Empire State Development news and press releases

Binghamton Precast & Supply Capital Project - public notice

DTC Cable, Inc. Project - Legal Notice

Western New York Also Advances Multiple Tourism Initiatives Including Frank Lloyd Wright's Barton House and Graycliff Estate Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening the Western New York Welcome Center in Grand Island. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Welcome Center represents the gateway to world-class destinations and historic sites in the Western New York region. "Western New York's world-class tourism industry continues to thrive as we welcome millions of visitors each year, generating billions of dollars for the state's economy," Governor Cuomo said."This investment in the new Western New York Welcome Center will attract new and returning visitors and continue to bolster the region's economy by promoting destinations, attractions, and special events across Western New York." "As a life-long Western New Yorker, I know firsthand the beauty and rich history this great region features," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who delivered today's announcement. "This new Welcome Center highlights Western New York's economic resurgence and showcases the state's investment in tourist attractions that continue to drive the tourism industry and promote growth across our great state." Read the full press release here. 

Empire State Development today announced the recipients of funding for Oath’s Community Benefit Fund for Lockport and Oath’s Yahoo Community Fund for Niagara County – Empire State Development. For the 2018 funding cycle, $510,000 was awarded to 20 projects. Each year from 2015 to 2021, Oath has committed to granting $500,000 to community organizations in Lockport and the surrounding areas. “ESD’s partnership with Oath, through Oath’s Community Benefit Fund for Niagara County, helps support multiple projects across Western New York including today’s award-winners—projects chosen for their alignment with our strategic approach to economic development that encompasses workforce development and smart growth,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. Oath VP of Infrastructure & Services Operations Greg Sly said, "This community has given so much to us as a company, and we are honored to be contributing to the development of this great town.  Oath is driven by its core values and one of those is to “create what’s next.” That’s why we’ve committed to deepening our partnership with Western New York by investing $3.5 million over seven years to other values-led organizations like those recognized today who are creating “what’s next” in the community. " Oath, a subsidiary of Verizon, is a values-led company that reaches one billion people around the world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands. As part of Oath’s $170 million agreement with Empire State Development to establish a customer care center and expand its existing data center in Niagara County, the Community Benefit Fund was created in 2015 in addition to the initial commitment the company made to Lockport in 2010 with the Community Benefit Fund. The community initiative is part of Oath’s commitment to drive economic development in Western New York, a hub of technical excellence for the company. The next round of annual funding will begin in the spring of 2019, with up to $500,000 available again through the two funds. Oath’s Community Benefit Fund for Niagara County - Empire State Development Awarded Projects Creating a Plan for a Bicycle-Friendly Niagara Falls - $82,615 grant Awardee: Green Options Buffalo Development of a Bicycle Master Plan and implementation strategy for the City of Niagara Falls Oliver Street Enhancement Program - $50,000 grant Awardee: Lumber City Development Corporation This program includes small projects (maximum of $5,000 per property) to Oliver Street facing facades in North Tonawanda, including new signage, awnings, windows and paintings.  Also, funding will be used for public art (murals) and a window display program to enhance underutilized store fronts. Open Airways Initiative - $41,500 grant Awardee: NCCC Foundation Inc. Installation of air curtains to the exterior of Savor, Niagara Falls Culinary Institute's (NFCI) fine dining restaurant.  This will allow Savor's doors to be opened for an “outdoor dining experience” while remaining compliant with the health code. It will also reduce the number of tables needed on the sidewalk for outdoor dining and allow for a wider pedestrian walkway area. CCE Learning Farm & Agriculture Incubator - $38,012 grant Awardee: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County This project will provide new agriculture businesses the opportunity to learn how to start, operate and implement a farm business without having to purchase expensive equipment and land. Wise Young Builders - $30,798 grant Awardee: Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club This program will help underserved kids and teens in Niagara Falls learn practical skills through hands on workshops. Engaging Niagara - Expanding the Women’s Business Center E-Network to Niagara County - $18,500 grant Awardee: Canisius College This program is for women who are interested in starting a business. Due to the growth and success of the E-Network in Erie County, the hiring of a part-time consultant is necessary to continue to expand this program in Niagara County. Niagara Falls Adult Literacy Drop In Center: Hire an Adult Learner Project - $13,575 grant Awardee: Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. This project will expand the Niagara Falls Adult Literacy Drop In Center to serve additional Niagara Falls residents.  