Empire State Development news and press releases

Electronic Contract Manufacturer Constructing 55,000 Square-Foot Production Facility: Growth Will Create and Retain More Than 40 Jobs Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced electronics contract manufacturer Pace Electronics, having outgrown its current space, will expand its operations in the Town of Williamson, Wayne County and construct a new 55,000 square-foot facility. The expansion will allow the company to create 15 new jobs; 28 jobs will be retained. ESD is assisting the project with up to $250,000 in Excelsior Tax Credits. The total project cost was placed $4 million. Pace has teamed with regional commercial General Contractor, Taylor – The Builders, for design and construction of the expansion. Estimated completion of the project is slated for the 4th Quarter of 2021. The Wayne County Industrial Development Agency and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the project. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “While Pace Electronics has a global reach, this successful company decided to expand in the Finger Lakes based on the region’s top-tier tech and manufacturing talent. The Wayne County project will create new, high-quality jobs that further support New York State’s commitment to growing both the regional and state economy.”  Founded in 1969, Pace Electronics works with clients in the medical, industrial controls, automotive, and emergency lighting and safety product industries worldwide. In addition to the Wayne County location, the company, which sources electronic components from the pacific rim, maintains manufacturing facilities in China and Malaysia, a liaison office in Hong Kong and an additional warehouse facility located in San Diego, California.  Pace Electronics has been named to the Fortune 500 list of the100 Best Workplaces for Women. Women in fact represent half of the company’s workforce, while 67% percent of company executives are women. Dawn Smith has served as Pace Electronics’ Chief Executive Officer since 2012. Pace Electronics CEO Dawn Smith said, “While we searched several areas to relocate, the decision to stay in Wayne County was driven by our dedicated long-term employees and the local work force talent. Year over year growth from adding new capabilities and product offerings and most recently the acquisition of Peter Parts Electronics, we have outgrown our current facility and had to lease additional warehousing space. The new constructed headquarters will allow us the ability to advance our state-side manufacturing capabilities, warehouse all our products in one facility and give us the space required to increase our workforce.” State Senator Pamela Helming said, “Pace Electronics is a leading high-tech manufacturer in the Finger Lakes region whose growth highlights the incredible innovation and talent we have in the 54th District. My congratulations and thanks to CEO Dawn Smith and the entire Pace Electronics team for their continued investment in Wayne County. Thank you to Empire State Development, the Wayne County IDA and all those who have assisted with this project. We must do all we can to support the growth and success of our small business job creators.” State Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “It is encouraging to see a business such as Pace Electronics choosing to expand in our community. I thank Empire State Development for making the investment into Pace Electronics and will continue our mission to move the Finger Lakes forward into tomorrow. The mere fact that they are a growing business, and choosing to build and expand in our community, retaining their workforce and adding an additional 15 jobs is truly exciting. This news could not come at a better time. As we move into warm days, and our State is reopening amidst the pandemic, Pace Electronics helps shine a beacon of light and hope for the days to come.” Williamson Town Supervisor Anthony Verno said, “The town is grateful that Pace has decided to expand in Williamson. I want to thank Pace Electronics and all the employees that were instrumental in making this happen.” Wayne County Industrial Development Agency Director Brian Pincelli said, “Pace Electronics dedication to their employees and continued growth in Wayne County is a testament to their leadership and the quality of workforce we have in the County. We’re proud to be the home of their corporate headquarters and we were happy to be able to support their continued growth and success.” Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Pace Electronics chose to invest in Rochester, NY’s Wayne County, to capitalize on our region’s exceptional talent in the electronic contract manufacturing industry and the perfect facility to support their expansion plans.” For additional information about Pace Electronics, visit https://www.paceelectronics.com/ 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 $8.07 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. 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

