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Press Release
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 - 1:55pm
RBW, an Award-Winning Independent Design and Manufacturing Company, Finalizes Move of Headquarters from Brooklyn to the Town of Ulster
Empire State Development today announced the phase one opening of the assembly and distribution area of the new global headquarters for RBW, a lighting design and manufacturing company, in the town of Ulster. In order to meet growing customer demand, RBW has acquired a new 100,000 square foot facility and will invest over $5.4 million for acquisition, construction and renovation and the purchase of machinery and equipment for their operations. Over the next several months RBW will build out the remaining office areas of their building. Empire State Development has awarded RBW up to $547,500 in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits in exchange for the retention of 35 and the creation of 49 new, local jobs.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “Companies like RBW are drawn to vibrant and engaging communities found across the state that support economic growth while providing the assets and infrastructure that appeal to a young and diverse workforce and the dynamic communities in the Mid-Hudson Region are no exception. Manufacturing remains integral to the regional economy’s framework, and RBW’s investment is bringing good jobs to Ulster County.”
“Our move to Kingston is a dream come true for our company and a great opportunity to implement our complete vision for RBW,” said RBW Partner and Director of Growth, Alex Williams. “We have long been inspired by some of Europe’s most visionary manufacturing campuses that reflect a thoughtful and holistic approach to planning a company’s footprint. In this new facility, our B Corp driven purpose to use light to positively transform environments, communities, and lives can flourish.”
RBW was founded in 2008 by Rhode Island School of Design graduates, Theo Richardson, Charles Brill and Alex Williams. The three were college roommates sharing a studio on the Lower East Side in Manhattan and determined to embark on their design career, started out upcycling found objects to create furniture and eventually lighting fixtures. Early success landed them clients such as Urban Outfitters and eventually Fitbit, Yelp, Uber as well as high-end hotels across the country. From the Lower East Side, the company eventually established their headquarters in Brooklyn and after expanding several times, has set up operations in a new and larger facility in the Mid-Hudson Region that is 8 times the scale of their previous headquarters and production space.
RBW intends to renovate nearly 100,000 square feet of the property, located at 575 Boices Lane, which has been largely vacant for the last five years. The plan includes a new roof, solar panels, energy efficient LED lighting, daylight harvesting, dimming controls, and the use of collaborative robotics. The RBW site is directly adjacent to former IBM buildings that were acquired in 2019 by Ulster County and are in the early stages of redevelopment. The addition of this new business creates additional momentum and potential to establish the area as a campus for innovative manufacturers, creative businesses and agricultural producers.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “It is exciting that an industry-leading business like RBW Studio has chosen to make Ulster County the home of its new global headquarters — it affirms our collective work to establish upstate as a hub of industry and a place where entrepreneurs can build their business, strengthen our local economies, and raise the profile of our whole region in the process. I’m proud to support this momentous expansion, and I thank RBW Studio for recognizing Ulster as a cornerstone of its continued business growth and prosperity."
Assemblymember Kevin Cahill said, “It is encouraging to see innovative industry return to the former IBM campus, which provided a significant economic boon to the region for decades. The employment opportunities and sustainable business practices brought by RBW’s move upstate will serve as a model for future development. I congratulate and thank RBW for making this important investment in our community.”
“I am thrilled to welcome RBW Lighting – a certified B-Corp that upholds rigorous standards of ecological and social sustainability - to Ulster County,” said County Executive Pat Ryan. “Projects like RBW are exactly the type of businesses that align with the vision that we have outlined in Ulster 2040 for a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient economy. These types of additions to our local economy play a huge role in creating the energy and momentum to build a ‘People-Centered’ economy in Ulster County.”
City of Kingston Mayor Steven T. Noble said, “RBW is a welcome addition to the greater Kingston community. RBW’s commitment to being a Certified B corporation shows that, not only do they create a high quality lighting product, but they care deeply about their employees and about the community where they are located. This type of small/medium size creative manufacturing aligns with Kingston’s economic development goals and is an example of how our City’s reinvestment into Kingston’s economy and our collective quality of life is paying off.”
