To the Editor, 
 I was surprised to see an Owego businessman quoted at the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum, March 1, as saying that the area needs to attract fine dining and a Starbucks. I know of six restaurants in the Village of Owego alone and I hope that he would find one of them fine dining. As far as needing a Starbucks, it is common knowledge that a franchise takes money out of an area to pay for a name and to buy their supplies from a national franchise owner. This is money not spent and invested locally. Why on earth would anyone want a Starbucks in Owego when there is an excellent locally owned coffeehouse, Awakenings, on Riverrow in Owego. You don't need to leave Tioga County to wake up and smell the coffee!
Kevin Millar