Empire State Development public notices

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Press Release

Thursday, January 19, 2023 - 2:00pm
Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize East Harlem Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that East Harlem will receive $10 million in funding as the New York City region winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Each of the state's 10 economic development regions will be awarded $10 million during this sixth round, which will total a $100 million state commitment to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. "The rich culture and history of East Harlem is an incredibly important part of New York City's story," Governor Hochul said. "Through this $10 million investment, we can help the community preserve its heritage and spur economic development within the neighborhood for generations to come. I look forward to seeing East Harlem write the next chapter in its vibrant story." The DRI serves as a component of the state's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision. Read the full press release here.
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Board Meeting

Thursday, January 19, 2023 - 9:30am
The meeting is open to the public. The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Please Note: Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2022. Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by Noon on Wednesday, January 18, 2022. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will posted online.
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Report

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - 3:03pm
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Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - 11:00am
With Video Conferencing To: Empire State Development – Albany Office, 625 Broadway – 8th Floor Conference Room, Albany, New York 12245 And: USA Niagara Development Corporation Offices, 222 First Street – 7th Floor Conference Room, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 This meeting is open to the public. Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below. Due to building procedures, those wishing to attend at any of these locations must RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023. RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.
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Press Release

Monday, January 16, 2023 - 12:00pm
New York State’s Investments in the African American Heritage Corridor Will Help Create A Unified Tourist Destination in East Buffalo See Renderings of the Addition Here Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Phase I and the start of the second phase of construction at the historic Michigan Street Baptist Church in Buffalo.  Phase I included a stabilization effort of critical structural components of the church, funded through grants from ESD and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), along with other State and federal sources.  Phase 2 involves a $2.2 million project to expand facilities, including a two-story addition to further ensure the building’s structural integrity and address safety and programming needs at the church, while also providing better access for disabled visitors. The Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, a not-for-profit organization that owns the Church, is one of the recipients of a portion of ESD’s $65 million East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund that is helping boost tourism and visitation to Buffalo’s historic Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. ESD is collaborating with a consortium of philanthropic partners known as “East Side Avenues”, managed by the University at Buffalo Regional Institute. East Side Avenues is providing funding for staff/programs for the Heritage Corridor Commission—of which the Church is an anchor institution—to best complement and leverage capital funds provided by ESD and OPRHP. Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Our Collective goal is to create a unified tourist destination that will tell the story of Buffalo’s contribution to African American history while attracting new visitors to the region. We are strengthening Buffalo’s cultural tourism potential by creating a hub of activities for visitors that includes the Michigan Street Baptist Church, the Colored Musicians Club, Nash House and the Nash Lofts multi-use building. Capital investments in all the Corridor projects will improve the visitor experience and better connect the assets to each other and downtown Buffalo.”   The Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition works to preserve and promote the heritage of the Michigan Street Baptist Church, located at 511 Michigan Avenue. The church was completed by African Americans in 1849 and was the last stop on the Underground Railroad for freedom seekers escaping to Canada before the Civil War. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The second phase of construction includes an addition to the north side of the Michigan Street Baptist Church (circa 1848), which is designed to mirror a typical structure that would have existed in the neighborhood. It will provide accessibility to the upper and lower levels of the church, as well as accessible restrooms. Brick and stone veneer will be used as finish materials. Windows will have segmental arch brick headers and precast sills. The porch railing system is constructed with turned pickets and larger square newels and intermediate posts. The stair of the porch serves a first-floor front door, typical of the raised stoop buildings that were formerly in the neighborhood. Handicapped access is provided at the rear of the addition, at a split level. ESD is providing a $2,211,500 grant for the second phase of the project to further realize the restoration and rehabilitation work needed to make this cultural cornerstone accessible to all in the community. Previously New York State supported Phase I through a grant of $900,000 from ESD and a $375,000 grant from OPRHP to aid in the structural stabilization of the building. