamton in the 90's, so it's a great feeling,' said Yonaty.
The Legacy Recognition award went to Bates Troy. The business has been in the Kradjian family since the early 1940's.
While many are familiar with its dry-cleaning services, the majority of its business today is in health care linens. It's currently headed up by third generation president Brian Kradjian.
General Manager Joseph Liparulo says Brian and Bates Troy do a lot for the community, from supporting coat drives to employing people with disabilities.
'He contributes to everything in the county, in the city. He's been around, his father before him, and his uncle and grandfather before him. Almost 100 years in the area. So, he does a lot for the community. It means a lot to the employees because we all know about it,' said Liparulo.
The Chamber's survey also found that 40 percent of local businesses feel more optimistic about the future, 21 percent are more pessimistic while 37 percent say their outlook hasn't changed.
Local businesses report feeling positive about upcoming operations
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