News

Elders in Action Executive Director Vicki Hersen celebrates the completion of the training with some of the volunteers and staff of Action for Older Persons in Binghamton, New York

Elders in Action's Elder FriendlyŽ Business Program Blossoms in 10 States

Binghamton, New York Certified November, 2007

Binghamton, New York and the New York counties of Broome, Tioga and Chenango are the latest areas to adopt Elders in Action's successful Elder FriendlyŽ Business Certification program. This is the 14th site within 10 states to adopt Elders in Action's nationally recognized program that helps businesses better serve the older customer.

Action for Older Persons, a non profit agency with 40 years of experience serving older adults in the greater Binghamton area saw the Elder FriendlyŽ Business Certification Program as a welcome extension of their unique services. Following a 2005 Aging Futures Forum held in Binghamton and with the leadership and support of New York State Senator Tom Libous and State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo efforts were made to bring this nationally recognized program to their area.

Eighteen people attended the November 15-16, 2007 training including older adult volunteers, staff, Board members, Assemblywoman Lupardo, Senator Libous's staff, Chamber of Commerce members and other partner agencies. This energetic group also made mock "undercover" evaluations of two local businesses to gain first hand experience of how the Elder FriendlyŽ evaluation tool works. Shelli Cordisco, Action for Older Persons Executive Director, her staff and volunteers are looking forward to helping Binghamton and other local communities prepare for the age wave that has jump started already. With 20 % of their residents over 65, they are far beyond the national average of 12%.

View all our news archive...