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Autumn of Innovation in New York State

It has been a trailblazing autumn in New York State, with advances in medicine and manufacturing, unmanned aircraft systems and imaging and the arrival of new businesses committed to job creation in key industries from biotechnology to software development. Companies are coming to New York to grow, to collaborate with the state’s renowned universities and medical centers, and to create new technologies and jobs that will transform the future.

The Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management Conference at the OnCenter in Syracuse

This fall snapshot both represents - and underscores - New York as a state of innovation:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Corridor: New York State will invest $30 million to develop a 50-mile flight traffic management system between Syracuse and Griffiss International Airport in Rome. The investment, announced on Nov. 10, will help to advance the growing Unmanned Aircraft Systems industry in Central New York. Within the 50-mile corridor, strategic investments will help to accelerate industry growth by supporting emerging uses of UAS in industries including transportation and logistics, agriculture and forest management, media and film development, utilities and infrastructure and public safety. The investment will be made through a partnership between Empire State Development and the Northeast Airspace Integration Research Alliance.

Groundbreaking Clinical Trial of Lung Cancer Treatment: Buffalo’s Roswell Park Cancer Institute will launch a groundbreaking clinical trial of CIMAvax-EGF, a lung cancer treatment developed in Cuba. The joint venture between Roswell Park and the Havana-based Center for Molecular Immunology stems from Governor Cuomo’s 2015 trade mission to Cuba and makes Roswell Park the first U.S. medical institution to receive FDA permission to sponsor testing of a Cuban medical therapy. The trial, announced on Oct. 26 and set to begin this month, will enroll between 60 and 90 patients and will take about three years to complete.

43North Startup Competition Winners: Oncolinx, a company working in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute to develop next-gen cancer therapies, was the $1 million grand prize winner in this year’s 43North Competition – with companies vying for a total of $5 million in cash prizes, free incubator space in Buffalo and mentoring and access to other business incentive programs. The Oct. 27 awards ceremony in Buffalo, emceed by Luke Russert, was the culmination of an eight-day celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. Winning companies, including eight finalists, represent a range of technological innovation and applications to everything from hiring software and nonprofit fundraising to turbine technology and water sourcing.

Innovation on Campus - at RIT and Alfred State: Two New York campuses are home to cutting-edge approaches to technology in 3-D printing, digital media and manufacturing. The AMPrint Center, which opened Oct. 25 on the Henrietta campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology, will focus on state-of-the-art multi-functional 3D printing technology, materials and devices. The new Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) will bring together university and corporate researchers to advance printing and imaging industries in the Finger Lakes region. Nov. 15 marked the official launch of a new center for MAGIC Spell Studios on RIT’s campus, a future hub of high-tech digital media innovation in the Finger Lakes. And a new Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center at Alfred State College will prepare welding and machine tool technology students for in-demand jobs, while teaching state-of-the-art sustainable practices in advanced manufacturing. A ribbon cutting on Oct. 14 showcased the school as center for high-tech in Western New York.

More Companies Join START-UP NY: Thirty-nine businesses have joined START-UP NY, the innovative tax-free program associated with colleges and universities around the state. The new businesses have committed to create 817 new jobs and invest more than $30 million statewide over the next five years. Businesses expanding or locating to New York State under START-UP NY will create jobs in key industries, including biomedical research, information technology and advanced manufacturing. START-UP NY now has commitments from 202 companies to create at least 4,900 new jobs and invest more than $251 million over the next three to five years throughout the state.

Industry Spotlight: Manufacturing in NYS

New York State has the right ingredients for manufacturing success, according to makers of cheese, chocolate and grocery product packaging – all of whom have announced their plans to stay, and grow, here.

The American Packaging Corporation, a leading maker of flexible packaging, has committed to building a new 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Monroe County that will add 366 jobs by 2021. That plant was originally planned for an Iowa location, but local and state support and commitment to Upstate revitalization helped make the difference in the company’s decision to invest here. In announcing the expansion on Nov. 2, Governor Cuomo called the company’s plans “a testament to the unique assets of the Finger Lakes and to our forward-thinking economic strategy that is fostering innovation and transforming the regional economy.”

ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky at the American Packaging expansion announcement.

