Center for Technology & Innovation, Inc., 321 Water Street, Binghamton, NY 13901,
Telephone: 607-723-8600 email: info@ctandi.org
CT & I 1994-2003
The Center for Technology & Innovation began as Endicott Technology Center (1994). In 1996, it was renamed CT&I and received 501 c(3) status. Its mission was to energize community resources in south-central New York State to renew development of a vibrant technology based economy. This mission to promote economic development, tourism, and technology education was to be accomplished by:
a) developing a world class technology tourist attraction which would showcase our Center for Technology & Innovation leading edge technology in the region in an exciting, interactive, and educational manner,
b) assisting inventors and entrepreneurs who have technical related ideas to enable them to move more rapidly from the idea stage to commercialization, and
c) encouraging growth in science and technology education.
CT&I commissioned a Conceptual Development Study (1997), an Economic Impact Study (1998), and a Feasibility Study (1998). Due to a weak economy and the unpredictable dynamics of the post September 11th travel industry, in 2002 CT& I discontinued its original mission to forge a dynamic, hands-on connection between technology and local community. The remaining funds were distributed between Roberson and the Goodwill Theatre, which included a sub-grant to explore the potential for an industrial heritage initiative.
In July 2002, an academic committee drawn from the leadership of the Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) met with representatives from a range of industries and historical groups, visited technology exhibits at Roberson and the IBM heritage gallery, and toured the industrial landscape. The committee consisted of Lindy Biggs, Auburn University; W. Stuart Leslie, Johns Hopkins University; Rachel Maines, Cornell University; Amy Slaton, Drexel University. The committee identified three priority efforts:
a) collect oral histories of inventors and industrial employees NOW,
b) establish cooperation with local universities - BCC, BU, Cornell, and
c) engage IBM in conversation about sharing their heritage with the community.
In June 2003, rather than disband, CT&I voted to embrace the history of technology initiative, and elected a new board. In September 2003 approved a new mission that emphasized the history of local technology - To document and present in context the inventions and industrial innovations of New York 's Southern Tier.