Honor Kevin McLaughlin's Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 1913 BY: Senator AKSHAR CONGRATULATING Kevin McLaughlin upon the occasion of his retirement after 45 years of distinguished service to Broome County WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Kevin McLaughlin upon the occasion of his retirement after

45 years of distinguished service to Broome County; and WHEREAS, Kevin McLaughlin earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire; and WHEREAS, In 1974, Kevin McLaughlin began his long and esteemed career in business development after joining the administration of former Binghamton Mayor Al Libous, followed by Mayor Juanita Crabb; in this capacity, he was instrumental in bringing Boscov's department store to downtown Binghamton, the building of the $5 million municipal stadium to host the Binghamton Double-A Mets franchise, and convincing sponsors to build what is now the Double Tree Hotel on a vacant downtown lot; and WHEREAS, From March of 1999 through July of 2007, Kevin McLaughlin was the Field Director with National Development Council; he then served as Regional Director/President of the Empire State Development Corporation for six years; and WHEREAS, Since August of 2013, Kevin McLaughlin held the title of Executive Director of The Agency, formally known as the Broome County Industrial Development Agency, the position from which he officially retired on May 31, 2019; and WHEREAS, The Agency is the lead economic development organization for Broome County, which governs the Broome County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Broome County Local Development Corporation (LDC); and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Kevin McLaughlin, The Agency provided economic development assistance through property tax abatement programs for expansions or significant renovation projects, revolving loan programs, bond issuance for large-scale manufacturing and non-profit projects, and information on federal and state financing resources, and other technical assistance; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Kevin McLaughlin is most proud of his tireless efforts to bring the Dick's Sporting Goods Distribution Center to Conklin Corporate Park; opened at the start of 2018, the distribution center currently employs about 300 people; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, Kevin McLaughlin was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; as a driving force in the Binghamton economic development scene, he earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Kevin McLaughlin upon the occasion of his retirement after