Two food producers also plans to grow in the Empire State. Platter’s Chocolates, a family-owned business since 1938, decided to relocate to a new 24,000 square foot facility in the Historic Wurlitzer building in North Tonawanda, where it will expand production lines and offer culinary tours to visitors. Governor Cuomo announced the grand opening of the new $1.3 million factory on Oct. 28, with state-of-the-art climate control capabilities that will allow year-round manufacturing and increased production. The factory tours will add to the Western New York region’s tourism industry which attracts nearly 8 million visitors each year.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul at the grand opening of Platter’s Chocolates new facility.

On Sept. 20, Empire State Development announced that the Nuova Castelli Group, an Italian cheese processor, will invest several million dollars to purchase the Empire Specialty Cheese manufacturing plant in Chautauqua County and acquire new machinery and equipment for that facility, which produces fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese. The purchase ensures retention of jobs and relationships with more than 90 local milk suppliers to the plant, including Amish farmers. The additional investment will create a state-of-the-art dairy manufacturing facility, which ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky called the announcement “a huge win” for the area.

And on Sept. 14, the Governor announced that the Bridgestone APM Company, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber manufacturer, had opened its newly constructed 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, Niagara County. The plant will produce polyurethane foam seats for the automotive industry and export products to Canada. Cuomo said the project demonstrates the state’s commitment to Western New York “and its growing manufacturing sector.”

This fall season, that growth has shown no signs of stopping.

What NYS Can Do For You: Global NY

Global NY gave representatives from 25 foreign countries and territories a first-hand look at New York State’s innovation economy in November as part of a two-day road show aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into New York State.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul met with the group, telling them that “New York State has the talent and the resources to attract foreign investment in a number of industries.” And she emphasized the importance of introducing New York’s assets to a global audience. “The more we expose the international community to the wealth of opportunities New York State has to offer, the more foreign direct investment we will attract.”

Representatives from 25 countries and territories explore FDI opportunities in the Capital region during the Global NY road show.

On Nov. 2-3, the group, including 36 Consuls General, made stops at three Capital Region locations: semiconductor manufacturer Global Foundries’ research and development facility in Malta; research labs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy; and the state-of-the art Health Sciences Campus at the State University of New York at Albany. The visits spotlighted advances in New York State’s nanotechnology industry, advanced manufacturing and smart technologies as well as research into the causes and treatment of cancer.

ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky notes that foreign direct investment drives job creation in several key industries in New York State -- home to nearly 2,000 international companies, including some 600 manufacturers. More FDI Road Shows are planned for 2017 to showcase other regions of NYS.

In addition to attracting FDI, Global NY works to help New York businesses that want to export globally. An average of US $23 billion is recorded in export sales to Europe each month – and about half of New York’s top trading partners belong to the European Union. To help New York businesses learn more about export opportunities, Ms. Terry Potter, ESD Global NY’s contract representative for Europe, toured the state in late October. She visited five cities and met with dozens of organizations that sought guidance on how best to enter the European market.

Global NY is currently supporting 11 New York businesses at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Its next export-focused trade mission will be to Indonesia and Vietnam (Feb. 27-March 4, 2017) and recruitment is ongoing; interested companies must apply by Dec. 15.

For more information about all that Global NY has to offer, visit globalny.gov or call (212) 803-2300.

Carey Gabay Scholarship Program Winners

This fall, five outstanding students arrived on the campuses of New York State universities as winners of the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program. The program honors the legacy of the former Assistant Counsel to Governor Cuomo and First Deputy Counsel for Empire State Development Corporation, who died as an innocent victim of gun violence in September 2015.

“Carey worked hard, overcame adversity and chose public service as a way to improve the lives of his fellow New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said in announcing the scholarship winners on Sept. 5. "He was an inspiration to every single person he came in contact with, and we are proud to award this scholarship in his honor to help other students who grew up in similar circumstances strive, ‎succeed and lead.” Gabay grew up in public housing in the Bronx, where he attended public school, and went on to Harvard University and Harvard Law School.

Carey Gabay

The students, whose scholarships cover full tuition and all costs of attendance including books, room and board, exemplify Carey Gabay’s commitment to social justice, leadership and mentoring – as well as his personal story of academic success despite an economically disadvantaged background.

They are:

Ramanjot Bal, Richmond Hill, Queens: Stony Brook University

Narelys Chum, Troy: SUNY New Paltz

Fernando De La Cruz: Washington Heights, Manhattan, SUNY Cortland

Tony Kelley, Albany: University at Albany Nayelhi Sanchez-Lorenzo, Spring Valley: SUNY Binghamton

To read more about the students, click here.

