Updates

Workforce on Course Wrapped

WORKFORCE ON COURSE WRAPPED

“Keeping Workforce on Course” was designed around top-asks from our regional business and community leaders. From legacy businesses to upskilling, the new mega-project next door, the semiconductor industry, and more, this program featured feedback from site selector industry experts Andrew Ratchford and Monty Turner

On August 4th, 2023, we welcomed them to Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica campus. From pre-event networking to the full presentation, this program connected industries such as healthcare, economic development, construction, manufacturing, higher education, and others together to talk all things workforce. 

As our area’s workforce needs continue to take shape, this topic remains at the forefront of regional priorities. EDGE maintains a close partnership with many workforce partners– Those interested in viewing our partners and contacts may do so here.

Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and presenters for making this program a success!

KEEPING WORKFORCE ON COURSE

 

St. Luke’s Campus Reuse

St. Luke’s Campus Reuse: What’s Next?

Mohawk Valley EDGE is partnering with MVHS and Oneida County (full release info available here) to develop a reuse strategy for the redevelopment of the St. Luke’s Campus in New Hartford. The overall vision for reuse of the 53+/- acre campus is to create a fresh, modern, smart-city-enabled, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use environment with urban amenities just a short walk or bike ride away.

The new neighborhood will be home to graduating college students, outside talent (new and repatriated), and empty nesters.

Interested in learning more? Check back to this webpage for additional project updates, or contact EDGE!

St. Luke’s Master Plan RFP

St. Luke’s Facilities Study RFP

Associated Documents:

 

Keeping Workforce on Course

KEEPING WORKFORCE ON COURSE

“Keeping Workforce on Course” was designed around top-asks from our regional business and community leaders. From legacy businesses to upskilling, the new mega-project next door, the semiconductor industry, and more, this program featured feedback from site selector industry experts Andrew Ratchford and Monty Turner. 

The program outlined ongoing trends and metrics from the world of workforce. Though this presentation and discussion was guided by national trends, our speakers kept the Mohawk Valley in mind while shaping their thoughts and the discussion.

About Our Speakers

Andrew Ratchford is a Director at Site Selection Group, focusing on industrial site selection and Economic Development consulting engagements. He is located in Greenville, South Carolina, and provides site and infrastructure analysis, as well as analytical and strategic support.

Andrew’s professional experience includes over three years at Global Location Strategies as a Senior Consultant, where he provided site selection consulting as an integral part of the Global Location Strategies team with a particular focus on energy, mobility, chemical, and consumer product sectors for clients such as Georgia Pacific and Nacero. During his time there, Andrew supported the placement of more than $7.5 billion in announced capital investment. He also managed site readiness and evaluation programs for CSX Select Sites, Tennessee Valley Authority, and numerous local economic development groups.

Before Andrew found site selection, he managed investments for Graycliff Capital Partners, a private equity-backed real estate development firm, where he supported $300 million in equity deployment and oversaw a capital improvement program resulting in $87 million in capitalized value. He also worked with Greenville County, South Carolina as a Principal Planner where he oversaw area/city master plan developments, grant administration, and ordinance development.

Knowing the value of community, Andrew gives back by serving as a committee chair on the Clemson University Executive MBA board and by serving at his church. During his free time, Andrew enjoys playing music, hiking, cheering on the Clemson Tigers, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Monty Turner is Senior Vice President at Colliers, and serves as Chair of Economic Incentives practice group to assist in leading Colliers’ national site selection and incentive negotiation services business line – guiding clients looking to invest in new expansions or relocation alternatives. As the facilitator of Colliers’ proprietary site selection modeling tool, Indsite®, Monty executes multi-state corporate location decisions through consulting engagements focused on labor analytics, utility infrastructure, logistics, taxes, environmental considerations, economic incentives and overall business climate.

During the span of his career, he has consulted on projects with an estimated capital investment of over USD $6 billion and new direct employment of over 3,000. He has had the privilege of working with clients across North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia in an array of industries including operations in manufacturing, distribution, and office. His clients include both domestic and international companies looking to invest within the United States and abroad.

In 2018, Monty was peer recommended and accepted into the leading industry group, the Site Selectors Guild. As a voice for the next generation of site selection professionals, Monty has spoken widely on site selection and strategic negotiation strategies at conferences hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Mississippi Development Authority, University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Southern Company, Tennessee Valley Authority, among others and has written for industry magazines such as Area Development and Trade & Development.

Thank you to our co-sponsors for their support in making this program possible!

 Mohawk Valley Community CollegeNational GridWorking SolutionsThe Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, The Herkimer County IDA, and Oneida County

We also appreciate the impact of the following EDGE supporters!

