Empire State Development Blog

Find the latest news on economic development in New York State

We feature stories of innovative businesses that are making New York their home, plus offer updates on economic activity and development from around the state.

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Board Meeting

Thursday, October 20, 2022 - 12:00pm
This meeting is open to the public. Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below. Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3818.
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Board Meeting

Thursday, October 20, 2022 - 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 19, 2022. 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 19, 2022. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will posted on-line.
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Press Release

Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 4:48pm
Lidrotec Receives $1 Million in Investment; Four Additional Companies Secure Follow-on Investments Applications Now Being Accepted for Round 6 of the Optics, Photonics, and Imaging Competition until January 9, 2023 NYS Investment Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" - the Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Photo of Luminate NY Winner Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Lidrotec as the winner of Round 5 of the Luminate NY optics, photonics, and imaging startup accelerator competition. The Bochum, Germany-based Lidrotec received the "Company of the Year" award at Luminate Finals 2022, which was held live during Optica's Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science conference in Rochester. The company will receive $1 million in investment from New York State through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. As required by the award, all winners of the competition will commit to establishing operations in the region for at least the next 18 months. Through Luminate NY, Lidrotec was introduced to AIM Photonics. This collaboration is helping Lidrotec build the infrastructure for developing the next iteration of its technology and execute on its plans to establish US operations. Luminate NY, which is administered by NextCorps, is the world's largest business accelerator for emerging companies that have optics, photonics, and imaging enabled technologies. The Finals event marks the completion of the fifth year of the cohort-based program. Earlier this year, Governor Hochul included funding for Luminate NY in the New State budget for four more consecutive years. "New York is on the cutting edge of technological research, as we continue to welcome great talent and opportunities here through our Luminate NY competition," Governor Hochul said. "We are adding another chapter to the Finger Lakes Region's unparalleled history in imaging and optics by bringing the most promising companies here to speed the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies. Today's winners will be able to take advantage of the nation's most robust, sophisticated, and highly integrated optics, photonics and imaging supply chain that exists here to scale their businesses, leading to their growth as well as New York State's economy." Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 4:46pm
FAA Approves New York's Entire 50-Mile Drone Corridor for UAS Operations Following Nearly $113 Million State Investment to Boost New York's UAS Ecosystem Drone Corridor Administrator NUAIR also Secures Agreement with Quebec Based Vports to Develop International Advanced Air Mobility Corridor New York State Investments Complement "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Footage of Drone Corridor Flight Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site has secured approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly uncrewed aircraft systems - commonly referred to as drones - beyond visual line of sight across the entire 50 miles of airspace within New York's Drone Corridor. This flight authority will give NUAIR, the uncrewed aircraft systems corridor operator, the ability to fly civilian drones from Syracuse International Airport to Griffiss International Airport in Rome without the need of visual observers. The FAA designation will help to unlock the full potential and economic advantage of commercial drone and advanced air mobility operations, including cargo and passenger transport via uncrewed aircraft.  "New York's state-of-the-art drone corridor further cements the state's position as the global leader in this evolving market for cutting-edge drone technology," Governor Hochul said. "Through our continued investment and focus on drone corridor operations, we are strengthening and growing the regional economies in Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and statewide for generations to come."     Governor Hochul also announced that the state will be providing NUAIR with an additional $21 million in CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative funding to cultivate the world-leading UAS industry hub along the corridor in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. The project will allow for critical infrastructure to be tested and deployed to enable advanced industry applications, state agency adoption of UAS, and associated workforce development.     New York State's uncrewed aircraft systems Test Site, owned by Oneida County, is one of only seven Federal Aviation Administration-designated uncrewed aircraft systems test sites in the nation.   NUAIR already is assisting a multitude of state agencies to integrate drones into their operations including bridge and infrastructure inspections with the NYS Thruway Authority, environmental conservation with the NYS DEC and more. This extended FAA designation and additional funding will drive UAS industry innovation in New York State, allowing for the further development of cost-effective, and ecologically conscious drone operations that will supplement vital supply chains throughout New York State. Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Monday, October 17, 2022 - 7:00pm
