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Press Release
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 - 5:45pm
Third Event Co-hosted with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and New Partner Ghetto Film School Connects Diverse Content Creators with Entertainment Experts for Career Advice and Guidance
Bronx Community College (BCC) and IATSE Local 52 Welcome Inaugural Class of Film Production Training Program
25 Students to Begin Training This Month for Careers in the Entertainment Sector
Photos are Available Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today co-hosted the New York State Multicultural Creativity Summit, an interactive workshop that provides a roadmap for content creators of diverse backgrounds to navigate the film and television industry. The Summit, hosted by the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) together with new partner Ghetto Film School, is the most recent of New York State’s initiatives to promote the inclusion of diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
“New York State’s film and television industry is driving the statewide economy, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and more than one million hires to date,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, today’s Summit and the new Film Production Training Program at BCC will expand opportunities for the next generation of diverse filmmakers, writers, directors, producers and studio executives to gain a seat at the table and build an even stronger, more inclusive entertainment industry.”
The Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV) works closely with studios, non-profit organizations and film festival curators to promote New York State’s talent and help expand pathways for aspiring filmmakers, writers and producers. The interactive workshop featured panel discussions that provided advice and guidance for diverse content creators looking to advance their careers in the film and television industry, followed by a networking session with representatives from CBS Corporation, HBO, NBCUniversal, Viacom, Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros. Entertainment and more industry leaders.
Speakers at the event included The Blacklist Executive Producer Laura Benson, CBS’ upcoming drama series Tommy Executive Producer and Director Christine Moore, BET Networks Chief Social Impact and Communications Officer Jeanine Liburd, HBO Talent Development and Programming Manager Robert Patla, WarnerMedia Entertainment Executive Vice President of Multicultural Marketing, Brand & Inclusion Strategy Lucinda Martinez and others. This is the third Multicultural Creativity Summit and the first held at the SkySquare Conference Center at Viacom in New York City. The first two events were hosted at the HBO Theater in New York City in May 2017 and October 2018.
“The future of the film and television industry depends on a wide variety of stories being told by diverse creators, on screen and behind the camera,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association. “The State of New York provides an incredible opportunity for people of all backgrounds to tell their stories. The Motion Picture Association is proud to co-host this Summit and support inclusive storytelling in New York and throughout our industry.”
“The New York State Multicultural Creativity Summit has helped our industry to prioritize inclusive storytelling,” said Gail MacKinnon, Senior Executive Vice President of Global Policy and Government Affairs at the Motion Picture Association. “New York State is both a home to many diverse communities and a key production hub for the film and television industry, generating 100,000 jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity every year. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Cuomo, the Legislature, Empire State Development, and our multicultural partners in the state on events like this one that build a diverse and inclusive pipeline of creative professionals.”
“I am honored to be a part of New York State’s Multicultural Creativity Summit this year,” said Sharese Bullock-Bailey, Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer at the Ghetto Film School. “The film and entertainment industry thrives when diverse creators are given a platform to showcase their art. Every individual, organization, company and filmmaker taking part in today’s summit is playing a significant role in breaking boundaries and embracing diversity in media.”
Today’s Summit is part of a larger statewide initiative to increase diversity and inclusion and create equal opportunities in the film and television industry. During the Second New York State Multicultural Summit in October 2018, New York State announced an unprecedented partnership with Bronx Community College and IATSE Local 52 to launch a new 14-week program that will train up to 100 students for work in union trade crafts, such as property, carpentry and electric. This year, the program welcomes its first cohort of 25 students scheduled to begin classes focused on the Electric craft this month, with a curriculum being developed by some of the top electricians in the film and television industry. Upon completion of the program this spring, graduates will receive a Bronx Community College/CUNY Continuing Education Certificate in Film and Television Production and will be officially ready for hire on production sets, soundstages and studios.
