Empire State Development Reports

Wendel Will Lead Governor's Plans To Improve Access to Buffalo's Waterfront, Including Transformational Redevelopment of North Aud Block ECHDC Board also Approved Contracts to Advance Longshed Building Improvements in Buffalo to Provide a Better Visitor Experience Governor Kathy Hochul today congratulated Mark Wendel on being named the new president of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. Wendel will lead the state entity that supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside and the Outer Harbor in Buffalo and work to attract critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. The ECHDC Board of Directors met today and appointed Wendel as president of the corporation. Today’s appointment is the latest milestone in a series of announcements by Governor Hochul to improve access to Buffalo's waterfront through the acceleration of significant projects and supporting the transformational redevelopment of Canalside's North Aud Block. “Mark Wendel is a dedicated public servant and Western New Yorker with the talent, experience, and commitment to bring our vision for the region to life,” Governor Hochul said. “With Mark on board at ECHDC, we’re ready to take Buffalo’s waterfront to the next level as a destination for residents and visitors and a catalyst for economic development. I look forward working with him and ECHDC as we continue to break ground, transform the waterfront, and boost the local economy as part of our mission to drive the region forward.” A Western New York native, Wendel, pictured here, is a registered architect with experience in urban planning, design, and economic development. He has been an employee of the corporation since 2019 and succeeds Steve Ranalli, who earlier this year was named President of the Erie County Stadium Corporation. Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation President Mark Wendel said, “I am excited to continue the development projects and improve waterfront access for the public at both Canalside and the Outer Harbor. Steve did a wonderful job continuing to create both locations as a family destination and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul to build on that success.” Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia said, “The ECHDC Board is excited to welcome Mark Wendel into the role as ECHDC President. Mark is an accomplished professional with a true capacity to effectively advance the mission of ECHDC. That being said, I also want to thank Steve Ranalli for his decade-plus commitment to ECHDC and acknowledge the remarkable progress we’ve seen under his leadership. When he began his role at ECHDC, the Aud was being demolished and the Outer Harbor was a blank slate that few even knew existed, much less visited. Today the North Aud Block is being fully built out and transformed into a mixed-use, urban space. The Outer Harbor now has new amenities, interconnected trails, and we are in the process of redeveloping the terminals – all which bring recreation and tourism to the water’s edge.” Read the full press release here. 

First-Ever Japan-led Sake Brewery to Open on U.S. East Coast in Hyde Park Partnership with The Culinary Institute of America to Develop Curriculum, Certification Programs and Public Classes Governor Kathy Hochul today announced premium sake maker Dassai, celebrated the opening of their $80 million, 55,000 square foot, state-of-the-art brewery and tasting room in Hyde Park, Dutchess County, and the launch of their new U.S. brand, Dassai Blue. Over the past thirty years, Dassai has experienced exponential growth in Japan, the U.S. and globally. Opening their New York brewery is their latest expansion into the global sake market. “New York’s craft beverage manufacturers are engines for job creation, tourism, and regional economic growth,” Governor Hochul said. “Dassai’s expansion into the Mid-Hudson Region builds on New York’s national and international leadership in agribusiness and will be a welcome addition to this industry.” To encourage Dassai’s growth in New York, Empire State Development offered the Japan-based brewery up to $588,235 in performance-based tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program. Dassai has invested more than $80 million in the facility and will create 32 new jobs. A Junmai Daiginjo-only sake, Dassai is considered the highest level of premium sake. Made from 100 percent Yamada Nishiki rice, the gold standard of sake rice, Dassai still utilizes craft sake methods, making sake batch-by-batch, using handmade koji, and fermenting in each small tank. However, the brand also employs detailed analysis and technology to achieve its delicious taste and premium quality. Sake breweries that only produce such premium sake are rare even in Japan, with Dassai Blue becoming the first of its kind in the U.S. The Sakurai’s named their new creation “Dassai Blue,” which comes from an old Japanese proverb that says, “indigo dye is bluer than the indigo plant from which it is derived”. The Dassai Blue property, located at 5 St Andrew Rd in Hyde Park, consists of two buildings: the brewery and a rice polishing facility, both of which were designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and their Japanese partner, Jun Mitsui. The interior is designed with both beauty and function in mind, welcoming visitors to observe the brewing process through multiple windows looking into various production rooms. The exterior design mixes modern and traditional, as seen in the tin roof and the burnt cedar walls of the rice mill. The use of wood incorporates Japanese elements while still blending with the natural surroundings of Hyde Park. Read the full press release here.

$5 Million Will Be on The Line When Companies Face Off at Buffalo Business Battle Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the names of the 15 semi-finalists who are one step closer to securing millions of dollars in investments at the ninth annual 43North competition. The semi-finalists will meet in Buffalo the second week of October to pitch their ideas in the hopes of securing $1 million and an opportunity to grow their business in Buffalo – one of the nation's fastest-growing hubs for entrepreneurs. There are competitors coming from the U.K., Canada, California, and many other locations in the United States. The companies are focused on innovative solutions in a wide array of industries including, but not limited to, logistics, food service, manufacturing, health tech, financial services, and clean tech. “43North's startup competition attracts the best and brightest entrepreneurs, and has positioned Buffalo and Western New York as a prime location where innovative and creative startups can thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “With the continued support of New York State, this year's competition has once again attracted highly innovative entrepreneurs from around the world – Congratulations to all semi-finalists and I wish them luck as they compete in Buffalo next month to take their businesses to new heights.” It is a challenging task to narrow down the hundreds of applications to the top 15 companies. A group of more than 30judges carefully reviewed and compared the applications, met with founders, and made recommendations for the final selection. The winning five companies will join the ranks of some previous 43North businesses, such as ACV, an online car auction company that is now worth more than $2 billion and employs more than 2,000 people. The 43North business accelerator is funded by New York State and will be receiving support from Empire State Development to continue operating competitions for at least three more years. This year, in addition to the five top $1 million awards, there will be a $25,000 People’s Choice award, funded by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and voted on by the live audience the night of the competition. Read the full press release here.

Governor Previously Announced $5M Grant for Institute’s Construction, Along with $775,000 WNYREDC Grant and $300,000 from NYPA Institute will Celebrate the Region’s Hispanic Arts and Culture and Serve as Central Hub for West Buffalo See Institute Renderings Here Traducción al español Governor Kathy Hochul today broke ground on the new Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute at an event with Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York leadership, community stakeholders and elected officials in West Buffalo. The HHCI will feature a museum, 150-seat performing arts theater, event space, café, media center for radio or television broadcasts, learning center, and more. The three-story, 37,000-square-foot infill development on Niagara and Hudson streets will celebrate the region’s Hispanic arts and culture and serve as a central hub for the West Buffalo community. The groundbreaking coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month which goes from September 15 through October 15 and the 13th anniversary of the founding of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York. “This center, the first of its kind in Upstate New York, will be a beacon for the West Buffalo community and region. This beautiful setting will allow us to showcase, celebrate and share the history, culture and contributions of Western New York’s Hispanic community,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank Cas Rodriguez and the Hispanic Heritage Council for making history by bringing history to this corner of West Buffalo through their tireless efforts and commitment that ensures this cultural institute will be celebratory, educational and interactive for today’s generation and for generations to come. I couldn’t be prouder to be the Governor that helped make today possible.” Read the full press release here.