Empire State Development news and press releases

Managed Services / ERP Software Provider Will Move to Larger Facility and Create and Retain Close to 60 Jobs Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that ComTec Solutions will expand operations in the Town of Gates, Monroe County and will create up to 24 new jobs over the next five years; 33 jobs will be retained.  The technology service provider which specializes in IT Managed Services, Epicor ERP, cloud hosting, cloud backup, and disaster recovery has purchased a new building located at 65 Elmgrove Park to accommodate the project.  In addition to the building purchase, ComTec Solutions is also investing in renovations and furniture, fixtures, and equipment at the new location. The company expects to be operational in the new facility sometime in the first quarter of 2020. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler said, “ComTec Solutions’ expansion in Monroe County will create high quality new jobs and further boost the Finger Lakes region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, reflecting the success of our strategic support for growing the Upstate economy.” ComTec Solutions has been in business since 1995 and has locations in both Gates and in East Berlin, Connecticut. The company’s core focus is in IT Managed Services and Epicor ERP focusing on their customers' business objectives. ComTec Solutions President Rob Moyer said, “We are proud to be expanding our operation right here in Rochester, NY.  As a technology company, we certainly have many options of growing our workforce, including the remote employee model that many technology companies adopt.  Although we augment our staff with remote employees when necessary, we are a firm believer that our brick-and-mortar approach that leverages the excellent talent of our local workforce as well as the high caliber of local technology schools such as RIT is what has made us so successful over the years.  We appreciate our partnership with New York State, Monroe County, Greater Rochester Enterprise, and M&T Bank and all the help they have provided to make this project possible.” ESD is assisting this innovative company with its continued growth by providing up to $300,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job creation commitments. The total project cost has been placed at $2.225 million. Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also providing support for the expansion project. State Senator Joe Robach said, “ComTec Solutions expansion is more great news for our skilled workforce and local economy. It is exciting to see local companies not only growing in Rochester and staying in Rochester, but also utilizing the talent that is cultivated at our area colleges and universities, keeping those young professionals in our community. As a member of the Finger Lakes Forward team, it is great to see jobs being created and retained in our region.” State Assemblyman Peter Lawrence said, “Monroe County continues to lead the way in this new technology-based economy and today’s announcement is another example of how we are retaining our workforce and cultivating new growth in a competitive industry. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and my partners in government for providing the resources and support to ComTec Solutions for their continued investment in our community.” Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “ComTec Solutions, a rapidly growing information technology company, will continue to expand in the Greater Rochester, NY region thanks to the quality of the local talent supporting our growing software development sector, strategic regional partners and affordable cost of doing business. Company leaders also leveraged competitive business intelligence resources available through Greater Rochester Enterprise’s economic gardening program to accelerate ComTec Solutions’ business plan.” For additional information about ComTec Solutions, 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

Work by Brine Wells Development LLC on historic hotel begins with 2021 reopening planned Renderings Available Here USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) today announced that the Hotel Niagara restoration has begun. The Hotel Niagara is the oldest standing hotel in Niagara Falls and retains much of the architectural integrity that once made it an iconic piece of the city’s skyline. The approximately $42 million project will transform the property into a full-service, 160-room "upper-upscale" hotel with restaurants, lounges and banquet facilities. USAN, an Empire State Development (ESD) subsidiary, has a development agreement with Brine Wells Development LLC for the restoration. Brine Wells will secure state/federal historic preservation tax credits worth a projected $10.6 million for the project, making it the largest historic rehabilitation project ever in the City of Niagara Falls. The hotel is expected to reopen in 2021. Renderings are available here. "The rebirth of the Hotel Niagara is part of our continuing efforts to transform Niagara Falls, create jobs, and draw more visitors to Western New York," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who spoke at today’s event. "Through strategic investment, we are bringing new economic activity to the