Applications Will Be Accepted Through September 23, 2019 Luminate NY is a Key Initiative in "Finger Lakes Forward" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Luminate NY - the world's largest business accelerator for startup firms in the optics, photonics and imaging industries - is now accepting applications for Round III of the innovative competition. Selected teams will compete for one of ten available slots in the third cohort of companies. The Luminate NY accelerator, located in Rochester, assists promising optics, photonics and imaging companies with advancing their technologies and businesses through the assistance of a six-month mentoring program. Once selected, teams will compete for follow-on funding, including a $1 million top prize; $500,000 second prize; and two $250,000 prizes that will be awarded to two teams. The Luminate NY program is funded by the transformative Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. "Luminate NY is a globally recognized competition and resource for the most promising new companies in the cutting-edge fields of optics, photonics and imaging," Governor Cuomo said. "This accelerator represents just one of the many strategic industry investments New York is making to foster new business growth and improve job opportunities as we continue working to propel the Finger Lakes economy forward." "Our business plan competitions have proven to be a catalyst for driving great ideas and job growth across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Luminate NY is part of our strategy to encourage collaboration and provide support to the growing OPI industry in the Finger Lakes region. As we begin a new round, we remain committed to embracing Rochester's spirit of innovation to deliver ambitious plans focused on the future." Read the complete press release here. 

Doyle Hardware Building Capital Project

Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that soft-sided bag manufacturer Fieldtex Products has outgrown its current space in Henrietta and will move its operations up the road to a 129,000 square-foot facility located at 2921 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road that is currently owned by Alleson Athletics.  Fieldtex will be acquiring the building. Alleson Althletics, a sports gear company, is significantly reducing its workforce at that location and Fieldtex hopes to employ some of the workers who will be left displaced as a result. Fieldtex expects to complete the expansion project in the first quarter of 2020 and is planning to hire up to 51 new employees over the next five years;205 jobs will be retained thanks to the state’s investment in the successful business. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Fieldtex’s decision to expand in Monroe County, creating new jobs and opportunity, reflects New York State’s commitment to growing the Finger Lakes economy.” Fieldtex is a family-owned business that is divided into three divisions. The company manufactures soft-sided cases, bags and harnesses for military, health, school and sports markets.  They also assemble first-aid kits and administer medicare Part C, OTC drug fulfillment programs.  Originally established in 1843 as the J.E. Field Company, which manufactured awnings and tents, the Abbey family purchased the company in 1973. Fieldtex started on Elton Street in southeast Rochester before moving to Henrietta 20 years ago.  The company has many long-standing supply relationships with several top companies and organizations such as Harris Communication Systems,  the U.S Coast Guard and Gateway Health. Jonathon L. Abbey, Vice President of Fieldtex said, “Fieldtex is excited to be expanding in Rochester and looking forward to adding new employees to our team in the years ahead.” In order to facilitate the further expansion of this storied company, ESD will provide up to $500,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job creation commitments. Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the project. The total cost of the expansion has been placed at $6.5 million. State Senator Patrick Gallivan said, "The decision by Fieldtex Products to stay and expand in Henrietta speaks to the commitment this family-owned business has made to our community.  The company’s investment will retain existing jobs and create new opportunities for residents who want to live in the Rochester area.  New York’s support of this expansion sends a positive message that the Finger Lakes Region is a good place to start and grow a business.” State Assembly Member Harry Bronson said, "The growth and expansion of a local company is a promising sign of community's economic momentum. I applaud the Fieldtex team for providing employment opportunities for our talented workforce, and I thank the Governor and Empire State Development for their work to make this exciting news a reality." Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, "Monroe County is proud to support Fieldtex Products, which is expanding and creating 51 new jobs in Henrietta. Our community continues to be a hub of advanced manufacturing, leveraging the talented local workforce and unique amenities offered here. I thank the Fieldtex team for their investment and look forward to working with them to create more jobs for many years to come!" Henrietta Town Supervisor Steve Schultz said, “I would like to congratulate Fieldtex  on the company’s  continued success in the  Town of Henrietta. We are always excited when an established company is able to repurpose an existing building, thus helping preserve greenspace in the Town. The growth of medical manufacturing in the area is a testament to the great educational institutions we have in the area and the strong expertise of our local workforce.” Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “We are pleased Fieldtex Products, Inc. chose to expand its operations in Rochester, NY and leverage the talent as well as facilities uniquely available here to accelerate the company’s growth.” For more information about Fieldtex, click here. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.1 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here. ​   Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313