Bronx Community College Dean for Workforce and Economic Development Kenneth Adams said, “Governor Cuomo’s support of Bronx Community College’s new Film Production Training program will enable our students to prepare for and succeed in demanding film and television production jobs that previously were beyond their reach. Our program will create a pipeline of skilled and diverse talent for Local 52 while it opens up rewarding career opportunities for CUNY students.”
IATSE Local 52 Vice President John Ford said, “Local 52 looks forward to working with BCC on this project to provide qualified technicians to the employers in the entertainment industry. These are good jobs that provide employer sponsored health and retirement benefits.”
New York State continues to lead the nation in the fight for social justice and embracing diversity by passing legislation to ensure LGBTQ rights and marriage equality, welcoming our immigrant community, launching a women's equality agenda and fighting workplace discrimination. The Multiculturalism Summit, along with PITCHNY℠ held last month which connects aspiring film students and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds with industry professionals for informational panels, roundtable discussions and one-on-one pitch practice sessions, builds on Governor Cuomo's legacy of expanding opportunity, increasing diversity, promoting inclusion and standing up for all minority groups in New York State.
About the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development
The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV), a division of Empire State Development, offers film, television and commercial productions and post-production tax credits for qualified expenditures in New York State. The office also serves as a liaison between production companies and city and local governments, state agencies, a network of statewide contacts, local film offices and professional location scouts and managers. For more information on filming in New York State or the Film Production and Post-Production Tax Credit Programs, please visit www.NYSFilm.com.
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 Cuomo’s 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, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Skye Ernst | [email protected] | (212) 803-3765
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 - 4:16pm
Partnership Benefits Valued at More Than $10 Million over Five Year
Partnership Will Ensure Long-Term Sustainability of the Model at NWTC and Will Expand Offerings and Programs
Governor Also Announces WNY Workforce Development Challenge Round 2 Will Open on December 16
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a strategic partnership between Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo and SUNY Empire State College's Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor that will build on the Center's highly-successful training model and will allow SUNY Empire to collaborate with the Center's CEO and management team, grow and put the Center on a path to long-term economic sustainability. Empire State College will provide NWTC with $10 million in academic, student, and other support over five years.
"The workforce of Western New York has made a remarkable progress since we began making strategic investments in the region to bring back jobs, and now we face a new challenge - making sure there are enough workers for these new jobs," Governor Cuomo said. "By partnering with SUNY Empire State College, the Northland Workforce Training Center will have the best available tools to train underrepresented populations in the region's workforce for the jobs that power a 21st century economy, and ensure Western New York continues to grow and thrive."
"I have seen firsthand how the Northland Workforce Training Center is transforming Buffalo's East Side and investing in our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Young people and workers mid-career have new pathways to success thanks to the work being done at Northland. With this forward-thinking partnership between SUNY Empire and Northland, we will continue to advance our efforts to support job training, innovation, and further economic growth in Western New York."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, December 2, 2019 - 11:50am
Business invests more than $2 million to renovate historic property with the support of Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
See picture of Old Library Restaurant and Event Center here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the substantial completion of renovations on the Old Library Restaurant and event center in Olean, creating a unique regional destination for visitors. The project also includes the future expansion of a day spa in an adjacent Victorian era home, which currently serves as an inn. The $2 million-plus investment is expected to result in the addition of up to 65 employees.
“Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative is creating new opportunities across New York – transforming communities, creating jobs, and bringing back a sense of hope and pride,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “With support from the DRI, Olean is reimagining its future, bringing back historic buildings, and investing in the downtown streetscape to improve safety and walkability for pedestrians and bicyclists. The renovated Old Library Restaurant and Event Center will help to draw more visitors to Olean to support continued economic growth in Cattaraugus County and Western New York.”
“For more than 100 years the Old Library has been a gathering place for residents,” said Daniel and Kathryn DeCerbo, Old Library Restaurant and Inn owners. “It will be our pleasure to extend this tradition and attract new visitors to Olean. We are thankful for the support of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which helped make our unique and inviting renovations possible.”
