Community Development
Thoma Development Consultants receives 2002 Quality Community Award
Thoma Development Consultants is a local consulting firm that specializes in the preparation and administration of grants for municipalities in the areas of housing, community development, and economic development. Thoma Development Consultants (TDC) has served as the City of Cortland's Community Development consultants since it was founded by President and Senior Consultant, Bernie Thoma, in 1980.
On Wednesday, September 4, 2002, the Cortland County Business Development Corporation (BDC) was joined by New York State Secretary of State Randy Daniels, Cortland City Mayor Mary Leonard, Homer Village Mayor Dick Beebe, and other County officials in recognizing Thoma Development Consultants (TDC) as the recipient of the 2002 Quality Community Award. The Quality Community Award is presented annually by the BDC to a person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the community promoting downtown revitalization, historic preservation and economic development. It is patterned after principles developed by the Governor's Interagency Task Force on Quality Communities. The City of Cortland was one of four municipalities/organizations that nominated TDC for this award.
In presenting the award, Linda Hartsock, Executive Director of the Cortland County BDC, noted that "It's extremely fitting that Thoma be recognized with this award. Thoma's hallmark is quality, both in terms of the community development services it provides to local municipalities, as well as the values it instills in its employees who are involved in volunteer activities with many nonprofit community groups across the county. This award recognizes the entire Thoma team, and the vision of its president, Bernie Thoma."
Linda Hartsock lauded Thoma's work in preparing the successful Empire Zone application approved last June, as well as its part in securing funding for the Tioughnioga Riverwalk Trail, two projects of great importance to the City's economic revitalization efforts. Thoma's efforts on behalf of the greater Cortland community were also emphasized noting that Thoma has partnered with numerous Cortland County communities, in addition to the City of Cortland. Mrs. Hartsock highlighted the many and varied projects that Thoma Development has designed and implemented throughout the County and stated that "Its integrated and innovative approach to development, focusing on local government partnerships, community planning and a focus on quality, that earned Thoma the award."