Empire State Development Blog
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Press Release
Monday, February 4, 2019 - 4:59pm
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) today announced two important tools for successful state funding applicants. Serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties, the WNYREDC has made its “Letters of Interest” available online to those applicants interested in submitting a project for the next round of the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Economic development professionals from Empire State Development will also be traveling the five-county region to talk to potential applicants.
“The Letter of Interest will trigger a phone call from our team so that applicants can begin working with state economic development professionals to receive technical assistance and encourage successful funding applications,” said Jeff Belt, CEO of SolEpoxy and Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-chair. “Although optional, it triggers a constructive conversation before the CFA opens.”
“The Letter of Interest is an important tool for both the council and our applicants,” said Virginia Horvath, President of SUNY Fredonia and Western New Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-chair. “We’re also excited to send the ESD team on the road to each of our five counties to hear directly from potential applicants about their projects and lend assistance as applicants prepare materials for submission to the council.”
The Letter of Interest is voluntary and not a required step in the CFA process. The purpose of this outreach is to begin the process of identifying high quality CFAs earlier in the year, allowing for more time to identify priority projects and offer CFA technical assistance to applicants before the CFA deadline (not yet announced). Anyone interested in submitting a LOI must complete a brief online form here.
In addition, the WNYREDC announced that Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s economic development agency, will hold five information sessions, titled “ESD on the Road” to hear directly from communities regarding the types of issues they are facing and prospective project ideas they are considering submitting for funding through the CFA process. Through these community engagements and listening sessions, ESD is seeking to get communities thinking about the CFA process sooner, generate new project ideas, and provide technical assistance to applicants where needed on making project proposals strong and competitive. The WNYREDC encourages businesses, educational institutions, local governments, not-for-profit groups and other stakeholders to attend one of the following ESD on the Road stops:
Wednesday, February 13 - Chautauqua County
The Reg Lenna Center for The Arts – 3rd on 3rd Art Gallery
Jamestown, New York
Wednesday, February 20 - Erie County
Village of Springville Public Safety Complex
Springville, New York
Wednesday, February 27 - Allegany County
Allegany County Industrial Development Agency
Belmont, New York
Wednesday, March 6 - Niagara County
Lockport Municipal Building
Lockport, New York
Wednesday, March 13 - Cattaraugus County
Olean Business Development
Olean, New York
Learn more about each stop and RSVP here.
In the first eight rounds of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Council initiative, the Western New York region has been awarded $553.2 million in state support for 723 projects across the region.
Established in 2011 as a centerpiece of the Governor’s strategy to jumpstart the economy and create jobs, the Regional Councils replaced the state’s old top-down approach to economic development with one that is community-based and performance-driven. The initiative empowers communities, business and academic leaders, as well as members of the public in each region of the state, to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to their region’s unique strengths and resources to create jobs, improve quality of life and grow the economy.
The Western New York region’s 2011 strategic plan, “A Strategy for Prosperity,” leverages the region’s strategic advantages in key industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, bi-national logistics, energy, health & life sciences, higher education, professional services and tourism. The plan focuses on economic enablers that promote smart growth, prepare the workforce and foster a culture of entrepreneurship.
To learn more about the WNYREDC, visit http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/western-new-york.
About the Consolidated Funding Application
As part of Governor Cuomo’s efforts to improve the state’s economic development model, a NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) 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. To access the CFA, please visit https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/.
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils 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.
After eight rounds of the REDC process, more than $6.1 billion has been awarded to more than 7,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 230,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
Contact:
Pamm Lent | pamm.lent@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee | laura.magee@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Friday, February 1, 2019 - 3:36pm
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Marist College Steel Plant, a state-supported renovation and expansion of a former steel fabrication plant in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. The new facility will serve as a fine arts and fashion hub dedicated to business and career development. ESD provided $2.5 million in grants through the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) and the project has also been awarded an additional $491,000 in funding from the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap) board, which is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The project supports the success of New York’s holistic economic development strategy for revitalizing downtowns and reinforcing placemaking throughout the state.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “ESD is dedicated to repurposing old buildings for new and innovative uses, and this project run by Marist College turns a former steel plant into a vital center for the arts and fashion industries in Poughkeepsie.”
The state-of-the-art facility includes digital printing equipment, art galleries, a makerspace, advanced manufacturing space and a center for fast prototyping as well as textile creation. The building provides more than 35,000 additional square feet to the College’s fashion and art and digital media programs. Marist College invested $26 million in the project.
Marist College President David Yellen said, “Marist greatly appreciates the state’s support of this project. This new facility will be instrumental in educating the fashion and arts leaders of tomorrow with cutting-edge technology to encourage innovation.”
DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell Ph.D. said, “New York’s colleges are critical economic drivers and by administering the HECap program, we help provide more educational opportunities for our next generation of leaders. DASNY is privileged to play a role in the merging of private investment with public dollars to help make the Mid-Hudson region an attractive destination for students, faculty and staff for years to come.”
