Week in Review: March 29- April 2, 2021
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CEG IN THE NEWS
Finger Lakes Times: Biden advances wind farms off New York coast
Times Union: Biden advances wind farms off New York
Times Union: Danish officials to join discussion on Capital Region offshore wind cluster
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Times Union Center using Shepherd Communication & Security body temperature readers
“The Times Union Center said Thursday that it’s reopening this weekend with the help of body temperature readers designed by Shepherd Communication & Security.
The arena is using the Albany company’s thermal imaging system, which can screen about five to eight passersby per second and flag individuals with elevated skin temperatures for additional tests. The system’s camera can also check for mask compliance.”
Making plans, crossing fingers for summer arts season
“Some local performing arts venues will prepare for a summer season while others remain uncertain of their plans.
Arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity beginning April 2, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced March 3. Venues can hold up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors, and if all attendees provide negative tests prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings are required for all attendees.”
Ecovative Design raises $60 million for its mycelium foundry
“The startup Ecovative Design said Tuesday that it has secured $60 million in series D funding.
That brings the total capital raised by the Green Island startup to $100 million.”
Intel says it’s looking at New York for chip fab
“Intel, the world’s largest computer chip maker, says it is considering building a computer chip factory in New York state, joining both Samsung and GlobalFoundries who are also considering building new facilities here as part of a push by the U.S. government to bolster the domestic chip supply.
An Intel spokesman confirmed the company’s interest in New York on Tuesday, a day after Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger spoke with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York about the company’s new research partnership with Westchester-based IBM that would take place in Albany.”
Made in USA policy pays off for Washington County furniture maker
“Telescope Casual Furniture’s Made-in-America pedigree has paid dividends over the past year.
“We are having a record-breaking year, sales-wise,” Marketing Manager Kait Warren said Monday. The company has benefitted not only from the COVID-19 pandemic’s Staycation trend, but also from its policy of using only domestic components such as the fabric and steel that go into their outdoor furniture.”
Veteran musician creates new label to get music out
“Larry Quinn is back in the game.
The Troy resident first started playing music locally for several years as lead singer for the regional rock band Tree Fox in 1976 and produced area acts for his own label in the early ‘80s. After a lengthy time away from recording, Quinn is back with new tunes and a new record label, to boot.”
Saratoga chemical maker AgroChem Inc. planning second expansion in five years
“AgroChem Inc. wants to expand its Saratoga Springs factory by nearly 50% to keep up with demand for the sanitizing foams and gels it makes for dairy farms and the food and beverage industry.
The 16-year-old company is seeking permission to add 16,050 square feet to its plant on Freedom Way in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park.”
AngioDynamics continues investing in research, avoids layoffs amid Covid-19 pandemic
“Cut inventory and travel spending. Pay down debt. Spend more money on research.
That is the playbook that Latham medical device maker AngioDynamics and chief executive Jim Clemmer have used to navigate their way through the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Biden unveils infrastructure plan that funds new chip fabs
“President Joe Biden released his $2 trillion federal infrastructure plan Wednesday that includes $50 billion for the National Science Foundation, including a reported $37 billion for the U.S. semiconductor industry, spending that could lead to a new computer chip factory in Saratoga County and federal semiconductor research center in Albany.
The $37 billion is expected to fund the so-called CHIPS Act that former President Donald Trump signed into law earlier this year as part of the Defense Department budget.”
Schenectady entrepreneur balances gelato business with newly-formed clothing line
“For the 28-year-old Schenectady resident, business endeavors had always been about unique flavors, farmers markets and making the best gelato outside of Italy, as good as he could.
Since the summer of 2019, Rovazzini had been prioritizing Second Scoop Gelato, the pop-up gelato business that he started after several stints in the local world of ice cream.”
