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

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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Venue Will Host Curling Competitions During Upcoming Lake Placid 2023 World University Games Revitalized Facility Enhances Regional Sports Infrastructure to Support Future Events, Complements State Investments in ORDA Facilities Games Happening January 12-22 Throughout North Country; Tickets Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the nearly $7 million upgrade project at Saranac Lake Civic Center in Franklin County. The year-round, not-for-profit recreation and events facility underwent significant interior and exterior improvements, and the completion coincides with the upcoming Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games beginning January 12, and the Center will host the Games' men's and women's curling competitions. The project was supported by more than $5 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative funds from Empire State Development, through the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. "As New York's North Country welcomes visitors from around the globe for the World University Games, we have a unique opportunity to showcase our world-class competitive winter sports facilities with the upgraded Saranac Lake Civic Center," Governor Hochul said. "The upgraded Civic Center will not only provide an optimal experience for curlers and fans, but it will also bolster future generations of youth sports groups, our local communities and the entire North Country region." Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "As the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games draw closer, we are excited to celebrate the completion of the revitalized Saranac Lake Civic Center. The Center is a vital community partner, and the upgrades will ensure that it remains a premier winter sports and event venue for years to come." The nearly $7 million capital project included interior and exterior renovations, as well as energy efficiency, fire and safety improvements. Rink improvements ensured that the ice surface meets world class competition standards. Additional upgrades to kitchen, locker room facilities and spectator seating offer a better athlete and visitor experience, and better position Saranac Lake to attract future events, enhancing the regional sports competition infrastructure. The project coincides with the North Country Regional Economic Development Council's strategy of strengthening the region's global sports brand by attracting international sporting events that would stimulate private investment and job growth and catalyze the renovation of the area's sports and hospitality facilities. Read the full press release here.