Empire State Development meetings

Food and Agriculture Startup Competition is Accepting Applications Through July 15th Competition is Funded Through Upstate Revitalization Initiatives - Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising and Southern Tier Soaring - Regional Comprehensive Strategies to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the application window for the 2021 Grow-NY business competition is now open and is accepting submissions. Grow-NY, an unprecedented business competition, focuses on enhancing the emerging food and agriculture innovation cluster currently present in Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier regions of New York state. The transformative competition attracts high-growth food and agriculture startups from around the world and across the state where they will compete for a combined total of $3 million in prize money. Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2021. From the applications submitted, up to 20 finalists will be selected. ESD is funding the competition through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative connected with the three regions— CNY Rising, Finger Lakes Forward and Southern Tier Soaring. The competition is administered by Cornell University through its Center for Regional Economic Advancement. “The Grow-NY competition brings together the best entrepreneurial minds in the world to boost job growth and make our agricultural industry even stronger in New York State,” said New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “While we continue to build back better for a more sustainable post-pandemic future, round 3 of the Grow-NY competition will bring investment and opportunity to New York’s farmers and rural communities.”  The startup competition begins its third year with impressive momentum, having garnered more than 460 applications from businesses originating in 32 unique states and 37 other countries over the last two years. In all, 37 finalists have been selected to date, with 14 winners sharing in $6 million in start-up funding as well as the invaluable mentorship and networking benefits which Grow-NY delivers to finalists across its 22-county area. “This third round of Grow-NY will build on the success of prior competition winners whose entrepreneurial spirit is fueling economic growth,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO Eric Gertler. “These innovative companies have attracted significant investment, including $11 million in follow-on funding from successful Series A rounds and National Science Foundation grants, that in turn is helping to lay a foundation for even more opportunities throughout the Grow-NY region and around the world.” Winners are required to contribute to a thriving Upstate economy in the Grow-NY region through innovation, job creation and industry ecosystem development and commit to operating in at least one of the 22 Grow-NY counties for at least 12 months. One finalist will receive a top prize of $1 million; two others will be awarded $500,000 prizes, and four more will be given $250,000 prizes. Winners will also receive tax incentives and publicity support to announce their achievements across the Grow-NY region and in their home regions. The program has already generated dozens of new jobs, having attracted high-growth food and agriculture startups from around the world. Winners have also engaged with supply chain partners to create many indirect opportunities in agriculture, distribution, food processing, manufacturing and beyond. Round I, million-dollar, first place winner Real Eats has been named as a top meal delivery service by Forbes, and now employs dozens of people from the Grow-NY region.  The competition is also attracting more diverse leaders to the region, as 29% of 2020’s applicants included a female founder and 32% included a founder from an underrepresented minority group. “As a premier institution of scientific learning and discovery, Cornell is a world leader in tackling complex challenges through our culture of interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration,” said Benjamin Z. Houlton, Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Grow-NY epitomizes that culture, connecting the world to Upstate New York and vice versa, and it’s an honor to be part of the team that leads this truly transformative initiative.” Applications must be submitted by Thursday, July 15. In September, up to 20 finalists will be assigned mentors and enter the business development phase. All finalists will receive bespoke entrepreneurial support and valuable regional introductions, additional training to hone their live pitches, and barring travel restrictions, will join an expenses-paid, three-day business development trip to the region for up to two team members. The finalists will then present their business plans during the Grow-NY Summit, Nov. 16- 17, which this year will be a hybrid (in-person and virtual) event broadcast live from Syracuse, N.Y. “We’ve generated international recognition for our region, with applications and media coverage from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America,” said Grow-NY Program Director Jenn Smith. “Literally thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world have been made aware of our agriculture and food processing expertise in the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, boosting our industry, academic, and R&D resources along the way.” Judges will base award decisions on the following five criteria: Viability of Commercialization and Business Model – the potential for the entrant to generate revenue and maintain a cost structure that allows for a competitive and sustainable business, demonstrate technological readiness or innovate to fulfill its value proposition; Team– demonstration