Follow Up Article: Southern Tier Celebrates! shutting down; fate of First Night unknown

The Press & Sun-Bulletin followed up with another article today. As the article relates:

A number of factors led Southern Tier Celebrates! to shut its doors, its board chairman said today.

Finding funding for general operating support was difficult. Tough economic times has meant less available money from foundations and corporations, said board chairman Mark Bowers.
The board is going to look for alternatives to keep the organization's work going, especially First Night Binghamton, which drew 10,000 people last year, he said. But as of now, the future looks unlikely.

At a farewell press conference, the board thanked the many people -- from volunteers to foundations -- who aided the nonprofit for the past eight years.

STC had raised $160,000 to support its events and operations, Bower said. The group's budget was $414,000.

The main reason for the closing: the organization apparently relied too heavily on state funding that is now drying up. Read more here.

Thoughts: The article points out that the organization was encouraged to address their complete dependence on NYS funding. This is an unfortunate development, but an example for boards and other organizations to learn from and use as a wake up call.

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