Adirondack Bank
Adjusters International/Rising Phoenix Management Group
AmeriCU Credit Union
Assured Information Security
Bankof Utica
Berkshire Bank
Cathedral Corporation
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
First SourceCredit Union
GPO FederalCredit Union
Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy ,Inc.
Hayner Hoyt
Indium Corporation
JBSDirt, Inc.
KeyBank
M&T Bank
Matt Brewing Company
McQuade & Bannigan, Inc.
Mohawk Valley Health Systems
Mohawk Valley Water Authority
NBT Bank
NYSTEC
Northland Communications
Oneida Indian Nation
Pacemaker
Pathfinder Bank
Revere Copper Products, Inc.
Roberts Office Interior(ROI)
Saunders Kahler, L.L.P.
Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig
Utica National Insurance
Utica University
Valley Health Services

EDGE Promotes Oneida County CFA Info Session 

EDGE Promotes Oneida County CFA Info Session 

On Thursday, June 15th, Mohawk Valley EDGE co-sponsored a virtual informational session on CFA funding opportunities with the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. Through the program, attendees learned how their business and networks could benefit. This event is a part of a larger series, created to encourage businesses to explore funding opportunities and initiatives. The webinar offered a chance for our business community to check in on CFAs, answering questions on every step of the process with knowledgeable sources. 

What’s a CFA?

As a part of New York State’s efforts to improve the business climate and expand economic growth, the NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) was created. The CFA is designed to give project applicants expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.  These CFAs support the Regional Economic Development Council initiatives (REDC). 

Below, you will find relevant materials on getting started with REDC and CFA resources:

What if I missed the event?

More informational sessions will take place.
Attached, you may find some virtual and in-person offerings hosted by MVREDC and other partner organizations.

2023 REDC Agency Program Webinars
Hosted by the New York State Regional Economic Development Agency, an array of previously recorded webinars and state-based resources.
MORE INFO 

MACNY’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) State Funding Workshop
Presented by Dan Kolinski, Acting Regional Director, NYS Empire State Development
Wednesday, July 12, 9 AM – 10 AM
Hybrid- In Person & Virtual Attendance Options Available!
SAVE YOUR SEAT

Can EDGE assist with CFA funding opportunities?

Our staff has direct access and in-depth understanding of financial incentives and loans. We work closely with the state of New York, MVREDC, and other resources to package materials targeted to your business needs. To learn more about how we can assist you, please contact us! 

CONTACT: Tim Fitzgerald, Vice President Economic Development | 315-338-0393 or tfitzgerald@mvedge.org

Economic & Community Development Podcast

MV EDGE FEATURED ON ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PODCAST

A new Develop This! podcast episode was released this week, featuring EDGE’s Vice President Business Development Nicholas Bruno. “Making Semiconductor Chips in Upstate New York” explores everything from Micron to Marcy, encompassing ongoing business investments to can’t miss foodie staples like chicken riggies and Utica Club. 

LISTEN NOW!

More information on the Marcy Nanocenter: https://marcynanocenter.com/

Check out Town of Colonie Economic Development: https://www.colonie.org/departments/pedd/

Other Develop This! Episodes: Available on Apple Podcasts or https://developthis.libsyn.com/

Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund

MV EDGE Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund

Own a property that is need of clean up? We’re here to assist in your brownfield remediation efforts.

Mohawk Valley EDGE has a Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program that offers fixed rate loans to assist with the cleanup costs at brownfield sites in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. Each loan is customized to provide the greatest flexibility to the borrower, and you will work directly with EDGE staff to navigate the ongoing process.

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) At a Glance

  • The loan fund is capitalized with funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • The goal of the RLF program is to fund the cleanup of brownfield properties.
  • Why is this RLF program in place? In order to promote reinvestment and to retain or create new jobs.
  • Loans supplement other sources of funding committed to the project and are structured to encourage borrowers to put properties back into productive economic use. We encourage all interested parties to contact us for more information!

RLF Project Document Repository – Chips Service Station

RLF Project Document Repository – Newport School

Additional Guidance

Please note that any prospective site should have at minimum a completed, current Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental site assessment consistent with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.  Attached is a program guidebook to help answer some of your basic questions. If you are interested in pursuing a grant or low-interest loan to remediate a brownfield property that meets this criteria, you will need to fill out a prequalification form. Again, only municipalities and non-profit corporations are eligible for grants.

Brownfields RLF- Guidance PDF

Pre-Qualification Form

Below is a prequalification form for Mohawk Valley EDGE’s Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Please note this form is not an application. It is a screening tool used by staff to prequalify potential projects for grants or low-interest loans.

PRE-QUALIFICATION FORM

For optimized viewing, download this file to Adobe Acrobat

EDGE is available to assist potential applicants. Questions? Contact cmercurio@mvedge.org or lcohen@mvedge.org!

