It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Finger Lakes region and the numerous assets that we—and New York State—have to offer.  New York State has implemented an aggressive economic development strategy that includes attractive financing programs and tax incentives, allowing us to stimulate new business investment opportunities and job creation.  We are also focusing on industry clusters that contribute to and are vital in growing New York’s New Economy.  
 

New York’s wealth of academic and research institutions, highly skilled workforce and extensive transportation network are on display in the Finger Lakes region.  The area boasts 19 colleges and universities; numerous industrial parks and sites; advanced research and development facilities; extensive infrastructure systems, including abundant water resources; world-renowned recreational opportunities; a highly educated and productive workforce; advanced health care systems; professional sports teams; affordable housing; numerous cultural amenities; and attractive downtowns.

The Finger Lakes region has the logistical advantage of being within a day’s travel of 10 of the largest cities in North America, including both American and Canadian markets.  The region is named for the much-treasured narrow bodies of water that are found in the southern counties of the area.  The City of Rochester is the largest urban center in the region and is the 3rd largest city in New York State.
 
Top industries in the Finger Lakes region include: optics, photonics and imaging; general and advanced manufacturing; high-tech electronics and software; life sciences; telecommunications and IT; medical devices; food processing; back office operations; wineries; agricultural production; alternative energy (e.g., fuel cells, wind); and destination tourism. We are particularly proud that our region is home to many outstanding and internationally known employers such as Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Bausch & Lomb, Harris Corporation, Graham Corporation, Guardian Glass, Kraft, Seneca Foods, Constellation Brands, Barilla Pasta, ITT Industries, Carestream, Pactiv, Paetec, One Communications, Wegmans Markets, JP Morgan Chase, Frontier Communications, Paychex, University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology.  The Finger Lakes region is known for its “can-do” attitude in stimulating new business start-ups and growth, especially in technology fields.  
 
The staff of the Finger Lakes Regional Office works closely with our local economic development partners to help expanding companies achieve their objectives.  Economic development programs are available to assist with a wide range of needs, including buildings, infrastructure, job training, equipment, etc.  Again, welcome to the Finger Lakes region and please understand that we stand ready to assist you with your business expansion project.

Vincent Esposito
ESD Finger Lakes Regional Director