Empire State Development chief looks for help from businesses to promote state incentive programs
Donna Abbott-Vlahos
Ken Adams is CEO of Empire State Development, New York's economic development agency.
- Keshia Clukey[1]
- Reporter- Albany Business Review
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.[2] | Twitter[3]
Kenneth Adams[4], president and chief executive officer of Empire State Development, is seeking help from local government and business leaders to grow the New York state economy.
"We should let local stakeholders tell us what matters," said Adams, who also serves as commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development. "Before we focus on trying to chase new investment, we have to make sure we're taking care of the 500,000 companies in the state."
The Chambers of Commerce of Schenectady, Fulton and Montgomery counties and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara[5] (D-Rotterdam) hosted a breakfast meeting Thursday at River Stone Manor in Glenville, featuring Adams as the main speaker.
Adams asked that the chamber members and local leaders inform more companies about the number of state economic development programs and grants there are available.
Programs discussed included:
- Start-Up NY. A program which allows businesses to start up or significantly expand on college campuses and operate tax free for up to 10 years.
- Innovate NY Fund. Provides funding to invest in New York-based, seed-stage companies that have substantial potential for growth and job development in an emerging technology field.
- Business Mentor NY. A new program that brings entrepreneurs and small businesses from across the state together with mentors to help them overcome challenges and spur growth.
Though the state is rebounding from the 2008 financial crisis, and regulations are getting better, taxes still make the state difficult for businesses.
"Economic development really requires not just those programs, but the constant advocacy for reform," Adams said. "Is there more to do? Absolutely. Are things looking good? Yes."
Clukey covers money and technology.
References
- ^ Keshia Clukey (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Twitter (twitter.com)
- ^ Kenneth Adams (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Angelo Santabarbara (feeds.bizjournals.com)