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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Press Release

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 5:27pm
New Public/Private Partnership Orientation Center to Improve Visitor Experience Includes Major Painting Project, New Wayfinding Maintenance Facility, Solar, General Site Improvements View Renderings Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Olana State Historic Site will undergo major capital and site improvement projects over the next two years, including construction of the Frederic Church Center for Art and Landscape, a new entry and orientation facility at the historic site in Hudson, Columbia County. The sustainably designed, all-electric Frederic Church Center will be a gateway to all visitors to Olana State Historic Site and is the marquee project of a $25 million investment to the site. "The new projects will build on the legacy of Olana - the visionary home, studio and landscape design of artist Frederic Church and his family," Governor Hochul said. "The Frederic Church Center will add to this canvas and help to welcome patrons to one of the most strikingly beautiful places in New York State." "With these $25 million in improvements, Olana will once again welcome visitors from in and out of our state to take in breathtaking views and education programs," said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. "Thanks to everyone's commitment to this partnership and we invite everyone to come rediscover Olana." The building will include a spacious entry lobby for ticketing and orientation, a café, restrooms, and a multipurpose room adjoining outdoor terraces and paths that connect to Olana's historic carriage road network, making all 250 acres of the historic landscape an integral part of public interpretation. As the principal entry point for a National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site that attracts over 200,000 visitors annually, the Frederic Church Center will provide a highly visible, publicly accessible demonstration of sustainable design and carbon neutral construction. Olana was the 19th century home, studio and designed landscape of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church in Hudson. These major projects are the result of the award-winning Strategic Landscape Design Plan developed in 2015 between New York State Parks, The Olana Partnership, the LA Group, and Nelson, Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects. The plan received the 2017 National Honor Award for Analysis and Planning from the American Society of Landscape Architects. Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 5:24pm
Eight Downtown Revitalization Projects Will Enhance Streetscapes and Public Spaces, Restore Anchor Buildings, Support Small Business and Create a More Vibrant Downtown $10 Million DRI Investment in Round 5 is Part of a Strategic Goal to Enrich the Community with Key Catalytic Projects Renderings of Projects Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced eight transformational projects in the Village of Massena as part of the $10 million Downtown Initiative Award. The Awards will repurpose blighted buildings, improve public spaces and streetscape connectivity, expand waterfront access and enjoyment and expand commercial and residential opportunities in Massena's historically intact, dense downtown. "We are ushering in a new era for Massena, attracting jobs, businesses, and people and making the community a better place to live and work," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to this DRI investment, New Yorkers and visitors will be able to enjoy Massena's rich history and lively downtown for decades to come." Massena's revitalization is focused on creating a more walkable, green, vibrant, and connected community. Massena has a long and storied history as one of the first settlements in St. Lawrence County. Like many other Upstate communities, Massena suffered the decline, disinvestment and out-migration from de-industrialization. But with its charm, abundant forestland, waterfront access and inexpensive electric power, the Town has built momentum to redefine and revitalize its downtown, as its vision statement clearly conveys -- "Moving Massena Forward: Proud Past, Promising Future." Through the Downtown Initiative Award (DRI), the Village will transform its downtown by enhancing its streetscapes and public spaces, restoring and reusing key anchor buildings, and supporting small businesses. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities in the North Country. The DRI is led by the Department of State providing technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area. The $9.7 million DRI investment will leverage public and private sector investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum. Read the full press release here.
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Public Notice

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 2:00pm
View all grants to be presented at the batch virtual public hearing.
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Public Notice

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 2:00pm
View Public Notice View Hearing Instructions
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Press Release

