New York State

Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick presents Cornerstone Speech and Language with Empire Award

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PEARL RIVER, NY – Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick presented a New York State Senate Empire Award to Cornerstone Speech and Language in Pearl River, in recognition of the vital services they provide to children and families in Rockland County.

Cornerstone Speech and Language is a small business that provides vital Early Intervention services, giving parents much needed options in our county where early intervention services are sparse. They work with a vulnerable population of children to overcome speech and learning disabilities. Centrally located in Pearl River, Cornerstone’s work revolves around direct learning in the community and getting children acclimated to their environment. 

State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D-Rockland/Westchester) said, “I was honored to present speech language pathologists, and owners of Cornerstone Speech and Language, Brynn Gill and Briana McKenna with a NYS Empire Award for filling an extremely important niche in our community, serving children and families with developmental delays so that they can live their lives to the fullest.”

Brynn Gill and Briana McKenna, owners of Cornerstone Speech and Language, said, “We are humbled in receiving this award. Our mission, when opening our doors 4 years ago, was to provide quality speech, language, feeding, and social language support and resources to individuals right here in our community. It has been an incredible journey not only working with our clients but collaborating with such gifted professionals, many of which work in our schools or their own small businesses in Rockland County. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of each of our clients and are so grateful to work with such amazing families.”

Mid-Hudson REDC Launches Workforce Solutions Webinar Series

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The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) has put together a webinar series for organizations to learn about workforce best practices and resources to help attract, retain, and develop talent. You can find a list of the webinars below and also on the MHREDC website.

Register to attend any of the webinars and please share with your networks so businesses throughout the Mid-Hudson can learn more about these resources and best practices!

Mid-Hudson Economic Development Updates

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News From Governor Hochul

Highlights of FY 2023 Executive Budget

Governor Hochul Announces $7 Million Awarded in Round Two of New York’s Workforce Development Initiative

  • 42 Organizations to Receive Funding for Workforce Development Awards
  • Will Fund In-Demand Skills Training for More Than 2,550 New Yorkers
  • Additional Applications Accepted on Rolling Basis with Training Organizations Strongly Encouraged to Apply at: workforcedevelopment.ny.gov

Governor Hochul Announces Plan to Address Truck and Bus Driver Shortage

  • Proposal Will Enable Third Parties to Conduct Commercial Driver License Road Tests
  • Public Hearing on January 26 to Allow Public Input on the Proposal
  • Builds on State’s Efforts to Eliminate Barriers and Create Pathways for New CDL Holders

Governor Hochul, with Interior Secretary Haaland and Governor Murphy, Announces Historic Wind Energy Auction Off New York and New Jersey Coast

  • New York Bight Lease Sale Has Potential to Generate Up to Seven Gigawatts of Clean Energy, Power Nearly Two Million Homes

Upcoming Events

NEW: Mid-Hudson Workforce Solutions Webinar Series: The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) has put together a webinar series for organizations to learn about workforce best practices and resources to help retain and attract talent. Register to attend any of the webinars below!

NEW: NYSERDA webinar on PON 4600 (2 million in funding)

Global NY CARICOM-Caribbean Trade Webinar Thursday, January 20, 2022 9:00-10:00 AM EST

  • Considered part of the “Third Border” of the United States with 20 countries and 16 million consumers, the CARICOM-Caribbean region has strong trade ties with the U.S. and there is growing demand for American products.  In 2019, New York State exported approximately $1.5 Billion in goods and services to Caribbean markets.
  • Register Here

New York State Innovation Summit October 25 – 26, 2022

NYSTAR and FuzeHub invite you to join us for the New York State Innovation Summit on October 25-26, 2022 at the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, NY.

