In the chronicles of every startup comes a critical moment of truth that can make or break a young business: how to make the next big concept a reality. And without an experienced business network to guide startups through key manufacturing milestones, costly mistakes can stop production just as it’s getting started. FuzeHub, a nonprofit statewide center that brings together a network of New York industry experts and programs, was created to answer the kinds of questions that help avoid those outcomes – like how to create manufacturing–ready prototypes or what equipment to buy and when. By providing access to a team of experienced manufacturing and business professionals, FuzeHub guides businesses through challenges to foster growth and progress. If funding is an obstacle, FuzeHub’s annual statewide Commercialization Competition, now in its second year, may provide a solution. As the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (New York MEP) center, FuzeHub acts fast to ignite next-phase plans for tech product development and manufacturing. The center responds directly to all company requests within a 24- to 48-hour window before connecting them to specialized technical resources, programs and services in New York State and beyond. New York MEP, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation, focuses on helping small- to mid-sized manufacturers gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. It is also part of a national network funded by the National Institute of Standards & Technology.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of Kitware's new corporate headquarters in Clifton Park, Saratoga County, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the company's incorporation. Kitware is a Capital Region-based software research and development company that relocated from Halfmoon to a larger facility that supports current and future growth. "Kitware's expansion and investment in a new corporate headquarters in Clifton Park once again demonstrates New York State is open for business and a thriving hub for the tech industry," Governor Cuomo said. "We are proud to continue investing in companies that invest in New York and drive the 21st century economy forward." "Kitware - a woman-led company - is expanding operations, creating 41 new jobs and investing in the growth of New York," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "With diverse leadership, companies like Kitware are continuing to boost New York's reputation as a leader in tech innovation and software development. After starting 21 years ago at a kitchen table, they've grown exponentially and we are proud to support them as they open a new headquarters in the Capital Region." Read the full press release here. 

The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (CNYREDC) today announced that Deborah F. Stanley, President of the State University of New York at Oswego, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Council. Stanley succeeds Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena, President of SUNY Upstate Medical University. Stanley joins fellow CNYREDC Co-Chair Randy Wolken, President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, in the Council’s efforts to support and promote economic growth across the five-county region. Through eight rounds of the REDC initiative, the Central New York Region has secured $703.6 million in State funding to support more than 708 projects. The CNYREDC is composed of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Counties. “The Regional Economic Development Council process has invested in projects to revitalize communities, attract high-tech businesses, and improve the economy and quality of life in Central New York,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. “With the appointment of President Stanley as the new Co-Chair of the Central New York REDC, the council will continue to work together with leaders in academia, business and nonprofits to ensure continued economic growth and success across the region.” Stanley’s tenure at SUNY Oswego has been highlighted by academic excellence, campus renewal and the creation of a learner-centered environment. She established the Presidential Scholarship Program, for outstanding academic achievers, and the Possibility Scholarship Program. She also helped launch the pioneering Oswego Guarantee, which promises students availability in the classes they need to complete a degree in four consecutive years while guaranteeing no increases in housing or meal plan costs. In 2013, Stanley enhanced the Oswego Guarantee with the Graduation ROI – a $300 Return on Investment (ROI) awarded to all first-time students who complete their baccalaureate degree in four years or less. Deborah F. Stanley, CNYREDC Co-Chair and President of SUNY Oswego, said, "I am honored to be appointed as the Co-Chair for the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. I would like to thank Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Governor Cuomo for this exciting opportunity to serve our communities in Central New York and I want to thank Dr. Laraque-Arena for her years of dedication to our region. I look forward to working alongside Randy Wolken and my fellow Council members and I am excited to continue the outstanding work of the Council.” CNYREDC Co-Chair and President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York Randy Wolken said, "I am very much looking forward to working closely with President Stanley as CNY REDC co-chairs, and know that she brings to the table a wealth of knowledge about our regional economy. I would also like to thank Dr. Laraque-Arena, President of SUNY Upstate Medical University, for her years of service to the region and to the people of New York State.” Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena, President of SUNY Upstate Medical University said, "Serving as a Co-Chair of the Central New York Region Economic Development Council has been a tremendous honor and pleasure. I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for developing this impactful approach to creating jobs and opportunity in New York, and for allowing me to contribute to the region’s economic growth. I offer my best wishes to President Deborah Stanley and Randy Wolken and my thanks to all the members of the CNY REDC who have done so much in support of this region." President Stanley’s ambitious campus-wide renewal plan, now in its second decade, encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars in renovations and construction, including $118 million for the environmentally designated LEED Gold Shineman Center for Science, Engineering and Innovation; the revitalization and modernization of the college’s arts building Tyler Hall; The Village – a new townhouse residential complex on campus; and just this past fall, the renovation of Wilber Hall, marking the centralization of all School of Education departments under one, contiguous roof.  She has launched two comprehensive fundraising campaigns at Oswego, garnering more than $65 million; spearheaded a massive upgrade of campus technology, internet and laboratory equipment; and guided the college to its most culturally diverse student body in SUNY Oswego’s history—29% of the total undergraduate and graduate population including a record-setting 36% of the first-year class self-identified as culturally diverse at the start of the fall 2018 semester. Stanley has been an invited speaker and panelist at regional, national and international venues on topics such as sexual assault on campus, experiential learning practices and leadership. She serves on the American Council on Education’s Board of Directors, is immediate past chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities board of directors, is a board member of the American Academic Leadership Institute and is a member of The Presidents’ Trust.  She is also a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. Stanley earned a baccalaureate degree with honors and juris doctor degree from Syracuse University, which presented her with its Distinguished Alumni Award. She was named a New York State Woman of Distinction in 2006 by The State Senate and, in 2010, received the Post-Standard’s Person of Achievement Award. About the Regional Economic Development Councils The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. After eight rounds of the REDC process, more than $6.1 billion has been awarded to more than 7,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 230,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.   Contact: Kristin Devoe | Kristin.Devoe@esd.ny.gov | (518) 292-5107 Press Office | pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313

Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that high-tech tool manufacturer and fabricator Amada Tool America is expanding operations in Batavia, Genesee County, and plans to create 17 new jobs; 68 jobs will also be retained. New York State has offered up to $150,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit program in exchange for those job creation commitments. The total project cost has been placed at $8.8 million. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Amada Tool America’s decision to expand in Genesee County, creating new high-tech manufacturing jobs and opportunity in the Finger Lakes region, reflects the success of our strategic support for growing and revitalizing the Upstate economy.” Amada Tool America is expanding its 53,000-square-foot plant located on Treadeasy Avenue in Batavia by up to19,000 square-feet at a cost of $2.3 million The company will also invest $6.5 million in new machinery and equipment at the site.  Already underway, the company expects the project will be completed in 2019. The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is also assisting with this expansion. Ed Dries, COO of Amada Tool America, Inc, said, “We are excited about expanding our local operations here in Upstate New York. I am extremely thankful to the state of New York, Genesee County, GCEDC and the City of Batavia for their coordinated help in bringing the project to fruition. We look forward to a successful new product launch, with production starting in January of 2020.” Founded more than 70 years ago, the Amada Group is one of the leading international machine tool manufacturers with nearly 8,000 employees worldwide, and North American operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company manufactures and offers sheet metal fabricating equipment and automation, tooling (at the Batavia location), and software to its clients worldwide. State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, "I applaud Amada Tool America for investing millions of dollars and creating new jobs. This expansion is helping to grow our local economy and create new jobs for residents in Genesee County.” State Assemblyman Steven Hawley said, “It is exciting to see homegrown American manufacturing like Amada Tool expanding and creating jobs here in Western New York. The manufacturing sector is a vital part of economic growth as it empowers farming and agriculture, the trades, and a host of other industries. Genesee County has cemented itself as a premiere hub of manufacturing, business and agriculture in our state and I look forward to even more businesses locating and expanding in our community.” Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said, "Thank you Amada Tool America for the creation of 17 new jobs and major investment in their Batavia, NY location. This project acknowledges Western New York, Genesee County and Batavia have the talent and the resources necessary to support their continued growth. " Steven G. Hyde, GCEDC President & CEO said, “This investment being made by Amada North America, an international manufacturing company, demonstrates that Upstate New York, and specifically Genesee County, can compete in the global economy.  This investment also demonstrates that Governor Cuomo’s strategy and plan for bringing advanced manufacturing jobs and capital investments to the Finger Lakes region is working.  We want to thank Amada North America for their confidence, support and investment in our community.” For more information about Amada North America, click here. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.1 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here. ​   Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | Shari.Voorhees-Vincent@esd.ny.gov | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313