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 12:58pm
$6 Million HQ Supports Pandora's Long-Term Growth Plans Project Supports 133 New Full-Time Jobs Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that global jewelry manufacturer Pandora is relocating its North American headquarters to New York City. Pandora, the largest jewelry brand in the world, designs, manufactures, and markets hand-finished jewelry that is sold in more than 100 countries. The company will operate its North American headquarters in a 27,000 square foot office spanning the 35th floor of 1540 Broadway in Times Square. The $6 million relocation will allow Pandora to operate in one of the largest commercial markets in the world. "New York City is a gem in the retail industry, so it's no surprise that the world's largest jewelry brand has chosen to relocate its North American headquarters here," Governor Hochul said. "Pandora will benefit not only from having a foothold in one of the world's largest commercial markets, but from a talented workforce that is as distinctive as their charms. I look forward to welcoming the headquarters to our city, creating new jobs and economic opportunity for New Yorkers." New York City is home to one of the world's premier shopping destinations in the United States. The retail sector is a vital part of New York City's economic landscape, from neighborhood commercial areas to major retail corridors in Manhattan. The opening of Pandora's North American headquarters in New York City marks a strategic next chapter for Pandora as it looks to increase its market share and double its revenue in the United States. A New York City headquarters also enhances Pandora's ability to recruit the talent it needs to implement its plans for growth. Empire State Development is supporting the project with up to $1.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits. This will support the creation of 133 new full-time employees across various teams, including sales, merchandising, marketing, finance, human resources, digital and e-commerce, real estate, legal and operations. In the coming months, the company plans to add three new stores to its nine current locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Pandora's move to New York City speaks to the strength and talent of the region's retail industry and workforce. New York's commercial market and diverse talent are vital links in ensuring a glittering future for Pandora. We are proud to support their new North American headquarters, which will add new jobs and economic energy to the retail capital of the world." Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Monday, December 12, 2022 - 4:34pm
Funding Kicks Off Statewide Comprehensive Broadband and Digital Equity Planning and Stakeholder Engagement to Support Closing the Digital Divide Awards are First Step Towards New York Receiving Full Allocation of Broadband Funding from Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State's ConnectALL office has been awarded $7.2 million through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment and Digital Equity Act programs. Over the coming months, ConnectALL will use these funds to engage New Yorkers across the state to produce comprehensive statewide broadband deployment and digital equity plans. These plans will provide the roadmap for the state's utilization of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to close New York State's remaining digital divide. "Access to affordable, reliable internet is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity for connecting individuals to employment, education, and essential government services," Governor Hochul said. "This funding from the Biden-Harris administration will help to keep New Yorkers connected and build our digital infrastructure for the 21st century economy. I want to thank our federal partners for making this investment in our state, and I look forward to continuing that partnership to expand digital equity and ensure that high-speed broadband is available to all." Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, "Internet for All initiatives will increase the affordability of Internet services with the goal of providing New Yorkers with equitable Internet access. I thank Governor Hochul for her work in expanding Internet access to address the needs of unserved and underserved communities." Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "We are pleased to receive these vital awards from the federal government to advance Governor Hochul's ConnectALL agenda. We look forward to working with our partners in every region of the state to advance a statewide plan and unlock the federal funding to support critical broadband programs." The $1.1 billion ConnectALL initiative, announced by Governor Hochul in her January 2022 State of the State Address, is New York State's largest-ever investment in broadband, aimed at transforming the state's digital infrastructure to connect all New Yorkers through the internet. Through investments in data collection and mapping, targeted grant programs, updates to deployment policy, and statewide stakeholder engagement, ConnectALL will help New Yorkers gain access to improved broadband service and the greater economic, education, health, and civic engagement opportunities it provides. Read the full press release here.  
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Press Release

