Empire State Development news and press releases

Condiment Manufacturer, Featured on YouTube Show ‘Hot Ones’, Commits to Creating Nearly 40 New 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 farm-to-table hot sauce and condiments producer, The Karma Sauce Company, is ready to grow its manufacturing operations in the City of Rochester, Monroe County and at its Burning Springs Farm in the Town of Bristol, Ontario County. The Karma Sauce line is hand-processed and bottled at 90 Canal Street in Rochester where the company is ready to upgrade its 10,000 square-foot manufacturing facility by purchasing additional equipment in an effort to keep up with the growing demand for its renowned products. Karma Sauce has additionally committed to creating up to 37 new jobs over the next five years;10 jobs will be retained. With an eye towards future expansion, the company is also currently working to become Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified, which in turn will open them up to supplying national and worldwide retailers and food service provider/manufacturers who require that certification.  Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "It's so exciting to see entrepreneurs realize their dreams and I congratulate Karma Sauce on growing its state-of-the-art facility in the Finger Lakes, where locally sourced ingredients are key to the brand’s popularity. This hot sauce maker will also heat up the regional economy with the addition of good-paying jobs, in an expansion that also reflects New York’s ongoing support of the state’s agribusiness ecosystem."   Founded in 2008, The Karma Sauce Company designs recipes, grows the ingredients used, and handcrafts its own sauces in its micro-factory in Rochester. Word of mouth acclaim, including being featured in 2018 on the YouTube Channel show ‘Hot Ones’, led to an expanded line of over twenty distinctively flavored products, made with vegetables grown on its farm located in the Town of Bristol in Ontario County. Other locally sourced ingredients are also featured in Karma Sauce products. The expansion will additionally create future job opportunities on the farm. Gene Olczak, founder of The Karma Sauce Company said, "From our humble beginnings over a decade ago, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations here in New York state. This investment will not only allow us to keep up with the growing demand for our products but also create good-paying jobs and contribute to the local economy.  We are grateful for the support of Empire State Development and our local partners in helping us share our love of flavorful, farm-to-table condiments with the world. " ESD is supporting the company’s expansion in New York state with up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for the company's job creation commitments. Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) and Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) are also assisting with the project.  The total project cost has been placed at a little more than $1 million. This project additionally supports the locally designed strategy of the Finer Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) which is laser focused on supporting next generation manufacturing and technology in the agriculture and food production industries in an effort to move the region forward. State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Congratulations Karma Sauce on your current success and expansion. It is always a cause for celebration to see a local company continue to grow and invest in our region. I look forward to seeing Karma continue to grow here in Rochester and stand ready to assist them however possible.” State Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “I am grateful to see a clear investment toward providing well-paying jobs and economic opportunities for members of our community. As our city begins a process of major revitalization, it is important that we continue to support the growth and success of local businesses such as the Karma Sauce Company. Congratulations to the family and staff of Karma Sauce on their significant expansion and for their continued commitment to Greater Rochester.” State Senator Pam Helming said, “From our family farms that give us fresh, locally-grown ingredients, to the tremendous resources available to support food innovators, the Finger Lakes is one of the ‘hottest’ spots to grow and thrive in food, beverage and agribusiness. Congratulations to Gene Olczak and the entire Karma Sauce team on their continued success.” State Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes said, “This is very exciting news for the entire region. The continued success of Karma Sauce demonstrates the importance of shopping small and supporting local.” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Monroe County is proud to be home to a dynamic and innovative company expanding its operations here and contributing to our local economy and culinary landscape. This expansion not only supports local job growth but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Monroe County's economy. Congratulations to Karma Sauce Company on their continued success.” City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “I want to congratulate Karma Sauce on their expansion and thank them for making this investment in Rochester. Thank you as well to Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for supporting Rochester’s economy through Finger Lakes Forward. Together we creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.” President and CEO of RG&E and NYSEG Patricia Nilsen, said, “As a company celebrating its 175th year in the greater Rochester area, RG&E is delighted to see The Karma Sauce Company expand its operations in this thriving community. We are always excited to support new and growing businesses and deliver the energy that makes their operations successful.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy said, "We're thrilled to see Karma Sauce Company, a company committed to locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, continue to grow and create jobs in the Finger Lakes region. This investment is a testament to the company's success and the strength of our regional economy, and we look forward to supporting their continued expansion." Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Karma Sauce’s continued expansion is a testament to the robust food manufacturing ecosystem in the Greater Rochester, NY, region. The full range of resources including rich agriculture to source products locally, talented workforce with food science expertise, and a strategic location that makes it easy to transport products to customers quickly, are the unique ingredients available in Rochester, NY that support Karma Sauce’s growth. For more information about Karma Sauce, visit: https://karmasauce.com/. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. ​ 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 the 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: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Former Cigar Factory to be Transformed into Photography Museum, Gallery and Community Educational Center in Kingston View Photos Here ** Empire State Development today announced the groundbreaking for the future home of the $2 million Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) at the former Van Slyke & Horton cigar factory located in the Midtown Arts District in Kingston, Ulster County. CPW has acquired the four story, 40,000 square foot commercial building and will adapt and transform it into a photography museum, gallery and community educational center, retaining 60 jobs and creating an additional seven jobs.  This project will help grow the thriving arts and cultural movement in downtown Kingston, which is attracting residents and visitors to this historic city.  Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said,  “Transforming a onetime cigar factory into the Center for Photography’s new home showcases how our strategic regional investments work to re-envision communities around New York State. This historic building is now taking the long view, with a focus on art and education that will draw Kingston visitors and residents both now and for years to come.” Executive Director of the Center for Photography at Woodstock Brian Wallis said, "CPW is deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and Mayor Noble for supporting this project, and for recognizing how the arts can be a key driver of downtown revitalization and economic development. We look forward to transforming this architecturally striking, historic building into a cultural hub that helps to build a sense of community in the Midtown Arts District and assures that Kingston is a great destination to live, work and visit in the Hudson Valley." CPW was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to supporting artists working in photography and related media and provides an artistic home for contemporary and creative photography with exhibitions, workshops, auctions, lectures, services for artists, darkroom, gallery talks, programs for children, permanent collections, library archives, fellowship and publication.  During the first phase of the project, CPW will renovate the basement and bottom two floors of the building for a photography museum and educational center and the top floors will be renovated during a second phase and will be utilized for commercial activity related to the local creative economy, in line with the city’s Art and Culture Master Plan, with the goal to become a cultural hub in Kingston. To support this project, Empire State Development awarded the City of Kingston a $1.5 million Restore NY grant to rehabilitate the building and an ESD Capital Grant of $350,000 recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange said, “Artists are the lifeblood and legacy of this area, and we are proud to support the Center of Photography as a vital hub for our creative community. Through education and the arts, we can continue to fuel the important work they do, driving inspiration as well as growth of the regional economy.” Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Hudson Valley has always been an arts enclave, with our local arts and cultural organizations prevailing as two of our greatest economic drivers and a beacon of self-discovery that can inspire us to expand our worldview. We are thrilled that the Midtown Kingston Arts District will soon include the Center for Photography at Woodstock, which will continue to raise the profile of our community as a thriving hub for arts, culture, and learning.” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, "I'm thrilled to see the groundbreaking of the Center for Photography at Woodstock in Midtown Kingston, and want to thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight, and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council for helping to make this artistic and cultural vision a reality. I look forward to seeing the many ways that CPW's new facility will enrich our community, support our local artists, inspire the next generation of photographers, and contribute to the economic vitality of our County and region."  City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their commitment to Kingston. CPW’s purchase and adaptive reuse of this long underutilized building fits perfectly within our economic development goals of continuing to support a vibrant arts and cultural hub here in the heart of Kingston. We look forward to the work planned for this building and seeing a new community development opportunity flourish.” About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) 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 the New York State 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, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. *** Photos courtesy of ©Eduard Hueber/archphoto Contact:  Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | 518-414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | 800 – 260-7313

