Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that A Quiet Place Part II, the sequel to the original hit thriller directed by John Krasinski, has started production in Western New York. The film, which is produced by Paramount Pictures, is expected to hire over 400 people in the area and invest more than $10 million into the regional economy.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Film productions stimulate economic growth and job creation in Upstate New York, and A Quiet Place Part II will continue the trend by creating 400 hires and investing over $10 million.”

The production will shoot the film in Upstate New York, with approximately 35 days in Erie County, 10 days in Chautauqua County, two days in Dutchess County, and one day in Ulster County, booking over 10,000 hotel nights in the process. Approximately 300 background actors will work a total of 1,335 shoot days.

Paramount Pictures President of Physical Production Lee Rosenthal said, “Paramount is thrilled to be returning to Buffalo, a city with ideal backdrops for this film as well as access to fantastic local partners and talented crew.”

The film will be released by Paramount Pictures on March 20, 2020.

About the Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development

The New York State Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, 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 nysfilm.com. 

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.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

Contact:
Adam Kilduff | [email protected] | (212) 803-3744
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Empire State Development Provided $500,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Packaging Technologies & Inspection (PTI)’s new 15,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which will create 12 new jobs in Hawthorne, Westchester County. The company invested $715,000 to lease and customize the commercial space. PTI will create 12 new jobs in New York over a period of five years and retain 40 existing employees. The company creates machinery that inspects packaging for leaks and durability, among a wide range of other uses, in the food, pharmaceutical, medical device, household, and personal care industries. PTI’s equipment is entirely designed and manufactured in New York.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Helping companies grow in place in addition to attracting new companies and talent is a critical part of New York’s economic development strategy, and PTI’s newly-renovated facility in Hawthorne will allow the company to continue its impressive growth in the state while creating new jobs.”

To encourage PTI to move forward with the project, ESD offered up to $500,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits. The capital improvements at the new location are completed. This project closely aligns with the MHREDC’s “Work” Strategy, creating manufacturing jobs in the region, and further implements the Mid-Hudson’s Regional Economic Council initiative to attract advanced manufacturing companies.

Packaging Technologies & Inspection CEO Oliver Stauffer said, “PTI has been a longstanding member of New York’s manufacturing community and we are proud to call it home.  Our focus on developing best in class sensory technologies has delivered numerous patents and contributions to the space of high-risk packaging.  The Empire State Development Corporation has been instrumental in facilitating our growth as we continue to expand our research and development focus.  The business environment in New York has been a great asset in bringing PTI to the forefront as a global leader in test equipment and a net exporter of our technologies.”

PTI is a Mid-Hudson-based company incorporated in 1999. The company has historically had a 10 percent growth rate and the facility will allow it to maintain that level of growth. The company utilizes state-of-the-art processes and distributes globally, with net exports surpassing 40 percent. PTI President and Owner Tony Stauffer, and several PTI principals have been awarded multiple U.S. patents for leak detection, seal integrity inspection technologies and system designs. The company has a strong focus on research and development, and employs a highly skilled workforce from STEM fields.

Senator Pete Harckham, 40th Senate District said, “I’m thrilled to welcome PTI’s new 15,000 square foot manufacturing facility to my district. This business will create new jobs and bring other economic benefits to Hawthorne and Westchester County. Thank you to Empire State Development for encouraging PTI to move forward with their facility, and for offering Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to help bring this manufacturing company into my district.”

Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti said, "Our community welcomes PTI's expansion. I am pleased that New York State was able to partner with PTI to increase the number of  PTI's manufacturing jobs. Expansion of companies like PTI is important to the vibrancy of our community - it supports other local businesses and encourages other businesses to move to our area."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “This is welcome news for Westchester’s thriving economy. The investment in both commercial real estate and our top-notch workforce will be a win for both PTI and Westchester residents. Thanks to Empire State Development and Governor Cuomo for putting together a program that helped make this happen.”

Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi said, “With the continued growth of pharmaceutical and research and development facilities in Mt. Pleasant, Packaging Technologies & Inspection will be a welcomed addition. Retaining and creating new jobs in the Town is one of my goals and it’s also great to see that PSI’s equipment is entirely designed and manufactured in New York. We look forward to working with and supporting another growing local business.”

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

Proposal Will Repurpose Former Correctional Facility to Create Jobs and Bring Economic Growth to Communities

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the redevelopment of the former Beacon Correctional Facility in Dutchess County. The winning proposal, submitted by Urban Green Food, will create a campus focused on food, farming, sports, education, hospitality and recreation on the 39-acre, 22-building site, located one mile from downtown Beacon. The project will foster an estimated $62 million in investment and create 295 direct construction jobs and 150 to 250 permanent jobs, while meeting the regional demand for more hotel rooms, recreational facilities and expansion opportunities for local businesses. The project furthers New York’s commitment to sustainable real estate projects that foster economic growth and job creation throughout the state.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Throughout New York State, surplus facilities are being transformed in exciting ways that support regional economies. This project is a great example of how a former prison can be reimagined to create new jobs and foster local and regional economies and community growth.”