Extensive improvements have been made to the interior and exterior of the former Carnegie Library, an architecturally significant landmark located at 116 South Union Street. The Beaux-Arts style library, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, was built in 1909 with $40,000 provided by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The interior features a grand stairway and entrance, large rooms and a central atrium. Renovation of the current Old Library Restaurant and adjacent Inn includes improvements to the exterior and interior of restaurant which encompass, but are not limited to, lighting, flooring, atrium, bar/lounge, dining, mezzanine, kitchen and bathroom areas. Exterior improvements include landscaping of both properties and additional renovation of the Inn at 120 South Union to include a future expansion of a float spa.
The success of The Old Library project will be measured by increased bookings of events, banquets, overnight stays and return on investment. In addition to providing jobs, the owners are supporting the local economy by featuring local artists and musicians and purchasing produce and meat from local farms.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “The Old Library’s new chapter, made possible by the DRI, will contribute to Olean’s goal of a vibrant downtown that will make residents proud and introduce visitors to all the region has to offer.”
Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “The completion of the Old Library Project exemplifies how Olean is capitalizing on the Governor’s DRI program to create a thriving downtown community for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The Old Library received a $719,500 DRI capital grant to expand its business, create jobs and increase tourism to the Olean area. The project supports the following DRI strategies:
Promotes the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to accommodate new and expanding businesses.
Establishes a destination restaurant, event center and boutique inn in the heart of the downtown to better support tourism and visitation.
Complements and leverages the planned improvements to Lincoln Park, which is directly across Union Street, and reinforces the area around the Union Street/State Street intersection as the civic and cultural heart of downtown.
Creates up to 65 new employment opportunities in the downtown district.
Leverages adjacent DRI-proposed projects including South Union Streetscape.
Elevates the importance and momentum of downtown’s renewal and resurgence and signals this to other potential downtown investors.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in 2016, a $100 million effort to improve the vitality of urban centers across New York State. Downtown Olean was selected as a Round Two DRI winner for Western New York, receiving $10 million based on the strength of its vision for downtown renewal. Olean’s vision is to make the city vibrant and residents optimistic about opportunities to work, to learn and to thrive in Olean, with a special emphasis on retaining younger and college-educated residents. A renewed commitment by the city and numerous public and private partners to revitalize Olean has resulted in key investments downtown, including the redevelopment of the historic Manny Hanny Building and several other major mixed-use buildings.
WNY Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair and Buffalo State College President Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner said,” The REDC recognizes the vital importance of our Downtown districts to the continued growth and future development of the entire region. Projects such as the Old Library are helping to reinvigorate the heart of Olean. By investing in the character and authenticity of Olean’s downtown the DRI is helping the community capitalize on its assets and enhance the urban opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors.”
Senator George Borrello said, “Today marks another milestone in realizing the transformation of downtown Olean into a thriving cultural destination and economic engine for the region. The state’s investment of DRI funds, combined with the DeCerbo’s incredible vision and determination, have given new life to the Old Library – a historic gem that was a beloved gathering place for generations. As a restaurant and event center, this beautiful building will bring residents and visitors to the heart of Olean, stimulating the economy and adding a new chapter to the legacy of this proud landmark.”
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio said, “This is the kind of project that energizes a community, and we look forward to all of the good things that are going to happen as a result. Innovative ideas like this are a key to success for communities. It is wonderful to witness the repurposing of the historic Carnegie Library, which has been a center of activity since it was built in 1909.”
City of Olean Mayor William J. Aiello said, “We thank Governor Cuomo for selecting Olean as a DRI recipient. We are pleased to attend the ribbon cutting for one of our most dynamic DRI projects. Thanks to the remarkable renovations, this great old building will serve the community as a unique restaurant for years to come.”
