BINGHAMTON, NY –Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, co-chair of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, will discuss the impact of the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) recently awarded to the Southern Tier Region on Jan. 20 in Old Union Hall, in the University Union, on campus. The event is being sponsored by the Binghamton University Forum, a unique membership organization that brings together leaders from the University and community to socialize, network and learn.

The Southern Tier is among the winners in the URI, a competition among seven upstate regions for millions of dollars in funding to support projects identified by the Regional Economic Development Councils. Three of the seven regions deemed to have made the most compelling proposals for the funding have been designated "Best Plan Awardees" – including the Southern Tier – and each will receive $500 million.

Stenger sees this URI result as the beginning of an economic comeback for the Southern Tier, and will provide details on the proposal’s four initiatives as well as describe dozens of the projects scheduled for year one.

The program will begin with a lunch buffet at noon, followed by the formal program at 12:30 p.m. The charge for guests will be $20/person. Multiple guests are welcome on a first come, first served basis, subject to the venue seating capacity.

To RSVP for this unique program, or for information on joining the Binghamton University Forum, call the Forum office at 607-777-5801 or e-mail buforum@binghamton.edu.