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid, “Telling the whole story of our history is the only way to truly understand the tremendous heritage in our state and the Michigan Street Baptist Church is such a vital piece of that history. I am pleased that State Parks can contribute to this important project.” Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, Chair of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission Board and Chair of the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition said,” It has been a privilege to witness the restoration and development of a church built in 1849 by freedom seekers into a local and national historic site.  The church’s operational board the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition are thankful for the ongoing support from the Buffalo area community and our funders.” With support from Governor Kathy Hochul, ESD is implementing the East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund, a $65 million initiative to spark revitalization of Buffalo’s East Side through investments in the four main commercial corridors: Michigan, Jefferson, Fillmore, and Bailey avenues. Funding is helping to revive traditional main streets and commercial corridors through the preservation of historic buildings, investing in capital improvements in neighborhood assets, expansion of commercial opportunities, improvements to infrastructure, as well as the promotion of mixed-use private investment in these neighborhoods.  In June 2022, Governor also announced a “Regional Revitalization Partnership” (RRP) with philanthropic organizations and local government, which will involve a $300 million combined investment in East Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester.  Under the RRP, the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor and its anchors are targeted for an additional combined investment of $30 million to help implement components of its strategic master plan completed with ESD funding in February 2022. Laura Quebral, University at Buffalo Regional Institute Director said, “"This investment is a testament to the enduring, collaborative work being done by the anchors of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. It also illustrates New York State's dedication to East Buffalo along with the funding partners of East Side Avenues and the Regional Revitalization Partnership. It supports the community-driven, comprehensive strategic and economic development plans launched last year by the Commission and is part of a cohesive effort to ensure the Corridor's successful transformation into a unique, historic, inspirational place for residents and tourists alike." Terry Alford, Executive Director of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission said, “The strategic planning and the work of the Corridor anchors along with community support and dedicated funding are helping to make our visions a reality. We are proud of the Corridor’s growth and there is more to come, stated Terry Alford, Executive Director, of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission.” Senator Tim Kennedy said, "For more than 50 years, Bishop William Henderson presided over the Michigan Street Baptist Church, and actually saved the church - an iconic and irreplaceable piece of Buffalo’s history - from demolition. As we celebrate this milestone, we know he is with us in spirit. It’s fitting that we open these doors on a day honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Both Dr. King and Bishop Henderson inspired a new generation of engaged citizens, and encouraged them to not only move our community forward by looking ahead, but by preserving the history that has led us to this very moment." Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "To God Be the Glory, it has been a long time in the making and this day has finally come. Congratulations to Lillie Wiley-Upshaw and the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, and a huge thank you to the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo for keeping this historic structure upright long enough for Empire State Development, State Parks/SHPO and others to provide the necessary funding to complete this first phase of construction. It's very fitting that this announcement happen on MLK Jr. Day, given the church's involvement in social justice advocacy efforts." City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “The changes taking place here at the Michigan Street Baptist Church, are just some of the many positive improvements that are coming to the African American Heritage Corridor and East Buffalo. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support and investment in our community.” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The Michigan Street Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope to generations of African-Americans, from providing comfort and solace to people escaping slavery before the Civil War to serving as a community hub for well more than a century. This historic structure is an integral part of the African-American experience in Erie County and we are doing all we can to preserve and protect it for future generations.” About the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station In 2001 the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, a not-for-profit organization was created to protect and promote the Michigan Street Baptist Church building as a beacon of freedom and to tell its story from its founding in 1845 to today and to inspire and educate future generations. With the help of community stakeholders, they tell the unique stories of the African American experience in Buffalo, to enrich and illuminate the larger African American narrative. In particular, the Board focuses on the Church’s roles in the underground railroad, the formation of the Civil Rights Movement and other chapters of American history related to the struggle for individual liberties. The Church remains operating as a church as part of the “Light of the World Missions” and as a historic landmark, a beacon for the community in the revitalization process envisioned as part of the African American cultural heritage tourism for the Corridor. More information can be found at michiganstreetbaptistchurch.org 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 the Governor’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 www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.  