Empire State Development news and press releases
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Press Release
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - 11:24am
Landmark Partnership Creates Largest Investment in a Manufacturing Project in New York State History; the New Megafab Will Create Nearly 50,000 Jobs, Plus Thousands of Prevailing Wage Construction Jobs
With Schumer's Historic Federal CHIPS and Science Act As the Fuse, and Utilizing New York's Innovative Green CHIPS Legislation, Micron Will Build Largest Clean Room in Nation; Agreement Establishes $500 Million Community Fund and Prioritizes Hiring for Disadvantaged Communities, Veterans, MWBE Contractors and Will Make Groundbreaking Commitments to Sustainability
Reps: This Is Our Erie Canal Moment — Micron's Investment Will Ensure the Future Is Made in America and Will Redefine Upstate NY's Role in the Global Economy for Generations To Come
Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra today announced one of the largest economic development projects in U.S. history — a transformational public-private partnership with Micron Technology to build a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing campus in Onondaga County, New York.
Micron, a U.S.-based memory and storage manufacturer and the fourth-largest producer of semiconductors in the world, will invest up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years to construct the project, with the first phase investment of $20 billion planned by the end of this decade, creating nearly 50,000 jobs statewide — 9,000 new high-paying Micron jobs with an average annual salary of over $100,000 and over 40,000 community jobs — and create thousands and thousands of prevailing wage construction jobs. When complete, the complex will include the nation's largest clean room space at approximately 2.4 million square feet, the size of nearly 40 football fields.
This is another step for Micron to establish leading-edge memory manufacturing in the U.S. to meet the demand of consumer, industrial, and business products such as automotive and mobile, fueled by the adoption of artificial intelligence and 5G and make the United States more globally competitive. Modern manufacturing jobs at Micron will include opportunities for New Yorkers of varying educational and professional backgrounds from Central New York and beyond. This historic investment adds to New York's already robust semiconductor industry. New York is currently home to 76 semiconductor companies that employ over 34,000 New Yorkers, including global industry leaders like GlobalFoundries, Wolfspeed, onsemi, and IBM. New York is also home to the world-renowned Albany Nanotech Complex, which is a multibillion-dollar public-private partnership, comprising the most advanced, publicly owned, 300-millimeter semiconductor research and development facility and bringing together premier universities and leading industry players to drive cutting-edge chip development.
Central New York saw major American manufacturers and thousands of good jobs disappear when Agway Inc., Anaren Microwave, Carrier, Crucible, General Electric, Miller Brewing and General Motors closed their doors. Micron is bringing future-ready manufacturing back to Central New York by building a state-of-the-art memory chip manufacturing campus on 1,400 acres in the White Pine Commerce Park in the Town of Clay, north of Syracuse, creating economic opportunities for generations to come and returning good manufacturing jobs to Upstate New York. Micron will become one of the largest employers in the region, paying nearly double the average wage of Central New York.
Consistent with New York State's nation-leading Green CHIPS Act, Micron will draw its electricity from 100 percent renewable sources and make far reaching sustainability commitments. Micron will also implement a half-billion-dollar community investment framework to ensure that the project benefits the people and communities of Central New York.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, October 3, 2022 - 2:56pm
Green Energy Company Plans to Create up to 250 Jobs at Its First U.S. Plant
State Funds Will Help Construct Battery Technology and Manufacturing Facility Supporting the Domestic Innovation and Commercialization of Next-Generation Battery Production
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Electrovaya, Inc., a producer of lithium-ion batteries for transportation and utility storage, has selected the Town of Ellicott in Chautauqua County as the location for its first U.S. plant. The publicly traded company will create its newest production facility, generating up to 250 jobs and, when fully operational, producing over a GWh of batteries annually. The investment supports the broader New Energy New York initiative, whose goal is to create a National Hub for Battery Innovation and Manufacturing.
"New York State continues to play a leading role in the research and development of advanced, cutting-edge, and innovative energy technologies," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to state resources, Electrovaya is bringing up to 250 jobs to Chautauqua County and deepening New York's involvement in the growing clean energy sector. The race is on to capture the high-paying jobs that come with clean tech, and there is no place like New York for these manufacturers to grow, operate, and thrive."
The company will set up operations at 1 Precision Way in an effort to tap into the robust lithium-ion battery demand for e-forklifts, e-trucks and e-buses. Electrovaya selected this southern Chautauqua County facility after determining it as the best location for the company to provide services to its growing customer base in the United States, given its skilled labor force and available renewable electricity amongst other advantages.