city while at the same time restoring a historic landmark. This is an important day for the future of Niagara Falls." "The Hotel Niagara is a true gem in Niagara Falls and Brine Wells is thrilled to finally begin its restoration," said Brine Wells Development LLC Managing Member Ed Riley. "This historic property deserves to be brought back to life and we intend to restore it, so it remains an iconic property for centuries to come. I thank Governor Cuomo, USAN and the City of Niagara Falls for their commitment to this project and working with Brine Wells to get this restoration project off the ground." "It was not so long ago that a project of this magnitude in our downtown corridor would have been unimaginable," said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster. "It is because of Governor Cuomo’s leadership that projects like the historic renovation of one of our city’s most iconic properties are not only possible, but taking shape before our very eyes. Thanks to our state partners and Brine Wells Development, the Hotel Niagara will once again stand as a symbol of prosperity in our city and raise the bar for the hospitality and tourism industry for generations to come." Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced in July 2017 that Brine Wells was designated as "preferred developer" for the restoration of the Hotel Niagara on Centennial Circle in downtown Niagara Falls, New York. Since that time, the developer has been completing its due diligence, finishing design work, securing approvals, structuring financing and negotiating the development agreement with USAN. Brine Wells will receive an ESD economic development incentive of $3.5 million upon completion of the project. The project will employ 150 direct, full-time equivalent (FTE) construction jobs and 67 direct, full-time equivalent (FTE) permanent jobs. The Hotel Niagara property was acquired by USAN in July 2016 with $4.4 million in Buffalo Billion funds. Brine Wells Development’s plans will restore the lobby and related spaces to a quality level consistent with the property’s original design and restore the main ballroom to its original 1920s condition. An on-site, full-service restaurant will focus on local foods and New York State wines, to be complimented by a lounge also equipped with sidewalk patio facilities. Other amenities include private meeting and dining rooms, a gift shop and exercise facilities. A new roof top terrace lounge is also part of the project. Brine Wells Development has worked with the New York State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service and has secured his approvals for a design that will fully maintain the historic integrity of the building. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, "Niagara Falls is witnessing a transformation thanks to Governor Cuomo and his commitment to the city and its tourism-based economy. As we break ground to return the Hotel Niagara to its former glory, we are making significant progress to ensure the region remains a world-class tourist destination." NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "With 9 million visitors a year coming to Niagara Falls, the ability to offer a variety of lodging options is vital. We know that many travelers appreciate the option of staying in a historic hotel, so I thank Governor Cuomo for providing assistance for the Hotel Niagara and adding to the portfolio of special places to stay in Niagara Falls." The first rehabilitation of a historic hotel in the City of Niagara Falls, the project will restore the building’s finishes, architectural details and design elements to the original intent and offer its guests high quality service. Built in 1924, the 12-story Hotel Niagara was among the city’s finest lodging and banquet establishments and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although it has long held a prominent spot in the downtown Niagara Falls skyline, decades of deferred maintenance, neglect and multiple changes in ownership resulted in the property’s degradation and eventual vacancy. The Hotel Niagara’s final iteration, a Travelodge, closed in 2007. Brine Wells Development previously completed a similar transformation of the 95-year-old Hotel Syracuse in Syracuse, New York. That $75 million project resulted in the Marriott Syracuse, a complete rehabilitation into a full-service, four-diamond facility with 261 guestrooms, two historic ballrooms, an IACC certified conference space, six food and beverage venues and a completely restored lobby. That property opened in August 2016. Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, "Many memories have been made at the Hotel Niagara since it opened in the 1920s and today, as its restoration begins, memories will continue to be made for years to come. I thank Governor Cuomo, USAN and Brine Wells for their respect to this grand hotel’s history and dedication to seeing the Hotel Niagara restored to its proper use once again." About USA Niagara Development Corporation USAN, a subsidiary of Empire State Development, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in downtown Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls.  For more information, visit https://esd.ny.gov/usa-niagara-development-corporation-6. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313