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Press Release
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 9:34am
Funded Through the New York State Film Production Tax Credit Program
Will Provide Skills and Training to Promote a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced more than $200,000 has been awarded to support LaGuardia Community College’s "We Count - Pathways to Production Accounting for the Entertainment Industry" program, designed to train unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers for in-demand entertainment industry accounting jobs. The grant funding comes from the first-in-the-nation New York Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program, which was developed to incentivize job creation and training programs that support efforts to recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop, and train a diverse and inclusive workforce for New York’s motion picture and television industry. The funding comes from a 0.5% portion of the Film and Television tax credit. The six-week accelerated training program began this month and is provided tuition-free for students who will earn stipends, job placement assistance and other benefits.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The film and television industry is vital to New York’s economy and it offers well-paying jobs to tens of thousands of residents throughout the state. We are committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers have the ability to live and work in New York State and are able to obtain the skills in sought after industries, so they too can thrive.”
LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams said, “With LaGuardia’s location in Western Queens, which has been a hub for film and entertainment production since the silent movie era, and our diverse student population, we are in a unique position to recruit, train, and promote the inclusive workforce that the film and entertainment industry seeks. Our gratitude to Empire State Development for the funding that has enabled us to launch We Count in partnership with the local film industry and Local 161. Not only will this program establish a pathway to careers in the entertainment industry accounting field for unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers, but it will introduce our accounting and business administration majors to opportunities in the entertainment and performing arts industries.”
The We Count program was developed in partnership with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 161 production accountants and Trevanna Post, an accounting firm serving the entertainment industry. We Count students will have opportunities for hands-on experience in film and television production accounting and a fast track to industry jobs, thanks to these partnerships.
"We are proud to support these students interested in a career as Production Accountants,” said Cynthia O'Rourke, Local 161's Business Agent. “Accounting is critical to every production, and We Count is a fantastic way to introduce LaGuardia's students to one of the more hidden career paths in the motion picture industry.”
Trevanna Post CEO Yana Collins Lehman said, “Trevanna Post is thrilled to partner with LaGuardia again on this unique course. As a post accounting firm, Trevanna Post inherits the work of Production Accountants and is acutely aware of the need for high-level training in this department. We love letting hard working students know that their interest in accounting can make movies and TV shows! Their talents aren’t relegated to the CPA track. I’m grateful to ESD for appreciating the need for this training and working so hard to make the course a reality.”
Students who complete We Count will be prepared to enter the workforce for an entry level job on a production or post-production accounting crew, or for further accelerated training for a higher position via film and television production companies or Local 161 training programs.
LaGuardia serves a highly diverse population of nearly 15,000 students in associate degree programs. Consistent with the demographics of Queens, 52% of LaGuardia students are born outside of the United States. They come from 133 countries and speak 62 languages. More than half are first-generation college students, and a majority (88%) are ethnic minorities. LaGuardia is a U.S. Education Department-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Today’s announcement complements the previously announced Film Production Training Program at LaGuardia, a 14-week, part‐time training for entry‐level employment film production assistants in electrical, grip, or property supported through a New York Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant. ESD awarded LaGuardia Community College more than $200,000 to train unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers in the film industry.
The New York Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program is designed to incentivize job creation and training programs that support efforts to develop and train a diverse and inclusive workforce in the motion picture and television industry. The program makes 1:1 matching grants from $25,000 to $500,000 available to eligible programs in film and television development and editing. Proposed programs must address the grant program’s goals of providing opportunities for diverse workers and/or those located in economically distressed areas of New York State. Applications are being accepted at esd.ny.gov/new-york-entertainment-workforce-diversity-grant-program.
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 the 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 [regionalcouncils.ny.gov] and www.esd.ny.gov [esd.ny.gov].
About LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC)
LAGCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | (518) 414-1087 | [email protected]
ESD Press Office | (800) 260-7313 | [email protected]
Board Meeting
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 9:30am
The meeting is open to the public.
