Empire State Development news and press releases

Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that photonics manufacturer Sydor Technologies, a global provider of advanced x-ray detectors and diagnostic instrumentation for the energy, research, and defense industries, will establish its new headquarters and manufacturing operations in the Village of Fairport, Monroe County. The relocation will include the purchase and renovation of a 41,000 square-foot building at 78 Schuyler Baldwin Drive. The project will include the installation of manufacturing equipment, research and development labs and clean room space. As a result of the expansion, Sydor Technologies plans to double its workforce. To assist the company, ESD has offered up to $900,000 through the Excelsior Tax Credit Program which is linked to the creation of up 36 new jobs over the next five years; 23 jobs will be retained. Monroe County is also providing incentives for the project. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Sydor Technologies decision to continue to grow its operations in Monroe County speaks to the strength of the local workforce and the area’s reputation as a global photonics industry leader." Founded in 2004, Sydor Technologies provides custom products for high speed imaging and diagnostics. The company is also commercializing new technology developed in partnership with national laboratories and universities including the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics. Sydor Technologies President and CEO, Michael Pavia said, “This is another big step for our company as we continue to grow and service our global customers with new and innovative products.  Having a world class facility right here in Rochester is critical to our future.  Rochester has always been home to the Optics, Photonics, and Imaging industry and we are happy to be part of that legacy and its continued growth.  I would like to thank Governor Cuomo, the University of Rochester/LLE, NYS Empire State Development and Imagine Monroe for recognizing the importance of this project and providing the necessary support for us to be successful.” “I want to thank Governor Cuomo and New York State for supporting and investing in the future of Sydor Technologies,” said Mike Campbell, Director of the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics. “Sydor is a key partner in support of our efforts to strengthen national security and spur scientific innovation. This is another great example of public-private partnerships between the University, business and government that is fueling the Finger Lakes region’s optics, photonics and imaging industry.” The regionally designed Finger Lakes Forward plan identified the optics, photonics and imaging industries (OPI) as being a crucial part of the regions economic future. Not only is the region home to the AIM Photonics Testing, Assembly and Production facility, but to the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, the Rochester Institute of Technology and to over 100 local OPI companies. State Senator Rich Funke said, “The announcement from Sydor Technologies is most certainly another win for our region, one that will provide additional opportunities for our growing workforce right here in New York State. The tremendous boost in our high-tech industry throughout the Rochester and Finger Lakes region is reflective of the highly skilled individuals who live here.  As the senator who chairs New York State’s Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee and also serves as a member of the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee, I remain committed to listening to the needs of businesses and supporting them in our work to grow our economy.” State Assemblyman Mark Johns said, “I am thrilled to see Sydor Technologies continued investment in the Finger Lakes region. The expansion in Monroe County will bring more high-tech full-time jobs to the area over the next five years, providing more opportunities for area residents.” County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, “It was an honor to recognize Sydor Technologies in my recent State of the County Address because the company is a great example of a local employer that chose to grow more jobs right here at home with Monroe County’s help. I thank Sydor for their continued commitment to doing business in Monroe County and I appreciate their latest investment in local jobs and our economy.” 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 $5.2 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 | Shari.Voorhees-Vincent@esd.ny.gov | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313

Investment in Downtown Binghamton Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD), through the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, today announced its support for the transformative, Ansco Camera Factory mixed-use development project in Binghamton, Broome County. Up to  $2 million will be provided for the buildings’ adaptive reuse through the Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative.  The project will see the former factory repurposed into 100 market-rate lofts and it will feature 85,000 square-feet of commercial space. The $22 million historic rehabilitation will serve as the anchor development for the First Ward District in the City of Binghamton, connecting the central business district, Westside and Southern Tier Health Sciences and Innovation Park in Johnson City. The project is expected to be completed in late spring 2019. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Turning a former camera factory into a vibrant mixed-use space that will become an anchor for revitalizing and connecting Binghamton’s central business district is an example of New York’s strategic approach to economic development, a lens through which we envision new uses for historic buildings in the Southern Tier and throughout Upstate.” The four-story factory, located on Emma Street, is historically associated with two of Binghamton’s most important industries in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the cigar manufacturing trade and the camera and film industry. The building was originally designed and construction in 1927 for the General Cigar Company but it was the nationally prominent Ansco Camera and Film Company that ran its manufacturing operations in the building from 1937 until the company closed its doors in 1977. The building is a significant landmark in Binghamton with its prominent water tower a long-time feature of the skyline. Matthew Paulus, President of Paulus Development said, “Our vision is to preserve and celebrate the great history of a community landmark in the Southern Tier. We believe the project will build upon the exciting revitalization efforts currently underway in the region.” Paulus Development similarly repurposed the former R.E. Dietz Lantern Factory in Syracuse – a project that features loft style market-rate apartments and commercial space.  In fact, this rehabilitation project was selected to receive the award for “Excellence in Historic Preservation” From the Preservation League of New York State. The company was presented with the award in a ceremony held in New York City last month. Southern Tier REDC Co-Chairs Tom Tranter, President & CEO of Corning Enterprises and Harvey Stenger, President of Binghamton University said, “The Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative is truly working to empower community, business, and academic leaders, as well as members of the public to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to the region's unique strengths and resources in order to create jobs, improve quality of life and grow the economy.” Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “The adaptive reuse of historic buildings like the Ansco Camera Factory preserves our local history while rebuilding our neighborhoods. It is also central to the region’s Innovation District plan, connecting the Binghamton and Johnson City iDistricts. We envisioned projects like this when the region applied for and won the Upstate Revitalization Competition. I’d like to thank all of the partners for their commitment to the Southern Tier’s efforts to reimagine older industrial sites as new community anchors.” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “The repurposing of the Ansco Camera Factory supports our efforts to build the Greater Binghamton Innovation Ecosystem through targeted, strategic investments throughout Broome County and within the iDistricts as outlined in the Southern Tier Soaring plan.  We are grateful to Paulus Development for investing in the limitless potential in the region, further strengthening and propelling our region’s growing economy.” Binghamton Mayor Rich David said, “This development will rehabilitate a historic landmark and create a First Ward neighborhood anchor to support existing businesses and attract and retain young professionals. In Binghamton, we’re bringing new jobs and economic development by investing in neighborhoods and creating new housing options. We thank Governor Cuomo, Empire State Development and our state partners for their belief in this transformative project. The City, County and State all worked together to make this plan a reality.” Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring  Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $4.6 billion in the region since 2012 to lay for groundwork for the plan – attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. 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 Binghamton, Johnson City and Corning as a destination in which to grow and invest. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring 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 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here.   Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | Shari.Voorhees-Vincent@esd.ny.gov | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313

Restoration Center Industrial Project Public Hearing Notice