Empire State Development meetings
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Board Meeting
Thursday, November 21, 2019 - 9:30am
Press Release
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - 11:51am
Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Buffalo Selected Explore & More as Project of the Year
Photos of the Museum are Available Here
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum are proud to announce the museum, located at Canalside, has been selected as the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Buffalo 2019 Project of the Year. This prestigious Project of the Year award is bestowed upon one building per year following an extensive review and an on-site visit from BOMA judges. BOMA is the leading trade association for commercial real estate professionals, supporting companies that help grow the Buffalo region by developing or renovating commercial buildings, creating jobs and servicing their tenants.
“Receiving this distinction from the esteemed members of BOMA is a testament to the exceptional design and engaging exhibits at the new Explore & More museum,” said Robert Gioia, Chairman ECHDC. “The museum has become a vibrant magnet for visitors to Canalside, adding to the overall resurgence of the waterfront and the Queen City.”
“We are thrilled to receive the Project of the Year award. This collaboration between ECHDC and Explore & More-The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum tells the story of Western New York through immersive and hands-on exhibits. The designers, fabricators, contractors and architects work is highlighted both inside and outside the museum. We are extremely proud of the outcome,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, CEO-Explore & More.
“BOMA is proud to honor Explore & More museum with the 2019 Project of The Year Award. This development represents dynamic collaboration between public and private entities. It is obvious how much careful thought went into how it would fit into the landscape of Canalside, and how the diverse exhibits represent so many aspects of what Buffalo stands for. It is truly a destination for local residents and families visiting Buffalo,” said Jennifer Aiple, Executive Director, BOMA Buffalo.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the completion of construction and dedication of the new $29 million Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum at Canalside in May of 2019. The 43,000 square foot stand-alone building houses seven educational play zones, each offering hands-on activities and exhibits that tell the stories of Buffalo for children and families.
Located at the corner of Commercial Street and Marine Drive, the museum was built on the terminus of the original Erie Canal, where replica canals and bridges have become year-round family and tourist destinations.
Credit for the collaborative design of the museum goes to Fontense, Folts, Aubrecht & Ernst Architects, Foit-Albert Associates and Gyroscope. The core and shell of the building was constructed by LeChase Construction; Savarino Construction built out the interior of the museum.
In addition to the play zones, the four-story brick museum houses a family-friendly café and party room overlooking the Canal Towpath, along with a Buffalo themed gift shop, private office space, a conference room, several additional exhibit spaces, activity studios and a rooftop terrace offering magnificent views of the city skyline.
More information about Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum can be found at exploreandmore.org.
About BOMA Buffalo
BOMA Buffalo is a not-for-profit trade association providing an array of services to commercial property professionals including education, networking opportunities, benchmarking data, legislative and regulatory advocacy and professional development. Greater Buffalo BOMA’s membership consists of more than 125 real estate professionals including building owners, facility managers and developers, as well as companies that provide services and supplies to the industry. Greater Buffalo BOMA is a federated chapter of BOMA International. Learn more at www.bomabuffalo.com
About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 90 BOMA U.S. associations and 18 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including nearly 10.5 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 1.7 million jobs and contributes $234.9 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge.
BOMA International is a primary source of information on building management and operations, development, leasing, building operating costs, energy consumption patterns, local and national building codes, legislation, occupancy statistics, technological developments and other industry trends. Learn more at www.boma.org.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
Press Release
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - 9:46am
Family-friendly Season Opening Celebration planned for Friday evening
Visit www.buffalowaterfront.com for skating hours, venue and event details
See photos of The Ice at Canalside here
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Be Our Guest, Ltd. will open The Ice at Canalside, presented by BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m. A family-friendly Season Opening Celebration is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, starting at 5 p.m. This season marks the return of Ice favorites, including skating, curling, ice bikes, ice bumper cars and more. New this year: six-person heated igloos available to rent. Skaters will also be able to warm up and get a snack at the new Explore & More-The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum Low Bridge Café, presented by M&T Bank.
“Opening the Ice at Canalside is a special way to kick off the winter and holiday season each year,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia. “Skaters and rink side visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, the new Low Bridge Café and a wide variety of food and beverage choices. We encourage families to come make some holiday memories at Canalside.”
The Ice, open since 2014 with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, provides visitors with a skating surface that is bigger than two NHL rinks, with three unique bridges and more than 20,000 square feet of pedestrian towpaths.
Friday’s Canalside Season Opening Celebration presented by Citizen’s Bank begins with the opening of Ice at Canalside at 1 p.m., followed by the start of festivities at 5 p.m. Celebration highlights include: a DJ performance from 5 to 10 p.m.; Happy Hour at the Low Bridge Café from 5 to 7 p.m.; a visit from Santa Claus from 5 to 9 p.m.; “Snow Sisters” from Dream Is a Wish Entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.; and fireworks at 7:15 p.m. In addition, there will be BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York giveaways, free hot chocolate vouchers for the first 500 visitors, free hot dog vouchers for the first 100 visitors and an on-ice performance. For more information on the Season Opening Celebration, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.
