Author: administr8tor

Chobani To Build $1.2 Billion Plant At Griffiss Business and Technology Park

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Chobani To Build $1.2 Billion Plant At Griffiss Business and Technology Park

We are thrilled to officially welcome Chobani to the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, NY. A celebratory groundbreaking event took place at the Triangle Site, marking the future location of Chobani’s impressive $1.2 billion,1.4 million square foot facility. This project is set to create more than 1,000 high-quality jobs. Officials stated that this new facility represents the largest investment in natural food development in the nation.

This remarkable company started by Hamdi Ulukaya over 20 years ago will bring incredible opportunities to our region, especially in the agriculture sector. Hamdi expressed the critical need of the partnership with the dairy industry. He along with other speakers today, talked about the ecosystem created for New York’s dairy sector. Chobani plans to manufacture over a billion pounds of dairy products annually out of this new state-of-the-art facility.

Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, and City of Rome Mayor Jeff Lanigan welcomed Chobani at their official ceremony held at the SkyDome at Griffiss, followed by an official groundbreaking at the Triangle Site.

 

Columbus Day 2024, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente met with Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya at the Triangle site to determine if this site was the right fit. Before Hamdi departed home, a handshake agreement between the two had already been reached.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente stated, “This is a generational win for Oneida County and the entire Mohawk Valley. We believed in the potential of the Griffiss Triangle site and invested over $6 million to make it shovel-ready because we knew it could attract a world-class partner like Chobani. I’m proud of the role Oneida County played in bringing this transformative project to fruition.”

“With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we’re entering a new dimension, partnering with hard working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country. When you invest in people, in local communities, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a future,” Said Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente had a vision for the development of the Triangle Site at Griffiss Business and Technology Park to grow the region’s economy. The collaborative partnership of Oneida County along with Mohawk Valley EDGE, Griffiss Local Development Corporation and Oneida County Industrial Development Agency, attracted this company to fulfill his vision.

In 2024, Mohawk Valley EDGE worked with the County Executive and his team to attract the interest of Chobani to the Triangle Site. Under Picente’s leadership, a dairy study was initiated, an application for FAST NY funding was submitted, and in the Fall of 2024, following direct conversations with Hamdi Ulukaya, purchased additional acreage for the site from the former Mohawk Glen Golf Course.

Mohawk Valley EDGE, Griffiss Local Development Corporation and Oneida County IDA are thrilled to welcome this remarkable company to Oneida County. This incredible opportunity will support our local dairy farmers, particularly those in Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Additionally, this presents an excellent chance to build on Chobani’s success in hiring members of our immigrant and refugee communities in the Utica area, which has played a crucial role in their achievements in New Berlin. Chobani’s CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya’s background and vision for creating opportunities represent a significant victory for the Mohawk Valley.

A former Air Force Base has been transformed into a sprawling business park, generating thousands of jobs and was approaching over a billion dollars in public and private investment. With Chobani now established, we have not only exceeded the billion-dollar milestone but doubled it. “That’s 2.2 billion dollars with a B,” remarked Elis DeLia, Board Chair of the Griffiss Local Development Corporation. Chairman DeLia recognizes and commends the staff, who contribute to the success of Griffiss.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners: Oneida County, the City of Rome, C&S Companies, and Griffiss Local Development Corporation (GLDC), who have worked tirelessly alongside us on this project.

Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering support have been invaluable in bringing this project to life. This achievement would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of everyone involved.

Your commitment to our community’s growth and prosperity is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have such incredible partners by our side. Thank you all.

SHAWNA PAPALE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF MOHAWK VALLEY EDGE

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SHAWNA PAPALE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF MOHAWK VALLEY EDGE

Rome, NY— The Mohawk Valley EDGE Executive Committee has officially appointed Shawna Papale as President of Mohawk Valley EDGE, effective immediately.

Papale was previously appointed Acting President after the passing of Steve DiMeo earlier this year. She has been with EDGE since 1996, starting as a program manager and working her way up to the position of Chief Administrative Officer.

“I’m so pleased that Shawna Papale has been officially named president of Mohawk Valley EDGE,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Having worked alongside her for years, I know firsthand the passion, expertise and commitment she brings to every project. Shawna is the perfect leader to help guide our region’s growth and success, and I’m excited to continue working with her to make a lasting impact on Oneida County and the Mohawk Valley.”

“Throughout the years, Shawna has consistently shown exceptional skill, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to the growth and mission of EDGE,” stated Justin Hummel, Chairman of the EDGE Executive Committee. “She has established and continues to nurture strong relationships with partner organizations, including businesses in the Mohawk Valley, financial institutions, education and workforce organizations, and elected officials.”

“I am honored to be named President of Mohawk Valley EDGE,” said Shawna Papale. “I want to thank the EDGE Executive Committee, our boards, business partners, and local leaders for their support during this challenging time since Steve’s passing earlier this year. EDGE is dedicated to fulfilling our mission of fostering growth in the Mohawk Valley region for years to come.”

 

The Passing of Steve DiMeo

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Statement on the Passing of our Esteemed President,

Steven J. DiMeo
 

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven J. DiMeo. Steve passed away suddenly on March 6, 2024, leaving an eternal legacy of dedication and vision to the Mohawk Valley.

