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, November 29, 2022 - 12:41pm
Company to Invest More Than $1M at North Tonawanda Plant for Oxygen and Nitrogen Generator Manufacturing
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that NOVAIR USA, a leading manufacturer of on-site gas production systems, plans to add 12 jobs and invest more than $1 million in its North Tonawanda plant. The investment will be used to expand operations and develop new products.
“Advanced manufacturers like NOVAIR USA fuel economic growth by exploring new technologies, delivering next-generation products, and creating new, higher-paying jobs,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “While NOVAIR has a global reach, this successful company decided to expand in Niagara County, highlighting the extensive innovation and manufacturing talent found in Western New York.”
NOVAIR, a family-owned business headquartered in France, acquired Oxygen Generating Systems Intl. (OGSI), located at 814 Wurlitzer Drive in North Tonawanda, in January 2022. OGSI manufactures a wide range of highly durable oxygen generators, specifically designed for demanding applications such as disaster preparedness, healthcare and semiconductors manufacturing. OGSI solutions are distributed all over the USA, as well as internationally.
As part of NOVAIR Group, OGSI is gaining access to a wide range of high-end solutions that greatly complement its existing ranges, including industrial and medical pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen and nitrogen generators, high pressure oxygen cylinder filling systems, and medical air/vacuum systems.
NOVAIR USA President Timothy Blach said, “This is not what most people think of when they hear the words ‘job creation,’ this is about facilitating growth not only for the company but for the new hires as well by adding good paying career-oriented positions.”
The expansion project will allow NOVAIR to expand its U.S. operations by moving some Miami-based production from a recently acquired company, America Energy, to NOVAIR’s North Tonawanda plant. . America Energy fabricates air compressors and various pump systems.
Additionally, NOVAIR owns an entity in Italy (Noxerior) that manufactures two types of nitrogen generators. NOVAIR would like to bring that nitrogen equipment technology to North Tonawanda for domestic manufacturing and distribution.
Between the potential relocation of product lines from Florida and the addition of new technology from Italy, the project will create 12 new jobs over the next five years, with an average starting salary of $62,000 per year. ESD will provide up to $170,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for job commitments
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, “Today’s announced expansion by NOVAIR USA is welcome news for our local economy. Continued job creation and investment at their North Tonawanda plant demonstrates NOVAIR’s commitment to our region and proves once again that Niagara County will continue to be a state leader in manufacturing innovation.”
Assemblyman Bill Conrad said, "When we innovate here at home, and invest in our stateside manufacturers and the technology that sustains them, we contribute to an economy that generates jobs, feeds industry, and supports the growth of our region's tax base, skilled workforce, collective brainpower, and pro-business reputation. I thank NOVAIR USA for focusing its expansion in North Tonawanda, and I commend Empire State Development for recognizing a win-win opportunity to incentivize the local development of this global company."
About NOVAIR
NOVAIR is the worldwide leading manufacturer of on-site oxygen and nitrogen gas production systems for healthcare and industrial applications. With 45 years of global market presence as well as manufacturing and R&D centers in France, Italy and North Tonawanda, NY at NOVAIR USA Corp., NOVAIR leads innovation in gas production through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology. Headquartered in France, with its North American headquarters in Western New York, NOVAIR operates in over 150 countries and has installed thousands of gas generators around the planet, supplying daily life-saving medical oxygen to hundreds of thousands of patients the world over. NOVAIR also provides industrial oxygen and nitrogen that enhances the effectiveness of scores of industries through a broad range of applications and market segments. For additional information about NOVAIR USA, visit: http://www.novair-usa.com
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:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
Press Release
Monday, November 28, 2022 - 1:05pm
Eight Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance the Vibrant Culture of Little Falls
$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative is Part of a Strategic Goal to Enrich the Community, Promote Business and Create Housing Opportunities
Renderings of Projects Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced eight transformational projects in the City of Little Falls as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award. The awards will leverage the community's walkability, and rich historic, cultural and natural resources. Renderings of the Little Falls revitalization projects are available here.
"The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is all about making our New York communities even better places to live, work and play," Governor Hochul said. "Little Falls residents have seen the potential of their community as the Gateway to the Adirondacks, and I have been struck by their passion for taking it to the next level. I want to thank every person who has made today's announcement possible as we turn the page and build a brighter future for this community."
