Empire State Development news and press releases
See all the official press releases from Empire State Development.
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Blog Post
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 1:58pm
As our digital lives become increasingly complex, proving who we are online can feel like a full-time job. Until a simpler, more secure solution comes along, our digital identities – padlocked by inadequate passwords on massive servers with hundreds of millions of other identities – will remain at risk.
For Token, a New York startup with deep roots in Rochester’s revitalized technology community, the answer is to put the only key a consumer will need right back in their hands.
With early and critical financial help from the state while participating in Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) Venture Creations incubator, Token created a sleek, sophisticated, wear-it-and-forget-it ring that proves its wearer’s identity with a simple tap or wave, a game-changing category in wearable devices. Most wearables available on the market now are simply trackers that interact or communicate with other digital devices, usually through WiFi; this is the first wearable that solves an entirely new problem.
Report
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 11:17am
As required by statute, these reports contain the status of economic development programs administered by Empire State Development. Funding for the projects listed herein was approved by ESD during Fiscal Year 2018-19.
Quarterly Status Report - First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2018-2019
Quarterly Status Report - Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2018-2019
Quarterly Status Report - Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2018-2019
Public Notice
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 11:00am
Port of Albany Big Lift Capital Project
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