Empire State Development Blog

Grants Awarded Through REDC Initiative to 69 Capital and Working Capital Projects Across New York State Full List of REDC Awardees Thus Far Can be Found Here Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that nearly $15 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to support 69 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Market New York funding supports tourism facility capital improvement projects and regionally-themed marketing projects that promote travel destinations, attractions and special events. The program and projects supported through its funding align with each region's long-term strategic plans for economic growth. "The projects represented by these Market New York awards illustrate the breadth and beauty of New York State’s many arts, cultural and visitor attractions," Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Statewide Regional Economic Development Councils, said. "This program ensures that New York State's tourism offerings across our remarkable regions continue to reflect the diverse and unique interests of residents and visitors alike." ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Tourism is vital to our communities; it showcases the best of New York State, and visitor spending supports small businesses, jobs and regional economies. Market New York funding helps to ensure that the state's tourism partners can reach new markets and audiences, and enables destinations to upgrade, grow and expand to encourage sustainable economic growth." ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Beyond serving as New York's destination marketing organization, Empire State Development and the Division of Tourism support the state’s vital tourism industry through initiatives like tourism job fairs, educational programming, and funding opportunities like Market New York. The projects awarded Market New York grants will help give travelers even more reasons to come be a part of all there is to love in New York State all year long." The tourism and hospitality sector is a pillar of New York's economy; it is the state's third largest industry, supporting one in 11 private sector jobs. Visitation in New York State sustains an economic impact of $85.5 billion and generates enough in state and local taxes to save every household in the state more than $1,000 annually. Coupled with New York's engaging marketing campaigns and Governor Kathy Hochul's record-setting post-pandemic industry support programs, projects awarded funding through Market New York help to promote the state diverse regions as world-class travel destinations, sparking economic growth and creating jobs. Awardees include: Lake George Music Festival (Capital Region) – $40,000 Working Capital Grant: The Lake George Music Festival (LGMF), an internationally-recognized classical music festival, plans to use grant funds to promote a new initiative called the LGMF "Plus Pass." This summer events series promotion will market a season pass valid at the Lake George Music Festival's summer performances and events, plus several other cultural and scenic tourist attractions, increasing local and regional visitation. CNY Arts, Inc. (Central New York) – $150,000 Working Capital Grant: CNY Arts will utilize grant funds for a marketing campaign designed to promote and raise the visibility of Central New York’s Arts Community. The campaign will attract new and returning visitors to (re)discover the region and its rich cultural activities and expand their experience of the region, promoting return visits. University of Rochester/Memorial Art Gallery (Finger Lakes) – $45,000 Working Capital Grant: The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) will develop a marketing plan to attract increased visitation from within a six-hour drive of Rochester to an interactive experience exhibition, created by the internationally-recognized artist Yayoi Kusama, that will be on view at MAG from late 2023 through spring 2024. Southold Historical Society (Long Island) – $67,000 Capital Grant: Southold Historical Museum will use the funds to support the planning and implementation of a tourism marketing plan with the goal to showcase the museum's significance on a regional, national and international basis. Dia Art Foundation (Mid-Hudson) – $400,000 Capital Grant: Dia Art Foundation will use grant funds for critical renovations, including facade restoration addressing climate control/energy efficiency issues; relandscaping of an area impacting accessibility; creating more accessible gender neutral and family restrooms; and replacement of the HVAC system. Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) (Mohawk Valley) – $425,000 Capital Grant: ICAN will use funding for a second project phase which is to purchase, construct, and install museum exhibits for Utica Children’s Museum, offering learning experiences that reflect and represent the region, and elevating the museum’s profile through rebranding and website development NYCxD, Inc. (New York City) – $505,000 Working Capital Grant: NYCxDESIGN will host NYC's Annual Design Week, highlighting thousands of New York City’s creatives and design businesses by hosting events across the city’s five boroughs. The project will expand impact through new programming that will drive more visitors to New York City and target inclusive growth for local businesses. Town of Massena (North Country) – $41,000 Working Capital Grant: The Town of Massena will use grant funds to increase important branding and marketing support for major fishing tournaments, as part of the community's continuing efforts to make Massena the fishing capital of the Northeast and a worldwide tourism destination. Opera Ithaca (Southern Tier) – $75,000 Working Capital Grant: The 2023 Opera Ithaca will use the funding to plan and promote extended outreach for a special event in the Southern Tier. This event will expand upon the past marketing campaigns with an anticipated increase in overnight tourism. The Aquarium of Niagara (Western New York) – $900,000 Capital Grant, $100,000 Working Capital Grant: The Aquarium of Niagara will use the tourism capital grant to fund a portion of the construction costs to open a new cultural attraction in the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. The marketing funds will be used to directly appeal to visitors through a regionally-based, multi-pronged advertising campaign. To further support the state's tourism industry, ESD continues to accept applications for the Meet in New York and the Tourism Return-to-Work programs. The Meet In New York grant program was established to encourage the return of conferences, meetings and trade shows by covering a portion of event-based discounts; more information is available here. The Tourism Return-to-Work program provides financial assistance to tourism industry businesses that create jobs previously lost due to COVID-19 pandemic economic hardship. More information, including the program application, is available here. About the Consolidated Funding Application The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here. About the Regional Economic Development Councils The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov. About New York State New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a booming craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world's top ranked beaches; two out of America's top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation's longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; North America's longest, fastest and highest zipline; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country's longest multi-use trail. Add in the state's unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it's no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts. To help plan your next New York State vacation, visit www.iloveny.com. Contact: ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

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

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.

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.