Friday, December 9, 2022 - 2:14pm
Three WNY Grantees Awarded $25 Million Plan Will Grow WNY’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem through Workforce, Innovation and Infrastructure Projects Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord visited Buffalo to kick off the projects awarded under the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The EDA team met with the Western New York Manufacturing Coalition and held a roundtable discussion before concluding the visit with a tour of Buffalo Manufacturing Works and the Northland Corridor. Governor Kathy Hochul previously announced that the ESD Western New York Regional Office was awarded $25 million from the federal Build Back Better Challenge, the EDA’s marquee program under the American Rescue Plan. “ESD welcomes the EDA team to Buffalo to kick off the federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge, and we look forward to the positive effect it will have on Western New York's economy,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “This transformational investment will help accelerate the efforts undertaken with our regional partners to develop and scale advanced manufacturing and train a skilled workforce to meet the needs of local industries.” “EDA is pleased to support the efforts of the Western New York Manufacturing Coalition as it works to create jobs, promote equitable economic development, revitalize Buffalo’s manufacturing sector, and build a more diverse workforce in the region,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Alvord. “We applaud these efforts to transform Buffalo and position western New York for long-term growth and prosperity.” The Western New York coalition charged with implementing the plan that was the basis for WNY’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge winning application is made up of representatives from ESD’s Western New York office and the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC), in partnership with University at Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI). The plan includes projects that will scale up existing advanced manufacturing strategies through projects to spark innovation, advance inclusive workforce development, and develop needed infrastructure. Partners include Buffalo Manufacturing Works; Goodwill of WNY; and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation. The three funded project/program components included in the plan are: Small & Medium Sized Manufacturer Manufacturing Technology Program/Buffalo Manufacturing Works.  This component will involve a program for local Small- and Medium-Size Manufacturers (SMMs) to overcome barriers to implementing technology features at their companies, including collaborative robotics (“cobotics”), to promote economic sustainability and job growth.  Buffalo Manufacturing Works will build an “Industry 4.0” ecosystem—which seeks revolutionize the way local companies manufacture, improve and distribute their products—and leverage partnerships with local SMMs, including hands-on training for upskilling current workers at these companies; programs for high school students to expose them to opportunities in advanced manufacturing; networking events/opportunities to collaborate on best practices on implementing innovation; and securing and fostering actual installations/application of cobotics, artificial intelligence, and other types of innovation at these companies. GoodSkills Career Builder/Goodwill of Western New York.  Working in partnership with employers and trainers, Goodwill will expand a pilot program developed in 2021 to foster career on-ramps in advanced manufacturing for local unemployed/underemployed individuals, focusing on underrepresented and underserved communities in Buffalo and WNY. GoodSkills Career Builder will move these individuals into careers, with support from Goodwill’s activities in recruitment, assessment, training, and actual placement in a new job, with additional support after placement to foster retention.  Northland Corridor Redevelopment Phase 3/Buffalo Urban Development Corporation.  The component will begin to renovate/restore remaining buildings on the Northland Campus to meet growing site demand of this emerging advanced manufacturing hub along Northland Avenue in East Buffalo. Buffalo Urban Development Corporation will redevelop two significant industrial buildings, complete a Clean Energy Microgrid, and enhance infrastructure to: create leasable space for local manufacturers and workforce training opportunities; grow new jobs/businesses; and provide low-cost electricity to the campus and adjoining residential neighborhood to promote equitable development in a distressed community. Today’s roundtable focused on the importance of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge and how it is providing generational investment in regional economies, driving economic recovery and putting communities across the country on the path towards economic competitiveness. The discussion also highlighted each grantee’s plans to foster the creation of and access to high quality jobs in innovative industries and ensure that all communities benefit from skill building, increased wages, and opportunities for advancement.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said, “The $25 million from the Build Back Better Regional Challenge that I fought for and helped secure is a critical down payment to train workers with the skills needed for advanced manufacturing and tech jobs that are a cornerstone of the emerging economy. Training opportunities for workers from East Buffalo and beyond are needed to ensure access to the good-paying jobs from Buffalo’s tech and manufacturing revival are equitable and widely beneficial. I am glad today the Biden administration can see firsthand what I have long known: Western New York will be a central part of the foundation for America’s advanced manufacturing future. Western New York has all the right ingredients to be the nation’s next tech and advanced manufacturing hub, and I will not stop fighting to deliver more federal investment to ensure Buffalo workers secure good-paying jobs building our nation’s future.” Congressman Brian Higgins said, “This $25 million federal award will help propel local workers into meaningful, good-paying careers, advance opportunities for Western New York small businesses, and continue the federal investment in East Buffalo’s Northland Corridor.  We commend Empire State Development, and project partners Goodwill of Western New York, Buffalo Manufacturing Works, and Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, for their success in earning a spot as one of just 21 national winners receiving an award through EDA’s American Rescue Plan Build Back Better Regional Challenge.” Senator Tim Kennedy said, “As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the federal Build Back Better Challenge is undoubtedly strengthening our economy and our workforce.  By investing in manufacturing, innovative technology, and our long-term infrastructure, the U.S. Economic Development Administration is accelerating the recovery of small businesses and the growth of equitable, dynamic employment opportunities in WNY and across the nation.” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Thank you to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for recognizing the life changing work taking place here in Buffalo and awarding $25 million in Build Back Better funds to Empire State Development and Buffalo Manufacturing Works, Goodwill of WNY, and the redevelopment of the Northland Corridor/Buffalo Urban Development Corp. Congratulations to all.” City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “As the chairman of BUDC, one of the grantees of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, I look forward to using this funding to help continue the work we’re doing to develop the city of Buffalo. I would also like to congratulate the other Western New York awardees.  The Build Back Better Regional Challenge will support the great work my administration has done to equitably expand opportunities for our city’s residents.” 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 the New York State 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 the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)  The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.  Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
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Report

Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 10:25am
View Report
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