Steve was more than just our President; he was the guiding force behind EDGE, the Marcy Nanocenter, Griffiss Business and Technology Park, and the entire region’s economic trajectory for the past 30 years. He led with an unwavering commitment to our mission, constantly driving those privileged to work alongside him. The consistency in leadership and vision he provided in this region was a luxury not many places have had, and the Mohawk Valley has reaped the benefits seen in all corners of our community. While Steve certainly did not accomplish everything he had done alone, without him, it may never have happened. EDGE’s partner organizations noted the following:

The Oneida County Industrial Development Agency & Oneida County Local Development Corporation deeply mourns this significant loss to our community. Steve’s devotion, time, and unwavering determination have consistently served as the foundation of countless projects within Oneida County.

For Steve, everything was about creating a successful project. He was a brilliant mind who could see 2 or 3 steps ahead, constantly positioning the region to leverage public and private investments for maximum benefit. Steve’s vision perfectly aligned with OCIDA’s mission and objectives, and a glance at the IDA’s portfolio throughout his career clearly illustrates how his efforts have yielded remarkable success.

OCIDA will forever cherish and honor Steve’s legacy, ensuring he is celebrated and remembered with the greatest respect.

Steve Zogby, OCIDA Board Chair 

On behalf of Griffiss Local Development Corporation, we mourn and reflect on all Steve DiMeo accomplished during his career. The triumphs at Griffiss Business and Technology Park trace back to a meticulously crafted master plan, carefully and thoughtfully executed by Steve and his team since its inception.

What was once a shrinking military base of 1,700 personnel has prospered into a cornerstone of employment in the Mohawk Valley, boasting more than 6,000 employees across 90 public and private enterprises, with nearly a billion dollars in public and private investments attributable to Steve’s long-term vision. In the aftermath of BRACs in the 1990s and again in 2005, his steadfast advocacy safeguarded essential assets like DFAS and AFRL, ultimately creating a nationally recognized and awarded Business Park unlike any other in the country.

GLDC is dedicated to preserving Steve’s legacy with the same commitment and tenacity he showed over his career. His absence will be deeply felt, and his memory will be cherished dearly.

Elis Delia, GLDC Board Chair

On behalf of the Utica Industrial Development Corporation, we mourn the loss of an economic development and community leader. He was a great community servant with special talents who achieved great things for the Utica and the Mohawk Valley. His humility and dedication were evident in every endeavor, as he tirelessly worked alongside partners and collaborators to drive regional progress. Steve’s foresight and strategic vision were unparalleled, guiding projects at Griffiss and the Marcy Nanocenter from conception to fruition. Steve’s legacy will endure, leaving an indelible mark on Utica, the Mohawk Valley, and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.

John Snyder, UIDC Board Chair

On behalf of Rome Industrial Development Corporation, we mourn the loss of Steve DiMeo. Steve’s absence will leave a profound void within RIDC, one that reverberates through our organization and beyond. His unwavering support was a testament to his legacy; he nurtured projects that enriched not just our organization or the City of Rome but the entire Mohawk Valley. The impact of Steve’s legacy on Rome through RIDC and our collective endeavors is immeasurable, a testament to his enduring influence and commitment to our shared mission.

Ronald Edwards, RIDC Board Chair

Steve achieved remarkable milestones during his tenure with EDGE, steering the organization through challenges and triumphs with the utmost resilience and eye always set on the endgame. His strategic vision has propelled the Mohawk Valley to new heights, cementing our position as a leader in economic development.

The EDGE team has come together over the past few days, and it’s evident that Steve’s work and advocacy for our community has left a mark on all of us. Steve always expressed his pride in how staff rose to the challenge during his absence following his cancer diagnosis last April. As a team, we are committed to continuing with the same determination and tenacity that Steve DiMeo would want us to have.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve was a family man, a friend, someone who could tell you the batting average of the Yankees’ third baseman from 1966 or a piece of American History trivia. While always unsung, his acts of kindness, humility, and generosity will continue to guide us as we honor his memory.

On behalf of the entire EDGE family, we extend our deepest condolences to Steven DiMeo’s loved ones during this difficult time.

Quarter 3 Update – 2017

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Each quarter EDGE presents to its Board of Directors a summary update on its activities over the past quarter. These are focused around business support, business development, the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, and the redevelopment of Griffiss Business and Technology Park. Interested in what EDGE has accomplished over the past few months? Check out our Q3 update. To view online, click HERE or on the image.

Quarter 2 Update – 2017

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Each quarter EDGE presents to its Board of Directors a summary update on its activities over the past quarter. These are focused around business support, business development, the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, and the redevelopment of Griffiss Business and Technology Park. Interested in what EDGE has accomplished over the past few months? Check out our Q2 update. To view online, click HERE or on the image.

Quarter 1 Update – 2017

Posted on by administr8tor

Each quarter EDGE presents to its Board of Directors a summary update on its activities over the past quarter. These are focused around business support, business development, the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, and the redevelopment of Griffiss Business and Technology Park. Interested in what EDGE has accomplished over the past few months? Check out our quarterly update. To view online, click HERE or on the image.