Training Facility to Employ 577 Home Health Aides Within Five Years Project Supports Workforce Pipeline for Growing Health Care Sector                                                                  Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of Sunnyside Community Services' (SCS) new $4.3 million state-of-the-art home health aide training facility in Long Island City, Queens. The more than 7,700 square foot facility will allow SCS to maximize its existing home health aide training and employment programs to better train, place, and provide professional development to hundreds of home health aides annually. The facility includes three classrooms, a group meeting room, private counseling spaces, a lab practicum and equipment room, a pantry for kitchen training activities, offices and a dedicated reception area. New equipment - including smart boards, laptops, TV monitors, beds, lifts, and mannequins – will ensure that home health aides and trainees receive technologically-enhanced training and education experiences. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted a growing, ongoing need for trained and qualified home health aides, who are essential to the health and well-being of countless New Yorkers. Sunnyside Community Services' new state-of-the-art training facility addresses that need, through a workforce development program that will lead to jobs and opportunity for those aiming to learn vital healthcare skills.” Empire State Development supported the facility through $750,000 capital grant, recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. The project aligns with and reflects New York State's efforts to close the skills gap by preparing individuals to enter career paths in the growing healthcare industry while expanding the workforce pipeline in a critical field. ESD’s grant will also support the creation of 577 new home health aides within five years. Sunnyside Community Service’s Home Health Aide Training Program helps unemployed and underemployed individuals, primarily immigrant women, enter a career in the growing healthcare field. The four-week free training is offered in both Spanish and English and is open to those without a high school diploma or who have limited work experience. Participants learn how to help home care clients with their daily living activities and basic health needs – such as such as getting dressed, preparing meals, and going to appointments - through a curriculum that includes core subjects, as well as specialty training for the care of patients with neuromuscular disorders. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive certification by the New York State Department of Health. New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Winston Fisher, Partner at Fisher Brothers, and Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor, said, “Sunnyside Community Services’ new facility, which encompasses its home health aide training program and other services that are vital to the surrounding community, represents a strategic public-private partnership. Expanding the pipeline of trained home health aide professionals reflects our commitment to creating quality jobs, while also ensuring quality care for those who depend on home health aides every day.” Sunnyside Community Services Executive Director Judy Zangwill said, “As the city’s population of older adults continues to grow, it is imperative that our communities prepare by increasing the number of people entering the healthcare field. Our new space in Long Island City will allow us to train more people to carry out the vital work performed by home health aides. Homebound New Yorkers depend on home health aides for assistance with daily activities like preparing meals and getting dressed. With this new location, Sunnyside Community Services will not only be helping some of our city’s most vulnerable residents, but we will also be providing jobs and an entryway into the healthcare field for underemployed and unemployed residents. We are so thankful for the financial support provided for this project by Empire State Development. With their help, we will be able to increase the number of people trained in our Home Health Aide Training Program. This will make a significant difference to many homebound New Yorkers. We also are grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and their commitment to improving the lives of New York residents.” Assemblymember Catherine Nolan said, “It is so exciting to see Sunnyside Community Services’ expansion into Long Island City. This welcome expansion will provide adult educational opportunities, while also supporting our senior citizen population. Professional home health aides play a vital role in our healthcare system, and the advancement of this sector requires and deserves our attention and investment. I am proud to have long supported this project.  Congratulations to Sunnyside Community Services, executive director Judy Zangwill, TF Cornerstone, Jon McMillan, Empire State Development, community leaders, and all who have worked to make this project a reality.” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “With the need for home health care aides on the rise as our population ages, it is important we have enough trained people ready to work in this area. The opening of this training facility is a major step forward in ensuring Queens residents can take advantage of the opportunities available in this fast-growing field. I congratulate Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and Sunnyside Community Services on the successful completion of this facility, and commend our State government on all of its efforts to promote economic growth through workforce development.” Today's announcement complements Governor Hochul's reimagined approach to strategic, collaborative and equitable workforce development to encourage economic growth across New York State, including the creation of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, which will be charged with improving the State's workforce development programs and practices to better align with the needs and priorities of today's employers. This new office will be established within Empire State Development and will be guided by the Regional Economic Development Councils. Governor Hochul first proposed the Office of Strategic Workforce Development in her State of the State address earlier this year and committed funding that was approved in the FY2023 budget. About Empire State Development  Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor 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. About Sunnyside Community Services Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) is a community-based nonprofit centered on the belief that every person deserves meaningful support to achieve their aspirations – especially struggling families and individuals. SCS serves a diverse community of over 16,000 people of all ethnicities and income levels throughout Queens with programs that range from pre-K to college and career readiness, home care and home health aide training, Beacon and Cornerstone community centers for children and families, a vibrant senior center and full range of services for at-risk older adults including social adult day care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, and a city-wide program of supportive services for those who care for them.  With programs designed to enrich lives and strengthen communities through services and engagement for individuals at all ages, beginning with those most in need, SCS has been lighting up lives with programs as diverse as the people they serve since 1974.  For more information visit www.scsny.org. Contact: Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692
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Press Release

