Empire State Development meetings

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Canalside Management Group (CMG) today announced Canalside’s exciting 2018 season of summer events and programming.  This year, Canalside will host hundreds of programs and daily activities from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, as well as special events, on Buffalo’s waterfront.  The packed calendar includes options just for kids and families, fitness enthusiasts, music lovers, history buffs, festival goers and more. Visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com for the full calendar of events, which is continuously updated as activities and events are booked. “As Western New Yorkers, we like to squeeze each and every drop out of our glorious summers but with such a packed schedule at Canalside that will be darn near impossible to do this summer,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia.  “Canalside Management Group has been hard at work making sure there is something for everyone, every single day so get out your shades and head on down to our beautiful waterfront.”  “Our mission is to provide world-class entertainment and food and beverage options to the visitors of Canalside all summer long,” said Jon Dandes, President of CMG and Be Our Guest, Ltd.  “The summer schedule will give families a safe and affordable option to spend a day on the Buffalo waterfront, while showcasing to visitors the resurgence of Buffalo.” New offerings at Canalside in 2018 are plentiful with the team at Canalside Management Group and other partners working to make this summer unforgettable.  New activities and events for 2018 include: 10th Anniversary of the Restored Erie Canal Harbor.  Highlighted by a recreation of the “Wedding of the Waters” in July. Canalside’s 10 year Birthday Bash! The summer kicks off on Memorial Day weekend as Canalside celebrates bringing summer time programming to the waterfront for the 10th year in a row! Saturday, May 26 includes a Boardwalk Market featuring the BlueCross BlueShield of WNY Live Fearless Family Zone and the return of the Saturday Artisans Market. Buffalo on Display is a Canalside signature event on Friday evenings featuring local musicians performing on the Canalside Boardwalk.  The program will display the talent of Western New York beginning at 6 p.m. on selected Friday Nights (June 8, July 6, July 20, August 10, August 31).  Movie Night at Canalside Returns!  The eight week movie series returns to the Pierce Lawn at Canalside starting July 10 with a new start time!  This year, the series becomes more family friendly with the event starting at 6 p.m. and movies starting at 6:30 p.m.  Each week movie goers can participate in free activities that coincide with the film.  Highlights include Star Wars: The Last Jedi (7/17), The Wizard of Oz (8/14) and the Lego Ninjago Movie (8/21).   More Ice Cream, Games, & Cool Gear! The Canalside Information Kiosk has received a face lift with a larger space that will provide more free lawn games for all visitors to Canalside and a new line of Canalside merchandise on display. The Canalside Info Kiosk will also sell beverages, sundries, and soft serve ice cream; making it easier for visitors to enjoy refreshments while at Canalside.     Blue Bikes presented by BlueCross BlueShield of WNY will also have a new location, in the middle of the boardwalk by the entrance to the docks.       Beautiful Canalside! With support from Five Star Bank, Canalside’s beautification program will be in bloom by Memorial Day weekend, with flowers giving color around the entire site and the VIP Honda Pavillion. Clinton’s Dish Garden Expansion! Clinton’s Dish is expanded this year and features a new menu and beer garden area that triples the size of its previous foot print. Tripling the size of the previous foot print, customers will now have a new area to enjoy the Buffalo summer with food and beverage options available.       Every day at Canalside will feature something to do starting with Memorial Day Weekend.  We’ll have a variety of programming including culture, kids’ activities, and fitness. Fitness at Canalside, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, will feature returning classes such RevFit, Zumba, Barre Centric, Jada Blitz, Catalyst Fitness and Everyone Can Dance, as well as new classes featuring Gentle Yoga, Zumbini, Fitness 19 Peak Performance and Hoop There It Is. “As the official health plan of Canalside, BlueCross BlueShield is excited to kick off another season of free, healthy activities,” said Julie R. Snyder, Vice President, Corporate Relations, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “We invite the entire community to join us in the heart of downtown at Buffalo's waterfront to get fit and have fun all summer long.” Children’s programming with Explore and More Children’s Museum, EPIC and WNY Family Magazine returns to Canalside for the summer.  The Beach at Canalside is also open for kids to explore and play and features the EduKids Tug Boat and the Dino Zone. Amenities, such as table games/game rentals, BFLO Kayak tours/rentals, water bike rentals, paddle and pedal boat rentals, Spirit of Buffalo rides, History Tour Boat rides and Buffalo Sunset Chairs, will also be available throughout the summer beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Blue Bike rentals presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York also have a new location on the boardwalk at the Canalside dock kiosk. When you work up an appetite, enjoy food options that incorporate several local options, including Wardynski Hot Dogs and Ru’s Pierogi.  The menu also features gluten free options, vegan and vegetarian menu items.   On those hot summer nights, be sure to visit Clinton’s Dish for soft serve and hard packed Nick Charlap’s ice cream cones.  Check out the entire menu here: THE DISH MENU. Additionally, Clinton’s Dish will feature entertainment all summer long with live music on Sunday and Monday evenings and trivia on Wednesday evenings. The Dish is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.  This schedule is in addition to the continuation of the popular Canalside Live concert series, which starts on Thursday, June 7 and ends, Friday, August 17. Taking place at Canalside’s Central Wharf, this year’s lineup features eight Thursday concerts, one Saturday concert in July and a Friday night finale on August 17.  Find out more about Canalside Live here.  Additionally, third party concerts will also take place this year at Canalside, including Kerfuffle on June 16, Kiss the Summer Hello on June 21, Summer Soul on June 30 and I Love the 90’s on August 11. Canalside will also once again celebrate July 4th with a dazzling Fireworks show presented by Russell J. Salvatore.  The July 4th celebration will feature an evening of live music and food and beverage options from Clinton’s Dish!  