The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Please Note:
Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by Noon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted on-line.
Press Release
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 8:30pm
$3 Million in Prize Money Awarded to Seven Food, Beverage, and Agriculture Startups – Including $1 Million Grand Prize for Hypercell Technologies of Georgia
Competition Promotes Innovation in Food, Beverage, and Agriculture with Commitment from Winning Businesses to Operate in Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier
Competition Supported by Upstate Revitalization Initiative and Builds on CNY Rising, Finger Lakes Forward and Southern Tier Soaring Regional Strategies
Photo of Winning Team Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Hypercell Technologies, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia as the grand-prize winner of this year’s Grow-NY business competition, a startup challenge focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage, and agriculture innovation cluster in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. Now in its fifth year, the program awarded $3 million – including the $1 million grand prize – to seven finalists participating the business development accelerator and two-day pitch competition at the Grow-NY Summit this year held in Binghamton. The winning teams must commit to operating in the participating regions for at least one year, while providing Grow-NY with a small equity investment stake in their entity. The competition is administered by Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement.
“The winners of this year’s Grow-NY competition represents some of the most innovative and forward-thinking entrepreneurs from around the world that will take our state’s food and agriculture sector to the next level,” Governor Hochul said. “Through Grow-NY and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, my administration is doubling down on its commitment to driving economic growth in every part of our state, sparking innovation, and creating the jobs and opportunities that will move New York forward.”
Hypercell Technologies provides rapid point-of-care diagnostics for the food chain, ensuring early identification and management of biological contaminants from production to transformation with increased speed and accuracy.
Read the full press release here.
Blog Post
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 1:58pm
New York State is ready to help take your next film or television production from the script to the screen. In addition to a wide variety of unique locations, state-of-the-art soundstages and infrastructure, and top-tier crew, we have the financial incentives to make your project a reality. It’s never been more important to know about the latest updates to New York’s film tax credit program – one of the most competitive in the nation.
Governor Hochul has long been a champion of the state’s film and television production industry. This year, the Governor announced transformative enhancements to the New York State Film Production & Post-Production Tax Credit Programs, demonstrating her continued commitment to strengthening state support for the industry to protect and grow jobs here in New York. The following changes are effective as of April 1, 2023:
Extend the program by five years, from 2029 through 2034.
Increase annual funding allocation from $420 million to $700 million, increase the post-production carve out to $45 million.
Return the base credit percent back to 30% from 25%.
Include all qualified costs in 10% upstate bump for productions which film more than 50% in certain upstate counties, for a total credit of up to 40%.
Include above-the-line wages for writers, directors, specific producers, actors and composers as qualified costs, subject to caps, for the production program.
Accelerate the time in which new productions can claim their credit by allowing new productions to claim their credit for their tax credit allocation year, rather than the year after their allocation year.
Incentivize the relocation of series by allowing, for the first season in New York after relocation, as eligible qualified relocation costs, up to $6 million.
Shorten the time a relocating talk/variety series must be in production before gaining eligibility, from five years to two years.
New York State is committed not only to supporting and expanding the industry by enacting these changes, but to increasing diverse representation in front of and behind the camera. As of January 1, 2023, productions are required to create a plan outlining specific goals for hiring a diverse workforce, including vendors. To receive the tax credit, applicants must either meet or demonstrate good faith efforts to meet their goals.
Come see for yourself why New York is the ultimate filmmaking destination and why so many artists and companies choose to live and create here. With these historic updates to the tax credit program, filming in New York is now more attractive than ever.
For more information, or to help answer any questions, please contact (212) 201-5605 or [email protected].
Press Release
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 12:29pm
Funding Through Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative
Environmental Protection Fund to Support 72 Projects; Recreational Trails Program to Support 15 Projects
Current List of REDC Awardees Found Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new awards through Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative with $26.6 million awarded through the state-funded Environmental Protection Fund to support 72 projects and $2.4 million from the federally funded Recreational Trails Program for 15 projects.