The Marist College Steel Plant received two grants through the Regional Council Capital Fund Program (RCCF), which provides funding for capital-based economic development initiatives intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business activity in a community or region. Capital grant funding from RCCF is available through the State’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which helps drive regional and local economic development across New York State in cooperation with 10 Regional Economic Development Councils.
Senator Sue Serino said, “Marist has long been a leader when it comes to innovative ways of connecting their students to businesses and economic development opportunities here in our community and the completion of this state-of-the-art project is just another way they are continuing to set the standard. This project is a great example of all that can be accomplished when the public and private sectors come together to make economic development a priority. I thank the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council for their work and for recognizing the significance of this project for our students and for our community.”
Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “The new Marist College Steel Plant is a boon for higher education in the Hudson Valley, offering a state-of-the-art home for the school’s fashion and digital art and media programs. The new campus building will help attract talented young people to our region, as well as ensure local students can receive a top-notch education and put down roots here. I’ll continue working with the governor and my Assembly colleagues to invest even more in our students and expand college affordability programs so that all our children can follow their college dreams.”
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils 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.
After eight rounds of the REDC process, more than $6.1 billion has been awarded to more than 7,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 230,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visitwww.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
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 Governor Cuomo’s 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:
Adam Kilduff | adam.kilduff@esd.ny.gov | (212) 803-3744
ESD Press Office | pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313
Report
Friday, February 1, 2019 - 2:51pm
Key Budgetary Changes Affecting Small Businesses – FY 17-18 to FY 18-19
Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - 2:00pm
Press Release
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - 2:18pm
State Investment Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the partnership between food product manufacturer LiDestri Food and Drink and Crop's N.V. of Belgium in Rochester. With support from the State, the successful companies will form a new company that will manufacture ready-to-eat-meals at a new 65,000 square-foot facility at Eastman Business Park. The partnership will result in the creation of 123 new full-time jobs over the next five years, and 900 jobs will be retained at LiDestri's two Finger Lakes region locations. In addition to the construction of the new facility, the $51.3 million project will also include the addition of manufacturing lines, a rail extension and utility upgrades.
"By investing in innovative projects and partnerships we are growing key industries across the state and creating more jobs for New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "This new partnership will continue to highlight the region's great agricultural assets and build on the efforts of the regionally designed Finger Lakes Forward plan to reinvigorate communities and generate economic growth across the entire region."
"This project will significantly expand LiDestri's manufacturing operations at the growing Eastman Business Park in Rochester," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who announced the project in Rochester as part of the State of the State and budget presentation. "With state support, the new facility will further grow the food and agriculture industry and create new jobs in the region. This investment is one of several by the state and private companies to ensure the Finger Lakes continues to be a leader in the agricultural industry."
Read the full press release here.
Report
Monday, January 28, 2019 - 4:12pm
This annual report highlights the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program's efforts and progress for the 2017 EAP contract year, from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018.
EAP Annual Report: 2017-18
Press Release
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 - 2:06pm
Empire State Development today announced $800,000 in funding has been awarded for Primo Property Management, LLC to develop a multi-phase rehabilitation of the Oneida National Bank Building, one of the most iconic and recognized structures in the heart of Utica’s downtown, returning it to its former glory. This five-story building, which currently sits vacant, will be transformed into a mixed-use facility encompassing space providing food service, retail, office, commercial, and manufacturing capabilities.
Empire State Development President and CEO Howard Zemsky said, "A vibrant downtown is key to a city’s quality of life and economic health. By restoring this iconic property, we are preserving the distinct character of the city and bringing new energy and opportunities into downtown Utica.”
The Oneida National Bank Building Project will provide a place to work, eat and be entertained under one roof in the heart of downtown Utica. The building sits directly across from the Stanley Theater and within walking distance to the Utica Memorial Auditorium, home to AHL hockey team - the Utica Comets. Plans include a competitively priced, modern restobar taking over the previous ground-level bank lobby. In addition to lunch, dinner and a full bar, the restaurant will serve as a unique venue for large and private events, weddings, parties, and more. The manufacturing section will exist as a co-packaging business, designed to outsource, produce, and manufacture products for local and regional food service establishments. The existence of this space will include an additional 20+ local jobs as well as the establishment of a space in downtown Utica to drive in businesses from all over the region.
Francis J. Pezzolanella from Primo Property Management said, “We would like to thank Empire State Development, the city of Utica and the Bank of Utica along with the community for our years of support as we push for the growth and continued revitalization of our downtown. We are excited for not only our upcoming project, but the many current and future projects bringing renewal to our city’s core.”
The project will produce 30 construction and skilled builder jobs and 60 direct new permanent jobs at completion. The project is anticipated to cost $5.5 million and is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2019.
Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "I am pleased to see that a vacant building in downtown Utica will be redeveloped, rehabilitated and reimagined and that additional jobs will be created as a result of that work. This project has the potential to have a positive impact on the City of Utica and the region, and I am looking forward to watching it progress."
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon said, “Transforming this iconic building to draw residents downtown and create jobs is exactly what Utica needs to continue to rebuild and reimage itself well into the future. This is one more creative project that continues the upward momentum that is bringing families and young people into Mohawk Valley to stay.”