Monday, October 17, 2022 - 5:17pm
Project brings new residential, commercial opportunities to Third Street Business District USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) today announced that 466 Third Street in Niagara Falls is now complete, adding value to the Third Street Business District and providing new residential and commercial opportunities. Cataract Development Corporation rehabbed and renovated the former USAN-owned property into a mixed-use development with eight apartment units and two commercial storefronts.  The project also included updating the building’s systems and facade.  See pictures here. This project was completed as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Niagara Falls Strategic Land Acquisition Program.    “USAN, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, is working hard to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood on Third Street with commercial, retail and residential development that reflects multiple market segments and will also ultimately draw more tourists and visitors to downtown Niagara Falls,” said USAN President Anthony Vilardo.  “Cataract Development Corporation’s 466 Third Street site is a model for the type of  project that is critical for the continued development of this district.” “We are very pleased with the end result of our latest downtown Niagara Falls rehab project,” said Cataract Development Corporation President Matt Cafarella.  “The residential portion of this property located at 466 Third has been vacant and extremely dilapidated for almost two decades. The amount of damage to the structure made this very challenging. I’m proud of the work of our crews at Cafarella Concrete that made this happen in such a fast timeframe. We want to thank USA Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls for their assistance getting this project to the finish line.” In August 2018, the USAN Board of Directors approved acquisition of several properties, including 466 Third Street, as part of the strategic land-acquisition program funded through New York State. The program is intended to assemble long-dormant properties near Niagara Falls State Park, to remove blight from the downtown area and expand the density of uses in the area, with a goal of establishing a year-round, sustainable neighborhood. USAN accepted Cataract Development Corporation’s proposal to rehabilitate and renovate the building and purchase the property from USAN.  The property includes: two first-floor commercial spaces, currently leased by local pizzeria Donatello’s Restaurant and the Hammer & Crown Brewing Co.; and eight apartment units, including six studios and two one-bedroom apartments. Cataract Development Corporation invested $550,000 to rehabilitate and renovate the apartments portion of the building.  City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “Cataract Development Corporation’s completion of 466 Third Street is a positive step in re-creating a vibrant downtown business district. As one of several properties purchased by USAN, our City is hopeful that this is the beginning of further productive development of these long dormant properties. Congratulations to Cataract Development Corporation on the successful completion of this project.” Cataract Development Corporation, based in Niagara Falls, owns other properties in the Third Street neighborhood, and has a history of rehabilitating once thriving, locally significant buildings and restoring their former glory—while making them sustainable for the future. It aims to enhance the surrounding neighborhood, both aesthetically and functionally, while creating a valued, accessible and successful residential and commercial community.  About USA Niagara Development Corporation USAN, a subsidiary of Empire State Development, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls.  For more information, visit https://esd.ny.gov/usa-niagara-development-corporation-6. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
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Public Notice

Monday, October 17, 2022 - 2:00pm
View all grants to be presented at the batch virtual public hearing.
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Press Release

