Empire State Development meetings

Find meeting advisories, agendas, and materials related to key New York State development projects and initiatives. 

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Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - 4:14pm
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Press Release

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - 1:36pm
Forum Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering MWBEs in New York State Event's Theme — "Championing Our MWBEs" — Focuses on Building on a Legacy of Equity and Excellence in New York State Annual Forum Helps MWBEs Tap into New York State Resources Register for the November 14 Event Here Traducción al español Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the thirteenth annual Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Forum will be held on Tuesday, November 14 at the Albany Capital Center. This year’s Forum celebrates 35 years of the MWBE program in New York State with the theme of "Championing Our MWBEs: Building on a Legacy of Equity and Excellence in New York State." Through networking opportunities, partnership-building, and a wealth of industry insights, this year's dynamic one-day event will equip MWBEs with the essential tools to grow and prosper in today's business landscape. Learn more about the forum and register here. “New York’s trailblazing MWBE program is continuing to break down barriers and unlock opportunity for thousands of MWBEs in our state," Governor Hochul said. "For 13 years, our annual MWBE forum has served as an important gathering place to connect New York businesses with essential resources and services, and I encourage business owners from all over our state to join us for this year’s forum.” The 2023 Forum will offer attendees a wealth of opportunities to network, learn, and build partnerships to grow their enterprises. Networking in the exhibit hall facilitates relationship-building between certified MWBEs, New York State agencies, prime contractors, and private companies. Insightful sessions will provide strategies and best practices across critical topics like successfully bidding on contracts, engaging as a small business in mega projects, accessing capital and grants, and delivering on state contracts post-award. In celebration of the 35th anniversary of New York's pioneering MWBE program, the Forum will also feature the MWBE Champions Awards Luncheon to honor certified MWBEs, government partners, and advocates who have demonstrated remarkable commitments and achievements in advancing diversity in New York State’s economy. Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State continues to foster opportunity, spur economic growth and embrace the diversity that makes us strong. As we mark 35 years of the MWBE program, our mission endures - to support minority- and women-owned businesses in reaching new heights. The annual MWBE Forum builds pathways to prosperity by linking our talented, driven MWBEs with invaluable state resources and contracts. This event will help diverse businesses owners across New York prosper, thrive and become pillars of our economy and communities." The 2023 Forum also marks a historic milestone - the 35th anniversary of New York State's pioneering Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises program. Established in 1988, the MWBE program has served as a national model for expanding economic opportunity and supporting the growth of diverse businesses. Over the past three and a half decades, New York State has empowered MWBEs with skills, resources, and connections to help them succeed. The result has been billions of dollars in contracting opportunities for certified MWBEs and countless workforce and community benefits. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York State's pioneering MWBE program marks a historic 35-year legacy of empowering minority- and women-owned enterprises as drivers of economic growth and engines of opportunity. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, the Forum will equip diverse businesses with insights to pursue state contracts and resources for their growth and development. New York State will continue leading the charge to break down barriers and cultivate an equitable economy where MWBEs can realize their full potential." Division of Minority-and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Development Executive Director Jason Myles Clark said, "This year marks a true milestone as we celebrate 35 years of New York State's nation-leading MWBE program. Over the past three decades, we have made tremendous strides in providing more economic opportunities for MWBE businesses across New York State. As we open registration for the 2023 MWBE Forum, we renew our commitment to driving growth, innovation, and prosperity for diverse enterprises for the next 35 years and beyond." Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 10:51am
Round Three Winner of Luminate NY Optics, Photonics, and Imaging Competition Officially Opens New Solar Power Photonic Smart Coating Research and Development Facility at Sibley Square NYS Investment in SunDensity Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Photos of SunDensity’s New Facility Available Here. Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that SunDensity has officially opened the doors on its state-of-the-art research and development facility located at the Sibley Square Building in Downtown Rochester. SunDensity, which originated from MIT, committed to locating its operations in Rochester after being named “Company of the Year” during the third round of Luminate NY in 2020. Luminate NY is the world's largest business accelerator for startup firms that have optics, photonics and imaging (OPI) enabled technologies.  As the winner, the company received a $1 million in investment from the state through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. SunDensity is also eligible for up to $600,000 through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax-Credit program in exchange for the creation of up to 56 new jobs.  