Local Biz Gets Job Growth Help

ALBANY, 9/15/08 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today visited RPM Ecosystems LLC of Dryden and announced $100,000 for Tompkins County Area Development to assist the company.

The funding will help RPM, a sustainable, 'green' company, begin the second phase of a planned $1.8 million expansion on its 158 acre site in Dryden, including its 5,000 square foot international headquarters. The company, which currently employs 36 workers, estimates creating 55 new jobs over the next three years with a payroll averaging $1.7 million.

RPM Ecosystems grows native trees, shrubs, and grasses produced by the root production method (RPM). The RPM native plants out-perform all alternative products and are used to accelerate the restoration of critical ecosystems. The shrubs, trees and plants are used extensively in streambank and road restorations following floods and other natural disasters, erosion control and maintenance and improvements of ditches and swales. Their products are used extensively by soil and water conservation districts, departments of transportation and the Army Corps of Engineers for their ecological benefits. Over 500,000 RPM trees are being produced annually and have been a critical element in the success of a wide range of projects.
 
"This is a targeted, smart investment in new jobs and local economic development -- new jobs so our young people can stay here in the careers of their choice. And it's economic development that provides new local tax revenues and reduces pressure on property taxes," Seward said. "I am glad the senate could assist."
 
The nursery was in full production with 20 greenhouses and outdoor growing bays in the spring of 2007.

The funding will be administered by Tompkins County Area Development.