Tourism Highlight: The New Long Island Welcome Center

The new Long Island Welcome Center is a 15,200-square-foot ode to the island, complete with a starry walk of fame (featuring the names famous Long Islanders from Theodore Roosevelt to Billy Joel , a floor-sized map, historical artifacts and photo opportunities in an airy space that evokes the area’s nautical landscape and natural beauty.

The center, at eastbound Exit 51-52 on the Long Island Expressway, opened on Oct. 20 and is expected to welcome nearly 8,000 people a day. It is emblematic of New York State’s unprecedented investment in tourism, which has now reached a record $102 billion in total economic impact.

A key feature of the center is a Taste NY Market, stocked with Long Island-made food and craft beverages, as well as I LOVE NY kiosks to engage and inform travelers about all there is to see in the area. On a recent Saturday, visitors were taking pictures of each other in front of an I LOVE NY photo wall with a backdrop of the Fire Island Lighthouse.

On a practical note, the facility also houses fully operational satellite offices of the New York State Police and Suffolk County Police Department, as well as a (they use these kiosks at events) Department of Motor Vehicles self-serve kiosk where customers can renew vehicle registrations and conduct other DMV transactions without having to visit a DMV office. Additional stations are available for finding the best hiking trails, parks, fishing information and more.

The LEED-certified center has transformed the site of a formerly underused parking area, complete with solar panels and electric car charging stations.

For a taste of the Long Island welcome center, and a test of Long Island trivia, here’s a sampling from the I LOVE NY quiz available on the center’s interactive kiosks:

1. Can you name the oldest lighthouse in New York State?

a. Montauk Point Lighthouse

b. Fire Island Lighthouse

c. Horton Point

d. Long Beach Bar Lighthouse

The Lighthouse at Montauk was NY's first coastal beacon back in 1796.

2. Which famous field did Charles Lindbergh take off from as he embarked on the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic?

a. MacArthur Airport

b. Roosevelt Field

c. Curtiss Field

d. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

In 1927, Lindbergh took flight from Roosevelt Field, which is now home to the Roosevelt Field Shopping Center.

3. Long Island’s Gold Coast serves as the setting for which classic novel?

a. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

b. Stephen King, The Shining

c. E.L. Doctorow, Ragtime

d. J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

The acclaimed Oheka Castle in Long Island served as inspiration for the decadent home of Jay Gatsby’s in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby.

Summer of Jobs in New York State

Growth continues in numbers of NYS private sector jobs and business expansions

This summer has been hotter than ever in New York, with many businesses announcing their plans to locate or grow here as record-setting job numbers continue to climb. From beets to sporting goods, a host of nationally known brands are making their home here, at a time when the state’s private sector job count has reached a record high of almost 8 million, and unemployment is below the national rate. The state’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils continue to drive economic development in a strategic way and, with the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, we’re seeing exciting projects and progress around the state. Here are some highlights of announcements made during the warm-weather months:

Warby Parker: Just after summer’s official launch in June, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the Manhattan-based affordable designer eyewear company will open an optical lab in Sloatsburg, Rockland County, that will create 128 jobs over the next five years. The lab, the first fully owned by Warby Parker and the company’s first expansion into the Mid-Hudson region, will be home to glasses assembly and prescription lens finishing. In addition to its Rockland expansion, Warby Parker will also retain more than 250 jobs at its New York City headquarters and 130 jobs at its New York retail locations.

DICK’S Sporting Goods Inc.: In July, the Binghamton-born national sporting goods retailer announced that it will invest $100 million to build a 650,000-square-foot regional distribution facility at the Broome County Corporate Park in the Southern Tier town of Conklin. The investment will create 466 full-time jobs over the next five years, with a construction completion date of early 2018. The move is aligned with Southern Tier Soaring, the region’s comprehensive plan for economic growth.

DICK’s Sporting Goods’ new facility in Conklin.

GEICO: In early August, the country’s second-largest private passenger auto insurance company announced plans to expand its service center operations in Western New York, a move that will add 600 full-time jobs. The company will invest nearly $11 million for the expansion, outfitting and equipping offices at a new location near its existing Getzville facility. GEICO currently employs 2,760 associates at the Buffalo Regional Office in Getzville, and a total of more than 6,300 employees in New York State. The strength of Western New York’s economy played a part in the company’s decision to expand in the area.

Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zemsky at the GEICO announcement

Love Beets: Also in August, Empire State Development and Love Beets USA, LLC announced the grand opening of a new $19 million facility in Rochester, where the company will process and package fresh, marinated and organic beets and beet products. The 100,000-square-foot facility is located at the LiDestri Foods manufacturing complex at Eastman Business Park. The move means job growth (from 111 current employees to 140 full-time employees within three years) and a growth in opportunities for local growers, with the company’s goal of having most of its beets sourced by New York State farmers.

Industry Spotlight: Drones in Central New York

Supporting the State’s Growing Unmanned Aerial Systems Hub

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky recently took part in a White House conference focused on the burgeoning drone industry. A highlight of his Aug. 2 panel discussion on “The Role of Data and Research and Development in Policymaking,” was Governor Cuomo’s same-day announcement of $5 million in investments that will be used to support the state’s unparalleled commitment to the growing Unmanned Aerial Systems industry (UAS) in Central New York.

The money will be used to grow the development of an air traffic management system for drones in a corridor that runs between Syracuse and Rome. Syracuse University and Mohawk Valley Community College, in the process of developing curricula on drone use, will also be instrumental in coordinating research and development efforts in the region.

Commissioner Zemsky (far right) discusses Central New York’s UAS industry on panel at White House conference

“We are determined to ensure that our state is well positioned when it comes to the burgeoning unmanned aircraft system industry,” said Commissioner Zemsky. “We think you need government as partners in innovation and entrepreneurship, and to leverage the infrastructure that we can bring to the table”.

The August drone research and development policy workshop on Drones and the Future of Aviation, held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., was sponsored by the White House Office of Science and Technology. Panel participants discussed the growth in opportunities in the UAS field, with total job creation numbers expected to top 100,000 by 2025,according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, a conference sponsor.

New York State’s drone industry investment complements a larger initiative to boost economic growth as a crucial part of the Central NY Rising plan. Drone research, development and manufacturing are key to the region’s winning $500 million dollar Upstate Revitalization Initiative plan with almost half of the money expected to be earmarked to grow this developing field.

Another sign of the industry’s growing presence in the region: Syracuse will host the upcoming 2016 UTM Convention from Nov. 8-10, with events taking place across Syracuse, and at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome. The convention, featuring keynote briefings from NASA, will be hosted by Empire State Development, the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity and others, including the Air Traffic Controllers Association, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Onondaga County, Oneida County, The NUAIR Alliance, and Syracuse University. Details on the Convention can be found here.

Milestones Reached Toward Broadband For All

New York’s #1 in Broadband Activity and Investment

The New NY Broadband Program – leading the nation with the goal of broadband for all – is making high-speed progress toward its goal of serving all New Yorkers by 2018. The program’s Round I awards, which will connect 34,000 homes to high-speed internet for the first time, were announced in early August and a Request for Proposals has now launched for Round II.

Those milestones were reached on the heels of a study ranking New York State first in the nation for broadband activity and investment. In May, Governor Cuomo announced the ranking by Strategic Networks Group, which surveyed states for factors including broadband availability, adoption, investment and regulation.

Governor Cuomo recognizes that broadband access is a necessity, not a luxury in the 21st century economy. The New NY Broadband Program, with the New York State Public Service Commission’s order approving the Time Warner Cable-Charter Communications merger, will greatly increase broadband availability for millions of New Yorkers. Charter’s commitments, plus completion of the Round 1 awards projects, will mean 97 percent of New Yorkers have broadband access.

The program’s central components include new access to broadband at speeds of at least 100 Mbps (megabytes per second) and 25 Mbps in the state’s most remote areas, as well as high priority given to areas and projects that would most improve internet access to unserved areas.

For more information about the program, and details of Round II RFP applications, visit the Broadband Program Office website.

ESD on the Move: Summer Conference Roundup

Empire State Development went on the road in June and July, showcasing New York State’s industry strengths and business resources at three high-profile conferences: The BIO International Convention, Select USA and SEMICON West. Here are some highlights from each:

The 2016 BIO International Convention, San Francisco, California - June 6-9

The San Francisco conference drew leaders from pharma, biotech and medical device firms and more than 1,800 exhibitors covering 160,000 square feet of conference space, including 55 state, regional and country Pavilions and specialized product focus Zones, including Bio Processing, Digital Health, Discovery and Innovation.