"These initiatives plant new seeds for growth, helping communities across New York State realize new potential whether that means attracting new visitors, solidifying important landmarks or new investment," Governor Hochul said. "The Regional Economic Development Councils are committed to growth, restoration and economic viability."
"The Regional Economic Development Council Initiative is all about building a stronger New York State,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. "We rely on our municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to work together to identify the needs and regional priorities including parks and historic areas and make sure they have the resources necessary to reach their goals. Congratulations to these recipients from 43 counties across the Empire State."
The grants from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) support 72 projects including park improvements, heritage area enhancements and historic preservation projects. The grants for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) support 15 projects. The RTP is an assistance program with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. In New York State, both the EPF and RTP are administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).
The EPF Grant Program for Parks, Heritage and Preservation supports matching grants for the acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas located within New York. Funds are awarded to municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership interest.
The RTP Grant Program supports matching grants to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized trail uses. Funds are awarded to municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership interest.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 12:01pm
Grants Awarded Through REDC Initiative to 59 Capital and Working Capital Projects Across New York State
Full List of REDC Awardees To-Date Can be Found Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that nearly $15 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to support 59 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Market New York funding supports tourism capital improvement projects and regionally-themed marketing projects that promote travel destinations, attractions and special events. The program and projects supported through its funding align with each region's long-term strategic plans for economic growth. In total, nearly $122 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to assist over 640 regional tourism projects across the state.
"New York is home to countless unique and diverse attractions throughout the state that welcome visitors from around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. "This year's Market New York awards will help to support new projects and promotional efforts that will further grow our tourism economy, support our communities, and promote world-class destinations."
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The tourism and hospitality industry is one of New York State's economic pillars, generating revenue and supporting jobs in communities from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. Through the Market New York program, we continue to work together with our tourism partners to encourage greater visitation and catalyze new regional economic growth."
ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Market New York grants help bring tourism capital projects from concept to reality, and provide working capital to promote and encourage visitors to experience unique New York State attractions, activities and events. The program enables local and regional partners to complement and further amplify I LOVE NY's efforts promoting tourism throughout the entire state. The nearly 60 projects across the state awarded funding this year – representing so many different themes and interests – will show visitors and residents alike how easy it is to love New York."
The Market New York program provides flexibility for applicants to identify projects that will strengthen tourism and attract visitors to New York State by promoting destinations, attractions and special events. Particular consideration is given to projects that closely align with I LOVE NY areas of concentration, including showcasing New York's world-class destinations, spurring international tourism, promoting outdoor recreation, engaging the travel trade, focusing on niche tourism segments and highlighting large scale special events like those related to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Projects awarded funding through Market New York Round 13 include:
Art Omi, Inc. (Capital Region) – $2 Million Capital Grant: The arts center located in Ghent, Columbia County will use the grant to fund a portion of a major capital project that will include 18 pavilions, anchored by a visitor's center.
Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park (Central New York) – $432,000 Capital Grant: This Syracuse zoo will use grant funds to construct a Botanical Garden and replace the existing audio/video equipment with a state-of-the-art enhanced system.
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Inc. (Finger Lakes) – $118,000 Working Capital Grant: In collaboration with the ROC2024 Total Solar Eclipse Task Force, the Philharmonic will use the grant funds to host and promote a special community concert at Blue Cross Arena on Sunday, April 7, the evening preceding the eclipse.
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (Long Island) – $125,000 Working Capital Grant: Located in Stony Brook, Suffolk County, the Hall of Fame will use tourism marketing funding to host and promote a year-long exhibition featuring the life and music of world-renowned artist Billy Joel with the debut of the "Billy Joel-My Life" exhibit.
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble (Mid-Hudson) – $120,000 Working Capital Grant: Funding will support the theatre's efforts to host and promote the Phoenix Festival: Live Arts tourism special event welcoming visitors to experience New York's Hudson Valley.