To date, the company has 15 employees working on-site. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said, "SunDensity’s decision to locate its operations in Rochester proves the success of the state-supported Luminate NY competition: our focused, strategic investments in these emerging companies are working to cement New York as a worldwide leader in optics, photonics, and imaging, and I look forward to the company’s further contribution to the growth of the OPI industry in the Finger Lakes region.” SunDensity’s Photonic Smart Coatings for utility, commercial and residential solar panels can considerably improve solar power output and provide more accessible green energy solutions at a lower overall cost.  Its nano-optical coating also reduces costs and improves the performance of Low Emissivity (‘Low E’) window glass to efficiently control unfavorable effects such as ‘heat gain’ in homes and buildings that demand increased energy for environmental control. The number of solar power plants in the United States is growing at a rate of 30% per year, but much of the available solar spectrum is wasted by solar cells. SunDensity’s Photonic Smart Coating improves the efficiency of opto-electronic devices such as solar cells by shaping the spectrum of photons, transforming available energy into more usable light, targeting the ideal sensitivity for many different types of devices. “This is a big step forward for us,” said Dr. Nish Sonwalkar, Founder, President and CTO of SunDensity. “Developing our technology here signifies our commitment to providing solar solutions in the U.S., to be competitive with Chinese products that currently dominate the market.”  Luminate NY Managing Director Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, said, “By opening their facility in the same place where they incubated—in the heart of Rochester’s Innovation Zone—SunDensity is helping to revitalize our city and to expand economic development opportunities within our rich OPI and entrepreneur ecosystems.”  The Luminate NY accelerator, administered by NextCorps, is based in Rochester and selects 10 to 12 promising companies each year to participate in its hybrid, six-month program. During this time, companies are provided with more than 200 hours of instruction, along with the resources to advance their technologies and businesses. Applications are now being accepted for Round 7 through January 8, 2024. Teams will receive $100,000 in funding upon program start in April 2024, with the expectation that $50,000 will be used to engage resources in the Finger Lakes region. Teams are expected to come to Rochester for select weeks and to also participate virtually during their time in the accelerator. All told, since its inception, Luminate NY has invested $18 million in 63 startups. The companies in the portfolio now share a net worth of more than $650 million. In addition to providing an estimated 1.5 to 2 times return on investment, many of the companies are establishing U.S. operations or some aspect of research and manufacturing in the Rochester region, which has resulted in 164 jobs. The Finger Lakes Region is home to an incredibly rich ecosystem of forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their business. Rochester offers the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics' Test, Assembly, and Packaging facility at Eastman Business Park, the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and more than 150 local OPI companies which employ over 17,000 employees. State Senator Jeremy Cooney, said, “I am proud to see SunDensity completing their journey from incubation to grand opening right here in the heart of Downtown Rochester. They are helping us to write the next chapter in our region’s rich history of innovation, while creating jobs for our community. I am grateful to them for not just choosing Rochester, but for continuing to invest and expand here.” State Assemblymember Harry Bronson, said, "SunDensity’s decision to move to Rochester demonstrates that we have the skilled workforce they require to scale their operations. It also reinforces why the Luminate NY competition is key to attracting diverse, cutting-edge industries to our area, which will go far to further our goal of improving equity in our economic and workforce development initiatives. Thank you SunDenisity for choosing Rochester!” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, said, “SunDensity’s expansion is a shining example of Monroe County’s position as a clean energy technology hub and our commitment to investing in economic development. Monroe County congratulates SunDensity on this impressive new facility and is grateful for Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and Luminate NY’s support to help innovative companies like SunDensity grow in our community.” City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, said, “The grand opening of SunDensity in Rochester’s Center City clearly demonstrates the benefit of Empire State Development’s decision to establish the Luminate NY high-tech business incubator in our Downtown Innovation Zone and position our region as the optics, photonics and imaging capital of the world. I want to thank Dr. Sonwalker and his team for making this investment in our city and wish them and their employees well as they grow and thrive here. I remain grateful to Governor Hochul and the work of Empire State Development through Finger Lakes Forward for supporting our efforts to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.” For additional information about SunDensity, visit: https://www.sundensity.net/. For additional information about Luminate NY, visit: luminate.org. Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313  
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Press Release