The meeting is open to the public. The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast clicking the link below. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 4:30 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and posted online

Event Underscores New York State's Commitment to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry Empire State Development (ESD), in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal, today hosted the “ShowBizNY: Diverse Supplier Connections” Summit, at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. The summit, attended by more than 200 small businesses both in-person and online, connected businesses to industry professionals, relaunched the New York State Film and TV Diverse Suppliers Directory which is an online resource that helps productions identify and connect with diverse vendors, as well as MWBE certification, and provided key information for businesses to take advantage of New York’s robust film and television industry. Today's summit is part of a larger statewide initiative to increase diversity and inclusion and create equal opportunities in the film and television industry. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “ESD is proud to support the diverse supplier summit and provide opportunities through inclusionary programming that helps underrepresented communities navigate the growing film and television industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to promote opportunity and equitable economic growth for all.” “Comcast NBCUniversal is deeply committed to advancing the economic inclusion of underrepresented businesses. Working with diverse companies helps generate jobs, distribute wealth, and create more opportunity within our communities,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Corporation. “We’re proud to partner with Empire State Development to help New York business owners learn how to work with TV and film productions and understand the importance of MWBE certification to both our company and the state.” As of January 1, 2023, film and television production companies participating in the NYS Film Production Tax Credit Program are required to submit diversity plans with goals for hiring a diverse workforce, including the hiring of diverse vendors. The Film and TV Diverse Suppliers Directory serves as a potential resource for film and television professionals to help identify and connect with these vendors as they put together their production vendor teams. Film and television productions employ thousands of New Yorkers and contract with hundreds of small businesses and support services throughout the state, including many businesses that had never before considered their work relevant to film production. These services are vital to the industry and include a wide range of small businesses such as caterers, landscapers, tent companies, tool suppliers, security and many others. These businesses are essential and keep the cameras rolling in New York State. New York State is home to the first-in-the-nation New York Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance in the form of grants for job creation and training programs that support efforts to recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop and train a diverse and inclusive workforce for the motion picture and television production and post-production industries in New York State. About the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, a division of Empire State Development, aims to grow and support the film, television and commercial industry by guiding filmmakers through the many programs and assets New York State has to offer, promoting and publicizing the state’s infrastructure, talent and film production, post-production, and commercial tax incentives for qualified expenditures in New York State. The office also serves as a liaison between production companies and city and local governments, state agencies, a network of statewide contacts, local film offices and professional location scouts and managers. More information on filming in New York State or the Film Production and Post Production Tax Credit Programs can be found here. About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) 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 the 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, please visit www.regionalcouncils.gov About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact: Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | 518-414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313