TCAD rebrands as Ithaca Area Economic Development

ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) says it is now operating as Ithaca Area Economic Development, using an updated logo.

Ithaca Area Economic Development provides the organization with a more recognizable name, states what the organization does, outlines the area supported, and “removes much of the confusion with other organizations that the previous name has engendered in the past,” the organization contends.

“We recognized that changing our name was a decision not to be made lightly. With the input of numerous stakeholders, we carefully considered the benefits and drawbacks of a rebrand for both the organization and those we support, before moving forward. Ithaca Area Economic Development better represents what our organization does and will help us be more successful in all of our ongoing and future efforts,” Heather McDaniel, president of Ithaca Area Economic Development, said in a release.

Larry Baum — chairman of the Ithaca Area Economic Development’s board of directors and founder of The Computing Center — has been involved with the organization for more than 20 years and views it as “essential to our businesses, local manufacturers, entrepreneurs, developers, and the community.”

“There was strong support amongst stakeholders for the name change, with the belief that a more understandable and recognizable name would make the organization even more effective in fulfilling its mission of building a strong local economy and supporting business and job growth,” Baum said. “I can’t wait to see what Ithaca Area Economic Development will accomplish as we move forward over the coming months and years.”

Under its new name and branding, Ithaca Area Economic Development will continue its work of contributing to business creation, retention, and expansion; addressing “ever evolving” challenges; and providing the services “necessary to build a thriving and sustainable economy.”

“I look forward to leading Ithaca Area Economic Development into the future, tackling challenges, embracing opportunities, and continuing to strive to reach our vision of a prosperous economy with meaningful career opportunities,” said McDaniel.