About East Side Avenues East Side Avenues is a unique public/private partnership that provides capacity building, funding and organizational support to complement five specific initiatives along Bailey, Fillmore, Jefferson and Michigan Avenues.  Understanding the tremendous opportunity to leverage New York State’s $65 million East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund, private and philanthropic organizations created a pooled $8 million to support these capacity building activities. East Side Avenues brings together these public and private funders, community non-profits, anchor institutions, consultants and the City to plan and coordinate revitalization activities aimed at improving economic conditions on Buffalo’s East Side.  The East Side Avenues Project Implementation Team is led by University at Buffalo Regional Institute, ensuring that appropriate supports such as infrastructure, staff and funding are in place; assisting with strategic planning, program design and problem solving; and reporting on progress.  For more information, go to  www.EastSideAvenues.org. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
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Press Release

Friday, January 13, 2023 - 1:24pm
Plastic Products Manufacturer Will More Than Double Its Workforce Empire State Development (ESD) announced today that PM Plastics will undergo a $3 million expansion at its Orchard Park facility. The company was recently acquired by local investors with over 20 years’ experience in the plastics industry. This new ownership plan to grow PM Plastics from traditional plastic contract manufacturing to one of precision, allowing them to pursue technically complex components and device assemblies. The plastics manufacturer will expand and upgrade its current operation; retaining 17 jobs and creating 26 new jobs in order to grow the company’s overall sales. “Companies like PM Plastics are the backbone of Western New York’s manufacturing economy,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “Their expansion is a testament to the high-quality workforce at the PM Plastics plant, and throughout the region, whose advanced manufacturing skills are necessary to get the job done.”  PM Plastics, located at One Bank Street, is well known for making the discs used in the yard game Kan Jam, but it also manufactures plastic components and devices for hunting and fishing equipment and straps, and connectors and devices that secure equipment in EMS vehicles and fire trucks. The manufacturer will expand its capabilities by making facility improvements and purchasing new automation equipment. Machinery and equipment investment will include new injection molding equipment and multi axis robot capability, as well as automated assembly equipment required by technical applications. The urethane flooring, lighting, drywall and upgraded HVAC system will also be upgraded. The estimated completion date is early 2024. ESD is incentivizing PM Plastics to continue to grow in Erie County by providing up $300,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for job creation commitments. Benjamin Harp, PM Plastics President said, “The incentive package put forward by ESD is critical to our success.  It supports PM Plastics making essential investments in our customers by assisting us in retaining and attracting industry best talent, enhancing the work environment in which they work, and providing them with industry leading tools and equipment. We are very appreciative of the support provided by New York State and Erie County for our expansion project.” Senator Patrick Gallivan said, ““I congratulate PM Plastics on its decision to expand operations in the Town of Orchard Park.  The retention of existing jobs and the creation of new positions will provide opportunities for residents who want to live and raise a family in our region. The company’s investment and the state’s support of this project also sends a positive message to other businesses and entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of the region’s skilled workforce and high-tech manufacturing environment.”    State Assemblyman Patrick Burke "I live close to this facility, and I can attest to the hard-working employees there. Whether in the morning, afternoon, or night, I see people laboring to produce quality products and make that company a success. I have no doubt that they will prosper under this expansion!" Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “The growth of PM Plastics is good news and shows once again the vitality of Erie County’s workforce and the favorable business climate we have here. New jobs are coming, existing jobs are being retained and new products are on the horizon, all good signs for our economy.” 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. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
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Press Release

Thursday, January 12, 2023 - 9:00pm