CEO of Electrovaya Dr. Raj Das Gupta said, "As the United States and world enter an unprecedented phase of growth for electric vehicles and electro-mobility, lithium-ion batteries and the components within them are crucial for the industry's success. Electrovaya is proud to be bringing our sustainable technologies and approaches to New York State, as Electrovaya's first United States-based commercial facility. The facility will produce lithium-ion cells and modules, critical components for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries. We are pleased to support the creation of high-quality jobs in Chautauqua County and look forward to our continued growth in Western New York."
Electrovaya Inc. with industry-leading performance and substantial intellectual property, is a leader in the global energy transformation, focused on contributing to the prevention of climate change through supplying safe and long lasting lithium ion batteries. Electrovaya designs, develops and manufactures proprietary lithium-ion batteries, battery systems and battery-related products for energy storage, clean electric transportation and other specialized applications.
Empire State Development (ESD) is assisting the project with up to $4 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program and $2.5 million in Regional Council Capital Funding to establish this production and manufacturing facility for lithium-ion batteries at a former manufacturing facility, leveraging the creation of 250 new jobs and the production of 1GWh of battery and energy storage devices over the next five years. In July, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees approved a more than 1.5-megawatt low-cost hydropower allocation to Jamestown under the Power Authority's Industrial Economic Development program to meet the increased electric load resulting from Electrovaya's Town of Ellicott expansion. The initial cost for the facility has been placed at approximately $75 million, and it is expected to open in the fall of 2023.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Electrovaya's decision to establish a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Chautauqua County marks another significant step towards reaching Governor Hochul's aggressive clean energy goals. By supporting this emerging sector, New York State is creating hundreds of jobs, while also growing our global leadership in the energy storage and advanced battery industries."
Read the full press release here.
Report
Monday, October 3, 2022 - 2:51pm
This report serves as the September 2022 quarterly update to the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program Report.
COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program Report - September 2022 Update
Report
Monday, October 3, 2022 - 2:47pm
The Restaurant Return-To-Work Tax Credit Program incentivized COVID-impacted restaurants to bring restaurant staff back to work and to increase hiring at NYS restaurants.
View Report
Press Release
Monday, October 3, 2022 - 2:25pm
Fund will Stabilize At-Risk Buildings for Commercial Use and Redevelopment
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now open for a second round of the $5 million East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund in Buffalo. The fund is helping to protect the community fabric of East Buffalo, making sure that challenged buildings are maintained for prospective future uses, reversing a decades-long practice of incremental demolition of historic building stock. Applications for the program, which is administered by Preservation Buffalo Niagara, are due December 3, 2022 and available here.
"With this Fund, we are taking steps to address decades of neglect in East Buffalo and standing by our commitment to doing right by this community," Governor Hochul said. "The East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund will allow for much-needed renovations at historic buildings to restore the neighborhood and bring bustling commercial activity back to this community. I encourage businesses to apply and be a part of the revitalization of East Buffalo."
This additional round will provide opportunities for grants up to $150,000 to cover 90 percent of costs to stabilize legacy commercial buildings that are at risk for future emergency demolition, pending efforts for full restoration or rehabilitation. Property owners are required to contribute 10 percent of the total project costs. This will preserve East Buffalo's unique history, character, and sense of place in its architecture and urban design, and more so, preserve future opportunities for small business development in such buildings, which is substantially more feasible in existing structures compared to new building construction.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The East Side Commercial Building Stabilization Fund helps ensure the physical fabric of East Buffalo is as strong as the community spirit of its residents. Providing adequate support and maintenance of neighborhood structures can lead to the revitalization of commercial districts, spur development and strengthen the local economy."
Preservation Buffalo Niagara Executive Director Jessie Fisher said, "We know that investing in our legacy commercial buildings is part of any successful neighborhood rehabilitation strategy. We are so grateful for New York State in making this investment in the East Side of Buffalo."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Friday, September 30, 2022 - 5:13pm
Finalists Will Meet in Buffalo, Vying for One of Five $1 Million Investments
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 15 finalists for the eighth edition of 43North's annual startup competition. The finalists will meet in Buffalo at the end of October to pitch their ideas in the hopes of securing $1 million and gain the opportunity to grow their business in Buffalo - one of the nation's fastest-growing tech hubs. Most of the finalists originate from across the United States, with one coming from as far as the United Kingdom. They cover a wide array of industries, including but not limited to health tech, financial services, and clean tech.
