Most Recent Round of Approved Awards Supports 47 Shovel-Ready Projects Full List of Awardees To-Date Can Be Found Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $38 million has been awarded to support 47 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This year, $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of applicants. Additionally, projects within each region are eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in their region.  “New York is not only going to recover from the pandemic, but will flourish, and this new funding will attract companies that will help fuel our post-pandemic economy,” Governor Hochul said. “These awardees are going to bring good paying jobs to communities across the state, boosting local economies and bringing economic opportunity to all New Yorkers. I look forward to seeing the continued work of the Regional Economic Development Councils as they help usher in a more prosperous New York for decades to come.”    Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin said, “As we rebound from the pandemic, we must invest in people and projects that will help usher in a new era in New York. The funding Governor Hochul and I are announcing today will go to businesses that we believe will achieve just that. I look forward to continuing to partner with the Regional Economic Development Councils across the state, so that we can keep local businesses at the heart of our State’s recovery effort.” Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “Our Regional Economic Development Councils have recommended projects that will capitalize on talent, infrastructure and industry in order to grow the local economy. We continue to invest in and support efforts to build back throughout New York State with a strategic focus on creating jobs and increasing opportunity now and for the future.”  Read the full press release here.

Slate of Virtual Events Provide Information and Resources to Help Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses Compete for State Contracts  For More Information and to Register, Visit esd.ny.gov/2022-nys-mwbe-expo-series Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State will host five events as part of the 2022 Regional Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises Online Opportunities Expo Series. The expos – which will connect MWBEs with New York agencies, expert resources, information on state projects, and tools to access state contracting opportunities – will run from April to June. "After helping my mother start a flower shop in our community many years ago, I've seen first-hand the struggles that a small business can face just to open their doors," Governor Hochul said. "This series of events will help connect MWBEs throughout New York with the resources they need to continue on the path to success. As our economic recovery continues, it's crucial we continue New York's strong history of lifting up minority and women-owned businesses. "  The 2022 New York State Regional MWBE Online Opportunities Expo Series, sponsored by Empire State Development's (ESD) Division of Minority and Women's Business Development, will feature panel discussions, information on regional projects, workshops on special topics and other business development resources. The expos will also include information about state-sponsored financial and technical assistance programs, including the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, the Bridge to Success Loan Program, and the New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-Designate Hope Knight said, "We have an obligation to make sure our minority- and women-owned businesses have an equal opportunity to compete for state contracts. Every year, state agencies and authorities spend billions of dollars on goods and services – and our MWBE division is continuing to ensure the companies bidding on those contracts reflect the diversity of the Empire State." Read the full release here.

High Precision Optics Manufacturer Continues to Grow its Business in The Finger Lakes Region, Will Add 50 New Jobs Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that optics manufacturer Optimax Systems Inc., located in the Town of Ontario, Wayne County, is again expanding its operations. The company will invest $20 million to attach a 36,000 square-foot addition to its existing facility on Dean Parkway. The expanded operations, with support from ESD, will allow Optimax Systems to raise the bar when it comes to supplying optics for its customers and will help the company solidify its brand and credibility in the worldwide optics manufacturing community. As a result of its continued growth, the company plans to create up to 50 new jobs over the next five years; 355 positions will be retained. The expansion piece of the project is expected to be completed sometime in 2023. Empire State Development Acting President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s strategic investments have supported the Finger Lakes region’s continued growth as an optics, photonics and imaging hub. Our focused commitment to workforce development and 21st century jobs means that companies like Optimax Systems can continue to grow here, with a pipeline to the tech talent they need.” Founded in 1991, Optimax Systems focuses on technologies as diverse as fiber optic telecommunications, solid-state lighting, digital photography, displays, and diagnostic medicine. They have worked key programs in aerospace, government research, and defense. In 2018, the company committed to creating up to 59 new jobs in at the site due thanks to previous support from New York state and, to date, has already exceeded that commitment. Optimax Systems, Inc. President, Joe Spilman said, “Optimax continues to position itself at the cutting edge of the Optics manufacturing industry.  As the company has grown and we have established footholds in new markets, demand for our work is increasing at a pace significantly faster than anything we have seen in the past.  This expansion and the associated investment in people and equipment ensures that we can continue to learn and grow with our customers.   Empire State Development has once again stepped up, providing support for this expansion and ensuring that this growth continues in the Finger Lakes Region.   We are thrilled to partner with ESD and look forward to continuing our mission of driving customer success and employee prosperity for years to come.” In order to encourage Optimax Systems to continue to expand in the Finger Lakes region, ESD is providing up to $700,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program a in return for job creation commitments and the retention of hundreds of existing jobs.  Wayne County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also offering assistance for the project. State Senator Pam Helming said, “Optimax continues to demonstrate its leadership as an innovator in the optics industry and a major employer in the Finger Lakes region. Thank you to Joe Spilman, Rick Plympton, Mike Mandina and the entire Optimax team for their additional investment in growth and jobs in Wayne County. I’d also like to thank Optimax for its leadership in building a skilled workforce in our region through programs like FAME. Optimax provides outstanding career opportunities in high-tech manufacturing, with quality products made in America. We are proud to have Optimax headquartered in the 54th District.” Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “It is great to see cutting edge company like Optimax Systems, Inc. making an investment in our community. In the fast moving age we are in, people across the nation and the globe need high speed fiber optic telecommunication. Their technological advancements in the field of diagnostic medicine will play a part in further lifesaving diagnosis’s, and we are proud that we can call them a local business. I would like to thank Optimax President Joe Spilman for making this investment in our community and providing over 400 jobs for our residents. “ Wayne County Director of Economic Development and Planning Brian Pincelli said, “Optimax continues to set the bar on innovation, talent attraction, and workforce development. I am not surprised that they are growing again. Their workforce culture and business model will only continue to contribute to their success. We’re very proud to have them in Wayne County.”   Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chair Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce said, “Not only is Optimax known for its breakthrough optics technology, but for a supportive workplace culture that focuses on mentorship and employee prosperity. We thank President Joe Spilman for continuing to invest in our region and people with this exciting expansion.” Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Innovation is in Optimax’s DNA, perfectly aligned with the talented workforce and innovative spirit found throughout the Greater Rochester, NY region. The outstanding optics and photonics workforce pipeline and ecosystem made this community the right place for Optimax to expand its business.” For additional information about Optimax Systems, Inc., visit: https://www.optimaxsi.com/. 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 regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. 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. ​ About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

