CEG Economic Development Week in Review – October 29 – November 3, 2018

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CEG IN THE NEWS

Times Union: SEEN: The Center For Economic Growth Annual Meeting 2018

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Albany college investing $4 million in expansion to double nursing program capacity

“Maria College plans to invest nearly $4 million to expand and renovate parts of its campus in Albany, over time allowing the school to double the number of nursing students it enrolls.

About 400 students were enrolled in Maria College’s nursing program last year, making up 46 percent of its student body. Capacity was capped for its bachelor’s of science program because of space limitations.”

Airport modernization construction project moves foward

“Demolition started at Albany International Airport this week as part of plans to better connect a modernized facility to the Adirondack Northway.

On Monday, crews began tearing down a 25-year-old storage building that will make way for a new five-story, 1,000-car parking garage and a new road that will connect to Albany-Shaker Road and to a new Exit 4 ramp on the Northway.”

Trucking company will lease $8 million warehouse at Port of Albany

“Dagen Trucking of Castleton, New York, will lease a new 45,000-square-foot warehouse at the Port of Albany, capable of handling turbines and generators weighing in excess of 1.2 million pounds.

Port general manager Rich Hendrick said Jeff Dagen, owner of the logistics and hauling company, will pay $450,000 a year for 10 years. The lease includes the possibility for two five-year extensions. The warehouse is designed to support up to 2,000 pounds per square foot, which is two to four times more capacity than most buildings at the port.”

Why this serial entrepreneur in Troy is building a startup to fight misinformation

“Richard Zack shared a story on Facebook two years ago that inspired the serial entrepreneur to start his fourth business, Our.News.

The story he shared was not true, part of a wave of so-called “fake news” stories that are often politically loaded, full of misinformation and are amplified on the internet. It was during a heated political time leading up to the 2016 presidential election, and Zack noticed he was not alone. His Facebook friends were posting stories without regard for if the information was true just because it fit their viewpoint.”

$25M Mill Artisan District development takes shape in Schenectady

“The $25 million Mill Artisan district building project in downtown Schenectady is expected to celebrate a milestone next week when the last steel beam will be hoisted into place for the massive project on lower State Street.

It won’t be too much longer before patrons can sip a beer at the Frog Alley Brewing Co. brewery where earlier this week the beer making equipment, including two dozen fermentation tanks, were tested to ensure everything is in proper working condition.”

CDTA, through alternative programs, aims to boost public transit

“The Capital District Transportation Authority is rolling out ideas as it seeks ways to reverse a slow decline in ridership.

One proposal takes a page from Uber and Lyft, developing a “microtransit” pilot program that would provide transportation on demand.”

Smart City initiative to enter new stage

“Schenectady’s Smart City Initiative is progressing, with an implementation plan submitted last week and more LED lights scheduled to be installed on Monday.

National Grid Spokesman Nate Stone said the utility will begin to install LED lights in 20 light poles located along two blocks of Union Street, between North College Street and Washington Avenue.”

Goat soap maker hoping for Northway machine spot

“Business aspiration in 2018: getting into a highway vending machine.

It has become a top goal for many small Washington County businesses. They’re eager to get their wares into the machines at the Adirondack Welcome Center on the Northway.”

Empathy High School Digital Game Jam coming to Capital Region

“A first of its kind game jam event is coming to the Capital Region, and local high schoolers are encouraged to participate.

The Tech Valley Center of Gravity (TVCOG) in and AT&T have partnered to host The Empathy High School Digital Game Jam Powered by AT&T.”