“The Oneida National Bank redevelopment project is another huge step in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Utica,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “The transformation of this iconic building into a unique multi-faceted commercial, retail, residential and restaurant facility is further evidence of the explosion in growth and development of our county seat. This impactful project will lead to the creation of several new jobs and attract even more people to our community. I thank Governor Cuomo for the $800,000 Empire State Development grant that is helping to make it possible.”
Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said, “This is another example of how strong partnerships with private developers can accelerate economic development. I commend Empire State Development (ESD) for its investment in our community as this project will create new jobs and continue the revitalization and resurgence of downtown Utica.”
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 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, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | kristin.devoe@esd.ny.gov | 518-292-5107
ESD Press Office | PressOffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 - 10:49am
Investment Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Boston-based technology firm Catalant Technologies will establish engineering operations in the city of Rochester's Downtown Innovation Zone. The innovative company has committed to creating up to 45 new jobs on site over the next three years, leasing space from NextCorps located in the renovated Sibley Building. The move will support the company's expansion of its software engineering team to drive its agile operating model software. The company will begin operating in the leased space in February 2019.
"Downtown Rochester's Innovation Zone is home to some of the most talented tech companies in the industry, boosting the region's economy and attracting new businesses to the area," Governor Cuomo said. "With companies like Catalant Technologies expanding their operations in the Finger Lakes, we are helping to create new, good-paying jobs and continuing to move the Finger Lakes Forward."
"The addition to Rochester's Downtown Innovation Zone will bring another high-tech company to the area and create new jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This investment will expand Catalant Technologies' engineering operations and continue to move the Finger Lakes economy forward.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - 1:51pm
Empire State Development today announced that Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) in Utica, Oneida County, has received a $6 million Life Science Award to renovate its 5,500-square-foot basement area and increase laboratory space to continue MMRI’s translational research and develop therapeutic approaches to move more quickly into human clinical trials. This investment will also allow MMRI to continue its transformation into a 21st century interdisciplinary, translational research facility—expanding its focus to heart disease, diabetes and obesity, autoimmunity and cancer, and supporting a continued pipeline of top-notch talent and innovation that MMRI brings to the Mohawk Valley Region.
“This investment in the Masonic Medical Research Institute will expand the facility’s space and support 21st century research and development into cancer and other diseases that could help save lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today’s announcement. “MMRI’s transformation will continue to grow the industry in the area and strengthen the economy of the Mohawk Valley region.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "This investment will continue the groundbreaking and lifesaving research that is being conducted at Masonic Medical Research Institute, thanks to the world-class talent MMRI brings to the Mohawk Valley, benefiting both the region and state for generations to come.”
This funding will be used to renovate a 5,500-square-foot basement and sub-basement to increase laboratory space and accommodate up to five additional research faculty, each with the ability to recruit from four to eight additional scientists to their laboratories, totaling an additional 25 to 30 new jobs. Additionally, this space will allow for the construction of a state-of-the-art procedural suite that will facilitate MMRI to continue its groundbreaking research efforts.
Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Director of Research, Masonic Medical Research Institute said, “These resources will provide MMRI the opportunity to broaden our current cardiac research program and expand to areas outside the cardiovascular disease space, such as studying mechanisms that cause neurodegenerative disease, autoimmunity, diabetes and cancer, all in an effort to find novel treatments for these devastating ailments.”
"The support that we have received from New York State is extraordinary and has allowed us to recruit top tier faculty to the Mohawk Valley from universities like Harvard and Yale and from top research hospitals in Los Angeles and as far away as Saudi Arabia," said David Schneeweiss, Chairman of the MMRI Board of Directors. "We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Governor Cuomo and his staff at the Regional Economic Development Council in the Mohawk Valley for their steadfast support of MMRI's mission to continue to grow into a top research institute known around the world."
Currently, MMRI is engaged in a $25 million multi-year transformational project that has been identified as a priority project by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. To date, MMRI has received $950,000 in grant funding from ESD for their first and second phases to help modernize and renovate this 60-year-old, internationally renowned cardiac research center.
Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “Masonic Medical Research Institute is doing groundbreaking research and attracting top talent right here in Utica. Investing in this specialized research is vitally important to New York State’s economy, but more importantly, it enables Masonic Medical Research Institute to make major contributions to the quality of life of people all around the world."
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon said, “Masonic Medical Research Institute is bringing life-changing discoveries forward and making New York State a global leader in the life sciences sector. This funding will keep the city of Utica on the forefront of this research and help grow the economy in the Mohawk Valley.”
“This $6 million Life Science Award will continue to solidify the Masonic Medical Research Institute as a world leader in cutting edge research and innovation,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I want to thank Governor Cuomo for providing this funding and supporting the truly amazing breakthroughs in heart disease, diabetes and obesity, autoimmunity and cancer that are happening right here in Oneida County.”
Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said, “Masonic Medical Research Institute is a community gem. I commend Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for recognizing Masonic as a tremendous regional asset. These resources will go to great lengths in assisting Masonic fulfill their worthy mission.”
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 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, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov .
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | kristin.devoe@esd.ny.gov | 518-292-5107
ESD Press Office | PressOffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313