The World’s Largest Business Accelerator for Uncrewed Systems is Accepting Applications through May 31; Innovative Competition Has Also Been Extended for Five Additional Rounds  GENIUS NY is Supported by “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that GENIUS NY – the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed systems – is now accepting applications for the sixth round of the year-long program. The in-residence accelerator, operated out of CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse, will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. The program also offers company stipends, resources, programming and networking opportunities to assist innovative startups with the tools they need to take advantage of emerging opportunities. GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year. The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development. Empire State Development Acting President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “GENIUS NY’s sixth round will help to further fuel Central New York’s thriving uncrewed aerial systems industry. This unique business accelerator competition is attracting forward-thinking entrepreneurial ideas and innovators to the region, as well as top companies that are ready to take advantage of the area's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure." Applications are being accepted at www.geniusny.com through May 31, 2022 from tech startups focused in uncrewed systems, IoT, big data, and robotics. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories. “We are excited to open this new round of applications and begin our search for the next cohort of companies that will join our region’s growing UAS and UTM ecosystem,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “GENIUS NY provides support these companies need to grow and contribute to the region’s expertise and diversity. Through five rounds of this accelerator program, we have seen impact and advancement of this sector within our economy, which is a proven jobs creator. We are extremely grateful to Empire State Development for renewing the program through round 10, which is a validation of the program's success to date.” Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges, and semi-finalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this summer. Five companies will advance to participate in the competition, which is structured as a unique programmed incubator and accelerator experience. The selected teams will enter the in-residence accelerator at The Tech Garden later this summer where they will be immersed in the incubator's events, resource pool, and mentoring. Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Central New York to participate in the program starting in August. “For more than a decade we have created a robust tech ecosystem that provides startup companies the tools and resources they need to scale and grow in the region,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “The GENIUS NY program is evidence of this success, and we are grateful to Empire State Development for their continued support and validation of the program. Each new team that we attract to the region through GENIUS NY contributes to region’s growing tech sector and supports the advancement of the UAS and UTM industries here.” Additionally, the GENIUS NY competition has been renewed through round ten by ESD. The program has attracted more than 26 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, the innovative teams have gone on to raise more than $90 million in venture capital and have created more than 60 upstate New York jobs. Round five winner, Airtonomy received the top prize of $1 million in October 2021. The company has seen significant growth in Central New York and has partnered with several local providers and customers. They continue to hire in Syracuse and work with other local UAS companies like NUAIR and Airial Robotics. Senator Rachel May said, “Central New York is a great place to live, play, and grow your business. Past Genius NY winners have contributed to our community by working on advancements in critical infrastructure maintenance, new agricultural technology, and more. I’m pleased to see more funding for Genius NY and to continue working on our region’s progress.” Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “The Genius NY competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth and industry leadership.” Assemblyman Al Stirpe said, "The GENIUS NY program has played an integral role in the rapidly expanding unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry here in Central New York and helps create good-paying, local jobs. The latest round of awards through Empire State Development (ESD) promise to draw competitors from around the country from tech startups focused on UAS, the internet of things, robotics and big data. I encourage all companies, but especially upstate ones, to fill out an application and take advantage of this important economic driver.” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "The next round of the exciting GENIUS NY competition will continue to build on the success we've experienced as people come from across the country and across the globe to Onondaga County & Central New York. This innovative competition provides businesses with the tools and resources they need to ensure their long-term success and we are looking forward to the groundbreaking work that emerges from this latest round." City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, "GENIUS NY has attracted and retained world-class business start-ups in Syracuse to scale and grow cutting edge technologies—creating local jobs, drawing top talent and expanding our high-tech ecosystem. The sixth round of the GENIUS NY competition will again produce exciting, breakthrough innovations and solidify Central New York’s position as a world leader in Uncrewed Aerial Systems technology. I thank Empire State Development for its continued support and look forward to welcoming the next cohort of innovators to Syracuse." Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and, Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, "We are incredibly excited to see what the next round of innovative entrepreneurs will bring to the table. Through our continued support for the GENIUS NY 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 decades to come." To apply and learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com. To learn more about CenterState CEO, visit: www.centerstateceo.com. Accelerating CNY Rising  Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint 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. The region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The state’s $500 million investment is helping incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here. About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313