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 Cuomo’s 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, please visit and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contacts:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s office) | [email protected] | 716-846-8309
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | 716-846-8239
Press Release
Friday, November 29, 2019 - 11:02am
Empire State Development and the New York State Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets today encouraged all New Yorkers to support their local small businesses on Small Business Saturday, which falls this year on November 30. By choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within the Empire State.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “New York’s small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy, supporting millions of jobs, communities and families here every year. We are proud to devote substantial state support to ensuring that small businesses can thrive everywhere, but we cannot do it alone—the support of everyday customers is integral, and we encourage New Yorkers to shop at their local small businesses this Saturday and every day.”
State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Small businesses keep our downtowns vital and relevant, and truly provide the heartbeat of our local communities. Support your local small business owner this Saturday and every day because shopping small can have a big impact.”
Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Michael Schmidt said, “Celebrating Small Business Saturday by shopping local is a great tribute to our state’s entrepreneurs as they showcase their talent and ingenuity. To help small businesses flourish and further propel New York State’s economy, we provide a variety of incentives to make starting, growing, or expanding easy and affordable. I encourage all small business owners to visit our Business incentives webpage to learn more about the valuable benefits available.”
State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to support local growers, farmers, processors and beverage-makers. We encourage holiday shoppers to consider choosing New York State’s top-notch craft beverages, fresh wholesome foods and wide-array of wood products when they are out looking for the perfect holiday decorations, gifts and holiday party supplies. Whether it’s an NYS Grown & Certified Christmas tree, a bottle of Finger Lakes Riesling, or Taste NY jellies and jams, New York-produced goods are a cut above the rest and a great way to support our neighboring businesses.”
Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and invites shoppers to visit local stores at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. The small business sector is a major contributor to the foundation of New York’s economy, accounting for 98 percent of all businesses in the state and employing more than 52 percent of New York’s private sector workforce. Today, New York State has more than 523,000 small business proprietors, employing more than 4 million people.
NYS Support for Small Business
Whether a business is starting up or looking to expand, Empire State Development (ESD) and its Small Business Division can provide assistance through an array of programs and initiatives designed to support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities for success. ESD offers loans, financing, tax credits and incentives to qualifying businesses at all stages, including those designated as Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). For more information, visit ESD’s website at www.esd.ny.gov or https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/small-business-hub.
The New York State Department of Labor offers a multitude of no-cost services for businesses of all sizes, including 140,000 job postings on Governor Cuomo’s Jobs Express website, access to tens of thousands of qualified candidates in our talent pool, career fairs and customized recruitments, and even Human Resources consultation services. More than 20,000 businesses each year work with DOL to list their jobs, find the right candidates, access hiring and training incentives, obtain business tax credits and incentives, get help with one-on-one labor law and safety and health compliance services, and find layoff aversion resources. For more information, visit: https://www.labor.ny.gov/business.
New York State offers dozens of beneficial tax breaks to help smooth the path and reduce the cost of launching a thriving business. Small businesses can access a variety of resources and programs anytime at the Tax Department’s dedicated Business incentives webpage, a one-stop shop for details about tax credits and incentives for a variety of enterprises in various industries—from farming and agriculture to research and development to manufacturing. Businesses may also qualify for dozens of job credits and incentives for hiring and training local workers, or for tax credits and exemptions intended to encourage property improvements. The Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov, offers businesses and their representatives a convenient way to meet their tax obligations. The Online Services for businesses webpage provides efficient ways to make payments, view filing information, or otherwise interact with the Tax Department.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports New York’s over 33,000 farms, 700 farmers markets and farm stands and thousands of small agribusinesses across the State through its various programs. The NYS Grown & Certified program markets local growers and producers participating in safe food handling and environmental sustainability programs, helping them better compete in the marketplace. The Taste NY program showcases New York food and beverage businesses at large public events, and at Taste NY stores, the State’s Welcome Centers, displays and concessions at more than 70 locations across New York. In addition, the Department’s Divisions assist small agri-businesses and farmers by providing a variety of support services that enhance their business, increasing productivity, profitability and competitiveness.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Labor Press Office | [email protected] | (518) 457-5519
Blog Post
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 1:57pm
New York’s foliage isn’t the only thing getting attention this fall. Our economy is just as vibrant, with plans for a $1 billion, 600-job silicon-carbide wafer fabrication facility, the completion of a 50-mile drone corridor, developing the state’s cybersecurity sector and support for advance cancer research, autumn has been a season of innovation in New York State. These are just a few of the many ways New York is the state of the future:
Hiring is underway and construction plans are on schedule for Cree Inc.’s $1 billion 200mm silicon carbide wafer (SiC) fabrication facility, the Mohawk Valley Fab. In September, Governor Cuomo announced a public-private partnership with Cree, a global leader in silicon carbide (SiC) technology, for creation of the state-of-the-art facility. The facility will produce power electronics chips to meet the needs of industry, and with anticipated demand from the electric vehicle market. The company has committed to create more than 600 full-time jobs. Cree is currently leasing space on the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus in Albany using equipment purchased as part of the New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium (PEMC) – in October, Cree and the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering and Science (NY CREATES) successfully completed the first silicon carbide test wafers at the Albany campus. The Cree partnership includes workforce development across the SUNY system to prepare New Yorkers for 21st century jobs.