Once again, the Honda Winter Pavilion, located directly next to the Ice, is the main entrance point for skate rentals and admission. It provides a warm, covered area where visitors can pay admission, rent skates, complete safety waivers and rent storage lockers. All guests entering the ice must complete an ice waiver, which can also be done ahead of time on www.buffalowaterfront.com. Curling—interested parties can reserve lane time at https://buffalowaterfront.com/events/curling)—is located next to Explore & More, as in years past, and the Ice Bumper Cars have a designated space underneath the Roswell Park Bridge of Hope.
The Snack Shack at the Ice will serve as another of the food and beverage areas, featuring a menu with hot winter treats, movie theater candy and McCullagh coffee and hot chocolate. The new heated igloos, seating up to six people, are available to book at https://buffalowaterfront.com/activities/igloos-at-the-ice and include skating/rentals/hot beverages and food options. The Low Bridge Café at Explore & More will be open during the open skate hours from Nov. 20 to March 1, serving hot food and featuring happy hour specials.
Returning programs this year include Skate Great Learn to Skate, GameOn Leagues, Healthy Buffalo Broomball, and the Community Skate program sponsored by The Skaters Edge Boutique, Sled Hockey Foundation. Curling is sponsored by Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and Bumper Cars is sponsored by West Herr Collision Centers. Other scheduled events include: a menorah lighting on Dec. 22; Gliding Stars on Feb. 8; Silent Disco on Jan 31, Feb. 7, 14 and 28; Fearless February Skate with BCBS on TBD; November Project workout on TBD; and Backyard Classic from Feb. 21-23.
“As the official health plan of Canalside, BlueCross BlueShield is excited to kick off another fearless winter season,” said Julie R. Snyder, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “The Ice at Canalside has become a beloved tradition in Western New York and we’re looking forward to sharing this one-of-a-kind skating experience with our community again this year.”
Visitors can take the NFTA Metro Rail to the Erie Canal Harbor Station stop; parking is available in adjacent parking ramps and lots.
Hours of Operation:
3 to 7 p.m.: Wednesday/Thursday
1 to 10 p.m.: Friday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Saturday
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Sunday
**Please note: Hours may change during school breaks and on holidays, as well as during inclement weather. Visit Canalside’s website or Facebook, Instagram, and twitter accounts for the most up-to-date hours.**
Rates:
Ice Admission, Adult (13+): $6*
Ice Admission, Child (6-12), Military: $4*
Ice Admission, Child (5 and under): Free
Skate Rental (sizes: youth 7-adult 14): $4* (**$5 during special holiday hours, Dec. 24-Jan.1, Feb. 14, Feb.18-24)
Training walker: $2
Penguin Skate Aid: $6
Season Pass, Single: $59**
Season Pass, Family of 4: $139**
Curling: $10 per person weekdays, $15 per person weekends and holidays
Ice Bumper Cars: $7 for 7 minutes
Locker Rental - $1
*Show your BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York membership card for $1 off skate admission and $1 off skate rental.
** BlueCross BlueShield members will receive $10 off their INDIVIDUAL season pass, or $19 off their FAMILY season pass, with promo code. Members may go to your BlueCross BlueShield Discount Page to access code.
About Canalside
Canalside is a growing regional destination and entertainment district, situated on 21 historic acres along downtown Buffalo’s emerging waterfront on the Buffalo River. Canalside earns its name from its storied past, when the Erie Canal Harbor was built in 1825 as the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Until five years ago, the land was barren and inaccessible, but the area has been reclaimed by the state’s Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and developed with millions of dollars in public and private investment. With more than 1,000 yearly events and nearly 1 million annual visitors, Canalside is fast becoming the go-to place for in- and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
Press Release
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 - 10:04am
Embedded Product Development Company is Expanding Operations; will Create Up to 50 New Jobs at New Location 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 embedded product development company D3 Engineering is planning to expand its operations in Monroe County. The company has grown significantly over the past several years and is moving into a new larger facility on Lucius Gordon Drive in the Town of Henrietta. The move will allow the company, that specializes in the development of vision, sensing, autonomous, and power systems, to create up to 50 new jobs over the next five years; 65 jobs are being retained. D3 Engineering expects to be fully operational at the new location during the spring of 2020.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “D3 Engineering’s plans to expand in Monroe County will create new jobs and boost the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, reflecting the success of our strategic support for growing and revitalizing the Upstate economy.”
For nearly 20 years, D3 Engineering has been designing electronics, developing software, and creating products globally for companies in transportation, industrial, defense and medical markets. Their systems are used in many applications including industrial machines, robotics, autonomous vehicles, high performance cameras and medical devices. D3 not only designs systems for customers, but they can also perform validation testing, transition it to production, and supply the final product for its clients.
D3 Engineering CEO, Scott Reardon said, “Almost 20 years ago, D3 existed in a lab of one of our customers in this building. We are excited to return to our roots and plan to continue the incubator feel of the building which will inspire other innovators and entrepreneurs to work on cutting-edge technology.