Monday, October 23, 2023 - 5:30pm
River Street Project Will Create 72 Mixed-Income Apartments and 123-Unit Senior Housing Facility Commercial Tenants Include Affordable “Bargain Grocery” Store That Will Help to Combat Local Food Insecurity Builds on $10 Million Investment to Create a Vibrant Commercial District in Troy Through Downtown Revitalization Initiative Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking for Flanigan Square, a $65 million mixed-use development on River Street in Troy, Rensselaer County. Developed by First Columbia, the project spans three buildings and will include more than 200 units of housing, including low-income and senior housing, an affordable grocery store, and more than 40,000 square feet of commercial space. and. Located within Troy's Downtown Revitalization Initiative district, the transformational project will help to address local challenges like housing and food insecurity in one of the Capital Region's most economically distressed census tracts and create a destination along the waterfront that will fuel regional growth and development. “With hundreds of units of housing, a brand-new, affordable grocery store, and improvements to the public realm in the City of Troy, Flanigan Square represents exactly the kinds of projects we need to breathe life into our downtowns,” Governor Hochul said. “Through investments in developments like this one, my administration is helping to increase the housing supply, address longstanding issues like food insecurity, and creating vibrant, dynamic neighborhoods all over New York State that will help drive the regional economy forward.” The Flanigan Square transformation includes three locations - 547, 549 and 558 River Street - in Downtown Troy. At 547 River Street, the project includes a 68,000 square-foot conversion of office space into 72 residential units – more than half of which will be designated low-income units. Additional interior and exterior renovations will create more than 40,000 square feet of commercial space, with plans for an exterior glass-enclosed rock-climbing wall and gym. Additional site work includes walking paths, electric vehicle charging stations, and improved parking. Next door at 549 River Street, First Columbia is planning to build a senior housing facility with 123 units. Across the street at 558 River Street, First Columbia will renovate nearly 20,000 square feet of commercial space to include a first-floor grocery store and a second-floor meal preparation space. Bargain Grocery, which first opened in 2002 in Utica, plans to occupy the space and works to combat food waste and food insecurity. The store partners with national and local vendors to buy food that was overproduced, and receives donated products from companies, then sells this product at a low price. Profits generated by the store fund the non-profit Compassion Coalition to support people in need. Bargain Grocery offers quality, healthy food at affordable costs to an area of food insecurity while also working to combat food waste and provides discreet financial assistance to those in need. Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Monday, October 23, 2023 - 12:00pm
Kesner Will Lead Governor's Plans To Improve Access to Buffalo’s Waterfront, Including Transformational Redevelopment of North Aud Block Leslie Zemsky and Sam Capitano Also Appointed to Serve on ECHDC Board Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Joan Kesner, formerly the Governor’s regional director for Western New York, will serve as chairperson for the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Board of Directors. The Governor appointed Kesner to the board and also recommended her as the next Chairperson of the ECHDC Board, which the board approved today. Leslie Zemsky, vice president and partner in Larkin Development Group, and Sam Capitano, business manager at Laborers International Union of North America, Upstate New York Laborers District Council, were also appointed to serve on the ECHDC Board. ECHDC is the state agency that supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside and the Outer Harbor in Buffalo and works to attract private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and visitors in Western New York. “Joan Kesner is a dedicated and talented leader who will focus the state’s efforts to revitalize our economy, starting at the waterfront,” Governor Hochul said. “As we ramp up efforts to encourage visitors, developers and investors to the water’s edge, Joan’s collaborative spirit and hard work will ensure continued progress on the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation’s initiatives. I also welcome Leslie Zemsky and Sam Capitano to the board and am confident their expertise will be an asset to Buffalo’s waterfront moving forward.” Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chair Joan Kesner said, “I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to continue the development projects that will bring more people to Buffalo’s waterfront. The waterfront and its development are a major priority of Governor Hochul’s and I look forward to working with her to transform this destination and continue the excitement, especially leading up to the bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s completion in 2025. I am excited to work with the talented and creative board and staff of ECHDC. We will work together to make our waterfront one we all can enjoy and be proud of. I thank Governor Hochul for this incredible opportunity and her strong commitment to Western New York.” Read the full press release here.
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Board Meeting