ABOUT RBW
As an award-winning, independent design and manufacturing company, RBW is an American brand for a higher quality of light. By listening closely to the needs of customers, RBW’s forward-thinking, technology-driven approach invents lighting solutions that are out of the ordinary—products that take on unprecedented shapes or make subtle upgrades on familiar forms. Each collection embodies a distinct personality while upholding the hallmarks of RBW’s family DNA: Intuitive ease and simplicity. Integrity of craft and material. High-quality lighting with a playful point of view. As a Certified B Corp, RBW’s goal is to expand their status as a leader in the lighting design industry and make a positive impact on both the planet and community by upholding the highest standards in social and environmental accountability. Meticulously engineered for a broad range of applications, RBW lighting has been installed all over the world, from the renowned Noma restaurant in Copenhagen to Fortune 500 company offices across the United States. Thoroughly invested in customer success, RBW prides itself on providing excellent service, delivering quickly and reliably, while product specialists faithfully remain on call. For more information, visit: www.rbw.com.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414 1087
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Monday, April 4, 2022 - 2:34pm
Most Recent Round of Approved Awards Supports 47 Shovel-Ready Projects
Full List of Awardees To-Date Can Be Found Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $38 million has been awarded to support 47 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This year, $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of applicants. Additionally, projects within each region are eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in their region.
“New York is not only going to recover from the pandemic, but will flourish, and this new funding will attract companies that will help fuel our post-pandemic economy,” Governor Hochul said. “These awardees are going to bring good paying jobs to communities across the state, boosting local economies and bringing economic opportunity to all New Yorkers. I look forward to seeing the continued work of the Regional Economic Development Councils as they help usher in a more prosperous New York for decades to come.”
Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin said, “As we rebound from the pandemic, we must invest in people and projects that will help usher in a new era in New York. The funding Governor Hochul and I are announcing today will go to businesses that we believe will achieve just that. I look forward to continuing to partner with the Regional Economic Development Councils across the state, so that we can keep local businesses at the heart of our State’s recovery effort.”
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “Our Regional Economic Development Councils have recommended projects that will capitalize on talent, infrastructure and industry in order to grow the local economy. We continue to invest in and support efforts to build back throughout New York State with a strategic focus on creating jobs and increasing opportunity now and for the future.”
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, April 4, 2022 - 12:40pm
Buffalo Wire Works Co. Creates 25 New Jobs for Upstate New York
Buffalo Wire Works Co. Photo Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Buffalo Wire Works Co. will invest more than $5 million for the renovation and expansion of its manufacturing facilities on Buffalo’s East Side. A global leader in manufacturing screening media and wear parts for the mining, aggregate and industrial markets, the manufacturer will retain 179 employees and create 25 new jobs at its Buffalo locations.
“Buffalo Wire Works’ decision to continue growing and investing in its Buffalo facilities demonstrates its unwavering commitment to Western New York and shows what a significant asset and contributor it is to the region,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight. “The company, which dates back to just after the end of the Civil War, is a mainstay of Buffalo’s East Side. It is with pride that New York State can assist this important company to stay and grow right where it began its legacy.”
Due to its business growth, Buffalo Wire Works needs to renovate and enlarge its Buffalo facilities and acquire additional property. Headquartered at 1165 Clinton Street, Buffalo Wire Works is seeking to expand further on the East Side of Buffalo to continue to develop its growing product lines. ESD will provide Buffalo Wire Works up to $233,000 in New York State Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for creating 25 new jobs. ESD’s Excelsior Jobs Program encourages businesses to expand in and relocate to New York while maintaining strict accountability standards to guarantee that businesses deliver on job and investment commitments.
Buffalo Wire Works Chairman & CEO Joseph M. Abramo said, “We are extremely appreciative of Governor Hochul and the Empire State Development Corporation for their cooperation and economic incentives to further our business investment and expansion. Buffalo, New York has a supportive economic development agency, fabulous geographic location to our North American customer, an available manufacturing work force and exceptional academic institutions at all levels. These attributes made our site selection process easy. Our project will enhance our global competitiveness, leading to job opportunities and capital investment at our Buffalo locations.”
The company has a long-standing history of diversity and inclusion dating back to 1869, when it hired many Polish immigrants who settled in Buffalo. Today the manufacturer hires a large number of refugees and works closely with resettlement agencies to secure job pathways and training for these displaced populations. More than a third of Buffalo Wire Works employees are refugees. The company also recruits heavily from the University at Buffalo and employs 15 international engineers and management graduates from this highly regarded academic institution.