"Since its launch in 2014, 43North has created a new epicenter of technology and innovation in Buffalo," Governor Hochul said. "The success of 43North has sent a message to entrepreneurs around the world - New York State is home to the jobs of the future. I am proud to announce the 15 finalists of this year's 43North competition and look forward to welcoming them to the energized startup community that is Buffalo."
To narrow down the contenders to the top 15 companies, 43North implemented an extensive diligence process that began in July 2022. The process was led by Kevin Siskar, Vice President of Portfolio and Selection at 43North, who, along with more than 80 judges, reviewed hundreds of applications, met with founders, and made recommendations on selection.
The competition is part of New York State's $37.04 million Buffalo Billion initiative with funding supported by the New York Power Authority. This year, in addition to shifting to five $1 million awards, 43North also shared news of new production elements including live music from Buffalo's very own local band Farrow that will accompany the Finals program.
Over the past seven years, 43North has invested in a diverse, industry agnostic portfolio of 59 companies, 44% of which have founders of color and 28% having female founders. Earlier this year, 43North reported that its portfolio companies had collectively created more than 1,000 jobs in Western New York. Over 60% of 43North's portfolio maintains a material presence in Buffalo.
43North Finals is free to attend, but registration is required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free tickets for 43North Finals taking place on October 20 at 6pm ET at Shea's Performing Arts Center can be reserved at 43North.org.
43North President Colleen E. Heidinger said, "We're excited to reach this milestone in our selection process and eagerly await the opportunity to get to know these 15 companies as they make their way to Buffalo. These next phases in the judging process are pivotal and thrilling steps which give our community an opportunity to get in on the action as we get down to selecting our year eight cohort."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - 3:52pm
Transparent Ceramic Manufacturer Adds 4,000-Square-Feet to its Buffalo Facility Creating 17 New Jobs
Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced that transparent ceramic manufacturer Surmet Corp. has expanded its 75,000-square-foot facility at 699 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo by more than 4,000 square-feet to house new ceramics processing equipment. The company also invested in new production furnaces and renovations to the existing facility. As a result of the $14.5 million project, the manufacturer has committed to creating up to 17 new jobs in the next three to five years. The company is about to be fully operational at the expanded facility.
“Surmet’s expanded ceramics facility marks an important milestone for Western New York, and adds to the region’s momentum as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “The project reflects Buffalo’s ability to grow its most successful companies and support the industries that will power New York’s economic future.”
“Niagara hydropower is the backbone of economic development in Western New York, acting as a catalyst for billions of dollars in capital investments and tens of thousands of jobs in the region,” said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “The Surmet expansion is impactful news for the area, delivering good-paying jobs and demonstrating Surmet’s commitment to Buffalo.”
Surmet Corp. was founded in 1982 with a commitment to provide cost effective advanced material solutions to its industrial customers with a focus on next generation machines, systems, and applications. Surmet has been a leader in commercializing and scaling up manufacturing of advanced material components, based on critical, innovative R&D carried out in its own state-of-the-art labs.
Surmet operates facilities in three states—Massachusetts, New York and California—and is providing specialized capabilities in ceramics processing, precision polishing, advanced coatings, and surface treatments. Surmet has been in this Buffalo facility since 2002.
“We are excited about this expansion to establish a vertically integrated capability to manufacture transparent ceramic products and to have an opportunity to create new manufacturing jobs in Buffalo,” said Dr. Santosh Jha, Director of Operations at Surmet. “Surmet also thanks all its vendors and local authorities for their help and support in completing this project.”
Best known for its ALON® Transparent Ceramic (also known as Transparent Aluminum), Surmet is a pioneer in other advanced technologies including IR optics materials, optical coatings, precision optics fabrication, lightweight transparent armor design and solutions, and other related products. ALON is the hardest polycrystalline transparent ceramic material there is and has been shown to stop multiple 50 caliber armor piercing (AP) rounds (see video demonstration here.) In addition to high hardness and strength, ALON possesses good chemical resistance and high temperature resistance. Surmet manufactures and supplies high quality ALON® components to military and industrial customers in sizes as large as 18 inches by 35 inches and in large quantities. Surmet also supplies ALON domes and windows for infrared optics applications including IR guided missiles, sensor, and reconnaissance pods for both ground vehicles and helicopters/aircraft.