Monday, October 23, 2023 - 10:30am
University of Buffalo – Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, 701 Ellicott Street - Conference Room B2-209, Buffalo, New York 14203 Monday, October 23, 2023 - 10:30 a.m.      With videoconferencing to: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue – 37th Floor Conference Room New York, New York 10017 The meeting is open to the public. Please Note: Those attending at either location must RSVP by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023. RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP Buffalo press line (716) 846-8239; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772 The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 9:00 am on Monday, October 23, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted on-line.
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Press Release

Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 4:52pm
5,000 Square Foot Cleanroom Will Provide Vital Hands-On Opportunity to Train Thousands of Future Students for Jobs at Micron Builds on Governor’s Progress Toward Preparing the Region for Micron Following Historic $100 Billion Investment in Central New York View Renderings Here  Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled plans for the $15 million, 5,000 square-foot Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab at Onondaga Community College. The facility, which will be held to ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanroom standards and located at OCC’s Whitney Applied Technology Center, will be a vital tool to help to train students in Central New York for jobs at Micron. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. The unveiling builds on the Governor’s progress toward preparing Central New York for Micron, which announced last year a historic $100 billion investment to build a megafab campus in Clay, Onondaga County and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next 20-plus years. Renderings of the cleanroom simulation lab are available here.  “One year after Micron’s historic $100 billion investment in Central New York, these plans for a state-of-the-art simulation lab at Onondaga Community College are proof of our commitment to ensuring that the region is prepared,” Governor Hochul said. “From the launch of GO-SEMI to streamline the Micron project to securing investments in workforce, education, and child care, my administration is laying the groundwork for Micron’s highly anticipated arrival and ensuring that this project is one that moves Central New York – and all of New York State – forward.” Read the full press release here.
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Report

Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 11:32am
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Board Meeting

Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 9:30am
The meeting is open to the public. The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Please Note: Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by Noon on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will posted online.
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Press Release

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 2:07pm
Western New York’s First-Ever Sustainability Workforce Training Center Will Expand Clean Energy Training to Help Workers Meet Industry Needs Builds on Governor’s Efforts to Prepare New York’s Workforce for the Green Economy and Other 21st Century Sectors See Renderings of SWTC Center Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking for People United for Sustainable Housing’s new 2,500-square-foot Sustainability Workforce Training Center in West Buffalo. Stemming from the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York’s nation-leading climate agenda, creation of the region’s first green jobs training facility will further PUSH Buffalo’s mission to help meet climate and energy standards while also increasing access to clean energy-related job training and opportunities for members of minority and underserved communities. PUSH expects that once the SWTC opens, the number of its green workforce training program graduates will at least double, from a current annual total of 48 people to at least 96. Renderings of the new facility are available here. “As Western New York welcomes sustainable, 21st century businesses to the region, PUSH Buffalo’s new training center will help to ensure that workers in the area are ready to meet their needs and fill the green jobs of tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “Building a modern economy means building a modern workforce, and my administration is committed to investing in institutions like PUSH Buffalo that share our mission of strengthening our talent pipeline, unlocking opportunities for countless New Yorkers, and creating a brighter economic future for our state.” PUSH Buffalo Executive Director and Vice-President of BNSC Dawn Wells-Clyburn said, “Today’s groundbreaking for the Sustainability Workforce Training Center represents a new day for our beloved community. The training center offers unprecedented access to opportunity for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Disadvantaged Communities – to be leaders in building an advanced green and climate-resilient community, and to earn competitive wages for their skilled labor. Our communities’ populations have historically been shut out of green technology jobs and green job training. The training center brings us closer to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. This is truly a game-changer.” Read the full press release here.
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