It's official: New York State is home to the nation’s first 50-mile drone corridor, stretching from Central New York to the Mohawk Valley. Governor Cuomo announced the corridor’s completion earlier this month. The corridor is the country’s most advanced and will allow companies to test UAS-related products and unmanned traffic management (UTM) technologies for uses in a wide range of industries from forest management to film. The Nov. 12 drone announcement coincided with news of an expansion of CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden, home to new startups, to the UAS-focused GENIUS NY business accelerator competition and anchor of the Syracuse City Center Innovation hub.
New York State continues to build a tech talent pipeline for its key industries, including a growing homeland and cybersecurity sector. On Nov. 12, the Governor announced the opening of the Cybersecurity Innovation and Research Center at Hofstra University. The $1.35 million center, with $200,000 in state support, features top tech and simulation software allowing students to react to realistic cyberattacks. The Hofstra center is the latest in a series of cybersecurity-focused programs and initiatives recently announced across the state.
Last month marked the opening of the Center for Therapeutics Research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, one of the country’s top research institutions and home to groundbreaking discoveries for more than a century. The facility, which opened on Oct. 30 and is supported by a $25 million state grant, will research advanced therapies for genetic diseases, with a focus on cancer research and is expected to draw the world’s leading scientists to advance that research, adding to the strength of Long Island’s thriving biotech industry.
In October, the New York State Innovation Summit in Rochester brought together companies and entrepreneurs to showcase and discover the new technologies that are supporting innovation and driving business growth in New York State. ESD’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) and FuzeHub, a statewide nonprofit that helps manufacturers become more competitive, hosted the Oct. 7-8 event, which coincides with the NYSTAR annual meeting. Attendees learned about growing their businesses in New York State, about the capabilities defining the next generation of technology and manufacturing and about the state’s critical innovation assets and expertise. Also on the agenda: a NYSTAR video highlighting those assets.
Blog Post
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 1:48pm
Fifty students and recent graduates from colleges across New York State were invited to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on Nov. 7-8 for the fourth installment of PITCHNY℠, a two-day career development workshop that connects aspiring content creators with entertainment experts to hone their storytelling skills and learn how to break into the Film and Television industry. Hosted by the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development with NBCUniversal and new partner Tribeca Film Institute, PITCHNY℠ is focused on promoting diversity in the entertainment industry both by highlighting diverse content and increasing opportunity for aspiring young filmmakers, producers, directors and writers from diverse backgrounds.
The participants submitted applications which pitched several creative concepts highlighting themes of diversity. The 50 participants, from around New York State, received a stipend to attend the event and represented both public and private universities, including:
Barnard College, Brooklyn College, City College of New York, The College of Saint Rose, Columbia University, CUNY Baruch College, Fashion Institute of Technology, Fordham University, Hofstra University, Hunter College, Ithaca College, LaGuardia Community College, Long Island University Brooklyn, Marist College, The New School, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sarah Lawrence College, Schenectady County Community College, St. John’s University, SUNY Buffalo State, SUNY Empire State College, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Purchase, University at Buffalo and Syracuse University.