Second-Largest Global Winter Sporting Event Continues Through January 22; Tickets Are Available Here Follows More Than $550 Million in State Investment to Renovate Sports Facilities, Improve Roads and Bridges, Upgrade Sports Infrastructure in Preparation for the Games Games Will Include Several Measures to Promote Climate Action in Line with Governor's Sustainability Agenda Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the official start of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games, welcoming 1,443 collegiate-athletes from more than 540 universities and 46 nations gathered to celebrate the biennial multi-winter sports event. The Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games will feature competition in 12 winter sports and 85 events in venues throughout the Adirondack North Country in Lake Placid as well as Wilmington, Saranac Lake, Potsdam, Canton and North Creek. The competition schedule and tickets to the events are available here.  "With New York's North Country known as a global winter sports destination, I can't think of a better place than Lake Placid to host the 2023 FISU World University Games," Governor Hochul said. "After more than $550 million in state-supported renovations and investments in the North Country to prepare for the games, New York is ready to welcome athletes and spectators from all over the world to our state. I wish the best of luck to the athletes competing, and I thank FISU, the organizing committee and partners at every level of government for ensuring that this event is a resounding success. Let the Games begin." Thursday night's Opening Ceremony for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games was held at the iconic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, site of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The ceremony included greetings from the Oneida Indian Nation and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, elegant on-ice performances, athletes' and officials' oaths, and the lighting of a one-of-a-kind flameless cauldron.  New York State has made significant investments in the North Country totaling more than $550 million over the last six years in preparation for the World University Games and ongoing regional tourism. Investments have helped to renovate facilities owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority, such as the $104 million renovation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center, and other host facilities like the nearly $7 million overhaul of the Saranac Lake Civic Center. These investments are a testament to New York's commitment to the Games, the region, and the competitive sports infrastructure.  Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Thursday, January 12, 2023 - 4:03pm
Today, the Journal News published commentary by Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight and Olympic Regional Development Authority CEO Michael Pratt on the impact and opportunities the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games will bring to New York State’s North Country. Text of the commentary is available below and can be viewed online here. JOURNAL NEWS January 12, 2023 A Great Moment, A Great Opportunity: World University Games Come To Lake Placid During the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, as Team USA prepared to play the Soviet Union in the now-legendary Miracle on Ice, American coach Herb Brooks said, "Great moments are born from great opportunity." Now, the eyes of the international sports world will again turn to New York’s North Country for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games — another great opportunity for New York State. The Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games are an 11-day multi-winter sports event that will bring nearly 1,500 athletes from more than 540 universities and 46 countries to the North Country, plus countless coaches and fans from around the world. The athletes, ages 17 to 25, will participate in 12 winter sports and 86 medal events, with competitions including skiing and snowboarding, curling, figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating. Organized by the International University Sports Federation — FISU, which is known for its world-class sports competitions for college students — the World University Games are the largest global sporting event for student-athletes. New York State has spent the past five years preparing for this moment. Gov. Kathy Hochul, while serving as Lieutenant Governor, was part of the committee that met with the FISU delegation in early 2018. As a champion for Upstate New York, Hochul helped to encourage the organizers that Lake Placid — a two-time Winter Olympic Games host — and the surrounding region were an ideal destination for the 2023 FISU Games. Lake Placid had previously hosted the 1972 FISU games — and today, New York remains the only state to host the famed event. Over the last six years, New York has invested more than $550 million in the state's Olympic Regional Development Authority facilities to help maintain the region’s standing as a global winter sport destination fitting for an Olympic-sized event. We made transformative investments to renovate the Lake Placid Olympic Center, revitalized our airports, improved our roads and bridges and grew our regional sports infrastructure to ensure that Lake Placid is well-positioned to host the games. But the impacts of these investments will also extend far beyond the games. The event will once again put Lake Placid on a global stage, drawing thousands of visitors to the region and inviting millions more to watch the games via ESPN in the United States, TSN in Canada and FISU TV. For many, it will be the first time they'll see the bold and picturesque Adirondack Mountains, vibrant downtown Lake Placid and our world-class Olympic Regional Development Authority ski areas and venues. And these games offer a chance to showcase the New York’s thriving winter tourism industry. Last winter, the state welcomed 68.5 million visitors, generating more than $16.1 billion in direct visitor spending. Special events like the games that spark additional travel generate even more spending in our restaurants, hotels and businesses, supporting jobs in a hospitality industry still rebuilding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. State-supported ORDA venues are open year-round for events, athlete training and recreation. Once the World University Games have finished, these same facilities will host this winter season the World Cup in Ski Jumping, NCAA Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing Championships, Synchronized Figure Skating World Championships. The Bobsled Skeleton World Championships will follow in February 2025, and IBU Biathlon Cups are planned in February and March 2026. Under Hochul’s leadership, state’s investments have grown and improved the North Country’s winter sports infrastructure, and the World University Games are just the start. Thanks to the concerted efforts of FISU, the games’ organizing committee, nearly a dozen state agencies, host partners, and volunteers, we are not only bringing the world to Lake Placid; we are once again presenting Lake Placid to the world. Returning to the words of Coach Brooks, the start of the FISU games is both a great moment and a great opportunity, and we stand ready to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world to take their place in New York’s winning legacy. Hope Knight is President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development. Michael Pratt is the President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.  Contact: ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
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Press Release

Thursday, January 12, 2023 - 12:18pm
Company Will Create More than 1,600 New Green Jobs at its Slingerlands Facility Complements Governor Hochul's Bold Environmental Agenda for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Combating Climate Change Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Plug Power's newest manufacturing facility, located at the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands, Albany County. The new location supports the company's efforts to significantly expand its line of GenDrive fuel cell systems, which are used to power electric motors in the electric mobility market. The company has committed to creating more than 1,600 new green jobs at this Capital Region location, complementing New York State's efforts to be a national leader in growing the green economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and combating climate change. "New York's investment in Plug is an investment in the state's sustainable future," Governor Hochul said. "This new manufacturing facility is creating good, green jobs in the Capital Region and beyond - helping communities around the world break their dependence on fossil fuels by replacing them with cutting-edge green hydrogen technology. Earlier this week I laid out bold initiatives to drive down polluting emissions across the board, and Plug's expansion will help complement our efforts to create a greener, healthier New York for future generations." Plug's new $125 million, 350,000 square foot plant will be used for expanding production, warehousing, and servicing of the GenDrive fuel cell product line, which offers drop-in fuel cell solutions for existing electric truck fleets. Additionally, the company has committed to creating more than 1,600 new, green jobs and retaining another 701 jobs in Albany County. Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide up to $45 million in performance-based Green Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits to encourage the creation and retention of these green jobs. The project is also supported by 1,310-kilowatt low-cost power allocation through the ReCharge NY program approved by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees at its March 2022 meeting. CEO of Plug Andy Marsh said, "Plug is proud that its new world-class manufacturing and services facility in Albany County will contribute to New York State's goal for clean renewable energy. We are grateful to our elected officials and partners, including Governor Hochul, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Congressman Paul Tonko, Empire State Development, NYPA and Albany County, for their ongoing support in helping us grow our presence in New York and create more than 1,600 new green jobs." Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "We are pleased to have a strong partnership with Plug across the state. Plug's continued expansion in Albany County demonstrates their strong commitment to New York State and Governor Hochul's sustainable vision for a cleaner, greener future." Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - 2:52pm
Shift 2.0 Program Will Assist Manufacturing Companies with Technological Improvements and Innovation to Increase Productivity and Employment Empire State Development (ESD) today announced Buffalo Manufacturing Works, operated by EWI, will build on the success of the Shift program, with Shift 2.0, which is designed to move small to medium-sized manufacturers from technology exploration and education to actual technology implementation. The expansion will enable EWI to help companies overcome leading barriers to technology adoptions, including the implementation of rapidly re-deployable automation solutions on their factory floors. “Shift 2.0 will turn innovative strategies for improving Western New York manufacturing facilities into a high-tech reality,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “With a goal of bringing more high-quality jobs to the region, Shift 2.0 and Buffalo Manufacturing Works will provide Buffalo-Niagara's manufacturers with the tools they need to expand and become more competitive. This initiative reflects Governor Hochul's continued commitment to providing the resources needed to fuel the area's economic growth.” Shift 2.0 builds on the established infrastructure of Buffalo Manufacturing Works, which has created a nationally-recognized hub of advanced manufacturing innovation in East Buffalo as an anchor institution at the Northland campus, together with the Northland Workforce Training Center, Buffalo Manufacturing Works is designed to position it as the cornerstone of a growing ecosystem that enables existing manufacturers to become more competitive through innovation; collaboration with and the enhancement of existing workforce development initiatives to grow the regional skill base; and serving as an asset to attract manufacturers to the region that represent the new innovation-driven economy. EWI President & CEO Henry Cialone said, “Innovative technology levels the playing field for small to medium-sized manufacturers. It allows them to produce better, faster and more efficiently. We know identifying, investing in and implementing that technology can seem like a daunting task for many manufacturers. Shift 2.0 provides education and engineering support for manufacturers who don't know how or where to start and will help identify advanced manufacturing technology improvements that can be implemented for immediate results at no-cost to the manufacturer thanks to key support from Empire State Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration."  