Senator Tim Kennedy said, “With this expansion, Buffalo Wire Works is making yet another strong investment in our local workforce and economy. Their commitment to growing their footprint in the Queen City, and doing so with a diverse and inclusive employee base, will only further foster new opportunities throughout our community. I'm pleased to see New York support this expansion, and thank Governor Hochul and Buffalo Wire Works for prioritizing strategic growth like this in Western New York."
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Buffalo Wire Works Co. has been a long-standing driver of Buffalo’s workforce for centuries. The company’s dedication to keeping and growing its operations on Buffalo’s Eastside combined with their outstanding commitment to having a diverse and inclusive staff is worth applauding. Congratulations to Buffalo Wire Works Co. and thank you Governor Hochul for supporting this worthy expansion project.”
City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown stated, “The continued growth and expansion of Buffalo Wire Works is more great news for Buffalo’s East Side. This $5 million investment, combined with the support of Empire State Development, will create new jobs, and continue to reinforce a positive message about Buffalo’s skilled manufacturing workforce and ongoing efforts to revitalize our economy in a way that’s equitable and inclusive. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and Buffalo Wire Works Chairman & CEO Joseph M. Abramo for their long-standing commitment to Buffalo and congratulate them on this exciting project.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “This expansion is especially good news for Buffalo’s East Side, which has been experiencing a resurgence in business activity and community-building investments that this announcement underscores. Buffalo Wire works is one of our areas oldest employers and has been the place where generations of local workers have created products used worldwide. Now the firm is expanding, adding new jobs and growing their footprint in Buffalo, demonstrating once again that Erie County is a good place for business.”
About Buffalo Wire Works Co.
Buffalo Wire Works is a global leader in manufacturing highly engineered and innovative screening media and wear products. Its engineering depth is unsurpassed in the industry. Since 1869, it has been providing excellent quality screening media and wear parts for many industries, including aggregate, mining, industrial, recycling, asphalt, slag, green waste, topsoil and architectural. With 153 years of proven manufacturing and engineering experience, it has the knowledge to meet and exceed customer needs. For more information about Buffalo Wire Works, visit https://www.buffalowire.com/
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Kathy Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (716) 560-8815
Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (716) 374-4246
Press Release
Friday, April 1, 2022 - 4:42pm
Slate of Virtual Events Provide Information and Resources to Help Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses Compete for State Contracts
For More Information and to Register, Visit esd.ny.gov/2022-nys-mwbe-expo-series
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State will host five events as part of the 2022 Regional Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises Online Opportunities Expo Series. The expos – which will connect MWBEs with New York agencies, expert resources, information on state projects, and tools to access state contracting opportunities – will run from April to June.
"After helping my mother start a flower shop in our community many years ago, I've seen first-hand the struggles that a small business can face just to open their doors," Governor Hochul said. "This series of events will help connect MWBEs throughout New York with the resources they need to continue on the path to success. As our economic recovery continues, it's crucial we continue New York's strong history of lifting up minority and women-owned businesses. "
The 2022 New York State Regional MWBE Online Opportunities Expo Series, sponsored by Empire State Development's (ESD) Division of Minority and Women's Business Development, will feature panel discussions, information on regional projects, workshops on special topics and other business development resources. The expos will also include information about state-sponsored financial and technical assistance programs, including the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, the Bridge to Success Loan Program, and the New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-Designate Hope Knight said, "We have an obligation to make sure our minority- and women-owned businesses have an equal opportunity to compete for state contracts. Every year, state agencies and authorities spend billions of dollars on goods and services – and our MWBE division is continuing to ensure the companies bidding on those contracts reflect the diversity of the Empire State."
Read the full release here.
Report
Friday, April 1, 2022 - 3:19pm
The Restaurant Return-To-Work Tax Credit Program incentivized COVID-impacted restaurants to bring restaurant staff back to work and to increase hiring at NYS restaurants.
