February 2013: Empire State Development E-Newsletter

February 2013: Empire State Development E-Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 2

Spotlight on Success Raymour & Flanigan creates 300 new jobs, invests $46 million in Rockland County Governor Cuomo has said his number one priority is creating jobs, jobs and more jobs. As New York State's economic development agency, Empire State Development works to retain and grow existing companies, lay the ground work for future job-creating industries and make New York State the place to do business. One of the companies ESD has worked closely with over the years is Raymour & Flanigan, a family-owned furniture retailer founded in Syracuse in 1947. As a result of this close ESD/company partnership, Raymour & Flanigan last year announced plans to significantly expand its New York operations by establishing a new regional distribution center in Rockland County, creating 300 new jobs that will result in over $135 million in wages for local employees over the next ten years. Continue reading more.

What NYS Can Do for You: The Tax Credits of the Excelsior Program Businesses committed to growing in New York State may be eligible for substantial tax savings through Empire State Development's Excelsior Jobs Program   Created in 2011, the Excelsior Jobs Program was conceived to provide job creation and investment incentives to firms in industries like biotechnology, pharmaceutical, high-tech, clean-technology, green technology, financial services, agriculture and manufacturing. The program encourages businesses to expand in and relocate to New York State. To learn more click here.

Regional Spotlight North Country named a "Top Performer, " awarded $90.2 million    The North Country was named a "Top Performer" in Round Two of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) credits its accomplishments to the collaboration across all sectors -business, labor, education and government - as well as unprecedented public participation from all corners of the seven county region. Consistent with Governor Cuomo's vision for the regional councils serving as a community-based approach to economic development, public participation helped differentiate the North Country plan and its priorities. This Round Two achievement continues the momentum from Round One and has the NCREDC busy implementing its Strategic Plan and the projects that support the region's vision for economic growth and prosperity. For full story, click here.

And the Winners Are: NYS❤FILM tax credit program participants are well respected during award season  The New York State Film Production Tax Credit program, administered by Empire State Development, successfully attracted 135 new projects to the state over the course of 2012. In addition to creating jobs for thousands of New Yorkers and attracting billions of dollars annually, these shows and films have gained critical acclaim for their artistic merit. The year's crop of productions includes television shows and films that have been nominated for some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.   For the full story,  click here.

Open Budget "Bringing the people back into government..." In January, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed the 2013-14 Executive Budget and Management Plan, which builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform and Superstorm Sandy rebuilding. The proposed budget also provides support to local governments and school districts and includes no new taxes or fees.   With state finances steadied, New York has the means to target new spending to grow the economy, create jobs and train students for the demands of the 21st Century workforce.   Governor Cuomo's budget proposal includes some exciting new economic development initiatives while maintaining support for key programs like the Regional Economic Development Councils and the New York Open for Business campaign. For full story, click here.

New York Loves Groups Group Travel is getting big in New York State   Group travel is big business.  Whether it is individuals joining group trips organized by a travel company, or individual groups chartering their own trips through tour operators, many travelers get to experience New York's exciting tourism attractions as part of a group tour.  In fact, according to the American Bus Association, the direct economic impact of the motorcoach tourism industry in New York State in 2012 was over $1.9 billion for things like: hotel and lodging; eating and drinking establishments; entertainment and amusement; and retail. Recognizing the importance of the group tour industry, the I Love New York tourism team has stepped up its outreach to this vital industry segment.  The new 2013-14 I Love NY Group Travel Guide was released last month, in time for the important industry tradeshows taking place in January. For full story, click here.

Events ESD activities around New York State that you can attend Following Governor Cuomo's presentation of his proposed 2013-14 Executive Budget in January, Kenneth Adams, Western NY Regional President Sam Hoyt and other ESD officials were back on the road, touring the state to deliver the governor's agenda directly to local community organizations and chambers of commerce.  Presentations continuethrough February. View full schedule.

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Potsdam arts incubator project aims for new businesses

Village officials hope vacant downtown storefronts soon will fill up with arts-themed businesses.

The village is set to launch its arts microenterprise and incubator project. Potsdam received $100,000 to launch the program several months ago as part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s first award to the North Country Regional Economic Council.

Planning and Development Director Frederick J. Hanss said the funding hopefully will help launch up to eight to 10 arts-themed businesses.

“Potsdam has the reputation of being the arts and cultural capital of the north country,” Mr. Hanss said. “I hope it cements our reputation. ... I would hope it would make downtown Potsdam a more interesting place for visiting.”

The funding would be used as “seed money” for arts entrepreneurs to set up their business, Mr. Hanss said. An informational session will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room. Those who cannot attend that meeting will have another chance at 7 p.m. April 24.

“We’ll walk them through the application process and the eligibility process,” Mr. Hanss said. “We’re being pretty open for eligible use of funds.”

The program will accept a wide variety of applicants, from an artist seeking to open a gallery, a potter who intends to sell products or a musician who repairs instruments, Mr. Hanss said.

“They have to present a body of work that’s original and innovative,” Mr. Hanss said. “We’re focused on new businesses. They’re the ones that typically need a leg up.”

A panel from the arts community will determine who can be admitted to the program, Mr. Hanss said. Applicants will have to complete a 10-week course to develop a business and marketing plan for their proposal before receiving any funding, which the village will distribute.

Discounted space in Clarkson University’s Old Snell Hall will serve as an “incubator” for successful applicants.

After a period of time, the businesses hopefully would move into downtown storefronts, Mr. Hanss said.

“Nobody has really applied it to this particular segment of the economy,” Mr. Hanss said. “I don’t think anyone has done this in rural parts of New York state.”

Mr. Hanss and Hillary Oak, executive director of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, each have received five or six inquiries into the program over the last several months.

The program is co-sponsored by the village and the arts council.

Ms. Oak said the funding could be used to help reduce the business rent or pay for marketing expenses.

“If they have an interest in starting or expanding an arts-related business, these funds might help them,” Ms. Oak said. “We want to make sure businesses that use these funds are sustainable. As far as we know, this is the first microenterprise grant program geared specifically to the arts. Hopefully by next year, we’ll have some new businesses that have been given a boost by this program.”