Projects, Communities, + People in the News

Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) and New York Photonics have formed a strategic alliance designed to strengthen business attraction, expansion and innovation across the Greater Rochester region’s globally recognized optics, photonics, imaging and laser (OPIL) sector. | Read more at the Rochester Business Journal.

A warehouse company, which has been renting space in the northern end of Chautauqua, is moving ahead to buy the building so it can upgrade it, which will create another two dozen jobs, following action by a county agency. At the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency meeting, the Board of Directors approved tax break incentives. | See more at Observer Today.

The developer of a planned multifamily rental project in downtown Hempstead received preliminary approval for economic incentives from the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency. The $32 million project proposed by 160 Marvin Ave. Realty LLC would bring 96 apartments in a five-story, 108,885-square-foot building over 2,300 square feet of ground floor commercial space. | The Long Island Business News reports on the development.

After years of broken renewal promises and a $150 million intervention by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York State Museum has unveiled its first phase of renovation plans. Topics for planned 2026 exhibitions include the state’s history of vice, the 200th anniversary of abolition in New York, the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and the 250th anniversary of the United States. | The Times Union has more on the renovation here.

State officials have announced renovation plans at SUNY Upstate Medical Center’s CNY Biotech Accelerator as well as nearly $3 million in funding to help advance the project. The project, which will address a shortage of life science incubator space onsite, will include the renovation of existing space to construct and equip 1,809 square feet of flexible wet lab space, 308 square feet of cold storage, 526 square feet of shared equipment space, and 548 square feet of office and cubicle space. | The Rome Sentinel has more about the project.

Roughly 500 guests filled SUNY Plattsburgh’s Warren Ballroom as the North Country Chamber of Commerce recognized this year’s award winners with glitz, glam and a touch of performance flair. | Read about the winners on Sun Community News.

The Workforce Development Institute (WDI) has published their 2025 Annual Report, detailing their efforts to strengthen New York's workforce. | View the full report here.

Naturally Lewis, Inc. is excited to announce the results of its 2025 Community Economic Development Programs, which funded 32 projects across Lewis County, generating a total economic impact of over $33.2 million. A total of $551,578.50 was awarded to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, schools and community organizations through multiple funding programs. | The Rome Sentinel has more here.