View Report
Press Release
Thursday, March 31, 2022 - 11:38am
High Precision Optics Manufacturer Continues to Grow its Business in The Finger Lakes Region, Will Add 50 New Jobs
Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that optics manufacturer Optimax Systems Inc., located in the Town of Ontario, Wayne County, is again expanding its operations. The company will invest $20 million to attach a 36,000 square-foot addition to its existing facility on Dean Parkway. The expanded operations, with support from ESD, will allow Optimax Systems to raise the bar when it comes to supplying optics for its customers and will help the company solidify its brand and credibility in the worldwide optics manufacturing community. As a result of its continued growth, the company plans to create up to 50 new jobs over the next five years; 355 positions will be retained. The expansion piece of the project is expected to be completed sometime in 2023.
Empire State Development Acting President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s strategic investments have supported the Finger Lakes region’s continued growth as an optics, photonics and imaging hub. Our focused commitment to workforce development and 21st century jobs means that companies like Optimax Systems can continue to grow here, with a pipeline to the tech talent they need.”
Founded in 1991, Optimax Systems focuses on technologies as diverse as fiber optic telecommunications, solid-state lighting, digital photography, displays, and diagnostic medicine. They have worked key programs in aerospace, government research, and defense. In 2018, the company committed to creating up to 59 new jobs in at the site due thanks to previous support from New York state and, to date, has already exceeded that commitment.
Optimax Systems, Inc. President, Joe Spilman said, “Optimax continues to position itself at the cutting edge of the Optics manufacturing industry. As the company has grown and we have established footholds in new markets, demand for our work is increasing at a pace significantly faster than anything we have seen in the past. This expansion and the associated investment in people and equipment ensures that we can continue to learn and grow with our customers. Empire State Development has once again stepped up, providing support for this expansion and ensuring that this growth continues in the Finger Lakes Region. We are thrilled to partner with ESD and look forward to continuing our mission of driving customer success and employee prosperity for years to come.”
In order to encourage Optimax Systems to continue to expand in the Finger Lakes region, ESD is providing up to $700,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program a in return for job creation commitments and the retention of hundreds of existing jobs. Wayne County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also offering assistance for the project.
State Senator Pam Helming said, “Optimax continues to demonstrate its leadership as an innovator in the optics industry and a major employer in the Finger Lakes region. Thank you to Joe Spilman, Rick Plympton, Mike Mandina and the entire Optimax team for their additional investment in growth and jobs in Wayne County. I’d also like to thank Optimax for its leadership in building a skilled workforce in our region through programs like FAME. Optimax provides outstanding career opportunities in high-tech manufacturing, with quality products made in America. We are proud to have Optimax headquartered in the 54th District.”
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “It is great to see cutting edge company like Optimax Systems, Inc. making an investment in our community. In the fast moving age we are in, people across the nation and the globe need high speed fiber optic telecommunication. Their technological advancements in the field of diagnostic medicine will play a part in further lifesaving diagnosis’s, and we are proud that we can call them a local business. I would like to thank Optimax President Joe Spilman for making this investment in our community and providing over 400 jobs for our residents. “
Wayne County Director of Economic Development and Planning Brian Pincelli said, “Optimax continues to set the bar on innovation, talent attraction, and workforce development. I am not surprised that they are growing again. Their workforce culture and business model will only continue to contribute to their success. We’re very proud to have them in Wayne County.”
Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chair Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce said, “Not only is Optimax known for its breakthrough optics technology, but for a supportive workplace culture that focuses on mentorship and employee prosperity. We thank President Joe Spilman for continuing to invest in our region and people with this exciting expansion.”
Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Innovation is in Optimax’s DNA, perfectly aligned with the talented workforce and innovative spirit found throughout the Greater Rochester, NY region. The outstanding optics and photonics workforce pipeline and ecosystem made this community the right place for Optimax to expand its business.”
For additional information about Optimax Systems, Inc., visit: https://www.optimaxsi.com/.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055
Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 - 2:12pm
$100 Million Tourism Return-to-Work Program to Encourage Job Growth
$25 Million Meet in New York Grant Program Supports Return of Large Events
Part of Governor's $450 Million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" Inclusive Recovery Package
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of applications for two tourism grant programs designed to support and revitalize New York State's tourism and hospitality industry. The $100 million Tourism Return-to-Work grant program and the $25 million Meet in New York grant program were first announced in November as part of the governor's nation-leading "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" initiative. Both programs will now be making full applications available to tourism businesses, convention and conference centers, and licensed overnight lodging facilities that have qualified for the program.