  • This multi-day event is for New York State-based organizations that want to showcase and discover new and emerging technologies that support innovation and drive business growth.
  • Whether you’re a startup, an economic developer, or an established manufacturer, the NYS Innovation Summit is for you.
  • Learn more about the Summit and watch the recap from 2021 below to see what you’ll get to experience next year.
  • Learn More Here

Project Highlights

Governor Hochul Announces 130 Acres Added to Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County

  • Parcel Once Part of Greenwood Forest Farm Resort Community for Black Families
  • View of Greenwood Lake Immortalized in Noted Hudson River School Painting

Economic Development Opportunity Highlights

NEW: Governor Hochul Announces 17 Projects Eligible to Compete Through $85 Million New York Clean Transportation Prizes Program

  • $3 Million in Grants and Services Awarded to Teams to Advance Solutions that Reduce Air Pollution, Enhance Electrification, and Grow Mobility in Underserved Communities
  • Supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s Nation-Leading Goal for an 85 Percent Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

NEW: 2022 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim and Witness Assistance Request for Applications

  • New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is announcing a funding opportunity available to any nonprofit organization, hospital, law enforcement agency, coalition, or other entity that meets the application requirements. The goal of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to outline how to apply for funding to support direct services that meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims of crime under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim and Witness Assistance Grant Program.
  • Proposals for this opportunity are due Thursday, March 24th, no later than 2:00 PM (EST) PM.

Reminder: FuzeHub 2022 Manufacturing Grants – Round 1 – Awards up to $50K Each | Deadline is February 4, 2022

  • Eligible Applicants: New York State not-for-profit organizations that partner with at least one New York State small to medium-sized manufacturer
  • Eligible Partner Manufacturers: Each manufacturer (industry partner) identified in the application will need to evidence:
  • At least one physical establishment in New York State, and no more than 500 employees across the entire firm or enterprise worldwide;
  • Registration with Dun & Bradstreet evidenced by a D&B account number. The D&B profile must include a manufacturing North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. See guidelines for list of eligible NAICS codes.
  • At least 4 awards will be granted to projects in which the industry partner is a startup manufacturer who does not request funds toward the cost of purchasing equipment. For the purposes of this grant, a startup is a company that has:
  • Less than $2M in revenue to date; and
  • Been in business for 5 years or less (7 for life science, biomedical, or medical device companies).
  • Apply Here

Reminder: Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program still available

$800 million in funding for small businesses – including for-profit arts and cultural institutions that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take the Broadband Service Survey!

  • New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) and ECC Technologies are conducting a survey of consumers on the status of broadband services availability and use at homes and businesses.
  • Please help distribute this survey to your contacts!
  • The survey can be accessed here: https://www.empirestatebroadband.com/

Economic Development Opportunity Highlights

NEW: Governor Hochul Announces 17 Projects Eligible to Compete Through $85 Million New York Clean Transportation Prizes Program

  • $3 Million in Grants and Services Awarded to Teams to Advance Solutions that Reduce Air Pollution, Enhance Electrification, and Grow Mobility in Underserved Communities
  • Supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s Nation-Leading Goal for an 85 Percent Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

NEW: 2022 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim and Witness Assistance Request for Applications

  • New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is announcing a funding opportunity available to any nonprofit organization, hospital, law enforcement agency, coalition, or other entity that meets the application requirements. The goal of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to outline how to apply for funding to support direct services that meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims of crime under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim and Witness Assistance Grant Program.
  • Proposals for this opportunity are due Thursday, March 24th, no later than 2:00 PM (EST) PM.

Reminder: FuzeHub 2022 Manufacturing Grants – Round 1 – Awards up to $50K Each | Deadline is February 4, 2022

  • Eligible Applicants: New York State not-for-profit organizations that partner with at least one New York State small to medium-sized manufacturer
  • Eligible Partner Manufacturers: Each manufacturer (industry partner) identified in the application will need to evidence:
  • At least one physical establishment in New York State, and no more than 500 employees across the entire firm or enterprise worldwide;
  • Registration with Dun & Bradstreet evidenced by a D&B account number. The D&B profile must include a manufacturing North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. See guidelines for list of eligible NAICS codes.
  • At least 4 awards will be granted to projects in which the industry partner is a startup manufacturer who does not request funds toward the cost of purchasing equipment. For the purposes of this grant, a startup is a company that has:
  • Less than $2M in revenue to date; and
  • Been in business for 5 years or less (7 for life science, biomedical, or medical device companies).
  • Apply Here

Reminder: Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program still available

$800 million in funding for small businesses – including for-profit arts and cultural institutions that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take the Broadband Service Survey!