To support the successful embedded system design firm with its expansion, ESD is offering up to $250,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the company’s job creation commitments. The total cost of the consolidation project has been placed at $877,000.
State Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “The decision by D3 Engineering to expand operations in the Town of Henrietta is the latest example of the ongoing effort to revitalize Monroe County and the upstate economy. The retention of existing jobs and the creation of new positions will provide opportunities for residents who want to live and raise a family in our region. The company’s investment also sends a positive message to other businesses and entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of the region’s skilled workforce and high-tech manufacturing environment.”
State Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “I applaud, Scott Reardon, and the team at D3 Engineering for their commitment to our region. Today’s announcement shows that the Rochester area has a strong, diverse, and skilled workforce and is in an economic position to create jobs for the future. I look forward to D3 Engineering growth and the addition of new jobs at their new Henrietta campus.”
Henrietta Town Supervisor Steve Schultz said, “We are very excited for D3’s expansion in Henrietta. It is great to see the area south of RIT becoming a hub for new and growing companies in a broad range of fields and D3’s 65 existing and 50 new jobs are a big addition to that. As the area continues to grow there will be a multiplicative effect for the area and the economy that will help drive the economy of the entire region. This is exciting for D3, Henrietta, Monroe County, and New York State.”
For more information about D3 Engineering, click here.
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 $6.1 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. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
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
Press Release
Monday, November 18, 2019 - 2:20pm
Advanced Manufacturing Facility to Create 54 New Jobs
Peekskill Received $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Investment in August
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of Bantam Tools' new advanced manufacturing facility in Peekskill, Westchester County. The company, which makes desktop-sized milling machines that can be used to create printed circuit boards, will create 54 new jobs and invest more than $5.3 million in the new, 8,700 square foot facility. Bantam Tools moved to Peekskill from Berkeley, California. The company's choice of Peekskill is evidence of the city's continuing revitalization. In August, Governor Cuomo announced that Peekskill won $10 million in state investment as part of the fourth-round Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
"Peekskill's wide ranging assets, from niche markets in arts and entertainment to an award-winning waterfront and parks system, leave no doubt that it's a city on the rise," Governor Cuomo said. "Bantam Tools' expansion will add a new facility and advanced manufacturing jobs to the growing roster of new businesses in Peekskill and further revitalize the Mid-Hudson region."
"Peekskill continues to grow as a thriving art community with a range of businesses and a walkable downtown," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The decision for Bantam Tools to move to Peekskill from California underscores the momentum of growth in the area and the business-friendly climate in New York State. This new advanced manufacturing facility will create 54 good jobs and strengthen the high-tech industry in the region. We want to make sure young people are inspired and trained for jobs in manufacturing to close the skills gap and ensure businesses have the workforce needed to grow in the Hudson Valley and across the state."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, November 18, 2019 - 9:05am
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) today announced that Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner, president of Buffalo State College, has been appointed co-chair of the council. Conway-Turner succeeds Dr. Virginia Horvath, who served as Co-Chair since 2017 and who recently retired as president of SUNY Fredonia.
“Local leaders have been an essential part of our Regional Economic Development Council efforts to fundamentally transform New York,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner as one of the new leaders of the Western New York REDC. As we continue with the 9th Round of the REDC initiative, I look forward to working together to build an even brighter future for Buffalo and the entire region.”
“I look forward to serving as co-chair of the WNYREDC and continuing the region’s incremental growth,” said WNYREDC Co-Chair and Buffalo State College President Katherine Conway-Turner. “We will continue to focus on our region’s core strategies that will promote economic growth by developing the right workforce to meet changing industry needs, focusing on innovation, growing employment and focusing on concentrated growth and downtown development.”
Dr. Conway-Turner began her tenure as the ninth president of Buffalo State College in August 2014. As president of SUNY’s largest and only comprehensive college located in an urban setting, Dr. Conway-Turner oversees and manages more than 1,500 faculty, staff, and administrators who provide more than 200 academic degree and certificate programs to 7,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students each year. Dr. Conway-Turner also lends her talent and time to several boards, committees, and programs nationally, statewide, and locally. Dr. Conway-Turner earned her Ph.D. and Master of Arts degrees in social psychology, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in microbiology, all from the University of Kansas. Her scholarship focuses on adult development and aging; the psychological impact of aging on family relations, health, and development; and women and intergenerational relationships. She is the author of numerous articles, chapters, books, and book reviews.
The Western New York region’s 2011 strategic plan, “A Strategy for Prosperity,” leverages the region’s strategic advantages in key industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, binational logistics, energy, health and life sciences, higher education, professional services and tourism. The plan focuses on economic enablers that promote smart growth, prepare the workforce and foster a culture of entrepreneurship.
Through eight rounds of the REDC initiative, the WNYREDC has delivered $553.2 million for 781 projects across the region. The WNYREDC is composed of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. For more information about the WNYREDC, please visit https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/western-new-york.
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
Public Notice
Friday, November 15, 2019 - 9:30am
Public Notice
Friday, November 15, 2019 - 7:30am