"The pandemic challenged the entire New York State business community, but its effects were especially damaging to our tourism and hospitality professionals," Governor Hochul said. "These programs are targeted to get help businesses rehire workers and bring new, world-class conventions and events to our communities - sparking the statewide economic engine that is tourism. New York is the most exciting, most vibrant, and most engaging place on the planet, and we need to do all we can to invite and welcome visitors from around the world."
New York State's tourism and hospitality industry and workforce were severely impacted by devastating effects of COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, the industry supported one in ten jobs throughout the state. Recognizing the importance of getting New York's tourism employees back to work, Governor Hochul unveiled the $100 million Tourism Return-to-Work grant program to support the rehiring of workers by providing grants to tourism industry businesses that suffered pandemic-related economic hardship. Additionally, the $25 million Meet in New York grant program was created to catalyze the return of events, meetings and trade shows that generate business travel, by covering a portion of event-based costs at conference spaces and partnering hotels.
Read the full release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 - 11:16am
The World’s Largest Business Accelerator for Uncrewed Systems is Accepting Applications through May 31; Innovative Competition Has Also Been Extended for Five Additional Rounds
GENIUS NY is Supported by “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that GENIUS NY – the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed systems – is now accepting applications for the sixth round of the year-long program. The in-residence accelerator, operated out of CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse, will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. The program also offers company stipends, resources, programming and networking opportunities to assist innovative startups with the tools they need to take advantage of emerging opportunities. GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year. The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development.
Empire State Development Acting President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “GENIUS NY’s sixth round will help to further fuel Central New York’s thriving uncrewed aerial systems industry. This unique business accelerator competition is attracting forward-thinking entrepreneurial ideas and innovators to the region, as well as top companies that are ready to take advantage of the area's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure."
Applications are being accepted at www.geniusny.com through May 31, 2022 from tech startups focused in uncrewed systems, IoT, big data, and robotics. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.
“We are excited to open this new round of applications and begin our search for the next cohort of companies that will join our region’s growing UAS and UTM ecosystem,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “GENIUS NY provides support these companies need to grow and contribute to the region’s expertise and diversity. Through five rounds of this accelerator program, we have seen impact and advancement of this sector within our economy, which is a proven jobs creator. We are extremely grateful to Empire State Development for renewing the program through round 10, which is a validation of the program's success to date.”
Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges, and semi-finalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this summer. Five companies will advance to participate in the competition, which is structured as a unique programmed incubator and accelerator experience. The selected teams will enter the in-residence accelerator at The Tech Garden later this summer where they will be immersed in the incubator's events, resource pool, and mentoring. Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Central New York to participate in the program starting in August.
“For more than a decade we have created a robust tech ecosystem that provides startup companies the tools and resources they need to scale and grow in the region,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “The GENIUS NY program is evidence of this success, and we are grateful to Empire State Development for their continued support and validation of the program. Each new team that we attract to the region through GENIUS NY contributes to region’s growing tech sector and supports the advancement of the UAS and UTM industries here.”
Additionally, the GENIUS NY competition has been renewed through round ten by ESD. The program has attracted more than 26 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, the innovative teams have gone on to raise more than $90 million in venture capital and have created more than 60 upstate New York jobs.
Round five winner, Airtonomy received the top prize of $1 million in October 2021. The company has seen significant growth in Central New York and has partnered with several local providers and customers. They continue to hire in Syracuse and work with other local UAS companies like NUAIR and Airial Robotics.
Senator Rachel May said, “Central New York is a great place to live, play, and grow your business. Past Genius NY winners have contributed to our community by working on advancements in critical infrastructure maintenance, new agricultural technology, and more. I’m pleased to see more funding for Genius NY and to continue working on our region’s progress.”
Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “The Genius NY competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth and industry leadership.”
Assemblyman Al Stirpe said, "The GENIUS NY program has played an integral role in the rapidly expanding unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry here in Central New York and helps create good-paying, local jobs. The latest round of awards through Empire State Development (ESD) promise to draw competitors from around the country from tech startups focused on UAS, the internet of things, robotics and big data. I encourage all companies, but especially upstate ones, to fill out an application and take advantage of this important economic driver.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "The next round of the exciting GENIUS NY competition will continue to build on the success we've experienced as people come from across the country and across the globe to Onondaga County & Central New York. This innovative competition provides businesses with the tools and resources they need to ensure their long-term success and we are looking forward to the groundbreaking work that emerges from this latest round."
