By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-987878.mp3
Albany, NY – The "New York Open For Business Statewide Conference" brought together the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, which are competing for $200 million in funding and tax incentives. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced billions of dollars in investments and Former President Bill Clinton was on hand to urge New York to look to the future to create a better state... WAMC's Dave Lucas was there and files this report.
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Governor Andrew Cuomo sounded his message clearly: he's out to change the perception that New York State is anti-business: he has a plan, and it includes regional sustainable public/private partnerships.
Calling the move a "really really big deal," Cuomo announced that the state has entered into agreements providing for investments valued at a total of over 4-point-4 billion dollars over the next 5 years from 5 leading international companies to create the next generation of computer chip technology. Cuomo predicts 6900 new jobs will be created.
The 5 companies, Intel, IBM, Global Foundries, TSMC and Samsung are investing in new technology: new nano tech centers will be located in Albany, Canandaigua, Utica, East Fishkill in the Hudson Valley and Yorktown Heights in Westchester.
To support the project, New York State is investing 400 Million dollars over a 5-year span in the SUNY College for Nanoscale and Science Engineering in Albany. Intel has also agreed to make Albany the home of its 450mm east coast headquarters.
Former President Bill Clinton delivered the keynote address at the conference. Clinton emphasized that a key way to create new jobs, protect the environment and save money, is through the development of sustainable energy technologies. He views education, jobs, economy and technology as the building blocks of New York's future.
Governor Cuomo promised there will be safeguards to make sure the jobs actually materialize, and he pointed out that New York beat out Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to win the investments in new technology.