of a level of cohesion, completeness, and readiness within, and diversity and inclusion amongst the founders, employees, and advisors of the business that will allow the team to deliver on its potential; Customer Value – the degree to which the entrant is providing something for which customers are willing to pay, and addressing a substantial market; Food and Agriculture Innovation – the extent to which the entrant is pushing what’s considered state-of-the-art in the food and agriculture industries, and contributing to Upstate NY’s status as a global leader in innovation in these markets; Regional Job Creation – the potential for creating high-quality jobs in the Grow-NY footprint and relevance to the existing food and ag ecosystem; and The Grow-NY region, which hosts 43.7% of New York’s 33,438 farms, includes an abundance of vibrant, fertile lands along with such major urban centers as Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton. It is a 22-county region comprised of the following three areas: Finger Lakes – Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates  Central New York – Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Southern Tier – Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Grow-NY competition has had incredible success since its launch, shining the spotlight on New York agriculture and encouraging innovation and creativity across the sector as well as diversity in leadership.  We have a great story to tell about the hard working farmers and food and beverage business owners who contribute to one of the nation’s leading agricultural communities and about the opportunities for growth within the industry right here in New York State.  As we continue to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, Round 3 of Grow-NY will provide much needed investment and job growth, and I look forward to seeing the projects that will be submitted in 2021.” Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, and Deborah Stanley, President of the State University of New York at Oswego said, "New York State continues to experience unprecedented growth in the agriculture and food industries and we are really looking forward to serving as host for this year’s exciting the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit in November. This competition represents yet another exciting investment in our community that will further bolster regional job growth and further support our agricultural base throughout Central New York ensuring the region continues to rise." Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chair Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Denise Battles, President SUNY Geneseo said, “The regional council is proud to support round three of the innovative Grow-NY competition. Our agricultural and food industries are truly world class and both their products and innovations are huge economic drivers for our state and region. Connecting the cutting-edge ideas of these entrepreneur teams with local industry partners supports the multi-pronged approach laid out in the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative, which is working to create a thriving regional economy.” Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Judy McKinney Cherry, Executive Director, Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED) and Broome Community College President Kevin Drumm said, "New York's agriculture industry is one of the most prestigious and productive in the nation.  This initiative, with its investment in the region, adds great value to the Southern Tier's continued economic success in the ag sector. The Grow-NY competition enables innovative and competitive businesses to showcase their strengths and will further our efforts to bolster the regional economy ultimately helping the Southern Tier to soar." For additional information about Grow-NY competition visit www.grow-ny.com. For additional Information about the Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement visit: https://crea.cornell.edu/ 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 State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – 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, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. 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. ​ Accelerating CNY Rising Today's announcement complements “Central NY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.3 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. 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 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here. Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring  Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $7.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay for groundwork for the plan – attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. 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 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here. Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313 Mike Barone |The Martin Group | [email protected] | (716) 830-7139