The Little Falls Downtown Revitalization Initiative award will help to create a more unified downtown to improve walkability and bikeability for residents and to catalyze additional investment along Main Street and within Canal Place. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the City is transforming the downtown experience by allowing a more natural flow for vehicular traffic, establishing a small business assistance fund, and replacing the Main Street Canopy to make walking, shopping, and dining downtown even more enjoyable year-round.
The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities for the Mohawk Valley. In addition to awarding grants for catalytic community investments, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, led by the Department of State, provides technical assistance to participating communities as they develop a Strategic Investment Plan and identify projects to revitalize their downtown areas.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, November 28, 2022 - 12:30pm
Twelve Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance New Public Amenities, and Business and Housing Opportunities
Part of a Strategic Goal To Enrich the Community with Key Catalytic Projects
Renderings of Projects Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 12 transformational projects in the City of Gloversville as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The award will enhance public amenities and greenspace, expand housing opportunities, and support both new and existing small businesses. Project renderings are available here.
"We are ushering in a new era for Gloversville, attracting jobs, businesses, and people and making the community a better place to live and work," Governor Hochul said. "These investments will create more affordable housing, improve public amenities, and revitalize key businesses in downtown Gloversville, which will improve the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. My administration is committed to creating more livable communities and building a brighter future in Upstate New York."
Gloversville's downtown is distinguished by its unique character, historic architecture, renowned arts and cultural assets, parks and greenspace, and rich sense of community. Recent investments within and around Gloversville's compact, walkable downtown have made the area ripe for revitalization.
These investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities in the Mohawk Valley. Gloversville was named a DRI Round 5 winner in 2021. In addition to awarding grants for catalytic community investments, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, led by the Department of State, provides technical assistance to participating communities as they develop a Strategic Investment Plan and identify projects to revitalize their downtown areas.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 - 3:18pm
First Batch of Approved Awards Include 74 Shovel-Ready Projects
Full List of Awardees Thus Far Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $68 million has been awarded to support 74 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding will support impactful projects that align with each region's strategic goals. The application for Empire State Development Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.
"Through the Regional Economic Development Councils, we continue to make strategic investments across New York that align with each community's top priorities," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to announce this next round of awards that were recommended by stakeholders who live and work in the regions they represent. This investment will help bring more opportunity for New Yorkers, spur economic development, and fuel the future success of communities across our state."
"New York State continues to invest in projects that will generate new investments and spark economic growth to further support our post-pandemic recovery," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils. "Our bottom-up approach to economic development — one that is inclusive, collaborative, and regionally-focused — is working, and I've seen the results first-hand in communities across the state. This latest group of awards will further those efforts by supporting shovel-ready projects that will grow our state and regional economies more quickly."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Regional Councils continue be a strong economic driver for our state's economy. These awards represent projects that showcase each region's strengths and will go a long way to transform the local economies across the state."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 - 1:29pm
Supporting Local Businesses Saturday, November 26, and Year-Round Strengthens Communities and Boosts Local Economies
Watch Department of Labor Small Business Saturday PSA Here
Empire State Development Suite of Small Business Programs Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today alongside Empire State Development, and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets encouraged all New Yorkers to support their local small businesses on "Small Business Saturday" November 26, 2022. Small businesses make up 98 percent of New York State's economy and generate millions of jobs throughout the Empire State, and by choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within New York State.
"Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to play a role in strengthening our economy, creating vibrant neighborhoods, and keeping communities connected," Governor Hochul said. "New York's small businesses are the core of our economy, and because this community was among the hardest hit at the height of the pandemic, my administration has been squarely focused on its recovery. I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of all that these businesses have to offer and shop locally this Saturday."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Every time you visit your favorite restaurant or gift shop and buy something new, you are supporting a local small business. Small businesses are the fabric of our communities and when they thrive, we all thrive. ESD has continued to offer support to our small and micro businesses through many programs during the pandemic and beyond but we cannot do it alone—the support of everyday customers is integral, and we encourage New Yorkers to shop your local small businesses this Saturday, and every day."
New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Small businesses are the cornerstones of communities. By shopping at these businesses, we are supporting families, jobs, and New York State's diverse economy. I encourage New Yorkers to shop small and shop often this Small Business Saturday and throughout the entire holiday season."
Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, "Small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic and are only now beginning to recover. To aid that process, the state has a full array of business tax credits and incentives. I urge small business owners to explore these credits and incentives on our website. I also encourage New Yorkers to shop small this weekend and throughout the year."
State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "New York is home to more than 33,000 family farms that produce world-class food and beverages products. Our hardworking farmers take great pride in feeding their neighbors and fellow New Yorkers, and are truly vital to our state. This holiday season, I encourage you to give thanks for the delicious meals and thoughtful gifts you share with family and shop local to support your community's producers."
Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and invites shoppers to visit local stores at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. The small business sector is a major contributor to the foundation of New York's economy, employing more than 40 percent of New York's private sector workforce. Today, New York State has more than 549,000 small business firms, employing more than three million people.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 - 2:53pm
Long-neglected historic buildings on Niagara Street to get a second life
USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) and Savarino Companies, a Buffalo-based construction, development and property management firm, have completed the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Tugby-Lennon block at 320-324 Niagara Street in Niagara Falls. The block consists of three attached historic structures located in the heart of Niagara Falls, steps from the Seneca Niagara Casino, the developing Third Street neighborhood and just minutes from Niagara Falls State Park. View photos here and here.
“USAN, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, is working to facilitate economic development that creates a vibrant downtown for both visitors and residents,” said USAN President Anthony Vilardo. “These buildings are among the few surviving structures of the dense, mixed-use commercial-residential environment that once characterized Niagara Street. We commend Savarino Companies for recognizing the block’s historic importance and for completing this mixed-use rehabilitation project.”
“We pursued this project because we share a vision with the City of Niagara Falls, Niagara County and Empire State Development of a charming, mixed-use, walkable downtown that enhances the tourism experience and improves quality of life for Niagara Falls residents,” said Savarino Companies Vice President of Development Courtney Samuels-Cox. “Savarino Companies is grateful to have contributed to the advancement of this vision through the redevelopment of the Tugby-Lennon.”
“The opening of the Tugby-Lennon Block continues the progress we are working on in our downtown district,” said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “While the added market rate apartments contribute to our steady growth of downtown residences, we are extremely pleased to see Daredevil Records in the building’s commercial space. This is the growth in our commercial corridor that is vital to our downtown.”
The $3.5 million restoration of three mixed-use, three-story buildings, totaling 12,531 square feet, includes capital improvements, facade improvements and interior renovations—creating 4,177 total square feet of first-floor commercial/retail space. The project also includes renovations of 10 market-rate apartments on the buildings’ second and third floors. The buildings represent an important contribution to the late-19th and early-20th century urban architecture, commercial history and community development of downtown Niagara Falls.
Daredevil Records will be Tugby-Lennon’s first commercial tenant. Daredevil will operate a retro record store and listening lounge in new storefront space at 324 Niagara Street. Fans of all music genres can purchase vintage recordings and also stay and listen to their favorite music on various throw-back devices such as cassette and record players – all while enjoying beer, wine and other food and refreshments. For more information, visit https://daredevilrecords.com/.
Savarino reports that the two remaining storefront commercial spaces at 320 and 322 Niagara Street are completed and move-in ready for other tenants who may take advantage of the highly visible street front space. These adjoining 1,500-square-foot spaces feature original exposed brick walls, plentiful storefront windows, and an exterior front patio. For commercial leasing inquiries, please contact: Kylie Gordon, Development Operations Manager, Savarino Companies, at [email protected]
The upper-floor market-rate apartments feature 10 one- and two-bedroom apartments with original cedar floors, exposed brick walls and in-unit washers and dryers. For residential leasing inquiries, please visit https://tugby-lennon.com.
The USAN Board awarded a $145,000 Niagara Economic Development Fund (NEDF) grant to Savarino for the Tugby-Lennon project. The project also received Federal/New York State Historic Tax Credits, a $155,000 Niagara County Industrial Development Agency (NCIDA) tourism grant, a $100,000 National Grid grant and a $40,000 NFC Development Corporation grant.
