Hornell has 'lost a giant.' Jim Griffin remembered for shaping city's fortunes at IDA

Few individuals played a larger role in shaping Hornell over the last 50 years than Jim Griffin.

Griffin was at the forefront of agreements that brought Alstom to Hornell, expanded job opportunities at local manufacturers and created new housing options in the city.

“There was no better cheerleader for Hornell than Jim Griffin,” said Shawn Hogan, who worked with Griffin for decades as mayor and later as colleagues at the Hornell Industrial Development Agency.

Griffin, 85, died this week at his Arkport home after receiving hospice care. He led the Hornell Chamber of Commerce and helped found the Hornell IDA in 1974. Griffin served as the IDA director for 47 years until 2021, overseeing countless economic development projects that now define the Maple City.

Mayor John Buckley said Hornell has “lost a giant.”

“Whether it was an industrial, residential, or commercial project, if it happened during the last 50 years, it is likely that Griff had a hand in it,” said Buckley. “He will forever be remembered for his love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community.

"Always working for the betterment of Hornell, Jim leaves behind a long legacy of professional achievements which helped lay the foundation for much of today’s success stories.”

Griffin leaves behind a hometown on the upswing, with major job growth at Alstom and other manufacturers. The city has also witnessed a surge in new housing projects in recent years to accommodate a growing population.

Griffin’s leadership helped Hornell rebound from economic challenges that plagued cities big and small in the 20th century. When the IDA formed in the 1970s, Hornell’s rail industry had fallen on hard times with hundreds out of work, and morale in the community at its nadir.

Griffin and his team created a slogan — "The Hornell Spirit: Believe in it" — that came to guide the IDA actions.

“The gist of that was not to sell Hornell to the outside, but to get people in Hornell feeling better about themselves,” Griffin told the Tribune in 2021. “The Tribune had a front page article with a picture, the little train that could going uphill. That was us going forward.”

Griffin retired after completing one final deal, an agreement with Alstom to build a new 135,000 square feet rail car manufacturing facility on Shawmut Park Drive. The new plant has already booked multiple contracts to keep the Hornell workforce humming.

Hogan collaborated on many projects with Griffin from City Hall. Hogan said signing a contract with Alstom in 1997 was pivotal, and the IDA also played a role in creating the Hornell Plaza, expanding the Shawmut Industrial Park and supporting local companies like Strobels Supply, TTA, Gray Manufacturing and Amextra.

“There’s so much we accomplished as an agency and as a team in cooperation with the city government,” said Hogan. “We worked in harmony and put forth a positive message. That was attributable to Jim Griffin and his larger than life personality and his commitment to moving the community forward. It was an honor to have worked with him. I will certainly miss him.”

More: Longtime Hornell IDA director Jim Griffin reflects on decades guiding development efforts

Griffin’s impact extended beyond Hornell. He was involved with regional economic development organizations in the Southern Tier and was well known by state and federal officials, who always knew what Hornell had to offer thanks to Griffin’s advocacy.

“Everyone is going to have their critics. Maybe we didn’t do everything right, but we got most of it right and it shows in what is taking place in our community,” said Hogan. “Let the critics say what they will but the proof is in the pudding.

“Look at what’s been done. Look at the jobs that have been created. Look at how we’ve moved this small community forward. A lot of that goes to Griff and his leadership. I’m proud to have worked with him. I’ll always cherish our friendship.”

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Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Hornell IDA, Chamber of Commerce tributes to Jim Griffin

Michael Nisbet, Griffin's successor as executive director of the IDA, said Griffin's dedication to Hornell and the surrounding area was "unparalleled."

"That dedication was on display from the very start, as Jim initially accepted his IDA duties as an unpaid position. At the time of its inception in 1974, the Hornell IDA had no resources and received no funding," said Nisbet. "Jim was instrumental in bringing businesses to the city and assisting them in their long-term growth and success.

"We will be forever grateful for Jim’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to our community."

Added Hornell IDA chairman David Parmley: "Working with Jim for nearly 35 years, I saw him put his heart and soul into every project that he worked on. He was a great negotiator, and because of that, every project he worked on came to fruition and was always a win-win for Hornell.

"Jim will be greatly missed, as he was undoubtedly the cornerstone of Hornell."

Mike Davidson, chairman of the Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce, said Griffin's "enthusiasm and willingness to help" were his trademarks.

"He had a favorite saying, 'Hornell is the Little Engine that could' and he exemplified that representing Hornell throughout his career and right until the end of his celebrated life," said Davidson. "Jim will be missed by many of us for his wisdom and leadership."

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell IDA director Jim Griffin 'always worked to better Hornell'