Building Owners will Stabilize At-Risk Structures for Commercial Use and Redevelopment See photos of properties here. Empire State Development (ESD) and Preservation Buffalo Niagara today announced that $500,000 has been awarded as part of the first round of grants being made through the East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund, part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund. Nine awardees have been selected to receive funding for the stabilization of historic at-risk buildings on Buffalo’s East Side. The $5 million program, part of Governor Cuomo’s previously announced $50 million East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund, will help protect the fabric, density and character of the East Side – making sure that neighborhood buildings in need of preventative stabilization can be maintained for prospective mixed-use, retail, commercial or residential redevelopment. These restorations will also help to further increase the area’s commercial activity.  “Each of the nine projects chosen to receive funding from the East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund represents an opportunity to restore buildings and reinvigorate neighborhoods,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler. “We applaud the awardees for working hard to preserve and renew these historic structures, which in the long run will help to both anchor and grow local businesses.”  Jessie Fisher, Preservation Buffalo Niagara executive director said, "The East Side of Buffalo has a rich historic legacy, and we are thrilled to be able to help protect these important buildings as our community works to revitalize Buffalo's East Side. By stabilizing and preserving historic buildings in targeted areas, the Commercial Building Stabilization Fund preserves the unique fabric of this part of the City and helps create a brighter economic future.” The fund increases opportunities for reuse of the stock of historic buildings located on Buffalo’s East Side. It ensures that the region’s unique history, beauty and sense of place are retained through its architecture, landscapes and urban design, and reverses the decades-long practice of demolishing building stock.  The grants will support seal-up efforts, such as roof patching and mothballing precautions, and more complicated structural issues that will help return buildings to use and prevent crisis-level failures in the future or, even worse, additional emergency demolitions of the existing urban fabric.  The fund ensures that viable buildings, regardless of code violations or structural deficiencies, are not torn down as a short-sighted “solution;” instead, these buildings will remain intact and ready for reuse. East Side Avenues Co-Chair and M&T Bank Community Reinvestment Manager Brad Dossinger said, “By stabilizing and preserving historic buildings on the East Side of Buffalo, the Commercial Building Stabilization Fund will ensure the community’s unique sense of place is retained and can help serve as a building block for ongoing, community based economic development. Historic preservation is an important element of any economic development strategy—and Buffalo is especially rich with history and beauty that can be preserved and celebrated." The nine East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund Spring 2021 awardees, listed below, will be making structural repairs to commercial properties located on the East Side. The Broadway Theatre at 512 Broadway Avenue Owned by Western New York Minority Media Professionals (WNYMMP), the highly significant historic structure, formerly known as the Sattler Theater, is in immediate danger of collapse despite the hard work of its owner. While the WNYMMP has done its best to fundraise, the advanced state of the deterioration of the building has made all those efforts much more difficult. The WNYMMP will receive $132,000 to put a new roof on this building, which will have a major effect on their ability to bring this important project to fruition. 343-345 Broadway Avenue Owned by Broadway Development and Management Group, LLC., these properties comprise a rare intact grouping of turn-of-the-century brick factory buildings. The buildings will receive $38,000 for repairs, masonry work, and partial roof repairs. After stabilization, the plan to reopen includes a new storefront, utilization of available warehouse space, and work on long-term plans for mixed use development. 349 Broadway Avenue Sharing the same block with 343-345 Broadway Avenue, owner Ms. Ramona Griffin will receive $25,000 to make repairs to the roof and masonry of 349 Broadway Avenue, which will allow her to properly stabilize this mothballed building. 1362 Jefferson Avenue Lawrence and Jacqueline Stitts will receive $79,800 to replace the collapsed roof and floor of 1362 Jefferson Avenue. This stabilization work will enable the property’s owners to transform this mid-century Art Modern building on culturally significant Jefferson Avenue. 1380 Jefferson Avenue Ms. Valeria Cray will receive $35,000 to make repairs to the roof, gutters, masonry and siding of this structure whose condition of the roof and the rear elevation is placing this structure at significant risk for rapid deterioration. After stabilization, Ms. Cray plans to again offer this space to interested small businesses. 339 Genesee Street Mr.Glenn Belton will receive $50,000 for roofing and façade repairs to this mixed-use commercial building which still retains a significant amount of historic details including corbelled brick, terra cotta accents, and two-story copper bay windows.  The work will not only protect the building, but also will allow him to pursue a mixed-use development plan. 696 Genesee Street This c. 1923 building will receive $40,000 to make repairs to the building’s roof, masonry, and front façade bay windows, which will ensure that it continues to be able to serve its important community function. Its architectural features include patterned brick and a stone parapet.  