ESD’s Strategic Business Development and Global NY teams attended the conference, meeting with start-ups and international delegates to promote economic development programs and services, reaching out to New York constituent firms as well as to potential investors in New York.

A company presentation at 2016 BIO International Convention

ESD hosted company meetings and exhibits in the New York State Pavilion. Joining ESD at the Pavilion: NewYorkBIO, whose 250+ members represent New York’s bioscience communities, research institutions and universities; the Center for Biotechnology, a New York State Center for Advanced Technology in collaboration with Stony Brook University; the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and; the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Thanks to ESD support and Pavilion partner sponsorship, more than 20 early-stage life science firms also attended, allowing them to network and present pitches at a 20-seat theater which was a feature of the 2016 NYS Pavilion.

The conference provided opportunities for participants to make new business contacts, identify future potential partners and keep current on industry trends and issues.

2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit, Washington, D.C. - June 19-21

President Barack Obama hosted the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. The event, held at the Washington Hilton, convened 2,500 participants from 70 different countries and 52 U.S. states and territories, including companies and business associations as well as economic development organizations (EDOs). Global CEOs and other business leaders joined the President, eight Cabinet members, four governors and 22 U.S. Ambassadors at this event. This year’s Summit participants heard from nearly 70 business leaders, academics and senior federal and state officials in plenary and breakout sessions, and interacted with more than 100 exhibitors.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul at 2016 SelectUSA Summit

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul joined Empire State Development at the New York State Pavilion to showcase New York as a preeminent location for foreign investors. ESD arranged one-on-one meetings with potential international investors during the event, with representatives from ESD’s Global NY and Strategic Business Development divisions. The ESD team, including the Lieutenant Governor, had investment meetings with more than 50 businesses and organizations. Representatives of several regional economic development teams—CenterState CEO, the Niagara County Center for Economic Development, Invest Buffalo Niagara and Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation — also shared space in the NYS Pavilion and participated in investment meetings. Other New York State EDOs, participating outside the Pavilion, joined the group for some events.

SEMICON West 2016, San Francisco, California – July 12-14

This Silicon Valley conference drew industry decision-makers from all over the globe to the world’s largest semiconductor trade show; held simultaneously with Intersolar North America – the solar energy industry’s annual U.S. trade show. Empire State Development, along with SUNY Polytechnic institute and New York Loves Nanotech, covered the show with a combined staff of 50 to meet and greet the 25,000+ show attendees.

ESD’s booth at SEMICON West

Others in attendance from New York State included cleanroom builder the John W. Danforth Company, and representatives from local Economic Development agencies across upstate NY, who held over 50 lead generating meetings, both on-site and in the Silicon Valley region. SUNY Poly brought industry experts who presented progress reports for a number of initiatives in New York State, including the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) and the New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium (NY-PEMC), as well as a panel discussion on the integration of solar technologies into the internet of things (IoT) at the concurrent Intersolar North America conference.

NY Loves Nanotech showcased four shovel-ready semiconductor sites across upstate NY to semiconductor memory, sensor, MEMS and logic wafer manufacturers, as well as the diverse supply chain that supports the electronics equipment industry – a growing sector that alone represents more than 11 percent of total U.S. exports.

Tourism Highlight: 2016 Great New York State Fair

Empire State Development Events – Summer/Fall 2016

Take part in ESD-related happenings around New York State

Head up to Harlem for Uptown Saturday Nites on Aug. 20 and Aug. 27 and enjoy great drinks, music and dancing at the many venues around the neighborhood. Participating venues on Aug. 20 include: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Ginny’s Supper Club, Harlem Besame and Solomon & Kuff. Venues on Aug. 27 include: Gin Fizz, Minton and Shrine. ESD subsidiary Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC) is a sponsor of the event. Click here for more details.

Join ESD’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development on Oct. 5-6 in Albany at the largest statewide forum on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) government contracts. Learn where the contract opportunities are and how to win them. Learn strategies to grow your business. Acquire new skills to build your success plan for 2016 and beyond at a two-day event designed to transform your business. Click here for more details.

Calling all small business owners – on Nov. 10 at the Javits Center join ESD’s Division for Small Business at the New York Business Expo & Conference, the Northeast’s largest B to B trade show, conference and networking event for business owners and executives. Click here for more details.

Join I LOVE NEW YORK and the Division of Tourism for the following events:

Experience one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the United States and enjoy the best of New York’s agriculture, entertainment, education, industry and technology at the fun-filled Great New York State Fair, Aug. 25 through Sept. 5 at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

The National Buffalo Wing Festival from Sept. 3 – 4 in Buffalo boasts over 100 different flavors of chicken wings from restaurants throughout the country, in addition to live music and contests including the U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championships.

On Sept. 18 come enjoy performances and activities for adults and children of all ages at 92Y’s Street Fest, a free, public outdoor festival spanning 15 blocks along Lexington Ave (79th to 94th Streets) on New York City’s Upper East Side.

Check out the Adirondack Balloon Festival in Queensbury from Sept. 22-26, named one of the Top 100 events in North America.

Explore the Mid-Hudson region throughout September at The Hudson River Valley Ramble, an annual event series that celebrates the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

Make sure to check out ESD’s Facebook Page and LinkedIn Company Page , and follow us on Twitter (@EmpireStateDev) for the most up-to-date events.

Built to Lead: New York State Budget Highlights

The 2016-17 state budget, passed in March, continues the Governor’s focus on the revitalization of Upstate regions, job-creating programs and investing in key capital projects across the State. This job-creation agenda leverages the success of Governor Cuomo’s regionally focused economic development strategy, through the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs), aimed at strengthening and diversifying economies and creating economic opportunity throughout New York.

The Regional Councils were established in 2011 to transform the State's approach to economic development from a top-down model to one that is community-based and performance-driven.

The REDC initiative empowers community, business, and academic leaders, as well as members of the public, to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to their region's unique strengths and resources.

After five rounds of the REDC process, nearly $4 billion has been awarded to more than 4,100 job creation and community development projects consistent with the regions’ strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 200,000 jobs.

Highlights of projects announced in recent months including those from last year’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) —projects in Central New York, the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes ranging from urban entrepreneurship and university partnerships to tourism to manufacturing.

The budget continues this locally-driven economic development approach with a sixth round of REDC awards. The Consolidated Funding Application is now open, marking the start of the 2016 competition for more than $750 million in state economic development resources to fund regional priority projects and from a variety of agency programs. Those resources can be accessed through a single CFA application, for job creation and community development projects. In addition to $750 million to be split competitively among each of the state’s 10 regions, $200 million will fund top projects for the runners up from last year’s URI.

Training workshops providing an overview of the CFA process have begun and will continue across the state. The workshops are open to economic development officials, municipalities, businesses, non-profits and members of the public.

For the 2016 REDC Guidebook and list of available resources, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov. The CFA will open to applicants on May 2nd and the deadline for applications is Friday, July 29th at 4 p.m. For applicants, the CFA is available at https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/.

Spotlight on Success: “Marshall” and “Quantico” to Film in New York

New York State’s film and television industry is having a strong 2016, highlighted by two recent announcements from the Governor about major productions locating here.

On April 12, Governor Cuomo announced that Buffalo will be the main location for Marshall, a feature film biopic of Thurgood Marshall, America's first African- American Supreme Court justice. Filming is set to begin late this month, and production estimates detail a sizable economic impact: expected spending of at least $4.5 million, hiring of more than 400 crew and extras, and booking of an estimated 1,100 hotel room nights. The film will be a courtroom thriller focusing on a young Thurgood Marshall and his handling of a case that ultimately proved important to the Civil Rights Movement.

Chadwick Boseman will star as Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Just 10 days after the Marshall news, the Governor and ABC Studios (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company), announced that the hit TV series Quantico will be leaving Montreal and moving to New York. The production will have a dramatic effect on the economy, with hundreds of local jobs and an estimated $68 million in New York spending. All aspects of production, including the writing team, will be New York-based. Filming is set to begin mid-summer, and post-production will continue through spring of 2017. Quantico’s New York connection dates back to its first season – post-production for that season was done in the Empire State and added more than $5 million to the economy.

Many productions have cited the New York State Film Tax Credit Program as a key reason for filming here, and a record number – 203– applied to the program in 2015.

For more information about the Film Tax Credit Program, visit nysfilm.com or call (212) 803-2330.

What New York State can do for you: Global NY Fund Takes Export Help on Tour

The Global NY Fund – offering $35 million in export assistance – launched this spring with a 12-city tour to the state’s 10 economic development regions. More than 800 people signed up to hear from the Global NY team, joined by business leaders and New York State officials, at informational sessions detailing the loans and grants now available to small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits.

Throughout the two-month tour, from March through May, audiences heard details of how Global NY can help their companies grow and enter the global market. Tour attendees included New York State manufacturers, food producers, craft beverage companies and non-profits (including Chambers and IDAs), as well as lenders and service providers.

Global NY Senior Vice President Erin Cole explained the broader goal of the Global NY Fund.

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, ESD is working to increase New York’s global footprint, by giving local companies the tools they need to export around the world,” Cole said. “There is a great international demand for New York State products, and with help from the Global NY Fund … businesses will be able to meet that demand.”

A second phase of the Global NY Fund tour will start in June and continue through the rest of the year with visits to smaller cities and towns, with the goal of reaching as many potential applicants as possible.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul delivers remarks at the Global NY Fund Tour stop in Albany.

Details of the Global NY Fund follow (to read the full tour press release, click here):

Loan Opportunities ESD is working in partnership with lenders to extend financing to New York State companies seeking to create or expand direct exports, or to serve as suppliers to larger exporters. Through the program, loans of up to $500,000 are available for companies to purchase equipment and inventory needed to deliver on export-related contracts and provide working capital to support foreign accounts receivable. The program benefits businesses unable to access traditional credit markets, and will leverage tens of millions in export financing for New York State companies. Additionally, interest-free loans of up to $50,000 will be available for Distilled and Fermented Beverage industry businesses to promote New York State’s thriving beverage industry on a global scale.

Grant Opportunities ESD is also providing grants of up to $25,000 to help companies start exporting or increase their global exports. For example, grants may be used for market customization, participation in trade shows/missions, export workshops, and product adaptation to meet foreign regulatory requirements. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to non-profit organizations that provide export assistance and trade education to New York State companies.

For more information about the Global NY Fund and how it can help your business, visit the Global NY website or contact the team: globalny.gov: [email protected] ; (212) 803-2300.

NYS Regional MWBE Opportunities EXPO Series: Where MWBEs Learn about NYS Contracting Opportunities

The final event in this year’s regional Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises Opportunities Expo series is set for June on Long Island, capping off a successful third year. The annual series is hosted by Empire State Development's Division of Minority and Women's Business Development and co-hosted by ESD’s regional offices.

The Expo Series brings together businesses, procurement officers, prime contractors and state agencies and authorities in each region to provide MWBE firms with local networking and contracting opportunities. Since Governor Cuomo announced the series in January, four regions have held events: Capital District, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier and Western New York.

The Expos feature panel discussions on the Regional Economic Development Council Awards and special regional projects as well as informational workshops on contracting with New York State and the NYS MWBE certification program. Expo exhibits feature contracting opportunities and technical assistance programs with NYS agencies, authorities and contractors.

This year’s series has incorporated the New York State MWBE Boot Camp, designed to bring together technical assistance resources that are locally available, and featuring one-on-one MWBE certification assistance for firms. Additional information is also available about financial and technical assistance, including the “Bridge to Success” Loan Program, New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program (NYSSBAP) and Business Mentor NY.

So far this year, the Expos have attracted more than 600 businesses and over 100 state agencies and authorities, prime contractors and local state partners as exhibitors. Following events in Albany, Herkimer, Vestal and Buffalo, the final Expo in this series is set for June 28 at Stony Brook University.

Since Governor Cuomo took office in 2011, 4,300+ MWBEs have been certified, 3,600+ have been recertified and minority or women-owned businesses have secured more than $6.3 billion in state contracts. As a result, MWBE certification and utilization on state contracts have more than doubled in just five years.

For more information on the NYS MWBE program, the Expo series, or to register or participate in the June Expo, click here.

Tourism Highlight: I LOVE NY Summer Tourism Season Kicks Off

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer tourism season and the I LOVE NY events calendar is already packed with ideas for New York State outings and adventures. In addition to checking out the I LOVE NY website or mobile app, the 140-page I LOVE NY Travel Guide is available for planning vacation getaways in New York’s 11 tourism regions.

