Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced its support for an ongoing expansion project at the headquarters of Monro, Inc. (Monro) in Rochester, Monroe County. ESD will provide up to $300,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the creation of up to 26 jobs at the expanded location on Holleder Parkway; 260 jobs are being retained. Already underway, the company plans to complete Phase 1 of the project later this summer. Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the company’s expansion

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Monro, Inc.’s decision to expand its Finger Lakes headquarters reflects the work we are doing to help established, successful companies grow and create jobs in this region and around New York State."

The project will be completed in two separate and distinct phases.  Phase I is primarily the construction of approximately 13,000 square-feet on two floors at the Holleder Parkway location.  This construction will allow for the addition of 12 new offices and nearly 80 workstations.  Phase II will include the renovation of existing space to allow for the addition of ten conference rooms and other enhancements aimed at attracting and retaining its highly skilled workforce.

Brian D’Ambrosia, Monro’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, “As we continue to expand our footprint to include operations in 30 states, we are pleased to also expand our Store Support Center, with economic support from Monroe County and ESD.” 

Monro has been a pioneer in the auto service industry since Charles J. “Chuck” August opened his first muffler shop in Rochester in 1957. Monro owns and operates more than 1,200 auto service and tire centers, as well as commercial auto service and wholesale tire businesses, making it one of the largest such chains in the United States. In New York State, Monro operates 151 retail stores and employs approximately 760 workers at these locations. 

State Senator Joseph Robach said, “Monro has been a staple in Rochester since 1957 and will stay that way for years to come thanks to this public-private partnership. All jobs are critically important to our economy and local workforce, so the fact that Monro is creating 26 new jobs and retaining an additional 260 is certainly cause for celebration. Thanks to all parties involved for making this a reality and keeping Monro, Inc. at Holleder Parkway.”

State Assembly Member Jamie Romeo said, " I am proud that Monro, Inc. continues to grow and expand their headquarters here in Rochester.  I look forward to their continued growth and success as one of Rochester's own. As a small business first opening their doors in Rochester in 1957, Monro, Inc. has increased its number of locations to over 1,200.  This the type of hometown business we want to support and root for. A strong locally- based small business that benefits the community and company through innovation and investment, we are proud of Monro, Inc.'s long history, and future endeavors."

Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren said, “I want to congratulate and thank Monro, Inc. for choosing to expand its headquarters right here in Rochester, continuing to provide jobs for our residents. As always, I am grateful to Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their work to retain and create jobs in Rochester through Finger Lakes Forward. Together, we are advancing our mission of creating more jobs, safer, more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for Rochester’s citizens.”

County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, "Monroe County is thrilled to support Monro, Inc. as they double down on investing in our community. We have worked with them from the very beginning of this major expansion and we look forward to their continued growth and job creation in the days to come."

Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “With offices throughout the country, we’re delighted that Monro, Inc.  chose to further invest in their headquarter location here in Rochester, NY. GRE connected the Monro, Inc. senior leadership team to economic development partners who delivered resources to help accelerate the company’s business expansion plans.”

For more information about Monro, Inc., 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. ​

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Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055

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