To make the project a reality, developer Urban Green Builders partnered with two local businesses that will provide services on the site--Common Ground Farm and All You Knead Bakery--to form the Urban Green Food team. 

Key elements of the winning proposal are:

• Commercial kitchen
• 103-key hotel, restaurant and event space
• Landscape design and nursery business
• Community gardens and small-scale agriculture
• Athletic facilities
• Classrooms for youth and adult job training
• Maker space for local artisans

Urban Green Builders Principal Eric Anderson said, "Urban Green Food is thrilled to get to work on this project that uniquely combines some of our greatest passions---hospitality, agriculture, sports and recreation--in a town and in a valley we've long loved and admired.” 

Empire State Development (ESD) issued an RFP on September 20, 2018 with proposals due by December 20, 2018. The goal of the RFP was to maximize economic benefit to the City of Beacon, the Town of Fishkill and the State, and to create new jobs, provide job training opportunities, stimulate the local economy and integrate the site into the Beacon and Fishkill communities. The RFP also asked respondents to present financially feasible proposals that incorporate well-considered design and planning principles, sustainable building practices and meaningful participation of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs).

ESD’s selection committee was complemented by an Advisory Committee of members from the offices of Senator Sue Serino, Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Beacon Mayor Randy Casale, Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla and Beacon School District Superintendent Matt Landahl, which helped ensure that local goals were met. 

The Beacon Correctional Facility was closed in 2013 after serving as a minimum-security correctional facility for women, as part of New York’s ongoing initiative to decommission and consolidate a number of underutilized correctional facilities across the state.

Senator Sue Serino said, “This project will be an incredible addition to our local community and we are thrilled to join Empire State Development in announcing an initiative that will bring such a great influx of economic activity and jobs here to our local area. This is another great example of all that can be accomplished when committed partners at every level come together to move our community forward and we look forward to seeing this impressive project get underway.”

Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson said, "I was pleased to learn that this project was awarded the opportunity to develop its innovative, mixed-use project on the grounds that formerly housed the Beacon Correctional Facility. The project includes long-established and well-regarded organizations in the area, and its unique mix of sports, hospitality, food production, and education is just the kind of creative, forward-thinking development we need. I applaud the collaborative effort between the City of Beacon, the Town of Fishkill, Dutchess County, and New York State that is making this project a reality. I look forward to seeing the jobs and economic opportunities the project promises to bring to the region."

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

The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) today announced a series of workshops and information sessions for people, businesses and organizations interested in applying for 2019 REDC funding through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Workshops include an overview of the application and the CFA process followed by informational breakout Q&A sessions with representatives from agencies with funding opportunities available through this year’s CFA. Information sessions are hosted by ESD staff members who take questions on the CFA process.

“The Mid-Hudson has been highly successful year after year in securing economic development funding for projects in our 7-county region,” said Donald Christian, co-chair of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and president of SUNY New Paltz. “The CFA workshops and information sessions held by ESD staff have been instrumental in helping applicants develop strong, competitive proposals for the Council to consider.”

Last month Governor Cuomo announced Round IX of the REDC initiative, which will award over $750 million across all 10 regions. The Consolidated Funding Application opened to applicants on May 1, enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for assistance from dozens of state programs, through a single application, for job-creation and community development projects.

The CFA application deadline is July 26, 2019 at 4 p.m. To learn more, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov/mid-hudson.

Mid-Hudson CFA Workshops

May 14, 2019
9:00AM - 11:30AM
Mount Saint Mary College, Aquinas Hall (Orange County)
330 Powell Ave, Newburgh, NY 12550
Click here to RSVP

June 5, 2019
9:00AM – 11:30AM
Westchester Community College, Gateway Center (Westchester County)
75 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595
Click here to RSVP

Mid-Hudson CFA Information Sessions

**Please note, all RSVPs should be submitted through the website**
May 16, 2019
4:00pm-5:30pm
CVI Complex (Sullivan County)
165 Sullivan Ave, Ferndale, NY 12734
Click here to RSVP

May 17, 2019
9:00am-10:30am
Community Center (Rockland County)
31 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956
Click here to RSVP

May 22, 2019
10:00am-11:30am
Putnam County Training & Operations Center, Auditorium (Putnam County)
112 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512
Click here to RSVP

May 23, 2019
10:00am-11:30am
SUNY Ulster (Ulster County)
94 Mary’s Avenue, Room 104, Kingston, NY 12401
Click here to RSVP

June 12, 2019
10:00am-11:30am
Marist College Boathouse (Dutchess County)
3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Click here to RSVP

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 https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/.

Contact:
Adam Kilduff | [email protected] | (212) 803-3744
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Metcar’s new 15,000 square foot aerospace materials manufacturing facility in Fallsburg, Sullivan County. The company, which already employs 117 people in a 80,000 square foot facility in Ossining, Westchester County, manufactures carbon graphite materials for a variety of industries, including aerospace, energy and pharma. ESD provided a $650,000 Economic Development Fund (EDF) grant and $310,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits for the expansion. The new facility will house the company’s Aerospace Materials Division, creating 10 new jobs. Metcar’s full name is Metalized Carbon Corporation.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Companies are choosing to stay and grow throughout New York State, and Metcar’s new facility will create good manufacturing jobs and add to the company’s contribution to economic growth in the Mid-Hudson region.”

