Delaware County
Industrial Development Agency
The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency seeks to improve the quality of life in Delaware County by assisting businesses and industry for the purpose of retaining and expanding existing job opportunities, attracting new jobs, and stimulating the investment of capital in the county.
The IDA works in conjunction with the County Department of Economic Development to build a sustainable future for Delaware County. We strive to meet the needs of new and existing businesses through expertise, financial assistance and continued support. The IDA offers a variety of programs and performance based incentives to encourage businesses to expand or locate within the County and create new jobs.
The current economic development priorities of the IDA include:
Community Revitalization
Economic Diversification Through Technology
Redevelopment of the Historic Catskill’s Tourism Industry
Promotion of the Agricultural & Natural Resource Industries
Development of “shovel ready” sites for new manufacturing and commercial enterprises.
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James "Jim" Thomson
Chairman
Originally from Delhi, Jim graduated from Hartwick College and had a long career in insurance, ending with Jim owning his own insurance agency. Jim’s work in the community has included 22 years on the Delaware County IDA, 12 years as president of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and six years in the Greater Delhi Chamber of Commerce.
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Scott White
Vice Chairman
Scott White brings financial and lending experience to the board as a career banker. Scott is currently the President of The Bank of Cooperstown. Additionally, he has been an area resident for 30 years and holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
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Flerida Santana
Member
Flerida Santana Johnas, boasts 24+ years of experience in analytical management and leadership. Flerida’s career has been predominantly in the field of real estate finance, having worked with several banking companies. Her expertise lies in cultivating conducive business relationships and partnerships, the analysis and management of budgets and cost controls alongside credit, debt, and risk assessments. Flerida is driven by the belief that she is part of something much greater than herself. Giving her the focus of the big picture while still being able to identify the myriad of moving pieces that help realize the bigger picture.
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Bruce Dolph
Treasurer
In addition to being a former self-employed businessman, Bruce Dolph serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District. Dolph also serves on many local boards including, The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors, as well as the Delaware County Planning Board, and is a member of the Walton Grange. Bruce formerly served on the Walton Town Council, first as a council member and then as supervisor. He has also previously served as the President of the Walton Chamber of Commerce, a Boy Scout leader, and as a youth soccer, basketball, and baseball coach. Though he now enjoys a semi-retired lifestyle, Bruce recently sold his H&R Block franchise, with offices in Walton, Delhi, and Sidney, after 35 years in business. In his free time, Bruce and his wife Teresa enjoy spending time with their children. Bruce can also be found tending to his Walton farm where he raises beef cattle and miniature donkeys.
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Wayne Oliiver
Member
Wayne Oliver, a Delhi native with an MBA from Syracuse University and an Engineering Degree from Clarkson, has over 35 years of successful experience in all areas of Business Management with expertise in Operations, Finance, Marketing and Executive Management. A former President and CEO of Sportsfield Specialties (retired), Wayne has also held various executive management positions with UTC - Carrier Corp., Carlisle Companies and Hendrick Manufacturing. In addition to his extensive business experience he has also demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the local community by serving 12 years on the Delaware Academy School Board, 8 plus years on the Town of Meredith Town Council (recently reelected), 10 plus years on the SUNY Delhi College Council (still active) and on the Board of the Delaware County Local Development Corporation.
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Michael O'Brien
Member
Michael O’Brien retired in 2018 as a financial advisor after 36 years, the last ten with NBT Bank. He served on the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 25 years. His community service includes 35 years as a member of Rotary where he served one year as a club president and in 2001-02 as District Governor of Rotary District 7170. He is scoutmaster of BSA Troop 74, Hancock, NY. Mike and his wife Linda reside in the Town of Hancock.
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George Bergleitner
Secretary
George is a Realtor and an appraiser, as well as a past president of the Otsego/Delaware Board of Realtors, co-chair of the RPAC Committee, past member of the Board of Directors of the NAR, and current member of both NAR and NYSAR as well as ODBR. He is on the Appraisal Committee of the NY State Association of Realtors. He is a member of Rotary International and past president for 3 years. He is also the Vice Chair of the Delaware County Republican Committee. George was also Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and for 50 years a member of the Council of Regents for St. Francis College. The Harpersfield Grange elected him Man of the Year in 2005. The Stamford Chamber elected him Volunteer of the Year in 2006.
IDA/LDC Meetings
IDA and LDC meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month and are open to the public. All meetings are recorded and posted on YouTube and can be accessed at the link below: