Schumer Personally Called Menlo Micro CEO Last Year to Urge Them to Invest in Upstate NY; Now Company Has Heeded His Call and Chosen a Facility in Lansing, NY, With Albany NanoTech Complex Serving as Home of Company's Global R&D Hub to Boost New Domestic Manufacturing Menlo Micro Cites Schumer's Chips & Science Act, Governor's Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits as the Lightning Rod to Bringing Semiconductor Jobs Back to U.S., New First-Of-Its-Kind Microchip Switch Manufacturing Facility To Region Menlo Micro's Ideal Fab Builds on State and Federal Efforts to Grow Chip Manufacturing Ecosystem in New York State, Follows Historic Partnerships to Bring Micron, Edwards Vacuum to New York Traducción al español Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced that following their long advocacy to make New York a global microelectronics manufacturing hub and Schumer's personal call to Menlo Micro CEO Russ Garcia last year, the company has heeded their calls and will invest over $50 million to build their first domestic microelectronics fabrication facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. "With this agreement to bring Menlo Microsystems to Tompkins County, we are once again declaring New York State as Chips Country," Governor Hochul said. "Menlo Micro's groundbreaking chip technology powers the tools and electronics that New Yorkers rely on every day, and thanks to a remarkable partnership between local, state, and federal officials, their New York production facility will create more than 100 high-tech jobs and unlock millions of dollars in investment to support the entire region. I am excited to welcome Menlo to New York's chip-making ecosystem as we continue our work to attract the innovative, 21st century businesses that will provide good-paying jobs, grow our advanced manufacturing sector, and move our economy forward." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "With my CHIPS & Science Act as the lighting rod, Menlo Micro will invest $50+ million to build their first domestic manufacturing facility for their cutting-edge technology right here in Tompkins County! Last year, I personally called Menlo Micro's CEO to tell him that Upstate New York is the next frontier for microelectronic and semiconductor manufacturing, and I'm thrilled they are now bringing 100 new good-paying jobs to Tompkins County. I applaud Menlo Micro for this major investment that will help drive Tompkins County and America's economic future in tech manufacturing, and thank Governor Hochul for her partnership to help transform Upstate NY into a global center for innovation, high tech and advanced manufacturing jobs. The greater Ithaca area is unquestionably leading the charge in research and development and building the future of technology, and Menlo Micro will help further supercharge the region's leadership, while helping secure America's critical microelectronics supply chains that power everything from 5G communications to the power grid to aerospace engineering with their switch technology made right here in Tompkins County. From Micron's historic investment in Central NY, to Wolfspeed's new fab in the Mohawk Valley, Edwards Vacuum soon beginning production in Western NY, GlobalFoundries planned expansion in the Capital Region, Onsemi investing in the Hudson Valley, and now Menlo Micro supercharging our microelectronics supply chain in the Southern Tier, we are bringing manufacturing back to America, back to Upstate New York!" CEO of Menlo Micro Russ Garcia said, "Today's announcement represents the first step toward significantly increasing the domestic production capacity of our Ideal Switch to help secure critical infrastructure and further strengthen America's technology stronghold. We want to thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his leadership on the CHIPS and Science Act, which is directly supportive of and aligned with our plan to onshore our manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to continuing to work with Sen. Schumer, Gov. Hochul, Sen. Gillibrand, Rep. Molinaro and the entire New York delegation as we begin ushering in the next generation of electrification, delivering unprecedented cost and energy savings to essential U.S. industries. We believe this fab modernization project is in 100 percent alignment with the presidential directive on bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States." Schumer and Hochul said that the retrofitting of Menlo Micro's new Ideal fab has already begun in the Village of Lansing. Menlo Micro has pioneered next generation switch technology. These hyper-efficient switches have broad base application, including aerospace, energy, communications, critical infrastructure and more. These switches are also a vital component of the microelectronics industry, supporting the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry that is being driven by Schumer's CHIPS and Science Act. To support the construction of Menlo Micro's new fab, Empire State Development will provide $6.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits in exchange for 122 new jobs at their Ithaca facility. As with all Excelsior Jobs projects, Menlo Micro will receive the credits after demonstrating that they have met their job and investment commitments. Read the full press release here.

Improvements to Outer Harbor site will provide a better visitor experience See renderings of Wilkeson Pointe improvements here The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Board of Directors today met and authorized several contracts that will advance the Wilkeson Pointe Improvements Project on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. Working within an approximate 7-acre site, the area between the Wilkeson Pointe water edge and the nearby Fuhrmann Boulevard entrance will be renovated to provide a better visitor arrival and experience.  See renderings here.  Announced by Governor Hochul in 2022 as one of several significant Buffalo waterfront projects being accelerated for completion, the Wilkeson Pointe renovations will begin in September 2023. The site is scheduled to open to the public in Spring 2025.   “Since it was created in 2013, Wilkeson Pointe has become a favorite place to enjoy beautiful harbor views and sunsets while walking or biking the paths, going for a paddle or savoring a cool drink at the beer garden,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “Governor Hochul’s push to advance funding for this project means that residents and newcomers alike will soon benefit from improved access and experiences while visiting this waterfront destination.” Plans includes further visitor safety measures, such as moving parking away from the water and at a distance from the site’s pedestrian trail. A new food service building will  also include restrooms and storage for the operations management team, and a new outdoor seating area either on the patio or within a beach setting.  The new design calls for the site’s existing trails to be relocated and elevated near the water’s edge.  All new utilities will be brought to the new building and site through the adjacent site from Fuhrmann Boulevard.  The landscaping within the site will be improved with the planting of natural species, creating meadows, grasslands and pollinator fields. The ECHDC Board authorized ECHDC to enter into the following contracts: Javen Construction Company, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,875,000 including contingency for general construction.  Javen Construction’s scope of service will include new steel framing, steel framing preparation and painting, metal stud framing and wallboard, building enclosures, interior finishings, and select site work adjacent to the building.  Mark Cerrone, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $5,886,500 including contingency for sitework construction.  Mark Cerrone’s scope of service will include clearing the existing paved surfaces, establishing the site parameters, excavating for site utilities, installation of landscape and fence materials, new surface walkways and drives, and site enclosures.  Frey Electric Construction Corporation, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,897,000 including contingency for electrical construction.  Frey Electric’s scope of service will include routing the new electric service from Fuhrmann Boulevard to the Wilkeson Pointe site, distribution of electric service within the Wilkeson Pointe site, exterior lighting and miscellaneous electric connections for equipment installed by other contractors. M.K.S. Plumbing Corporation in an amount not to exceed $407,000 including contingency for mechanical construction.  M.K.S. Plumbing’s scope of service will include routing the new mechanical and plumbing service from Furhmann Boulevard to the Wilkeson Pointe new building, distribution of gas and water lines within the Wilkeson Pointe site, installation of mechanical systems within the enclosed building, and installation of all plumbing fixtures.  Funding for all these contracts is from the New York Power Authority, through relicensing agreements tied to the operation of the Niagara Power Project.  NYPA transferred the land for the park to ECHDC in May 2012 as part of the Buffalo and Erie County relicensing settlement agreement for the Niagara Power Project. About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor. As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313

Project Includes 90,000 Square-Foot Addition Featuring a New Welcome Atrium, Multiple Interactive Exhibits, Outdoor Plaza Areas, Parking Garage and Much More Investment Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Traducción al español Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $75 million expansion project at The Strong National Museum of Play in the heart of downtown Rochester. More than a city-block long, The Strong features hands-on, dynamic, interactive exhibit spaces. The final piece of the project — a 90,000 square-foot addition to the Finger Lakes region's top tourist attraction features many other amenities including a new welcome atrium with interactive displays, colorful wayfinding, state-of-the-art, efficient check-in, security, and first aid service areas. The atrium also includes a high expansive ceiling and glass walls allowing the space to be bright and open during the day and letting the light illuminate the plaza at night. The first floor also features an expanded gift shop and a connection to a new parking garage, built during phase one of the project. These upgrades are expected to have a major impact on annual facility attendance, which museum officials estimate will grow to nearly one million by 2026, up from a previous high of 600,000 pre-pandemic. "This ribbon-cutting marks the start of a new chapter at The Strong National Museum of Play, one of the region's biggest tourist attractions and the engine behind our continued efforts to further revitalize downtown Rochester," Governor Hochul said. "For more than half a century, The Strong Museum has drawn visitors from around the globe with its fascinating exhibits and dazzling displays, and thanks to state support, it will continue to do so for many years to come. Smart, strategic investments in New York's cultural anchors are key to driving tourism, creating jobs, and boosting the economy, and I remain committed to supporting institutions like The Strong Museum to unlock our state's economic potential." Read the full press release here.

Selected Teams from Around the World Will Compete for a Total of $3 Million in Investments and Participate in yearlong UAS Accelerator in CNY Program is supported by “CNY Rising” the region’s comprehensive strategy to revitalize the community and grow the economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the five teams selected to take part in round seven of the innovative GENIUS NY business accelerator program. Supported by the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative and administered by CenterState CEO and The Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse, these startup, uncrewed systems industry companies will participate in a yearlong program. The five finalists include teams with international and New York state representation and were selected from a pool of more than 450 submissions. They will compete for $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards. The program is the largest business accelerator for the UAS industry in the world. GENIUS NY participants are required to commit to operating their business in Central New York for at least one year. “The GENIUS NY accelerator has helped to establish Central New York as a hub for uncrewed aerial systems by attracting the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs," said, Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. "New York State's ongoing UAS investment will ensure that continued industry leadership, bringing top-quality jobs and growth to the region and beyond.” Starting July 12, the five selected companies will move into downtown Syracuse where they will begin to refine work on their business cases, which they present at the Pitch Finals event  on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY, said, "This round's teams bring an exciting new mix of technologies being developed in the uncrewed systems space," said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. "We are excited for their arrival in Central New York in just a few short weeks, and to work with them over the coming year as they connect with local businesses and partners on strategic opportunities for collaboration and growth. Our goal is to not only support startups so they succeed in the UAS industry, but so that they can do so right here in our region, well after their participation in the program." The five selected finalists are: Aloft (Silver Spring, Maryland), an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS) for LAANC, powering the vast majority of recreational and commercial airspace authorizations. Aloft also has an exclusive public-private partnership with the FAA to power B4FULY. Through state-of-the-art technologies and sophisticated data services, Aloft aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of drone operations, facilitating their integration into the National Airspace System. Blueflite (Detroit, Michigan), a company designing and manufacturing a logistics drone platform to solve the modern-day challenges in the logistics industry. Blueflite’s drones offer faster and greener deliveries at a lower cost compared to conventional transport. The unique and patent pending tiltrotor design features vectored thrust giving it unrivaled maneuverability and the ability to operate under challenging conditions. The digital element of the platform allows for integration into an all-automated supply chain for high-speed deliveries at scale. Greenjets (Milton Keynes, UK) Greenjets, which is building next generation electric propulsion systems for advanced air mobility. Their ducted fan propulsion technology is the quietest, safest and most efficient of its class. The Greenjets team has over 300 years of deep domain knowledge carried over from Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems & Formula 1. Learnings from these experiences are reflected in a unique design & manufacturing methodology, which allows production of propulsion systems at an unrivalled pace. Voltela (Brooklyn, NY) provides connectivity assurance for commercial drones. Remote pilots must rely on reliable Command and Control connections. The mobile network was not built for aerial connectivity and changing the infrastructure is not viable. Voltela’s patented software operates with off-the-shelf modems enabling prioritized connections with guaranteed low latency via any mobile network. Voltela’s superior connectivity performance achieves aviation-grade reliability levels and is the foundation for building the Aerial Virtual Network Operator. Votix (Weston, Florida) is an American Enterprise Drone Orchestration and Automation platform and the first universal (hardware-agnostic) drone operating system for commercial operations at scale. VOTIX integrates the entire drone ecosystem, ensuring high-quality results, and safe and robust operations, guaranteeing compliance with regulators and stakeholders, creating synergies within the industry’s ecosystem, reducing process time and generating superior intelligence. VOTIX supports VLOS/EVLOS while enabling BVLOS operations, autonomous flights, real-time cloud video streaming and AI, precision landing, drone-in-a-box integration and much more. Throughout the program teams will have access to free workspace at The Tech Garden, experts and other founders specific to their industry, executive advisors, recruiting, marketing and fundraising support, programming and events, the opportunity to apply for the UAS Job Fund, as well as other perks like access to platforms such as PitchBook,  and offer companies AWS credits. The goal is to encourage all participants to put down roots and stay in the region following the conclusion of the program. Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, said, "Each year, the strength of our applicant pool and the finalist teams - from across the country and globe - continue to speak to the strength of the GENIUS NY program and that Central New York is the single best place to grow your UAS company,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “We are excited to welcome this new cohort to see their innovative technologies and platforms accelerate through the GENIUS NY program, and our ecosystem of partners and resources." Since 2017, GENIUS NY has invested $18 million in 32 companies from around the world and brought them to Central New York to participate in the yearlong in-residence accelerator where they receive assistance with product development, business development, and networking opportunities with investors and business leaders. Participants are also integrated into the larger regional effort to grow uncrewed aerial systems in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, and will have access to world-leading infrastructure and testing assets. Participants also have opportunities to connect with investors for follow on funding. Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $100 million in follow-on funding and have created over 80 jobs in New York. State Senator Rachel May, said, “It’s exciting to see the continued success of the GENIUS NY business accelerator program, adding to Central New York’s rapidly growing technology and innovation sector. This program is now integral to our burgeoning drone industry, bringing more high-quality jobs to our area and benefiting the community in many other ways. Congratulations to the five teams that have made it this far. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in the future,” State Senator John W. Mannion, said, “The GENIUS NY accelerator is a great opportunity for startups in the UAS industry to gain access to Central New York’s growing resources and expertise in the field. The program's strong track record of success speaks for itself, and I am confident that the five finalists selected for this year's cohort will be well-positioned to grow their businesses and make a significant impact on the UAS industry in Central New York and beyond." State Assemblymemner Al Stirpe, said, “Since the launch of GENIUS NY Accelerator program, the technological ingenuity and collaborative UAS partnerships flourishing in Central New York has been exciting and a testament of our region’s commitment to the job creating aviation industry of the future. The Tech Garden is an incredibly powerful hub for these tech startups to hone-in on their innovative craft while leveraging the invaluable resources network of CenterState CEO. Congratulations to all five finalists of the GENIUS NY Round Seven program for advancing this far and wish them the best of luck in this globally scaled competition.” Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, said, “Congratulations to the finalists. The Genius NY Competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uses for uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth in our Central New York region.” Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, said, “Congratulations to this round of finalists. I am impressed by the work they have done so far and I’m excited to welcome such diverse teams to Central New York. GENIUS NY is playing a huge role in making Central New York a robust tech ecosystem. We look forward to seeing these leaders grow in Syracuse and diversify our local economy. Onondaga County Executive, J. Ryan McMahon, said, “As we continue our focused work to grow and diversify our local economy, we are incredibly excited to welcome these teams to our community. The GENIUS NY competition continues to serve as a platform to showcase why Central New York is an exceptional place to grow a business. I wish these innovators the best of luck and we are ready to provide them with any support that they may need.” City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, said, "GENIUS NY is part of a thriving technology ecosystem in Syracuse and Central New York. It has aided in expanding our entrepreneurial and tech cultures and brought energy and excitement to the Syracuse Surge -- our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. I look forward to the innovative ideas the five teams bring to round seven of GENIUS NY, and thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and CenterState CEO for their continued investments to keep GENIUS NY soaring." Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura, said, "Congratulations to the innovative teams selected to take part in round seven of the GENIUS NY competition. We are proud to welcome these imaginative entrepreneurs to the region as they work to grow their forward-thinking ideas. Through the regional council’s continued support for this competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the growing UAS industry in Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for generations to come." To learn more about the GENIUS NY program visit: www.geniusny.com. To learn more about CenterState CEO and the Tech Garden, visit: https://www.centerstateceo.com/about-us/partners-programs/tech-garden. Accelerating CNY Rising  Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. 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 Vincent | Shari.Vincent@esd.ny.gov| (585)399-7055 | (800) 260-7313 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313