Forum highlights Southern Tier’s role in the global economy

When the fifth annual Global Trade and Investment Forum opened on October 3, the theme was “The Southern Tier and the Global Economy.” So it seemed only fitting that the keynote speaker be not just an international trade expert, but an Endicott native as well.

The event, sponsored by the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA) at Binghamton University, brings together leaders from local business and academic communities to discuss topics related to international business.

This year’s keynote speaker was Gilbert B. Kaplan, under secretary of commerce for international trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Kaplan was nominated by President Donald Trump and appointed to his position in March 2018.

Kaplan incorporated his experience growing up here into his talk.

“I grew up in Endicott, N.Y., and it was a great privilege to do so. It occupies a special place in my heart,” he said. “It’s a community that is representative of so many communities across the country.”

Kaplan said his father, who was an immigrant, held his first job in the United States with the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company (E-J).

The company, which had factories in Greater Binghamton, was a powerhouse in shoe manufacturing, employing thousands of people in the area throughout the 1900s. The company is well-known for its employee-benefit programs (known more commonly as the “square deal”). Employees had the opportunity to buy E-J-built homes, take part in a profit-sharing program and receive healthcare from E-J-funded medical facilities.

Kaplan’s father was an E-J physician, providing healthcare to employees and their families.

“His role made me realize how important manufacturing can be to an entire community, and it shaped my views of what a community should look like,” Kaplan said.

As the presence of E-J and, later, IBM dwindled during the late 20th century, the area saw a significant loss of manufacturing jobs.

“This once-bustling area saw a massive change. I couldn’t help but think back to the unending row of cars heading down Main Street in Endicott as thousands of employees would drive to work at E-J every day. I thought about the experience of touring that factory as a Boy Scout,” Kaplan said.

Despite the bleak picture the job losses painted, Kaplan said he was encouraged as he toured the area he once called home during his visit and witnessed all of the recent developments and changes.

“I want people to know that Endicott and Greater Binghamton can be revitalized. We have a strong national economy, and I want to see more people fully participating in that, including this area,” he said.

Kaplan also discussed the future of business. With advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning on the rise, he sees these as opportunities for the creation of new kinds of jobs and work.

“I think there will be a tremendous number of jobs created if we do the right things in manufacturing. Yes, there will be these new technologies, but we’ll need people to develop those technologies and find useful applications for them,” he said.

The forum also featured a panel discussion about how the Southern Tier is participating in the global economy. Speakers included:

• Sandeep Dalvie, vice president of global supply chain, Universal Instruments
  
• Patti Wilcox, co-owner, Awestruck Ciders
• Steve Craig, president and CEO, Commerce Chenango
• Ed Kowalewski, director of international investment programs, Empire State Development & Global New York
• Donna Howell, Southern Tier regional director, Empire State Development Corporation
• Stacey Duncan, deputy director of community and economic development, The Agency

Panelists discussed the opportunities and challenges they faced regarding their involvement in international markets, while sharing plans for growth. Audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences as well, creating an open dialogue about how trade could help Greater Binghamton.

Learn more about CIBA here.