The first day of PITCHNY℠ included an educational presentation and pitch practicing workshop led by Tribeca Film Institute, inside Saturday Night Live’s legendary Studio 8H home at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and studio tours lead by NBC pages. Participants were then joined by industry professionals, past participants of the event, and representatives from the Governor’s Office, NBCUniversal and Tribeca Film Institute for an evening welcome reception.
Day two featured informational panels, roundtable discussions and a one-on-one “speed dating” pitch session with entertainment experts. The morning kicked off with a panel on “The Changing Media Landscape” featuring new media industry trends with experts from YouTube Space New York, Jax Media and NBC Entertainment, who provided students with insight into the innovative and evolving content creation and distribution structure. A “Get Your Story Heard” panel featured award-winning Actor/Producer/Writer/Directors Otoja Abit and Melissa Haizlip, who provided advice and personal anecdotes to teach students how to advance their stories and break into the industry.
Participants were then paired with producers, writers, directors, developers and executives from Universal Content Productions, Tangerine Entertainment, America’s Rainbow Film Festival, Warner Horizon TV, DeFina Film Productions, Tribeca Film Festival, Topic Studios, Stockade Works, CBS Corporation, Edgeworx Studios, WBTV, HBO, Berlanti Productions, Int'l Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival, Red Crown Productions, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Bushwick Film Festival.
In these one-on-one sessions, students practiced their story pitches and received feedback and constructive criticism from industry leaders. The industry representatives simulated real-life pitching situations and gave students an opportunity to share their stories and enhance their storytelling skills. These “speed dating” pitch sessions also connected entertainment industry leaders with a rising generation of diverse content creators.
Speakers featured during the two-day event included: Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler, Tribeca Enterprises CEO & Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal, NBCUniversal General Counsel & Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation Kimberley D. Harris and NBCUniversal Vice President Diversity & Inclusion Salvador Mendoza. Actor/Writer/Producer/Director Arturo Castro, known for his work in Comedy Central’s Alternatino and Broad City and Netflix’s hit series Narcos, joined the event to share his personal story and offer advice on how to entertain across all platforms. Actress Ebonée Noel, who plays analyst Kristen Chazal on CBS’s FBI, also joined to deliver remarks highlighting the importance of diverse content creators in the industry.
New York State continues to lead the nation in the fight for social justice and embracing diversity by passing legislation to ensure LGBTQ rights and marriage equality, welcoming the immigrant community, launching a women’s equality agenda and fighting workplace discrimination. PITCHNY℠ builds on Governor Cuomo’s legacy of expanding opportunity, increasing diversity, promoting inclusion and standing up for all minority groups in New York State.
Photos are available here.
Blog Post
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 1:38pm
New York State continues to lead the empowerment of minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) at every level—with the utilization rate for MWBEs on New York State contracts rising to 29.13% during Fiscal Year 2018-19—once again the highest rate in the nation. Governor Cuomo announced the new number on Oct. 2, in conjunction with the annual MWBE Forum in Albany. MWBEs won more than $2.93 billion in state contracts during the past fiscal year—adding to a total of more than $15.9 billion since 2011.
The Forum, New York State’s largest annual business event for MWBEs, brings together business owners, community leaders, state officials and contractors’ representatives to discuss state contracting opportunities and learn about resources available to minority and women-owned firms. The event furthers Governor Cuomo’s efforts to create a level playing field for MWBEs and to increase their participation in New York State contracting.
This year’s Forum, Leading the Nation, was held Oct. 2-3 and featured 49 workshops highlighting New York State’s best-in-the-nation efforts to assist small businesses and MWBEs across New York to learn about State contracting opportunities. Once again, the Forum served as a "one-stop shop" for MWBEs to learn about the state procurement process, receive technical assistance and acquire new skills to successfully expand into new market sectors to grow their businesses.