Oneida County (Mohawk Valley) – $125,000 Working Capital Grant: Funding will support the county's promotional efforts for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Women's Championship, a 16-day tournament that is expected to bring more than 80,000 visitors to the Mohawk Valley.
BRIC Arts Media (New York City) – $75,000 Working Capital Grant: Funding will support marketing and promotional activities for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! (BCB) Festival season. BCB is New York City's longest-running free summer music and performing arts festival, featuring local and global artists, with a reach of more than 250,000 people annually.
Sandy Main, Inc. (North Country) – $97,400 Working Capital Grant: The Adirondack Fragrance & Flavor Farm in Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, will use the funding to promote a tourism initiative around the April 8 solar eclipse. This project will enhance accommodation capacity, foster regional partnerships, and showcase the beauty of the Adirondack region.
Tanglewood Community Nature Center, Inc. (Southern Tier) – $600,000 Capital Grant: The Nature Center will use grant funds to support a portion of the costs to construct a Canopy Walkway in the heart Elmira, Chemung County, creating a new perspective for the natural environment, and bringing people eye-level with the tree canopy and its many inhabitants.
Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Western New York) –$100,000 Working Capital Grant: Funding will support the development and implementation of Freedom's Footsteps, a destination marketing initiative designed to promote and generate economic activity in Buffalo's African American heritage sector. By sharing the previously untold stories of Buffalo’s African American heritage, the Freedom’s Footsteps initiative will inspire visitation to the area and overall region.
A full list of projects awarded through the REDC initiative can be found here.
Governor Kathy Hochul has supported and prioritized New York’s tourism industry – one of the state's key economic drivers. The governor recently announced record-breaking visitation and tourism spending in New York State with more than 291 million visitors generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending in 2022. Under her leadership, new programs like the I LOVE NY Black travel initiative have been launched to expand visitation, and the historic "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" pandemic recovery package supported travel industry businesses and employees, and brought new events to the state. Earlier this year, the governor announced more than $14 million in grants were awarded to 30 local and regional destination marketing organizations through the EDA Tourism Partner Sub-Awards Grant Program. Additionally, Governor Hochul has announced game changing improvements to tourism infrastructure like state parks and airports, as well as comprehensive I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York State.
About the Consolidated Funding Application
The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established 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. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
About New York State
New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a vibrant craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world's top ranked beaches; two out of America's top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation's longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country's longest multi-use trail. Add in the state's unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it's no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts. To help plan your next New York State vacation, visit www.iloveny.com.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - 11:43am
Governor Secured $11 Million Investment in FY 2023 Budget to Enhance MWBE Certification Efficiency and Reduce Certification Wait Times
Governor Also Announces Nation-Leading MWBE Utilization in New York State Contracting for Third Years in a Row
MWBE Annual Report Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the elimination of New York’s yearslong certification backlog for minority- and women-owned business enterprises following a transformative $11 million investment secured by the Governor in the FY 2023 Budget to improve certification efficiency. The historic milestone, announced at the New York MWBE Forum in Albany, means that Empire State Development’s Division of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Development will be operating without a backlog of certification application for the first time in decades.
Governor Hochul also announced that New York State has exceeded its goal for MWBE utilization on New York State contracts with a utilization rate of 32.30 percent during the 2023 Fiscal Year, the highest MWBE utilization rate in the country for the third year in a row. Nearly $3 billion in State contracts were awarded to MWBE firms during the 2023 Fiscal Year, and nearly $29 billion in State contracts have been awarded to MWBEs since 2011. The latest data is available here in the 2023 MWBE Report.
"The backlog in the MWBE system was unfair, it was unjust, and now it's history. Minority- and women-owned businesses are critical to New York's long-term economic success, and I made it a top priority to finally end the backlog so these entrepreneurs had the tools they need to grow and thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is leveraging significant investments to empower minority and women business owners, achieve unprecedented MWBE utilization, and build a more equitable, more inclusive business environment."
