June 6, 2010
 
We have long believed that aggressively marketing Rochester and Monroe County is the key to unlocking this region's future economic potential. Government and the private sector must work together to promote our assets to potential employers around the world.

Those assets include outstanding universities, a history of entrepreneurial leadership and a highly-trained workforce to rival any in the US. These are the fundamentals of a thriving 21st century economy founded on innovation.

This week we were proud to make an announcement that validates our optimism and perseverance: three new high-tech businesses are moving to Rochester and will create at least 250 jobs with an average annual salary of $87,000.

Intrinsiq Materials, Quintel and Omni-ID, international leaders in technology fields ranging from nanomanufacturing to telecommunications, will begin operations this summer, most likely at Eastman Business Park on the grounds of the former Kodak Park.

This deal will ultimately represent $100 million in private investment, the largest such venture our community has seen in many years. Perhaps it is fitting that our newest corporate citizens are moving to a location created by George Eastman's hard work and ingenious entrepreneurial leadership.

Make no mistake: These firms had attractive options from Europe to other parts of the United States. The decision to locate here is a testament to the strengths of our region and to the close cooperation that took place between the elected leaders and economic development professionals at Empire State Development, New York State Assembly, Monroe County, City of Rochester, and Greater Rochester Enterprise. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the leadership and vision of ESDC Chairman & CEO, Dennis Mullen, a resident and strong supporter of Rochester who helped deliver critical assistance to secure this investment of high-tech jobs.

 

This is a model of the approach we must take and the vision we must have if we are to capitalize on the many other opportunities that exist.

Local partnerships are essential to building a new economy, but we can't do it alone. The federal government needs to do far more to support innovation of the sort that originally made the US the world's economic powerhouse. At the state level, Albany has to lift the fiscal and regulatory burdens that drive businesses and people from our state.

In buildings that defined our past, we have improved the present and taken a step toward a brighter future. A great deal of work lies ahead, but today we may justifiably take heart from a very good turn of fortune for Rochester and Monroe County.