Monday, October 17, 2022 - 12:34pm
$115 Million Pay for Performance Grant Program Will Support Training Programs Offering Industry-Recognized Credentials and Certifications in High-Demand Fields $35 Million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program Will Help Education and Workforce Training Providers with Capital Expenses to Provide Programs for an Evolving Jobs Landscape Fulfills Governor Hochul's State of the State Commitment to Help Meet Employer Needs, Increase Training Capacity, and Position New York Job Seekers to Fill High-Quality, In-Demand Jobs Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of New York State's $150 million workforce development grant programs, administered by the newly-formed Office of Strategic Workforce Development within Empire State Development. The $115 million Pay for Performance Grant Program and the $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program are designed to meet New York State's workforce needs, increase the capacity of workforce training providers, and position New Yorkers to fill high-quality, in-demand jobs. The grant programs represent the latest piece of the state's reimagined approach to strategic, collaborative and equitable workforce development to encourage economic growth. "With this $150 million investment in the state's workforce, we are standing by our commitment to making New York the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation," Governor Hochul said. "I announced the new Office of Strategic Workforce Development in my State of the State address to ensure that New York is building its workforce from all sides - both by attracting high-growth companies to our state and developing top-tier talent to fill the jobs they bring. Thanks to this investment, we are helping to fill critical roles all over the state and preparing New York job seekers for careers of the future." The full program guidelines and links to the Consolidated Funding Applications are available on the Office of Strategic Workforce Development's website here. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and awards are expected to be announced every two months beginning in December. The deadline for applications for the first round of grant funding is November 14, 2022. Governor Hochul first proposed the new Office of Strategic Workforce Development in her State of the State address and established the office in April 2022 to better meet the needs of industry and create career opportunities for New Yorkers. The Office will work with workforce training providers to support industry-driven training that provides in-demand skills and direct job placement. Additionally, ESD will work hand-in-hand with the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, which will engage with local stakeholders and help to identify specific skills and industries to prioritize in each region in the post-pandemic economy. The goal is to encourage new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented workers, while meeting the needs of businesses in targeted tradable sectors. Funding for the Office of Strategic Workforce Development and these grant programs was included as part of the FY23 State Budget. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "For New York State to grow and thrive in the 21st century, we need to invest in the programs that provide and create opportunities for more New Yorkers to learn the skills that employers need. These grants will help to create a 'future-ready' workforce - one that includes people who have traditionally faced barriers to employment - so that we can attract new businesses, grow good jobs, and create a more diverse and resilient New York State economy." Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Friday, October 14, 2022 - 4:35pm
Stephen Gawlik, Senior Counsel for Empire State Development, Jeremy Toth, County Attorney for Erie County, and Ron Raccuia, Executive Vice President/COO for the Buffalo Bills released the following statement after all three parties agreed to extend the exclusivity period until 30 days after final determination on the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) by Erie County: "New York State, Erie County and the Buffalo Bills have made considerable progress and are actively negotiating the final agreements and contracts. As the environmental review process moves forward, we will continue to work towards finalizing all agreements and look forward to breaking ground on a new stadium next year.”
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Press Release

Saturday, October 8, 2022 - 1:24pm
New York State Funding of $6.5 Million Supports Major Expansion of Public Space New Public Space to Host Free Community-Based Public Programming Reimagined Hall Supports Revitalization of New York State's Tourism Industry Governor Kathy Hochul today joined Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic leadership to announce the opening of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' new $550 million David Geffen Hall. The reimagined home of the world-renowned New York Philharmonic has opened two years ahead of schedule with expanded access to public space for the community. The project has transformed David Geffen Hall into an illustrious venue that will further enrich New York City as a vibrant destination for the culture and arts. "The transformation of David Geffen Hall is a pitch-perfect addition to one of New York's premier concert venues at the iconic Lincoln Center," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to our well-orchestrated partnership, this project will boost New York's cultural and economic life with additional jobs, vibrant community space, and a new and improved concert hall two years ahead of schedule. Our arts institutions play a pivotal role as economic drivers, community centers, and cultural anchors, and I am excited for all of the music New Yorkers will experience and enjoy in this beautiful new home." Empire State Development provided $6.5 million to support the transformation of David Geffen Hall, including the renovation and expansion of approximately 21,000 square feet of public space in and around the hall, which is open to the public without the need for a concert ticket: The Welcome Center: A 1,680 square foot space that is equipped with stations for refreshments and seating to receive tickets and information for all Lincoln Center programming. The Lobby: The newly expanded Lobby has installed a large media display which provides a digital platform for simulcast concerts, artworks, digital messaging among other uses. The Sidewalk Studio: A multipurpose space open to the public for performances, lectures, classes, screenings, community programming and more. With Empire State Development's support, Lincoln Center has committed to creating 114 new full-time jobs, ranging from box office to stage crew and security, as well as launching a diversity and arts fellowship program that will provide paid training and mentorship for at least five Fellows over a five-year period. Lincoln Center commits to hosting at least 45 days of new free public programming per year for the first five years across the public spaces within David Geffen Hall. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Economic development works like a symphony, with each player creatively but collaboratively contributing their part. The work we've done in harmony with our partners on the new David Geffen Hall is creating the welcome sounds of added jobs, tourism and opportunity, through beautifully reimagined spaces where people can appreciate the uniqueness of Lincoln Center and New York City." Read the full press release here.
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