Keep checking www.canalsidebuffalo.com for the full schedule of events as new activities and events are being added daily! Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Buffalo’s waterfront has come a long way over the last 10 years and the momentum continues,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “This is sure to be another exciting summer for residents, families and tourists visiting Canalside.”  Senator Tim Kennedy said, “From outdoor movie nights to concerts featuring local musicians, the programming at Canalside continues to offer new and exciting opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy.  Buffalo’s waterfront has grown beyond our wildest expectations, creating a real driver for economic and cultural growth in Western New York. I look forward to exploring all that Canalside has to offer with my family this summer.” Senator Chris Jacobs said, “Buffalo’s waterfront is one of our greatest recreational assets and the new and expanded 2018 season of events and programming will be a great way to celebrate 10 years of summer fun at Canalside.  I am proud to have Canalside in my district and I know that it will be a premier destination again this year for families and visitors enjoying summertime in Buffalo and Western New York.” Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, “Summer is finally upon us and school is almost over. Canalside is a great choice for outdoor recreational activities as they have something for everyone in the family and are complimented by our Olmsted Parks and local cultural institutions. Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy summer.” Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “Visitors to Canalside have another great summer of fun to look forward to.  Buffalo’s amazing waterfront is one of our greatest assets, and I'm thrilled to see so many exciting events planned for 2018.  Canalside is a truly family-friendly destination and I encourage everyone to visit this summer.” Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “For all visitors and in every season, there is always something to experience along our waterfront, especially during the summer months at Canalside, which has helped to transform our waterfront into a destination that attracts people to the City of Buffalo. Canalside is the place to be and I thank the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for all of their hard work in helping to improve, enhance and promote one of Western New York’s premiere summer destinations.” A special thanks to the following partners and sponsors: Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, City of Buffalo, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Five Star Bank, Labatt and Honda. 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 Corp. and developed with millions of dollars in public and private investment. With more than 1,000 yearly events and 1.5 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. About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation A nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors governs the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York state governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The Erie County executive and the City of Buffalo mayor hold the two non-voting, ex-officio director positions. For more information on ECHDC, visit www.eriecanalharbor.com.   Contacts: Erin Marra (Canalside Management Group) | erin@canalsidebufflalo.com | 716-807-8090 Laura Magee (ESD/ ECHDC) | laura.magee@esd.ny.gov   | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313  

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) today held its first meeting of 2018 in Potsdam, St. Lawrence County. The meeting provided the Council with an opportunity to welcome new members, kick-off strategic planning for Round VIlI of the Governor's Regional Council initiative, which was enacted in New York State's 2018-2019 Budget, and Round 3 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. During today’s meeting, the Council welcomed five new members: Manna Doyle, General Manager of Tulmar Manufacturing; Brian Murray, CEO of Washington Street Properties; Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center; Don Dabiew, Franklin County Legislature Chair; and Larry Dolhof, Lewis County Legislature Chair. The Council discussed Round VIII of the REDC initiative, which will award more than $750 million across New York in state funding and tax incentives, including up to $150 million in capital grants and up to $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits for projects and activities identified by the Councils as regional priorities in their communities. This year's Council priorities include: Supporting Downtown Revitalization Plans and identifying downtown projects for DRI Round 3; Identifying workforce development strategies to meet business' needs and improving the regional talent pipeline; Identifying projects for the State life sciences cluster; Implementing strategies through the project pipeline; and Measuring the performance and progress of the strategic plan. Anthony G. Collins, President of Clarkson University and NCREDC co-chair, said, "Through our diverse membership across many sectors and our commitment to broad public participation in setting priorities, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council continues to leverage the region’s assets and opportunities using Governor Cuomo’s vision for a community-based approach to economic development and private-public partnerships. Together, we are leading the economic renaissance of New York State’s small cities and rural communities. " Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and NCREDC co-chair, said, "The important thing now is to see as many good applications this year as possible. Potential applicants who didn't attend this week's CFA workshop should plan on making the next one in Lake Placid on June 29. The more and better the pool of applications, the better our region will do. We especially encourage businesses thinking of expansion to take a look at the possibility." During the public session, the council welcomed members of The People Project, a grassroots organization dedicated to developing and implementing a strategic vision for St. Lawrence County. The project currently focuses on three main topics: community schools, preventing addiction and developing outdoor recreation. After the meeting, a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) workshop was held outlining funding available for through state agencies. More than $525 million will be awarded this year through the CFA process, with awardees announced at the annual REDC ceremony. The 2018 REDC Guidebook and list of available resources will be accessible at www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 27 at 4 p.m., and applications are available at https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/. The NCREDC, which is composed of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, is one of 10 regional councils across New York State. There are now 531 projects across the region, which have been awarded a total of $549.5 million in support from the State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. 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. After seven rounds of the REDC process, more than $5.4 billion has been awarded to more than 6,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 220,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.   Contact:   Adam Ostrowski (ESD) | Adam.Ostrowski@esd.ny.gov | (518) 292-5148 | (800) 260-7313 Press Office | PressOffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313

