Week in Review: July 12 – July 16, 2021
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CEG IN THE NEWS
Times Union: Statewide manufacturing program generated nearly $1 billion impact
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
GE’s robot ‘earthworm’ completes mission at Niskayuna campus
“Scientists at GE Research in Niskayuna have completed a $2.5 million test of a Department of Defense robot that digs underground tunnels using a so-called soft robotic design that can more easily make turns, squeeze through small spaces and even move material in front of it underneath the battlefield to help resupply troops.
The project was part of the so-called Underminer research program at DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. The Underminer program is developing advanced tunneling capabilities to supply combat forces in the field that are currently unavailable to U.S. troops.”
Cree continues hiring in Utica and Albany for silicon carbide semiconductor factory
“Cree Inc., the North Carolina semiconductor manufacturer building a new $1 billion factory near Utica, has grown to around 150 employees between Albany and Utica as it looks to start production early next year.
The manufacturer has grown from an initial group of eight employees, and is looking to add hires at the same pace in 2022, including hiring engineers, technicians and other shared services positions.”
Albany Molecular has been renamed as Curia
“Albany Molecular Research Inc., a leading contract pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing firm, has changed its name to Curia.
Company officials say the name reinforces the company’s strategic positioning as an end-to-end global contract development and manufacturing company with the goal of enabling its pharmaceutical and biotech customers to advance new products.”
Proctors awarded $9.4 million in federal funding
“Proctors is closer to reopening thanks in part to funding from the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which recently awarded the theater $9.4 million.
TheREP also received funding through the program and, along with $3 million donated by patrons, Proctors Collaborative is $870,000 shy of the $14 million needed to reopen.”
Port of Albany wind turbine project to get more environmental review
“The Port of Albany’s proposed $350 million wind tower assembly facility in Glenmont – one of the most significant renewable energy economic development projects in Capital Region history – will get an in-depth environmental review from the town of Bethlehem, as expected for a project of such a size and scope.
The Bethlehem planning board voted July 6 to issue a s0-called positive declaration for the preparation of a state-required draft environmental impact statement for the project, plans for which were recently updated by the Port of Albany after the two companies that will run the facility provided more details on their plans.”
GlobalFoundries will announce Malta factory expansion
“GlobalFoundries will announce plans to expand its $15 billion computer chip manufacturing complex in Saratoga County next week.
The long-anticipated announcement is scheduled for July 19 at the company’s headquarters in Malta. GlobalFoundries also plans to reveal its new brand the same day.”
NYSERDA’s Doreen Harris and Port of Albany’s Megan Daly discuss offshore wind opportunities
“Offshore wind is coming to the Capital Region and there were many questions going into Wednesday’s Leader Board conversation: Who are the key players? What’s the timeline? How can the region stay at the forefront of an emerging industry?
The panelists for the virtual conversation, which covered those questions and more:”
HBO scouts Catskill for ‘Pretty Little Liars’ reboot
“HBO is scouting areas in Catskill for its reboot of teen mystery drama series “Pretty Little Liars.”
Village President Peter Grasse Jr. said the company has been scouting Main Street, the Thompson Street
Cemetery and residential Cedar Street for potential filming locations.”
The Children’s Museum At Saratoga Will Move To A New Home At The Lincoln Baths
“The Children’s Museum at Saratoga will move into a portion of the Lincoln Baths in the Saratoga Spa State Park this fall.
The museum is located at 69 Caroline St., in Saratoga Springs which has been its home for about the last two decades.”
Keville Handcrafted Chocolates In Malta Sells Locally And Also Ships Around The Country
“For Rosemary Keville, candy is more than a sweet treat.
As owner of Keville Handcrafted Chocolates, a state-certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise, Keville specializes in making bonbons, caramels and buttercrunch, all of which hold a special meaning for her.”
Movie streaming startup Eorbi aims to bring indie premieres to wider audiences
“It took several cold calls with the indie movie distributor BayView Entertainment before Yarid Asher was able to connect with the head of the company. After explaining how his software could share movie premiere events with a wider audience, he landed one of his first customers.
Asher’s startup, Eorbi, is developing the next version of a software platform that allows movie distributors — of indie movies in particular — to livestream premieres for paying customers. In a sort of “watch party”-style event, the platform allows the host to coordinate live conversations between actors and viewers. Through the platform, the distributor can also stay connected with the viewers to promote future movies.”
Leisure and hospitality, food services add jobs in the Capital Region
“The leisure and hospitality and food industries, which were hit hard by the pandemic, are showing some signs of a comeback.
Both industries saw job gains in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area in June 2021 after months of cuts and then stagnant growth.”
