Empire State Development Blog

$4.5 Million Phase One Includes Construction of the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center and Demolition of Unused Buildings State Funds Support Transformation of Historic Site for Education and Business Innovation Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking for the $20 million redevelopment of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe in Shoreham, Suffolk County. The 16-acre site is a U.S. National Historic Registered landmark and location of famed inventor Nikola Tesla's last existing laboratory. The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe is envisioned as an international destination for visitors interested in Tesla's legacy and science, technology, and innovation. The project's $4.5 million phase one includes the construction of the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center and the demolition of approximately 110,000 square feet of unused building. Empire State Development is supporting the transformation of the historic site with $1.25 million in capital grants. "Nikola Tesla's visionary ideas and inventions have served as a catalyst for scientific progress, and his lab stands as a testament to his innovative spirit," Governor Hochul said. "By preserving this historic site, we help ensure that future generations can learn from his achievements and be inspired to pursue groundbreaking discoveries of their own." "Nikola Tesla's lab is a physical embodiment of the power of imagination and creativity to change the world," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "It is a living reminder of his contributions to science and technology, and by preserving this site, we can inspire future innovators to dream big and achieve great things." Nikola Tesla was an inventor and electrical engineer whose life-changing discoveries include the alternating current (AC) power, the Tesla coil, hydroelectric power, the induction motor, and more. The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe was established to transform Tesla's former lab into a hub that celebrates his innovative spirit and inspires the next generation of innovators. The center will offer tours as well as exhibits and educational programs that explore Tesla's groundbreaking work.  The redevelopment of the Tesla Science Center is a multi-phase project that includes the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center, a museum, science and education center, business accelerator and entrepreneur center, and the rehabilitation and preservation of Tesla's iconic lab. The Eugene Sayan Visitor Center will provide a dedicated space to showcase exhibits about Nikola Tesla's work and innovative approaches. It will offer exhibitions and programs both on-site and online, enabling visitors to discover Tesla's legacy through educational and interactive experiences. When complete, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe will be a world-class destination that will provide an immersive experience for visitors of all ages to learn about Nikola Tesla and his discoveries and promote science education to inspire the next generation of inventors, scientists, and engineers. In addition to funding from ESD, Governor Hochul announced the Tesla Science Center was awarded $1.47 million as part of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)'s Small and Mid-Sized Capital Project awards. Those funds will support the stabilization and restoration of Nikola Tesla's last standing laboratory, designed by McKim, Mead, & White. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Nikola Tesla's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of scientific research in solving the challenges of the modern world. The Tesla Science Center will be a destination for visitors to learn of Tesla's inventions while inspiring future innovators to push the boundaries of what is possible."  Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "Redeveloping the Tesla Science Center is an investment in the future of innovation and progress. By preserving and building on Tesla's legacy, we are supporting new generations of entrepreneurs who will continue to drive transformational progress on Long Island and around the globe." Read the full press release here.

Office has Awarded $13 Million to 22 Innovative Training Programs Across the State Read Executive Summary Here Read Full Progress Report Here Empire State Development (ESD) today released the first progress report from its Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD), announced by Governor Hochul in her 2022 State of the State address to reimagine New York State’s approach to strategic, collaborative and equitable workforce development. The report, which provides detailed information regarding the implementation of the Governor’s $350 million Workforce Development Initiative, includes an update on OSWD’s $150 million workforce development grant programs and other major milestones since its creation in April 2022 as part of the FY 2023 Budget. Subsequent progress reports will be issued on an annual basis.   Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Our Office of Strategic Workforce Development has hit the ground running and is continuing to make strategic investments that will train employees for New York State’s high growth industries and will provide our workforce with the tools they need to succeed today, and for the future. We are also laying the important groundwork for standardized and quantifiable metrics to evaluate and track the impact these grants are making across industries, organizations and participants to guide future rounds of funding.” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her unending commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers receive accessible, quality training services to gain the skills they need to thrive in our economy. I am so proud to be part of this collaborative effort that will continue to put New Yorkers on the path to success for years to come.” Since the Office’s creation, OSWD has established the $115 million Pay for Performance and the $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Programs to meet the needs of New York State employers in high-growth industries, increase the capacity of workforce training providers, and better position New Yorkers to fill high-quality, in-demand jobs. The Office launched its $150 million grant program and awarded over $13 million to launch and grow 22 innovative programs to prepare New Yorkers for careers in advanced manufacturing, biotech and life sciences, cleantech and renewable energy, construction, photonics, film and television production and software and digital media. These grant programs will leverage more than $10 million in public and private funding to support nearly 7,000 trainees for over 200 businesses.    