  • New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) and ECC Technologies are conducting a survey of consumers on the status of broadband services availability and use at homes and businesses.
  • Please help distribute this survey to your contacts!
  • The survey can be accessed here: https://www.empirestatebroadband.com/

List of Economic Development Resources

Funding Opportunities:

  • Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative
  • Regional Economic Development Council Round 11
  • Workforce Development Initiative
    • Second Round of Funding Makes $48 Million Available to Help New Yorkers Find Quality, Well-Paid Jobs and to Meet the Short and Long-Term Workforce Needs of Businesses
    • Find the 2021 Guidebook, Program Guidelines and Webinars HERE
  • Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit Program
    • The $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit Program provides an incentive to COVID-impacted restaurants to bring restaurant staff back-to-work, and to increase hiring at NYS restaurants.
    • Qualifying businesses are eligible for a tax credit of $5,000 per new worker hired, up-to $50,000 per business. 
    • The Program is open to eligible restaurants located in New York City, or in an area outside of New York City that was designated an Orange or Red Zone for at least thirty consecutive days.
  • NYS Community Development Block Grant  (CDBG)
    • CDBG-CV (Coronavirus) Funds are available to help businesses and communities prepare, prevent, and respond to the Coronavirus. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from units of local government and qualified non-profits.
    • CDBG-CV Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) can be foundhere
    • CDBG-CV Request for Application can be foundhere
  • Global New York
    • Global NY helps New York businesses enter or expand their presence in the global marketplace.
    • Programs connect companies with sales agents and distributors abroad and offset the costs of exporting with grants and loans.
    • By participating in our trade missions, New York businesses can create and reinforce global connections and partnerships.
  • New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) ReCharge NY Program
  • NYSERDA
  • Utility Economic Development Programs
  • Federal Grants
    • Federal Economic Development Funding – EDA American Rescue Plan Programs
      • Good Jobs Challenge: $500 million for Industry-led training programs, designed to provide skills for and connect unemployed or underemployed workers to existing and emerging job opportunities. Three project types: System Development, Program Design and Program Implementation.
        • Deadline: February 10, 2022
        • Eligibility: State & local governments, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organizations
      • Economic Adjustment Assistance: $500 million available through EDA’s most flexible program. Wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program.
        • Deadline: March 15, 2022 (suggested; applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
        • Eligibility: State & local governments, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organizations
      • See all the EDA American Rescue Plan Programs HERE

Technical Assistance for Businesses:

Workforce Development Resources:

Resources for Employers:

  • NY State of Health: Shop here to see what health insurance options are available to you, your family, and your business
  • Child Care:Parents in need of free child care resources and referrals are encouraged to visit www.HVChildCare.org, where they can enter their zip code to immediately find the name and contact information of the agency that serves their location.
  • NYS DOL Shared Work Program: New York State’s DOL Shared Work Program helps businesses manage business cycles and seasonal adjustments. Shared Work lets businesses keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible.

Data and Reports:

Skoufis Bill Offering Flexibility to Bars & Restaurants Signed Into Law

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Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) announced that his bill authorizing the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to provide leeway for first-time administrative/clerical violations has been signed into law. The legislation, S5979, lessens headaches for bar and restaurant owners as they reopen by offering a “cure” period for any low-level administrative violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law they may incur. Such violations could include a missed filing deadline during a pandemic-related closure. 

“Anyone familiar with the SLA’s complex system of licenses, forms, and filing deadlines knows there’s a lot for our taprooms, restaurants, and bars to keep track of,” said Senator Skoufis. “Given the pressure put on these small businesses to restrict operations or close entirely over the past two years, it stands to reason that we should provide every opportunity to help them get back on their feet. Allowing first-time violators to remedy what often amount to clerical issues with the SLA will keep them from accruing fines and help them get back to business sooner.” 

In 2019, the Legislature passed a measure that provides a similar cure period for other small businesses with first-time violations, but this flexibility did not apply to those governed by the SLA and ABC Law. 

“I want to extend my thanks to Senator Skoufis for sponsoring this bill,” said Tommy O’Toole, Owner of O’Toole’s Pub (Monroe, NY) and President of the Orange County Tavern & Restaurant Association. “It’s comforting to know that we have his support and–with the daily challenges that local ‘mom and pop’ restaurant and tavern owners face–we aren’t being forgotten.”

The Investigations & Government Operations Committee, which Senator Skoufis chairs, has jurisdiction over ABC Law. As part of a broader conversation around reforming the restrictive and antiquated alcohol regulations in New York, Skoufis is looking to advance dozens of ABC Law reforms in the 2022 legislative session.

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