Please Note: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 provides that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Act goes on to explain that the statute shall not be construed to authorize action with respect to any employment practice of any employer, employment agency, or labor organization (except where the primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is to provide employment). Section 13 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act provides that no person in the United States shall on the ground of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. Employment discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in all such programs or activities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall solely by reason of disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in all such programs or activities. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 provides that no person on the basis of age shall be excluded from participation under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination is not covered. Age discrimination in employment is prohibited by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act administered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides that no person in the United States on the basis of sex shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in all such education programs or activities. Note: an education program or activity is not limited to only those conducted by a formal institution. 40 C.F.R. Part 5 implements Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 40 C.F.R. Part 7 implements Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 13 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

MV EDGE’s designated civil rights coordinator is the chief administrative officer (CAO).

FuzeHub Awards Grant to ANDRO and MV EDGE Team

ANDRO & MV EDGE Receive FuzeHub Grant; Plan to Test “2ndNet”

ROME — The team of ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC―a scientific research and development company, in collaboration with the Mohawk Valley EDGE―a nonprofit economic development organization, was recently awarded a $50,000 prize under FuzeHub’s Manufacturing Grants Program and its Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund. The grant will be used to conduct a pilot of “2ndNet”―a wireless rapid alert and intelligent emergency management system for mitigating active threats in schools and public spaces.

FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Albany, annually sponsors multiple grant opportunities providing resources for startup, small, and mid-size manufacturers and technology companies in New York State. Their funding programs and resources are targeted at the manufacturing and technology sectors to accelerate manufacturing competitiveness and technology commercialization. FuzeHub’s funding partners include Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund provides over $1 million in annual allocations of direct assistance for manufacturing, research and development, technology and entrepreneurial endeavors that support activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across the state. A total of 10 business teams were awarded $50,000 grants during a recent first round conducted earlier this year. Each collaborative team consists of a small-to-medium industry manufacturer, not-for-profit partner, and may include participation by other startups and medium-sized companies.

Dr. Andrew Drozd, president of ANDRO stated, “The grant represents a strategic lead investment by New York State in small business technology developed here in the Mohawk Valley, derived from Federal/Defense Department research; this investment opens the door to private investor matching to bring the prototype to full manufacturing and commercialization readiness.”

Continue reading “FuzeHub Awards Grant to ANDRO and MV EDGE Team”

MOHAWK VALLEY EDGE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

NEWS RELEASE
584 Phoenix Drive
Rome, New York 13441
Phone 315-338-0393

For immediate release: Tuesday, January 10th 2023

MOHAWK VALLEY EDGE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Rome, NY– Mohawk Valley EDGE has announced at their 2022 Annual Board Meeting the appointment of Justin Hummel to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors, and elected three new Directors to the board. These appointments will support the organization’s goals to strengthen and grow the Mohawk Valley’s economy.

Hummel was first elected as a Director to the EDGE board in 2016. Hummel’s expertise and direct experience in leading a successful and growing small family-owned business are prime qualifications for his role as Board Chairman. Continue reading “MOHAWK VALLEY EDGE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS”

MARCY TECH BARN PROJECT RECIEVES BEST PRACTICE AWARD

NEWS RELEASE
584 Phoenix Drive
Rome, New York 13441
Phone 315-338-0393

For immediate release:
November 23, 2022

MARCY TECH BARN PROJECT RECIEVES BEST PRACTICE AWARD

Mohawk Valley EDGE and Syracuse-based EDP receive award for their mixed-use Marcy Tech Barn project planning.

Rome, N.Y. –The New York State Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has recognized Mohawk Valley EDGE and Environmental Design and Research (EDR) with a Best Practice award for the Marcy Tech Barn project.

Marcy Tech Barn is slated to be a vibrant, mixed-use live-work environment featuring market rate loft apartments, flexible commercial space, and unique office and R&D opportunities. The site will act as a gateway to the Marcy Nanocenter Campus and SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Just seconds from Wolfspeed’s state-of-the-art 200 mm silicon carbide facility and only 3 miles from downtown Utica, the project is in close proximity to the emerging semiconductor and advanced electronics industry.

EDGE sought public input, provided conceptual masterplans, and fostered outreach initiatives to inform various parties of the project’s progress. Christian Mercurio, VP of Planning & Development and one of EDGE’s project leads, worked closely with members of the EDR team to collaboratively enact milestones.

“The Tech Barn represents a visionary approach to the development process, underpinned by strong guiding principles,” said Mercurio. “The EDR team helped MV EDGE to explore and develop a foundation for future design that responds to the surrounding context and agricultural history, project site constraints, and community concerns.”

Environmental Design and Research is a certified Woman Owned Business (WBE) dedicated to creating and sustaining a better environment for clients, employees, and communities. Founded in 1979, their mission is enacted with integrity, a collaborative approach, a genuine passion for their craft. The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association’s mission is to serve and support the professional, student, and citizen planning communities in New York State and to improve the quality of life using planning.


Contact: Hannah Phillips, 315-338-0393 ext. 5511