Metcar will invest $5.7 million to build and outfit the new facility in Glen Wild Industrial Park, its fourth location. The investment includes the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment that will allow the company to run a PILOT plant using an electric induction process. Metcar was founded in 1945 and currently has manufacturing locations in Singapore and Mexico. It provides both custom products and pre-engineered products.

Metcar President and CEO Matthew Brennan said, “The ESD has provided Metallized Carbon with valuable incentives specifically targeted to allow the Company to maintain its commitment to grow in New York State. After spending nearly 75 years in the state, Metcar is proud to be able to expand our presence here and provide good manufacturing jobs that help grow the State’s economy.”

The Empire State Economic Development Fund (EDF) offers financial assistance for projects that promote New York State’s economic health by facilitating job creation and/or retention, or increased business activity in the state. Funds can be used for construction, expansion or rehabilitation of facilities, acquisition of machinery and equipment and other purposes. The Excelsior Jobs Program encourages businesses to expand in and relocate to New York while maintaining strict accountability standards to guarantee that businesses deliver on job and investment commitments.

Senator Jen Metzger said, “I am very pleased to see Metcar making a significant investment in their new Fallsburg manufacturing facility. It’s important that recipients of Economic Development Fund grants demonstrate a strong and lasting commitment to New York and to the surrounding community, as Metcar has done.”

Assembly Member Aileen Gunther said, “I am very excited about this announcement pertaining to new jobs in Fallsburg. Thank you Governor Cuomo, Empire State Development and Metcar Aerospace Materials for working together to create this new facility and providing jobs right here in Sullivan County and choosing here as your new home.”

“Metcar represents exactly the kind of company we welcome in Sullivan County: an innovative, high-tech, living-wage employer with sights set on growth and quality. We are proud and grateful they chose our County in which to set up shop,” said Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez. “This important project could not have happened without the incredible assistance and collaboration of Empire State Development, whose business-friendly approach made all the difference.”

Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steven Vegliante said, “We are thrilled to learn of the completion of this project.  This project produced a real impact in our community and we look forward to their growth in years to come!  Supporting the creation of these skilled employment positions improves our community and we extend our gratitude to Metcar for their commitment to the Town of Fallsburg and to the Empire State Development Corp for helping to bring it to fruition."

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

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced a revolving loan fund of up to $4 million for small businesses in economically distressed areas in parts of Nassau, Rockland and Westchester Counties. The funding is provided by ESD’s Metropolitan Economic Revitalization Fund (MERF), which provides loans to businesses and governments in the New York portion of the territory covered by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “This new revolving loan fund from the Metropolitan Economic Revitalization Fund will help more small business owners and MWBEs from economically distressed areas get access to capital, a vital tool for economic success.”

The fund will focus on providing loans to New York State small business owners who have historically had difficulty accessing regular credit markets, particularly Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Funding will be disbursed through four Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

The Metropolitan Economic Revitalization Fund (MERF) provides loans to organizations investing in projects that retain or create a significant number of private-sector jobs in economically distressed areas within its service area. MERF works to address the lack of access to capital for people of color in the areas it addresses. Loans can be used for improving land and/or buildings, construction and renovation, and for machinery and equipment purchases.

The fund will build upon the resources and capacity-building opportunities that New York State offers the MWBE community such as the Bridge to Success Loan Program, which provides short term bridge loans for New York State Certified MWBEs. Since its inception, the program has provided 153 loans totaling just over $24 million supporting over $201 million in contracts for New York State MWBEs. The New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program also provides technical and financial assistance to help MWBEs and small businesses secure surety bonding.  More than 469 MWBEs and small businesses have graduated from bond readiness training and MWBEs represent $89 million in surety bonding capacity as a result of New York State training and credit facilitation. Through collateral support alone, over $66 million in bonding was supported, of which over $42 million went to MWBEs.

Small businesses interested in loans from the MERF program should contact the CDFI closest to their location directly.

The CDFIs that have each been awarded up to $1 million in MERF funds are:

• BOC Capital Corporation
• Community Capital New York, Inc.
• Excelsior Growth Fund
• TruFund Financial Services, Inc.

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

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about the safety of the water they use every day. It’s there when it’s needed, clean and clear and coming out of a nearby tap or faucet. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

“Water challenges are happening everywhere, and many are going to get much worse,” says Jay Iyengar, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer of Xylem, a company that helps address some of the world’s most pressing water problems.

While the quest for safe and reliable water stretches to every corner of the globe, the journey often begins in the leafy village of Rye Brook, NY. It is there where the scientists and researchers at Xylem — the name is derived from the tissue in vascular plants which transports water and nutrients from the roots to the stems and leaves — use a combination of cutting-edge technology and advanced data analytics to enable more efficient, resilient, and sustainable water and wastewater management.

Xylem benefits immensely from its locale, which affords access to an incredible talent base of scientists and researchers from leading companies and academic institutions both within the New York metropolitan area as well as the larger Northeast corridor.