The Economic Transformation and Facility Redevelopment Program was established to support the economies of communities affected by the closure of certain correctional and juvenile justice facilities in 2011. Economic Transformation & Facility Redevelopment Program Report: Q1 2019 

Competition Funded Through Upstate Revitalization Initiatives - Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising and Southern Tier Soaring - Regional Comprehensive Strategies to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the application window is now open for round one of the Grow-NY food and agriculture competition. The competition is focused on growing an enduring food and agriculture innovation cluster in New York's Finger Lakes, Central New York and Southern Tier regions. The competition, which will run for three rounds, will offer a total of $3 million in funding for each round to innovative high-growth start-ups that are focused on the food and agriculture industry. Applications are open to start-ups from across the globe competing to win a $1 million top prize, two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 prizes. "New York's agricultural industry is one of the best in world, and the Grow-NY competition will attract innovative start-ups focused on this industry to put down roots in Upstate New York," Governor Cuomo said. "By bringing in new companies to find new ways to transform our state's food and agricultural industry, we are continuing to bolster these regional economies and foster growth in this critical industry statewide." Originally announced in the Governor's State of the State address this year, the Grow-NY initiative builds on the successful legacy of other state supported competitions such as 43North, Genius NY, Luminate NY and 76West. Funding for the Grow-NY competition will be provided through the Upstate Revitalization Initiatives connected with the three regions - Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising and Southern Tier Soaring. More information about Grow-NY is available here. Read the complete press release here. 

Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced its support for an ongoing expansion project at the headquarters of Monro, Inc. (Monro) in Rochester, Monroe County. ESD will provide up to $300,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the creation of up to 26 jobs at the expanded location on Holleder Parkway; 260 jobs are being retained. Already underway, the company plans to complete Phase 1 of the project later this summer. Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the company’s expansion Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Monro, Inc.’s decision to expand its Finger Lakes headquarters reflects the work we are doing to help established, successful companies grow and create jobs in this region and around New York State." The project will be completed in two separate and distinct phases.  Phase I is primarily the construction of approximately 13,000 square-feet on two floors at the Holleder Parkway location.  This construction will allow for the addition of 12 new offices and nearly 80 workstations.  Phase II will include the renovation of existing space to allow for the addition of ten conference rooms and other enhancements aimed at attracting and retaining its highly skilled workforce. Brian D’Ambrosia, Monro’s Executive Vice Prsident and Chief Financial Officer, said, “As we continue to expand our footprint to include operations in 30 states, we are pleased to also expand our Store Support Center, with economic support from Monroe County and ESD.”  Monro has been a pioneer in the auto service industry since Charles J. “Chuck” August opened his first muffler shop in Rochester in 1957. Monro owns and operates more than 1,200 auto service and tire centers, as well as commercial auto service and wholesale tire businesses, making it one of the largest such chains in the United States. In New York State, Monro operates 151 retail stores and employs approximately 760 workers at these locations.  State Senator Joseph Robach said, “Monro has been a staple in Rochester since 1957 and will stay that way for years to come thanks to this public-private partnership. All jobs are critically important to our economy and local workforce, so the fact that Monro is creating 26 new jobs and retaining an additional 260 is certainly cause for celebration. Thanks to all parties involved for making this a reality and keeping Monro, Inc. at Holleder Parkway.” State Assembly Member Jamie Romeo said, " I am proud that Monro, Inc. continues to grow and expand their headquarters here in Rochester.  I look forward to their continued growth and success as one of Rochester's own. As a small business first opening their doors in Rochester in 1957, Monro, Inc. has increased its number of locations to over 1,200.  This the type of hometown business we want to support and root for. A strong locally- based small business that benefits the community and company through innovation and investment, we are proud of Monro, Inc.'s long history, and future endeavors." Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren said, “I want to congratulate and thank Monro, Inc. for choosing to expand its headquarters right here in Rochester, continuing to provide jobs for our residents. As always, I am grateful to Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their work to retain and create jobs in Rochester through Finger Lakes Forward. Together, we are advancing our mission of creating more jobs, safer, more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for Rochester’s citizens.” County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, "Monroe County is thrilled to support Monro, Inc. as they double down on investing in our community. We have worked with them from the very beginning of this major expansion and we look forward to their continued growth and job creation in the days to come." Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “With offices throughout the country, we’re delighted that Monro, Inc.  chose to further invest in their headquarter location here in Rochester, NY. GRE connected the Monro, Inc. senior leadership team to economic development partners who delivered resources to help accelerate the company’s business expansion plans.” For more information about Monro, Inc., 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

Summer is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit New York State. From swimming at Long Island beaches and camping in the Adirondacks to touring Finger Lakes wineries and soaking up the mist and views at Niagara Falls, there are endless opportunities to enjoy all the outdoor attractions New York has to offer. This year, New York State has a whole new roster of exciting experiences to offer visitors, including historic anniversaries, festivals, arts and cultural events. Executive Director of Tourism Ross Levi gave us the inside scoop: Q: What’s special about 2019 in terms of tourism in New York State? A:  This year, we’re commemorating the 50-year anniversaries of two pivotal events in the history of New York and the world: the Woodstock Music and Art Fair and the Stonewall uprising of 1969. During Woodstock’s anniversary week in mid-August, music fans can attend the screening of the Oscar-winning documentary about the festival on the field where it took place in 1969. The Aug. 15 screening is hosted by Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where "A Season of Song & Celebration" from Aug. 15 - 18 will also feature performances from legendary musicians including Ringo Starr, Arlo Guthrie, Santana, the Doobie Brothers and John Fogerty. New York State is also hosting WorldPride 2019 this summer -- the first time the international event will be held in the United States -- in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City, which is widely seen as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. New York City is the epicenter for WorldPride, with official activities in June from the opening and closing ceremonies, to a human rights conference, outdoor Family Movie Night and the epic Pride March. However, from Long Island to Buffalo, WorldPride 2019 is truly a statewide celebration. The Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown is hosting an exhibit through Sept. 2 about celebrity LGBTQ photographer Herb Ritts, featuring his iconic photos of artists including Elton John, Cher and Madonna. In the Capital Region, the "Sing Out! New York" music festival includes free outdoor concerts by the Albany Symphony playing newly commissioned works by LGBTQ composers from June 2-9. Across Long Island, visitors can celebrate Pride on the Beach from June 12-29 with events like a market fair on the boardwalk and a Pride Pet Parade. At the Chautauqua Institution, Bishop Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop, will lead discussions about the building of America’s LGBTQ community with activist Judy Shepard on July 2. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at Pride at the Falls at Niagara Falls on July 5, complete with fireworks and a rainbow-lit Falls. In Jamestown, LGBTQ comedian Matteo Lane is performing two shows on July 6 at the National Comedy Center. The "New Glass Now" exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass features works by LGBTQ artists and Queer Tours daily from June 20-July 6.