The Criterion Building at 625 William Street Built originally as the Savoy Theatre in 1909, 625 William Street has been owned by Ms. Evelyn Merriweather’s family for the past 50 years. Ms. Merriweather will receive $50,000 for needed structural work including roof replacement and masonry repairs, ensuring that this cornerstone of the community continues and thrives for the next 50 years. After structural repairs are completed, the Merriweather family plans to renovate the structure’s commercial space and add a residential component. The Niagara Frontier Food Terminal Inc at 1500 Clinton Street The Niagara Frontier Food Terminal is a large, unique campus of buildings constructed in 1931 as a rail terminal marketplace. The 10 original buildings on the 60-acre site were each large enough to serve as an individual market. While the structures are in reasonably good condition at present, the historic canopy roofs covering the loading docks are rapidly deteriorating, causing ongoing structural damage. The NFFT will receive $50,000 to make these necessary repairs to the canopy roofs. All the awardees are required to maintain their properties in a manner consistent with the Fund objectives for a minimum of five years from date of completion of the stabilization project.  The ESCBSF program is open to owners of commercial and mixed-use structures that were built more than 50 years ago and meet additional program criteria as outlined in the program guidelines.  The full program guidelines and applications can be found at https://preservationbuffaloniagara.org/east-side-commercial-building-stabilization-fund/.  Second-round funding award applications will be made available soon.   For more information, contact Bridge Rauch at (716) 852-3300 or [email protected] Senator Tim Kennedy said, “"All of the nine awardees of the East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund are buildings that have strong potential to add to the economic vitality of the East Side.  I applaud the individuals and organizations who are doing the difficult work of restoring these structures. The unique buildings each have stories to tell from the past but with stabilization they will be a step closer toward a solid future." Assembly Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I’d like to thank Empire State Development for creating the East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund as one of many tools to address properties in need of repair. This fund will help stabilize structures and in many cases aid in preserving local history. These efforts will strengthen our commercial corridors with the goal of bringing back increased economic activity and vibrancy.” County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The nine projects that will be awarded funding in this round of the East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund provide targeted improvements for historic East Side structures, reusing and restoring these buildings rather than razing them. Keeping these buildings intact and ready to host businesses adds to the vitality, vibrancy and economic opportunity of the East Side.” 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 Governor Cuomo’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, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313 Jessie Fisher (Preservation Buffalo Niagara) | [email protected] | (716) 852-3300

Paper Board Packaging Manufacturer Will Move into 105,000 Square-Foot Facility in the Town of Henrietta Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Premier Packaging Corporation, having outgrown its current space, will move into a 105,000 square-foot, newly constructed facility located in Wiregrass Business Park in the Town of Henrietta. The company provides paper board packaging to some of the country’s largest digital photo finishing, food packaging, and medical device companies. In order to better accommodate demand for its’ products, Premier Packaging Corporation will additionally purchase new machinery and equipment. The company has committed to creating up to 37 new jobs as part of the expansion project; 52 jobs will be retained. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Premier Packaging Corporation’s new facility, at the state-of-the-art Wiregrass Business Park, will allow this leading company to meet growing client demand. Their commitment to expand in the Finger Lakes also reflects a regional talent pool and unique assets that attract top-notch businesses. New York's targeted support for forward-thinking projects like this one will continue to strengthen the economy and create top quality jobs in Monroe County and across the state.”   Premier Packaging Corporation was founded in 1989 and was acquired by DSS, Inc. in 2010. DSS is a multinational company, operating businesses in consumer packaging, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, medical real estate, and securitized digital assets.  Premier has been a market leader in providing innovative and secure solutions for consumer paperboard packaging for over a quarter of a century. “Premier’s continued success is the result of our team’s dedication and commitment to quality and customer care. Leading with this customer-centric approach has paved the way for expansion through new business opportunities and continues to strengthen our organization’s culture. We look forward to the next phase of expanding and investing in our products, service, and team,” said Premier Packaging Corporation President and DSS Chief Operating Officer, Jason Grady. “We are grateful to ESD for providing Premier with an opportunity to advance our business. As a multinational company we had several options when considering a new location, but with the help of ESD and NYS, we are fortunate to continue to call this area home.  The upstate NY and finger lakes region is an Ideal place for us to operate our business, service our customer base, and further expand our offerings.” ESD is assisting Premier Packaging by providing up to $700,000 in Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for job creation commitments. Monroe County, Rochester Gas & Electric and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the company’s continued growth. The total project cost has been placed at $6.2 million. Premier Packaging expects to be operational in the new space by the end of 2021. For additional information regarding Premier Packaging visit: https://www.dsssecure.com/packaging/. For additional Information regarding DSS, Inc.: visit: https://www.dssinc.com/. State Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “I commend Premier Packaging for its decision to expand in the Town of Henrietta.  