See renderings of the Montante project here The USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) Board of Directors met today and approved two General Project Plans (GPP) and the transfer of land in support of private development in downtown Niagara Falls, N.Y.  The land transfers, to Montante Group LLC and SJI Main LLC, involve land previously purchased by USAN through the Buffalo Billion Niagara Falls Strategic Land Acquisition Program.  The projects are part of the continued transformation of the Third Street Business District as a pedestrian and tourist friendly neighborhood with commercial, retail and residential development. “With these two projects, USAN is supporting facilitating the growth in the residential market and revitalization of the tourism industry in downtown Niagara Falls,” said USAN Chairwoman Francine Delmonte. “These long-dormant properties will see new life that will add to the character and vibrancy of the Third Street Business District.” “The continued commitment of USAN to the development of the Third Street Business Corridor is critical to improvement of our tourist district,” said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino.  “With these transfers, USAN has placed properties important to the district’s growth into the hand of developers committed to investing in our community.” The Montante Group project will restore/rehabilitate commercial buildings located at 500 and 512 Third Street, as well as an adjacent vacant lot at 518 Third Street (Property I) and an adjacent parking lot at 503 Main Street (Property II).  The project will result in two vibrant, mixed-use commercial developments and are critical for the continued development of the Third Street Business District.  The 500 Third Street site would contain ground floor space suitable for retail/restaurant use as well as commercial space above.  The 512 Third Street site would contain retail/restaurant space and use of adjacent outdoor areas.  The two properties would be connected through a finished outdoor seating area, which could be utilized by onsite tenants or for special events.  Montante Group intends to complete the estimated $4.25 million project in two separate phases: construction of either the 500 Third Street or 512 Third Street property, followed by construction of the remaining property not chosen during Phase 1. The USAN Board of Directors previously named TM Montante Development the preferred developer in January 2020. The GPP approval and land transfer of vacant lots at 554 and 558 Third Street to SJI Main will support the rehabilitation and renovation of three structures (two mixed-use and one commercial), for new retail and residential development.  SJI’s acquisition is vital to the current development of the Third Street Business District, adding value in the creation of new jobs and new residential opportunities.  Phase I of the project will consist of the creation of 36 residential apartments and six commercial spaces.  SJI’s total investment for Phase I is expected be approximately $3.7 million.  The inclusion of the adjacent USAN-owned property will enhance the viability of SJI’s development by allowing for additional parking, while also serving as a buildable site for a potential second phase of SJI’s investment.  The properties being transferred are part of the strategic land acquisition program funded through the second phase of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion Economic Development Initiative.  The program’s goals include purchasing long-dormant properties located near Niagara Falls State Park, removing blight from the downtown area and expanding the density of uses to help establish a year-round, sustainable neighborhood. The USAN Board of Directors also approved two other items: Approval of the USAN Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Operating and Capital Budgets.  The FY 2021-22 Operating Budget of $703,655 proposes a total of $580,105 in personal services and a total of $123,550 in non-personal services.  The Corporation’s FY 2021-22 Capital Budget is $24,114,760.  It is anticipated that the proposed funding will cover costs related to the Hotel Niagara restoration; the close-out of the Wyndham Garden Inn Hotel Project; the completion of the Cataract Commons Project; maintenance and site preparation expenses associated with properties secured through USAN’s Downtown Land Acquisition Program; as well as the costs of design support services for the Rainbow Mall Civic Improvement Project.  Individual project expenses will be approved by the Directors under separate actions. Approval of the $991,535 Niagara Falls Convention and Conference Facility and Old Falls Street 2021 operating budget.  About USA Niagara Development Corporation USAN, a subsidiary of Empire State Development Corporation, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in 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

Due to public health concerns and as authorized by Executive Order of the Governor, this meeting will be conducted via teleconference. The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Members of the public may submit comments on Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 19.

21 Commercial Landlords in New York City and Upstate New York Have Committed to Facilitate Testing   Expanding Access to COVID-19 Testing Key to Safely Reopening Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New York Forward COVID-Safe Offices partnership with major commercial real estate partners to expand access to COVID-19 testing for employers. As part of the initiative, 21 participating landlords have committed to provide space and facilitate access to testing services for tenants interested in conducting regular diagnostic testing of their employees.  "From the beginning of the pandemic, New York has always said that our recovery is not a choice between public health and the economy - it has to be both - and with this partnership we are demonstrating just how effectively we can accomplish our goals," Governor Cuomo said. "This new partnership with major commercial real estate companies is the next step in reinvigorating our urban cores and commercial offices, supporting state and regional economies. Improved access to testing will further drive New York State's economic recovery by encouraging employers and employees to safely return to work using science and data to guide their decisions."   First announced as part of the Governor's 2021 State of the State Address, this unique partnership will expand testing, which is critical to controlling the spread of the virus, and provide workers with additional confidence in the safety of their workplaces as New York safely resumes and increases economic activity. In New York City, eight landlords representing more than 100 million square feet of commercial office space have already committed to participate. In Upstate New York, 13 landlords spanning the Capital Region, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse areas have affirmed their commitment to expanding access to testing for their tenants. Empire State Development continues to work with additional commercial property owners to expand the program.  Empire State Development Acting Commissioner, and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, "New York State remains focused on rebuilding the state's economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This new partnership with commercial real estate stakeholders will help more companies transition employees back into offices, while supporting the ecosystem of small businesses that rely on customers that work in local workplaces."   Read the full press release here.