The USAN Board of Directors also met today and approved the following items:
Authorization to enter into a contract, not to exceed $2.1 million, with Practice for Architecture Urbanism DPC (PAU) for architectural and engineering services related to the Niagara Fall Heritage Gateways project. The project includes the construction of several public infrastructure projects that will spur new development on USAN’s properties. These “Heritage Gateways”—four in total—will form the foundation for a downtown-wide heritage path and strengthen connections between downtown and Niagara Falls State Park.
Authorization to enter into an administrative agreement with the NFC Development Corporation for a Niagara Falls Small Business Property Improvement Program. The Program includes $3 million to foster revitalization of traditional mixed-use business districts by providing funds to small business and property owners for commercial improvements such as facade restoration and other mixed-use building upgrades. More details about the program and how to apply will be forthcoming.
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:
Laura Magee (USAN) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
Courtney Samuels-Cox (Savarino) | [email protected]
Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 - 11:00am
With videoconferencing to: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, 36th Floor Conference Room, New York, NY 10017
This meeting is open to the public.
Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below.
Due to building procedures, those wishing to attend at any of these locations must RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022.
RSVP press line (800) 260 -7313; RSVP public line (212 803- 3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 4:30 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and posted online.
Report
Friday, November 18, 2022 - 3:45pm
The Excelsior Jobs Program provides job creation and investment incentives to firms in targeted industries in order to encourage businesses to expand in and relocate to New York while maintaining strict accountability standards to guarantee that businesses deliver on job and investment commitments. Below please find the quarterly program report for the third quarter of 2022, ending 9/30/2022.
9/30/2022: EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM - Quarterly Report
CHART A - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Admitted To Program
CHART B - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2011 & 2012
CHART C - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2013
CHART D - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2014
CHART E - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2015
CHART F - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2016
CHART G - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2017
CHART H - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2018
CHART I - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2019
CHART J - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2020
CHART K - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2021
Report
Friday, November 18, 2022 - 3:27pm
The Empire State Jobs Retention Program was created to provide financial incentives to retain strategic businesses and jobs that are at risk of leaving the state due to the impact on business operations from a natural disaster. Below please find charts A & B of the quarterly program report detailing businesses admitted to the program and credits issued for the third quarter, ending 9/30/2022.
Empire State Jobs Retention Program Quarterly Report - Chart A: Businesses Admitted To Program
Empire State Jobs Retention Program Quarterly Report- Chart B: Credits Issued
Blog Post
Friday, November 18, 2022 - 12:00pm
Ahead of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on Nov. 19, we’re spotlighting one of the six Entrepreneurs of the Year honored earlier this month at the Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) 2022 Conference. Read the profile below to find out more about how the EACs can help women—and all New Yorkers—start and grow their businesses: esd.ny.gov/entrepreneurship-assistance-centers
In 2014, prompted by the scale of rebuilding needed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Yolanda Valdes started her business, Empower Contracting Inc., a full-service general contracting firm offering project development and construction management services. She launched with only one employee and one contract and brought in $7,384 in revenue. Within that same year, she found out about the Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) program at Suffolk County Community College (SCCC); two years later, inspired to become the best in what she realized was a male-dominated industry, Valdes began working with the EAC. In fall of 2019, she enrolled in a 60-hour entrepreneurial training program, where she tied for first place in the SCCC Business Plan Competition.
Fast forward to 2022: the Bay Shore-based business has expanded to six employees, and $1 million in revenues. Valdes credits her growth to the EAC at SCCC’s resources that helped her with business planning, funding and MWBE applications. The business is now MWBE-certified by New York State, New York City, Suffolk and Nassau counties, and also certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and SBA-8A business. Empower Contracting has secured 12 contracts in 2022, including its largest contract to-date with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Valdes explains that, while it is extremely difficult for woman-owned businesses to enter the male-dominated construction industry, they are well equipped to forge a formidable path. She says Empower Contracting is motivated by “building strong relationships with clients and a desire to do what is right,” and that its success is a result of an unwavering persistence to excellence, integrity, professionalism and innovation. More growth is ahead, as Valdes pivots the business to incorporate innovative and green energy-efficient solutions in construction. As an alumna of the EAC and Suffolk County Community College, Valdes also shows her support to the community by actively mentoring others, participating in EAC SCCC-sponsored MWBE panel discussions and webinars aimed at inspiring more local entrepreneurs.