In August 2021, Governor Hochul inherited a significant MWBE certification backlog with thousands of applications pending approval. At that time, application review and processing could take as long as 499 days.
As part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting MWBEs, the Governor proposed an overhaul of New York’s MWBE program in her 2022 State of the State address and secured an $11 million investment in the FY 2023 Budget to reduce certification wait times and eliminate the certification backlog. With the resources provided by Governor Hochul, ESD developed a multi-pronged plan to eliminate the backlog beginning on February 1, 2023, which included improvements to optimize application flow, new and improved tools to track and monitor the progress of applications; quality assurance reviews to ensure consistency with regulations; staffing surges; and expanded training for analysts. ESD also established specialized teams to review certifications in phases – one targeting active applications and another handling unreviewed submissions.
New York’s Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, “Governor Hochul has maintained a steadfast commitment to ensuring that New York’s economy is not only growing, but also inclusive of the many communities that make our state so great. Under her leadership, New York’s MWBE progress has seen unprecedented progress, and thanks to funding she secured, the elimination of the MWBE certification backlog will put thousands of New York businesses on a path to success.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Improving the certification process and eliminating the MWBE certification backlog opens the door to economic growth and advancement for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises across New York State. By removing systemic obstacles, we empower diverse businesses and entrepreneurs to realize their full potential, spur local job creation, encourage new investments, and cultivate statewide economic development. I want to thank the Governor for making this a priority and our dedicated ESD team whose tireless work made it possible.”
Read the full press release here.
Report
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - 6:57am
ESD's Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development oversees the statewide MWBE program operated by state agencies as defined by Article 15-A. Below please find the annual DMWBD report for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
View the Report
Press Release
Monday, November 13, 2023 - 2:55pm
First Batch of Empire State Development Grant Fund Awards Includes Over $46 Million to Support 47 Shovel-Ready Projects
Over $9.7 Million in Capital Grants to 108 Craft Beverage Manufacturers and 62 Non-Profit Organizations
Full List of Round XIII Awardees Can Be Found Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $57 million has been awarded to support 238 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XIII included Empire State Development grant funds and Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Over $46 million in funding from these programs will support impactful projects that align with each region’s strategic goals. Round XIII also included two new micro grant programs: the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program and the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program which awarded over $9.7 million to support 170 craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations throughout the state.
“New York State is supporting our growing communities by investing in shovel-ready projects that will encourage job creation and help boost local economies,” Governor Hochul said. “The range of these projects reflects crucial Regional Economic Development Council input from the stakeholders who know their local assets and industries best, helping us to make strategic investments to create opportunity in our communities, both now and for the future.”
The application for Empire State Development Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, said, "The Regional Economic Development Councils continue to help connect strategic investments to historically distressed communities throughout New York State. Through this process of identifying and funding shovel-ready projects that align with REDC strategic plans and goals, the funding goes where it’s needed and where it will have the biggest impact. By working closely with the REDCs, I know that these awards will make a difference in growth, jobs and educational opportunities for so many New Yorkers.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “From supporting STEM education and manufacturing to workforce development, childcare and more, the REDCs are guiding the needs and the future success of their regions through projects that will have a lasting economic impact. Two new micro-grant programs will also help to grow our robust craft beverage industry and support the important work of nonprofits throughout New York State.”
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, November 13, 2023 - 12:10pm
Projects Promote Governor Hochul’s Vision for a First-Rate Visitor Experience
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Board of Directors met today to approve several items that represent Governor Kathy Hochul’s vision for the continued revitalization and maintenance of the Buffalo waterfront. The board endorsed three contracts for the management of the public space, facilities, and grounds to enrich the programs for families to enjoy at both Canalside and the Outer Harbor.
“The contracts approved today continue the great momentum and progress we have seen on Buffalo’s waterfront under Governor Hochul’s leadership,” said ECHDC Chairperson Joan Kesner. “The success at Canalside and the Outer Harbor is spurring the first private investment in Buffalo’s waterfront in more than 50 years – which is attracting more visitors to Western New York and making the citizens of Buffalo even prouder of our rich history.”