Why New York State? The following businesses and projects are among those that have all answered that question in the past few months with expansions due to add or create hundreds of jobs. Here are some of the recent expansions that are growing the NYS economy. LiveTiles: Rochester. That’s where LiveTiles, the NYC-based global software development firm with offices on three continents, will establish its North American Intelligent User Experience (“IUX”) Hub. Rochester’s Downtown Innovation Zone, and the city’s High Falls District, won out over places like North Carolina and elsewhere in the Eastern U.S., and the $17 million project—which has already created 60 jobs will create at least 500 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion will involve outfitting the facility as well as hiring across fields including Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployment specialists and business development roles. LiveTiles, established in Australia and headquartered in New York City, develops user-centric software that facilitates business collaboration and communication through tools that developers and business users can use to create dashboards, employee portals and corporate intranets—enhanced by AI and analytics.        Away: The direct-to-consumer travel brand is relocating and expanding its Manhattan headquarters—to a 56,000-square-foot facility—in a growth move announced earlier this month that will create 249 new jobs. Away, which sells travel merchandise including designer luggage and travel bags, also produces a digital and print magazine in addition to podcasts, all supporting a seamless travel experience and helping building the state’s 21st century economy. Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. /Welch Allyn: Welch Allyn, a medical device company that’s been an economic driver in Central New York for more than a century, is expanding in the region as a subsidiary of Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. a global medical technology company that is innovating in areas that aim to  improve clinical outcomes and supply caregivers with products to speed recovery time. Welch Allyn is the largest component of Hill-Rom’s Front Line Care business, and the expanded facility in Skaneateles Falls—which officially opened on May 11—will help to accommodate new jobs and growth. The expansion will bring more than 100 new jobs to the area, while retaining nearly 900 existing jobs in Central New York.  DICK’s Sporting Goods: The nation’s leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer, with roots in the Southern Tier, has deepened those roots in recent months. January marked the opening of the company’s fifth center distribution center in the Town of Conklin. The company’s first-ever, in-house eCommerce fulfillment center was announced in April. The expansion means total creation of more than 500 new jobs at the site over the next five years. The distribution center, at approximately 650,000 square feet, occupies 65 acres on a 123-acre site and services more than 160 retail stores in the Northeast. The new eCommerce fulfillment center will add approximately 245,000 square feet to the facility.   Viatran: There are plentiful indicators of growth in the Western New York economy, and a worldwide manufacturer of industrial measuring instruments has provided another measure of that growth. Viatran’s $1.5 million expansion of its Erie County facility in Tonawanda, announced in March, will create and retain more than 125 jobs in the production of state-of-the-art equipment for sensors and transmitters. The 24,000-square-foot facility will provide added space for R&D and innovation in creating products that are used in a variety of businesses, from pharmaceuticals and food and beverages to specialty metals, auto and aerospace testing. 

This summer, a number of newcomers join New York State’s already plentiful tourist destinations and jam-packed events calendar—from interactive comedy, cultural and history museums, to craft beverage trails and trolleys to 1000-feet-per-minute mountainside gondolas. Here’s just a summer sampling of what’s new: NY Loves Lucy: This summer marks the opening of the $50 million National Comedy Center in the Jamestown birthplace of legendary comedian Lucille Ball. The world-class museum and visitor experience is set to open during the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in August, which draws A-list comedians to the city every year. The new Comedy Center will feature its own A-List attractions: 50 high-tech, immersive exhibits, including holograms of famous comedians, past and present, performing their best-known routines. Blowing Glass on a Barge: To mark the 150th anniversary of glassmaking in Corning, the Corning Museum of Glass is launching the GlassBarge, the museum's floating glassmaking exhibit. The GlassBarge will sail along the Hudson River and Erie Canal, from Brooklyn to Albany, west to Buffalo and south to Watkins Glen. The tour ends on land with a September celebration in Corning. Click here for more information about the GlassBarge, along with scheduled stops and demonstrations. Experience New York’s Underground Railroad journey: The newly opened Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center offers visitors an immersive experience into the stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and the abolitionists in the Niagara Falls region, a major transit point on the railroad. The museum’s permanent exhibition, “One More River to Cross,” and the recreation of the International Suspension Bridge, spotlights the importance of the region’s location near the Canadian border.  Climb a Catskill Mountain at Top Speed: The new  Catskill Thunder gondola—the first and only one in the Catskills—takes passengers up Belleayre Mountain at speeds of up to 1,000 feet per minute. The gondola enables lift-serviced mountain biking and year-round scenic rides to the mountaintop. Interested in learning more? Go to iloveny.com for full details of all that is happening across New York State’s 11 vacation regions.