Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that New York State is this year’s recipient of Area Development magazine’s 2010 Gold Shovel Award. This is the first time the leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation has honored New York State. Additionally, the $4.2 billion investment by GlobalFoundries in Malta, which will create 1,400 new jobs, is acknowledged as a 2009 Project of the Year.
The magazine’s annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovation policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers and investments in new and expanding facilities. The Gold Shovel is presented annually to the state that has achieved the most success in terms of job creation and economic impact.
“The New York projects recognized by Area Development magazine show that our state is leading an economy based on knowledge, technology and innovation,” said Governor Paterson. “I applaud Empire State Development as the critical partner bringing in new business and growing the successful companies that generate jobs and revenue for our state. As we confront the greatest economic challenges of our generation, it is crucial for us to understand how to make New York attractive to business and bolster our growth strategy. New York’s New Economy jobs program focuses on the clean energy and high-tech growth jobs of tomorrow. I thank Area Development magazine for this distinction.”
“It is a tremendous honor to have the important economic development practices we have here in New York State be recognized by Area Developmentmagazine’s 2010 Gold Shovel Award,” said Empire State Development Chairman & CEO Dennis M. Mullen. “It has been both Governor Paterson and ESD’s priority to attract and retain business, as well as capitalize on our State’s unique assets by making strategic investments and building strong partnerships. This targeted work has resulted in the retention and creation of thousands of jobs over the last year, as well as millions in additional private sector investment dollars throughout the State. On behalf of the Governor, I am pleased ESD has received the 2010 Gold Shovel Award, as it is a testament that New York State is a great place to live and do business.”
Area Development magazine invited all 50 states to submit information about their top ten job creation and investment projects. Projects considered only included those that actually “broke ground,” began an expansion and/or started new hiring, etc. in 2009. Based on the number of high-valued added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities and industry diversity of the 10 submitted projects, New York achieved the highest weighted score overall.
“In these trying economic times, economic development agencies are working harder than ever to grow their states’ businesses,” said Geraldine Gambale, editor of Area Development magazine. “Every year there are a few standouts, and New York State deserves special recognition for its efforts.”
New York’s qualifying projects were:
Company City/County # Jobs Investment Industry
GlobalFoundries Malta 1,400 $4.2 billion Nanotechnology
Canon USA Melville 750 $557 million Headquarters
Corning Inc. Steuben 300 $330 million Materials Processing
GE Transportation Schenectady 350 $150 million Cleantech
CVS Chemung 600 $96 million Distribution
OSI Greenburgh 397 $95 million Biotechnology
Globe Specialty Metals Niagara Falls 500 $60 million Silicon
GE Energy Schenectady 500 $39 million Cleantech
Regeneron Greenburgh 300 $40 million Biotechnology
SpectraWatt East Fishkill 161 $85 million Cleantech
GlobalFoundries Vice President and General Manager of Fab 8 Norm Armour said: “Historically, upstate New York has long been a home for innovation and cutting-edge technology. We believe that spirit of innovation and leadership is once again coming home to New York. We’re building Fab 8 to be the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility in the world and we believe New York has the right ingredients for strong economic growth and success in the global 21st century economy.”
Center for Economic Growth President and CEO F. Michael Tucker said: “New York State’s selection as a 2010 Area Development Magazine Gold Shovel winner recognizes the significant efforts the Governor and his economic development team have made in continuing to make great strides in incredibly difficult economic times. This award is a ringing testament to the state’s efforts to build on the public-private high tech partnership.”
Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage said: “We applaud Governor Paterson and ESD Chairman Mullen for winning this national economic development award for New York State. We are very proud that Schenectady County had two projects make the top ten list including the GE Renewable Energy Headquarters and the GE Advanced Battery Manufacturing plant. These two major projects will create more than 1,000 new jobs for Schenectady County and help our County lead the green energy revolution which is so critical to our nation’s future.”
Runners-up in three population categories are to receive a Silver Shovel Award. Past Gold Shovel winners include Tennessee (2009), Texas (2008), Georgia (2007) and Alabama (2006).
A full review of this year’s Gold and Silver Shovel Award winners will be published in the June/July issue of Area Development and posted online at www.areadevelopment.com.
Founded in 1965, Area Development magazine is considered the leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation. Editorial coverage provides valuable information pertinent to the factors, key issues, and criteria that affect a successful decision. Area Development is published bi-monthly and has more than 45,000 executive subscribers. It also has a very active custom publishing group that has produced many award-winning magazines, inserts, and brochures on behalf of its clients. Area Developmentmaintains several highly visited websites. They may be reached through the main address of www.areadevelopment.com.
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, committed to being recognized on a global scale as the economic development engine driving job growth, strategic investment and prosperity in New York State. ESD is intent on paving the way for New York State to become the leader of the innovation economy and one of the most business friendly, productive and competitive economic development climates in the world. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.esd.ny.gov.