ESD is assisting Surmet Corp. with the project by providing up $675,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for job creation commitments. The firm also benefits from 640 kilowatts of low-cost Niagara hydropower in return for its commitment to create jobs and invest capital. Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County. Niagara hydropower is linked to tens of thousands of existing jobs in the region.
For additional information about Surmet Corp., visit http://www.surmet.com/.
Senator Sean Ryan said, “Using the low-cost hydropower generated by the Niagara River to invest in good-paying jobs like the ones created by Surmet’s expansion is the exact type of high-road economic development that we need to focus on in Western New York. Leveraging our great natural resources to bring quality jobs to Buffalo is an essential part of our efforts to ensure a strong economic future for our region.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Through all of the progression and successful injection of economic development through the past decade, Buffalo remains a manufacturing hub at its core. Surmet Corp.’s commitment to Buffalo is the latest example of our region’s ability to attract the right kinds of businesses that can create good-paying job for local residents. The renovations undertaken by Surmet will allow for expanded operations, and in turn, will further cement the company’s imprint in WNY.”
City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “I congratulate Surmet Corporation on its $14.5 million expansion project at its Hertel Avenue facility in Buffalo. This milestone, combined with support from Empire State Development and the New York Power Authority, reinforces the company’s commitment to create new jobs over the next few years and sends a positive message about our City’s skilled workforce and ongoing efforts to revitalize our economy.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “This expansion by a major manufacturer represents a commitment by a company that is helping to create good-paying jobs for people who live in our community. The upgrades being made to this facility is a significant contribution to our region’s innovative economic advancement. I applaud everyone involved with helping to make this project come to fruition.”
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
Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - 2:00pm
New York Convention Center Development Corporation’s Directors Meeting
Jacob K. Javits Center
655 West 34th Street – Board Room
New York, New York 10001
The meeting is open to the public.
The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Please Note:
Due to Jacob K. Javits Convention Center building procedures, those attending must RSVP by 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 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 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will posted on-line.
Press Release
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 - 1:27pm
LIIF Funding Plus Additional State Investment Represents $40 Million To Expand Life Sciences Economy on Long Island
Combined 60,000 Square Feet of Transformed Space Supports Medical and Infectious Disease Research
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the $350 million Long Island Investment Fund awarded its first grant to the The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research to construct 40,000 square feet of new state-of-the-art labs to support medical and infectious disease research. The $10 million Long Island Investment Fund grant complements an additional $30 million in State support previously awarded to the Feinstein Institutes to modernize 20,000 square feet of its Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, which Governor Hochul opened today. New York State's assistance is part of an $85 million modernization effort at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, Nassau County, and a broader initiative to highlight the growing life science industry on Long Island. The Feinstein Institutes is the research arm of Northwell Health and is one of the leading laboratory and research centers in the country, conducting cutting-edge studies that seek to cure diseases.
"New York is leading the way in medical innovation, and the Long Island Investment Fund will support life-saving research on the cutting edge of the life sciences industry," Governor Hochul said. "Our investment in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine is already improving the lives of everyday New Yorkers, and the additional Long Island Investment Fund award announced today reaffirms our commitment to remaining a national leader in the health and medical research fields. I am proud to support the Feinstein Institutes and their research, which will lead to life-changing medicine and treatments that will improve the lives of New Yorkers on Long Island and across the State."
Included as part of Governor Hochul's FY 2023 Enacted Budget, the Long Island Investment Fund focuses on projects that will support and grow the regional economy, enhance communities, and have lasting economic impacts across Long Island. The Fund's $10 million award to the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research will support the renovation and construction of 26 new state-of-the-art research labs on two floors as well as the hiring of 10 new principal investigators and 60 research employees. These modernized labs will advance research efforts to develop novel therapies for cancer, diabetes, obesity, lupus, and other conditions
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Long Island Investment Fund represents a strategic investment to further enhance the region as a powerhouse for the life sciences industry, which is an important driver of New York State's economy. The Feinstein Institutes play a critical role in life-changing medical discoveries and therapeutics that can improve our everyday lives. ESD is proud to support the growth of visionary life sciences companies like the Feinstein Institutes, whose work is crucial to building a healthier and stronger Empire State."
Read the full press release here.
Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 - 11:00am
The meeting is open to the public.
The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Please Note:
Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by Noon on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Committee Members prior to the meeting and will posted on-line.