This year’s Forum was attended by more than 2,200 businesses, state agencies and authorities and government officials. Throughout the event, attendees were able to visit with 190+ exhibitors; there were more than 800 one-on-one meetings between MWBEs, prime contractors, and state agencies, as well as more than 200 meetings with certification analysts. This year, attendees had the opportunity to learn about topics ranging from the re-authorization of Article 15-A, which provides statutory authority for the MWBE program, to financing assistance and information on major infrastructure projects.
The Forum also highlighted new and expanding initiatives by Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development. This year, the Supply & Demand Utilization Initiative, which targets industries with low levels of MWBE utilization and availability, has been expanded to support MWBEs in: advertising and marketing, architecture, engineering, environmental services, financial services, insurance, legal services, medical and clinical services, real estate, communications, IT consulting, software development, medical, dental, and lab supplies, office equipment and furniture, and food and beverage. The initiative provides industry-specific assistance, including specialty webinars, technical services from strategic partners, and individualized outreach and networking days.
The Forum also recognized the relaunch of the MWBE Mentor Protégé Program, which matches prime contractor mentors with certified MWBE firms. The mentor firms guide MWBEs with hands-on technical knowledge and networking opportunities, so they can better access state contracting opportunities.
The 2019 MWBE Forum built upon the investments New York State has made in its infrastructure and economic development initiatives and underscored new upcoming opportunities for MWBE firms—including those with some of the state’s top projects: the Belmont Park Redevelopment; John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports Redevelopment; Vital Brooklyn Projects; and the MTA Capital Plan.
This year’s Forum also highlighted the incredible work being done by NYS-certified MWBEs, with a first-time “Journey to Success” panel featuring three MWBE firms that all served as prime contractors on New York State contracts. This year’s gathering also featured a newly expanded MWBE-to-MWBE networking session to encourage the creation of new partnerships and strategic alliances.
Four New York State MWBE businesses were recognized as Carey Gabay Excellence and Innovation awardees. This honor — named for Carey Gabay, who served as an Assistant Counsel to Governor Cuomo and as First Deputy Counsel for Empire State Development before he was tragically killed in September 2015 — celebrates New York-certified MWBEs for their entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to innovation and efforts to strengthen their communities, principles that Carey Gabay lived during his service to New York State.
The 2019 Awardees for Entrepreneurial Spirit and Achievement as New York State-Certified MWBEs are:
Laura Cueva, Interior Innovations
Kirit Desai, Derive Technologies. LLC
Mary Warren, Black Horse Group, LLC
Edward O. Watts, Jr., Watts Architecture & Engineering, D.P.C.
The governor’s vision to address the issue of underutilization of MWBEs was, and continues to be, based on common-sense economics—New York’s financial growth and stability is dependent upon the success of its small businesses and of its MWBEs. Governor Cuomo is dedicated to ensuring that MWBEs have access to the tools and resources necessary to win State contracts, build healthy communities and strengthen the economy.
Blog Post
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 1:24pm
In business, and elsewhere, ideas are currency. In New York State, ideas create currency – in prize money of up to $1 million through ESD's business accelerator competitions, which support entrepreneurs and startups launching new companies across several Upstate regions. These competitions include diverse, cutting edge industries, such as agribusiness and cybersecurity, and generate ideas that can potentially revolutionize established fields, including mining and healthcare.
Grow-NY: A Geneva, N.Y.-based company, RealEats America, was announced on Nov. 13 as the first $1 million winner of the Grow-NY Business Competition, focused on growing innovation in food and agriculture in Central New York, the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. Grow-NY winners commit to operating in those regions for at least one year. RealEats was one of 17 finalists out of nearly 200 food and agriculture startups that applied to the competition. Runners-up from Syracuse, Ithaca and Victor were awarded two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 prizes. The competition is being administered through Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement.