It has also developed a new metrics reporting framework to better track outcomes and prioritize investment in effective workforce models. All awardees are required to report standardized outcomes data throughout the grant period and beyond, including training completion and job placements rates, and will seek to track wage growth for participants, among other data. These metrics will allow ESD to evaluate the impact of funded programs and adapt its grantmaking strategy in future rounds to meet the needs of job seekers and employers. ESD is also charged with reporting on the success of other workforce programs funded through the FY 2023 budget and is collaborating with sister agencies to align metrics and report on the overall impact of the State’s investments across the workforce development ecosystem. Additional information about OSWD’s progress, including active and upcoming projects and investments, are also available in the report. 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. Contact: Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Condiment Manufacturer, Featured on YouTube Show ‘Hot Ones’, Commits to Creating Nearly 40 New Jobs Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that farm-to-table hot sauce and condiments producer, The Karma Sauce Company, is ready to grow its manufacturing operations in the City of Rochester, Monroe County and at its Burning Springs Farm in the Town of Bristol, Ontario County. The Karma Sauce line is hand-processed and bottled at 90 Canal Street in Rochester where the company is ready to upgrade its 10,000 square-foot manufacturing facility by purchasing additional equipment in an effort to keep up with the growing demand for its renowned products. Karma Sauce has additionally committed to creating up to 37 new jobs over the next five years;10 jobs will be retained. With an eye towards future expansion, the company is also currently working to become Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified, which in turn will open them up to supplying national and worldwide retailers and food service provider/manufacturers who require that certification.  Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "It's so exciting to see entrepreneurs realize their dreams and I congratulate Karma Sauce on growing its state-of-the-art facility in the Finger Lakes, where locally sourced ingredients are key to the brand’s popularity. This hot sauce maker will also heat up the regional economy with the addition of good-paying jobs, in an expansion that also reflects New York’s ongoing support of the state’s agribusiness ecosystem."   Founded in 2008, The Karma Sauce Company designs recipes, grows the ingredients used, and handcrafts its own sauces in its micro-factory in Rochester. Word of mouth acclaim, including being featured in 2018 on the YouTube Channel show ‘Hot Ones’, led to an expanded line of over twenty distinctively flavored products, made with vegetables grown on its farm located in the Town of Bristol in Ontario County. Other locally sourced ingredients are also featured in Karma Sauce products. The expansion will additionally create future job opportunities on the farm. Gene Olczak, founder of The Karma Sauce Company said, "From our humble beginnings over a decade ago, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations here in New York state. This investment will not only allow us to keep up with the growing demand for our products but also create good-paying jobs and contribute to the local economy.  We are grateful for the support of Empire State Development and our local partners in helping us share our love of flavorful, farm-to-table condiments with the world. " ESD is supporting the company’s expansion in New York state with up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for the company's job creation commitments. Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) and Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) are also assisting with the project.  The total project cost has been placed at a little more than $1 million. This project additionally supports the locally designed strategy of the Finer Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) which is laser focused on supporting next generation manufacturing and technology in the agriculture and food production industries in an effort to move the region forward. State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Congratulations Karma Sauce on your current success and expansion. It is always a cause for celebration to see a local company continue to grow and invest in our region. I look forward to seeing Karma continue to grow here in Rochester and stand ready to assist them however possible.” State Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “I am grateful to see a clear investment toward providing well-paying jobs and economic opportunities for members of our community. As our city begins a process of major revitalization, it is important that we continue to support the growth and success of local businesses such as the Karma Sauce Company. Congratulations to the family and staff of Karma Sauce on their significant expansion and for their continued commitment to Greater Rochester.” State Senator Pam Helming said, “From our family farms that give us fresh, locally-grown ingredients, to the tremendous resources available to support food innovators, the Finger Lakes is one of the ‘hottest’ spots to grow and thrive in food, beverage and agribusiness. Congratulations to Gene Olczak and the entire Karma Sauce team on their continued success.” State Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes said, “This is very exciting news for the entire region. The continued success of Karma Sauce demonstrates the importance of shopping small and supporting local.” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Monroe County is proud to be home to a dynamic and innovative company expanding its operations here and contributing to our local economy and culinary landscape. This expansion not only supports local job growth but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Monroe County's economy. Congratulations to Karma Sauce Company on their continued success.” City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “I want to congratulate Karma Sauce on their expansion and thank them for making this investment in Rochester. Thank you as well to Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for supporting Rochester’s economy through Finger Lakes Forward. Together we creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.” President and CEO of RG&E and NYSEG Patricia Nilsen, said, “As a company celebrating its 175th year in the greater Rochester area, RG&E is delighted to see The Karma Sauce Company expand its operations in this thriving community. We are always excited to support new and growing businesses and deliver the energy that makes their operations successful.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy said, "We're thrilled to see Karma Sauce Company, a company committed to locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, continue to grow and create jobs in the Finger Lakes region. This investment is a testament to the company's success and the strength of our regional economy, and we look forward to supporting their continued expansion." Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Karma Sauce’s continued expansion is a testament to the robust food manufacturing ecosystem in the Greater Rochester, NY, region. The full range of resources including rich agriculture to source products locally, talented workforce with food science expertise, and a strategic location that makes it easy to transport products to customers quickly, are the unique ingredients available in Rochester, NY that support Karma Sauce’s growth. For more information about Karma Sauce, visit: https://karmasauce.com/. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. ​ About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). 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 Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Former Cigar Factory to be Transformed into Photography Museum, Gallery and Community Educational Center in Kingston View Photos Here ** Empire State Development today announced the groundbreaking for the future home of the $2 million Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) at the former Van Slyke & Horton cigar factory located in the Midtown Arts District in Kingston, Ulster County. CPW has acquired the four story, 40,000 square foot commercial building and will adapt and transform it into a photography museum, gallery and community educational center, retaining 60 jobs and creating an additional seven jobs.  This project will help grow the thriving arts and cultural movement in downtown Kingston, which is attracting residents and visitors to this historic city.  Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said,  “Transforming a onetime cigar factory into the Center for Photography’s new home showcases how our strategic regional investments work to re-envision communities around New York State. This historic building is now taking the long view, with a focus on art and education that will draw Kingston visitors and residents both now and for years to come.” Executive Director of the Center for Photography at Woodstock Brian Wallis said, "CPW is deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and Mayor Noble for supporting this project, and for recognizing how the arts can be a key driver of downtown revitalization and economic development. We look forward to transforming this architecturally striking, historic building into a cultural hub that helps to build a sense of community in the Midtown Arts District and assures that Kingston is a great destination to live, work and visit in the Hudson Valley." CPW was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to supporting artists working in photography and related media and provides an artistic home for contemporary and creative photography with exhibitions, workshops, auctions, lectures, services for artists, darkroom, gallery talks, programs for children, permanent collections, library archives, fellowship and publication.  During the first phase of the project, CPW will renovate the basement and bottom two floors of the building for a photography museum and educational center and the top floors will be renovated during a second phase and will be utilized for commercial activity related to the local creative economy, in line with the city’s Art and Culture Master Plan, with the goal to become a cultural hub in Kingston. To support this project, Empire State Development awarded the City of Kingston a $1.5 million Restore NY grant to rehabilitate the building and an ESD Capital Grant of $350,000 recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange said, “Artists are the lifeblood and legacy of this area, and we are proud to support the Center of Photography as a vital hub for our creative community. Through education and the arts, we can continue to fuel the important work they do, driving inspiration as well as growth of the regional economy.” Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Hudson Valley has always been an arts enclave, with our local arts and cultural organizations prevailing as two of our greatest economic drivers and a beacon of self-discovery that can inspire us to expand our worldview. We are thrilled that the Midtown Kingston Arts District will soon include the Center for Photography at Woodstock, which will continue to raise the profile of our community as a thriving hub for arts, culture, and learning.” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, "I'm thrilled to see the groundbreaking of the Center for Photography at Woodstock in Midtown Kingston, and want to thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight, and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council for helping to make this artistic and cultural vision a reality. I look forward to seeing the many ways that CPW's new facility will enrich our community, support our local artists, inspire the next generation of photographers, and contribute to the economic vitality of our County and region."  City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their commitment to Kingston. CPW’s purchase and adaptive reuse of this long underutilized building fits perfectly within our economic development goals of continuing to support a vibrant arts and cultural hub here in the heart of Kingston. We look forward to the work planned for this building and seeing a new community development opportunity flourish.” 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. *** Photos courtesy of ©Eduard Hueber/archphoto Contact:  Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | 518-414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | 800 – 260-7313