In addition to the new jobs created and the existing jobs being retained, the company’s commitment and investment sends a positive message about the advantages of doing business in the Finger Lakes Region.”  State Assembly Member Harry Bronson said, “I applaud Jason Grady and the team at Premier Packaging Corporation for their commitment to our region. Today’s announcement by the company and Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler shows that the Rochester area has a strong, diverse, and skilled workforce and is in an economic position to create jobs for the future. As Chair of the Assembly’s Economic Development Committee, I look forward to Premier Packaging Corporation growth and the addition of new jobs at their new Henrietta campus.” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Premier Packaging Corporation’s sustained success and commitment to Monroe County is reflected in their decision to expand locally. I am pleased that Premier Packaging recognizes the many advantages operating in our area offers, and their role as a business leader in the Finger Lakes region is exciting now and for the future. I want to extend a thank you to President, Jason Grady, for this decision and all those involved, including the folks at Greater Rochester Enterprise, Finger Lakes Forward and Empire State Development for their continued support of our region’s economic health.” Henrietta Town Supervisor Stephen L. Schultz said, “Henrietta has become a hotbed of printing technologies and production companies, often related to the printing degrees offered by RIT, thanks to innovative companies like Premier Packaging. We look forward to the day they open shop in one of the rapidly growing industrial portions of town and are excited that they chose our community for their continued growth. Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Committee Co-Chair, said, “We congratulate Premier Packaging on their upcoming expansion and welcome them to the Town of Henrietta, where they are sure to find the resources and talent needed for continuing growth and success. Greater Rochester Chamber is grateful for the State’s continued investment in job creation, which will help strengthen our regional economy.” Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “The Greater Rochester, NY region’s packaging assets and expertise, along with a competitive cost of doing business, made our community the perfect location for Premier Packaging Corporation’s expansion.” 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 State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – 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, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. 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. ​ Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Tire Manufacturer Will Be Adding 30 New Jobs and Nearly Doubling Its Output at Western New York Facility Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Sumitomo Rubber USA will be investing $122 million in its Town of Tonawanda plant, resulting in 30 new jobs. The capital investment by SRUSA will include a major replacement of and upgrades to production and other equipment. The plant currently makes approximately 9,000 tires per day for cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses, and the investment will allow production to nearly double to 17,500 tires per day. The facility will be 100 years old in 2022, and the modernization will solidify the tire manufacturer's long-term economic future in Western New York. "The multi-million-dollar investment in the Sumitomo Rubber plant is another strong signal of confidence in the Western New York economy's promise for rebounding from the pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "The future success of New York's manufacturers is dependent on their hard-working employees and their ability to maximize production in response to increased market demands. I congratulate Sumitomo for creating this opportunity for growth and modernizing a plant that has a long history of success in the region." "Sumitomo Rubber's investment in its Tonawanda plant is a testament to New York's economic development initiatives and the manufacturer's long-term commitment to Western New York," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The investment will include major upgrades and modernization of production equipment at the nearly century-old facility, while protecting the long-term future of those currently employed and creating 30 new good paying jobs." ESD is assisting SRUSA with the purchase of new mixing, tire building, curing presses and additional state-of-the-art equipment by providing up to $3.3 million through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments. SRUSA is one of the biggest manufacturing employers in Western New York, with an average annual salary starting at $50,000 per year. It expects to complete the installation of the new equipment by December 2023.   Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler said, "Sumitomo Rubber's $122 million investment will almost double the Tonawanda tire plant's output and keep this nearly century-old site competitive. Modernizing older facilities is one of the many ways Western New York manufacturers are growing, increasing productivity and investing in the jobs of the future."   Read the full press release here.