IDEA NY: Albany-based United Aircraft Technologies (UAT) was the winner of $200,000 in seed funding in the IDEA NY business accelerator competition. The company was awarded the funding at a demo day event on Nov. 13 at Griffiss Institute in Rome, where six teams from the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate Commercialization Academy pitched startup ideas across cyber security, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), big data and information systems. Runner-up and Syracuse-based PreVision Corp. won $100,000. The winners will work with UAT in a yearlong IDEA NY accelerator program at Griffiss, where they will receive the technical assistance needed to grow their businesses.
43North: Buffalo-based 43North announced its sixth-round winners on Oct. 30, with St.Louis-based Strayos, using AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs in mining operations, winning the $1 million grand prize. Seven other winners—from Buffalo, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and New York City—received $500,000 each in investments. 43North companies receive free incubator space in Buffalo—and the seeds of the competition have taken solid root in the local economy. In July, Governor Cuomo announced that 43North companies have created more than 500 jobs in Western New York. And earlier in November, ACV Auctions – a Buffalo-based 43North portfolio company—became Buffalo’s first tech unicorn, with a valuation of more than $1.5 billion.
Press Release
Monday, November 25, 2019 - 1:12pm
Company to Create 118 New Jobs in East Fishkill Facility
Facility Located on Former IBM Campus iPark
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Crepini’s new crepe manufacturing facility in East Fishkill, Dutchess County. The company, which makes several crepe varieties with different ingredients, will create 118 new jobs and retain 30 jobs. The new 50,000 square foot facility will increase the company’s capacity from 40 million crepes per year to 250 million crepes per year. Crepini is a New York State-certified Women-owned business (WBE). Its new facility is located in iPark, the former IBM campus in East Fishkill.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Crepini joins the many manufacturers choosing to stay and expand their operations in New York State, with a new facility that will increase the company’s output, create more than 100 new jobs and contribute to the Mid-Hudson region’s economic growth.”
To encourage Crepini to stay and expand in New York State, Empire State Development offered up to $2.5 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, which are directly tied to job creation. The company is investing over $7.7 million in the new facility. The project included fit-up costs and the purchase of machinery and equipment to increase the company’s ability to make more product.
Crepini CEO and Co-founder Paula Rimer said, “Crepini was founded in 2007 and is a family owned business. Our products, which are sold nationwide, are dairy-free and gluten-free and are first of its kind ‘zero net carbs - 8 calorie healthy egg and veggie based wraps’. Our success is a collaborative process of innovation, perseverance, risk taking, and being enthusiastic dreamers and very hard workers. On behalf of the entire Crepini family we all greatly appreciate NYS Empire State Development for helping Crepini in keeping NYS jobs and creating over 100 hundred new jobs as we grow up as a business in Dutchess County NY.”
Crepini was founded in 2007 and is family-run. The company has won four Silver SOFI Awards. Its products, which are sold in over 4,000 stores throughout the United States, are dairy-free and gluten-free.
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 Governor Cuomo’s 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:
Adam Kilduff | [email protected] | (212) 803-3744
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Friday, November 22, 2019 - 4:07pm
Up to $30 Million Available For Business Resiliency Projects in Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne Counties Impacted by Historic Flooding
Application Period Open Through January 31, 2020
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the application period for the Lake Ontario Business Resiliency Program is now open to businesses and other organizations directly impacted by the historic flooding of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River earlier this year. The Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative Commission has made available up to $30 million to support resiliency-related capital improvement projects at affected businesses and other eligible organizations, which may qualify for reimbursement of up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award of $200,000.
"The historic flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River left unprecedented damage in its wake, and we have committed significant resources to help ensure impacted businesses can make repairs, recover and once again drive our regional economies forward," Governor Cuomo said. "As we continue to focus on regionally-significant rebuilding and resiliency efforts, it is critical to make this funding available to businesses as it will provide much needed support and financial relief and help all communities with their recovery efforts."
Read the full press release here.