City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, "GENIUS NY has attracted and retained world-class business start-ups in Syracuse to scale and grow cutting edge technologies—creating local jobs, drawing top talent and expanding our high-tech ecosystem. The sixth round of the GENIUS NY competition will again produce exciting, breakthrough innovations and solidify Central New York’s position as a world leader in Uncrewed Aerial Systems technology. I thank Empire State Development for its continued support and look forward to welcoming the next cohort of innovators to Syracuse."
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and, Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, "We are incredibly excited to see what the next round of innovative entrepreneurs will bring to the table. Through our continued support for the GENIUS NY competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the growing UAS industry in Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for decades to come."
To apply and learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com.
To learn more about CenterState CEO, visit: www.centerstateceo.com.
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. The region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The state’s $500 million investment is helping incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055
Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Monday, March 28, 2022 - 3:54pm
A $600 Million Investment from New York State - Less Than Half the Cost of the Stadium - Will Be Matched by Investments from the NFL, Bills and Erie County and Keep Team in Buffalo for Next 30 Years
Largest Construction Project in Western New York History Will Be Built with Union Labor, Projected to Create 10,000 Construction Jobs
Economic Impact from Team Will Cover More than 100 Percent of Public Share of Stadium Funding
Governor Kathy Hochul and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz today announced an agreement between New York State, Erie County and the NFL's Buffalo Bills franchise for a $1.4 billion new stadium in Orchard Park. Governor Hochul's negotiations secured a 30-year commitment for the Bills to remain in Buffalo, and a combined $550 million from the NFL and Bills - approved today by the NFL owners. The Governor will advance a $600 million proposal in the state budget, and Erie County will contribute $250 million. The economic and tax impacts generated from the team will support more than 100 percent of the public share of the new stadium cost.
"I went into these negotiations trying to answer three questions - how long can we keep the Bills in Buffalo, how can we make sure this project benefits the hard-working men and women of Western New York and how can we get the best deal for taxpayers?" Governor Hochul said. "I'm pleased that after months of negotiations, we've come out with the best answers possible - the Bills will stay in Buffalo for another 30 years, the project will create 10,000 union jobs and New Yorkers can rest assured that their investment will be recouped by the economic activity the team generates."
The Buffalo Bills franchise is a proven economic driver for the Buffalo region and the state. The Bills generate $27 million annually in direct income, sales and use taxes for New York State, Erie County and Buffalo. These revenues will grow and will cumulatively amount to more than $1.6 billion over the 30-year lease period. Furthermore, fans who attend games from across New York, the U.S. and Canada and spend money locally that would not otherwise be spent in the region will result in an economic impact of more than $385 million annually.
Read the full release here.
Press Release
Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 3:00pm
New York-Led Multi-Agency Consortium Announces Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to Join Dozens of Corporations and Universities, Demonstrating Shared Regional Vision for Long-Term Success
Partners to Develop Proposal for Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funding and Designation as Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub
Advances New York State’s Leadership on Clean Hydrogen Research and Development
Supports Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 85 Percent by 2050
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York has signed a multi-state agreement, including with an initial group of 40 hydrogen ecosystem partners, to develop a proposal to become one of at least four regional clean energy hydrogen hubs designated through the federal Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The New York-led consortium includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey – longstanding leaders in hydrogen and fuel cell innovation, and key neighbors on the I-95 corridor – as the first out-of-state partners to join the regional effort, opening the door for future state additions. Today’s announcement advances each States’ leadership in clean hydrogen infrastructure deployment and research and development, and supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050. Today's announcement is a critical step in implementing Governor Hochul's directive in her 2022 State of the State address to make New York State a green hydrogen hub.
“New York is proud to lead the way in forming bold partnerships to combat the existential threat of climate change,” Governor Hochul said. “Expanding the hydrogen market is critical to New York’s aggressive pursuit of clean-energy alternatives that will supercharge our economy and advance our climate goals. Coalitions like this one serve as a model to the nation on the collaboration that is required to meet this moment and bring us closer to a carbon-neutral future, and I thank Governors Lamont, Baker and Murphy for their partnership.”
Read the full press release here.