The tourism industry in New York State is not only responsible for fun; it’s an economic powerhouse. In 2014, tourism had a record economic impact, topping $100 billion. The state draws nearly 227 million visitors each year, and New York is the top destination for international visitors. The direct spending generated by tourism translates into jobs for local communities. In New York State, one out of every 12 jobs is tourism-related.

Taste of Buffalo Food Festival

In the 2016-2017 state budget, Governor Cuomo secured $50 million for tourism marketing, promotion and industry development – to make sure everyone knows all New York has to offer. From parks to museums, waterways to historic houses, New York State is a great place to plan a summer vacation.

General Clinton Canoe Regatta

Here are just a few of the events scheduled around the state from Memorial Day through mid-July:

Great Adirondack Garage Sale, Tupper Lake, May 27 – 29

General Clinton Canoe Regatta, Cooperstown, May 27 – 30

Hudson-Berkshire Wine & Food Festival, Chatham, Hudson Valley, May 28 – 29

18th Champlain Valley Spring Nationals Car Show, Morrisonville, May 2

East Durham Irish Festival, East Durham, May 28 – 29

Radio Woodstock 12th Annual Mountain Jam Fest at Hunter Mountain, Hunter, Jun 2 – 5

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, Jun 3 – 5

Cycle Ellicottville Weekend; Ellicottville, Jun 3

Fairport Canal Days, Fairport, Jun 3 – 5

Rose Garden Weekend, Bronx, Jun 4 – 5

Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally, Lake George, Adirondacks, June 7 – 11

Mysteryland USA, Bethel, Catskills, June 10-13

2016 Southern Tier Craft Beer and BBQ Festival, Big Flats, Jun 18

Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, Finger Lakes, June 24- July 2; 2016

Path Through History Weekend, various locations, June 20 – 21

2nd Annual Beacon Jazz Fest, Beacon, Jun 24 – 25

2016 Ellicottville Championship Rodeo, Ellicottville, Jun 30 – Jul 3

Syracuse Jazz Fest, Syracuse, Jul 2 – 3

French and Indian War Encampment, Youngstown, Jul 2 – 4

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, New York City, Jul 4

Taste of Buffalo, Buffalo, Jul 9-10

Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival, Buffalo, Greater Niagara, July 14 – 17

For more summer travel ideas, or to order a 2016 travel guide, visit ILOVENY.COM.

Empire State Development Events

Take part in ESD related happenings around New York State

Join ESD’s Division for Small Business at the following events:

Small Business Expo, June 9 at the Javits Center Whether your business is in the startup phase or a long-established company, the Small Business Expo has the right resources for you. This free, one-day expo offers invaluable insights and exclusive networking opportunities with a wide range of business-critical workshops, seminars, and presentations from top industry experts. Click here to register.

14th Annual Small Business & Procurement Expo, June 10 at the Con Edison Learning Center Locate potential subcontracting opportunities , learn about selling to the government and private sector, and network with over 60 exhibitors and 450 attendees at LaGuardia Community College Business Services’ Small Business & Procurement Expo. Click here to register.

International Franchise Expo, June 16 -17 at the Javits Center Join thousands of entrepreneurs and future business owners for the largest franchise expo in the country. Be sure to visit ESD’s exhibition booth, and use the code “ESD” to register for free. Click here to register.

Other Events and Resources

NYC Solutions Forum for Manufacturers, June 28 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, BLDG 92 FuzeHub, the statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) Center for New York State, has partnered with ITAC and the Brooklyn Navy Yard to serve the evolving needs of manufacturing companies, provide assistance to companies seeking to accelerate product commercialization, and help disseminate innovation and expertise across firms. Attendees will be able to sit down face to face with the 20-plus technical and business resources from across the state, and each company will be matched with the appropriate resources for efficient, customized assistance. Click here to register.

Visit the Events page on the GLOBAL NY website for information on trade shows, missions, and events and learn how Empire State Development’s Global NY Division can help your business network with global participants in the world’s top industries. Click here for more details.

Harlem Community Development Corporation, an ESD subsidiary, provides information, technical and financial assistance and skills training to support economic development in the greater Harlem area. Click here for a list of upcoming events.

Make sure to check out ESD’s Facebook Page and LinkedIn Company Page, and follow us on Twitter (@EmpireStateDev) for the most up-to-date events.

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