The Hire An Adult Learner Program will match students with local employers and jobs in the area. Oath’s Community Benefit Fund for Lockport Awarded Projects Taylor Theater Lighting Project - $50,000 grant Awardee: Kenan Center, Inc. Perform renovations to the current outdated lighting system in order to continue a 49-year tradition of providing quality programming to children and adults of all ages and economic backgrounds from the greater Lockport region and beyond. Community Event Center - $30,000 grant Awardee: YWCA of the Niagara Frontier Invest in the YWCA culinary social enterprise fostering both business expansion and increased opportunities for employment of YWCA culinary graduates. Lockport Workforce Training Center - $24,474 grant Awardee: Orleans Niagara BOCES For the purchase of equipment to provide training in the high-need area of electrical to unprepared and/or under-skilled individuals in the City of Lockport. Downtown Lockport Programming Support - $23,000 grant Awardee: Lockport Main Street, Inc. To further and enhance marketing and economic development initiatives by supporting beautification efforts in the downtown Lockport district. Public Art Lighting Project - $20,000 grant Awardee: Lockport Public Arts Council, Inc. (formerly known as Lockside Art Center) Projection artistic lighting for various buildings in Lockport. Niagara County History Orientation Center - $17,000 grant Awardee: Niagara County Historical Society Provide matching funds for a challenge grant to create the Niagara County History Orientation Center at the Niagara County Historical Society to orient school children, families and other visitors to the historical sites in Lockport and Niagara County. Ready, Set, Read! - $14,710 grant Awardee: EPIC - Every Person Influences Children Conduct three 5-week series of the Ready, Set, Read! (RSR!) program, that promotes literacy and family bonding experiences through learning, reading and playing that can be replicated at home for up to 30 families residing in the Lockport area. Lockport Main Street Clock Renewal - $12,500 grant Awardee: Lockport New York Rotary Foundation Rebuild or historically replicate the abandoned post clock at the corner of Main and Pine Streets in downtown Lockport. Community Education Centers - $11,443.45 grant Awardee: Eastern Niagara Hospital Establish seven interactive collaborative education centers at Eastern Niagara Hospital sites to promote services, resources and human service organizations across the community that enhance the health and well-being of residents residing in the Greater Lockport area and eastern Niagara County. Rebuilding From the Ground Up (Phase 3) - $9,987 grant Awardee: Youth Mentoring Services of Niagara County, Inc. Complete the updates to facilities and provide a safe, welcoming environment for disadvantaged children and their families. Public Computing Upgrade - $7,934 grant Awardee: Friends of the Lockport Public Library Upgrade the public computer area, as well as adding other enhancements, so that the library is able to offer more access to community members who are using their own devices. Niagara County Financial Empowerment Coalition: Lockport Initiative - $7,760 grant Awardee: Friends of the Lockport Public Library Help low income families improve their financial situations through access to tax credits and ongoing counseling that reduces debt, restores credit, and helps families live according to a realistic budget. A Place to Call Home - $6,191.55 grant Awardee: St. John the Baptist Parish Purchase beds from low cost suppliers to respond to client requests. About Empire State Development Empire State Development 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 Governor Cuomo’s 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, visit http://www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. About Oath Oath, a subsidiary of Verizon, is a values-led company committed to building brands people love. We reach over one billion people around the world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands. A global leader in digital and mobile, Oath is shaping the future of media. For more on Oath, visit www.oath.com. Contact: Pamm Lent (ESD) |pamm.lent@esd.ny.gov | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313 Laura Magee (ESD) | laura.magee@esd.ny.gov | (716)-846-8239 I (800) 260-7313