The Board of Directors today voted to enter into a seven-year contract with Be Our Guest, Ltd., doing business as the Rich Entertainment Group, to continue providing hospitality and programming on the waterfront. This is a revenue-generating contract that has no cost to ECHDC. A percentage of the profits will be allocated from Rich Entertainment Group to ECHDC. The terms of the Agreement will include: a base flat fee that increases each year; a percentage of gross sponsorship: a percentage of gross revenue; and a portion of live event ticket sales.
Rich Entertainment Group has managed the Outer Harbor since 2016 and Canalside since 2017. As ECHDC creates more structures and open space are created for public access, a third-party operator is required to manage the utilization of the spaces and maintain the overall activity schedule Canalside and the Outer Harbor are increasingly popular sites for a range of large events, from local community group gatherings to yearly concert series featuring national music acts. On a smaller scale, the sites have been used for everything from yoga classes and boat tours to athletic clinics and history lectures.
The contract requires the Rich Entertainment Group, as the operator, to continue to provide the following services:
HOSPITALITY SERVICES
Operator will provide staff to work in customer-facing roles like the reception desk at the Gateway Building and the front office of the transient boater office. Associates will also staff the information kiosk on the boardwalk, respond to customer inquiries via social media and the Buffalo Waterfront email and phone line.
PROGRAMMING
Operator will be responsible for managing, coordinating and advertising the programming, at all locations throughout the year, with an aim of maximizing and lengthening visits, and encouraging return visits by the public.
FOOD, BEVERAGE AND MERCHANDISE
They are responsible for developing, managing, stocking and staffing a new, boutique retail location in the Gateway Building at Canalside. This 600-square-foot space will open to the public in May 2026 and should provide a range of Buffalo Waterfront and Buffalo-centric merchandise, as well as drink and snack food takeaway options.
MARKETING/ADVERTISING
Operator will develop a marketing and advertising plan, along with a media buy budget to promote the diverse activities at the Buffalo Waterfront. Advertising in print and electronic media, as well as on billboards and in local print, is expected.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
They are also responsible for all cleaning/janitorial, waste management and pest control, repairs/restoration, and maintenance associated with hospitality services, programming, food and beverage and merchandise.
MANAGEMENT & STAFFING
As part of the yearly plan, Rich Entertainment Group will provide adequate staffing and management oversight to ensure the continual improvement of quality, customer service.
“We’re grateful to the ECHDC Board of Directors and to Governor Kathy Hochul for their trust and confidence in our team to continue and enhance the quality programming and services we provide at two of Buffalo’s most iconic public spaces,” said Kevin Parkinson, vice president of finance and operations for Rich Entertainment Group. “We look forward to continuing to host the popular live music, family programming and engaging events that have made our city’s waterfront a destination for both residents and tourists.”
The second contract approved by the ECHDC board was also awarded to Rich Entertainment Group for facilities management services. The $10,974,059 contract, funded by the New York Power Authority, requires the operator to provide all staffing, materials, fuels and supplies required for general operations and maintenance of buildings, structures, utility systems, rink/fountain, public spaces, FF&E, vehicles, capital project management, seasonal transitions, daily custodian services, etc. Scope of services may include, but not be limited to: the operation, maintenance, cleaning, repair, preventative maintenance, renovation, addition to or modification of the structures, property and systems. The Contract will cover fees and expenses for a period of five years, ending on March 31, 2029.
The third contract approved by the board is for grounds management services. Elbers Landscape Service was selected to provide all staffing, materials, fuels and supplies required for groundskeeping services, lawns, landscapes, trees, shrubs, seasonal horticulture, snow removal, grounds and landscaping capital project management, seasonal transitions, and invasive species management throughout the property. The $3,016,561 contract runs through March 2029.
About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.
As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty.
Contact:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313