Buffalo Manufacturing Works, operated by EWI, established the “Shift” Program in 2017. Through workshops and a full suite of services it provided unparalleled expertise and tailored solutions to small and medium sized manufacturers (SMMs), allowing them to produce their products better, faster, and more efficiently.  The program’s purpose has been to tailor solutions to help local companies utilize innovative technology to reach their goals.  It has assisted approximately 250 manufacturers over a four-year period, through workshops and a full suite of services tailored to these companies’ needs. The new Shift 2.0 effort is being financed by a $5 million ESD grant to EWI to build on strategies established for individual companies to help implement advanced manufacturing technologies—known as “Industry 4.0” technologies—which would include, but would not be limited to, digital automation, big data, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and collaborative robot technology. The objective of the program is to increase Industry 4.0 technology adoption capacity of Western New York SMMs to drive capital upgrades, productivity growth in manufacturing, global competitiveness, and job retention and creation. This funding expands on the previously announced funding won through the EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, allowing Buffalo Manufacturing Works to leverage State and Federal funding to best support Western New York SMMs. An Industry 4.0 ecosystem will also be developed under the program, including peer groups, technology events, hands-on training, original equipment manufacturer interactions, and other high impact initiatives that support companies as they implement new and innovative technologies. As part of this program, EWI engineers will develop SMM-focused advanced manufacturing technology solutions, including non-fixed equipment such as a mobile collaborative robot (cobot) platform/unit, that will make it easy for SMMs to implement Industry 4.0 technologies into their production processes. EWI/Buffalo Manufacturing Works anticipates the following results by the completion of the Shift 2.0 in 2025: At least 90 SMMs engaged in the ecosystem through any combination of peer groups,  technology events, business assessments, training, or automation implementation. At least 30 companies completing implementation of an automation system. Tailoring of the core SMM mobile cobot platform/unit specifically for actual use/implementation by SMMs for machine tending and related applications. At least 80 individuals trained either through formal automation classes or as part of SMM implementation projects. Purchase of at least three cobot cells/units to facilitate the creation of a SMM cobot loan program. Manufacturers interested in participating in Shift 2.0 can find out more about the free program by visiting www.shiftmfg.com. Buffalo Manufacturing Works is now located in a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at Northland Central.  It was created through an initial $45 million state investment for operations and fit out on an interim location through ESD’s Buffalo Regional Innovation Cluster initiative, also known as the Buffalo Billion, with an additional $35 million provided to support the organization’s move and expansion to its permanent home on the Northland Campus. “EDA is proud to support the vision of the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing coalition,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will help transform Buffalo, bringing economic opportunities to communities that need it most, while also positioning the region to remain competitive and on an innovative trajectory for decades to come.” Senator Tim Kennedy said "This expansion will truly allow manufacturers in Western New York to elevate production with innovative, efficient strategies. I'm thrilled to see Buffalo Manufacturing Works and EWI provide this level of support and solution-driven collaboration, and firmly believe it will continue to bolster our workforce and manufacturing industry as a whole." Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I’d like to thank ESD for providing the capital for EWI’s capital improvements, and I’d also like to congratulate and thank EWI for being a resource for regional manufacturers to improve their operations. Increasing efficiencies and production capacities through innovation, technology, workforce development and training leads to more industry competitiveness and better bottom lines for businesses which should translate to better bottom lines for Western New York households.” City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “This initiative is a wonderful addition to the growing landscape of innovation, manufacturing and technology that has taken root in our city. The growth of technology and jobs are two things that go hand-in-hand. As we see this initiative expand and help small-to-midsized manufacturers, we will also see more jobs added to the, already growing, base of jobs in the city of Buffalo.” 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 Governor Hochul’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 www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (716) 560-8815 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (716) 374-4246 
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