Week in Review: May 27 – May 31, 2019
Stay up-to-date on business and economic development happenings in the Capital Region with the CEG Economic Development Week in Review. Don’t miss out on the developments that are transforming the region by following us on:
CEG IN THE NEWS
The Observer: N. Chautauqua Community Foundation to host annual summit
CBS6 News: Veteran’s organizations learn to help vets find jobs
Times Union: Workforce development forum in Latham
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Mechanical Testing Inc. expanding with new office in Clifton Park
“Mechanical Testing Inc. is moving into a new office next month in Clifton Park that is much larger than its current space and will allow additional growth.
The company — which provides testing and balancing services for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning industries — purchased an office building at 4 Chelsea Place in Clifton Park under an LLC this month for $840,000. The office space is around 7,888 square feet, about three times larger than the company’s current office in Saratoga Springs.”
Summer computer camp to boost skills, outlook of Schenectady students
“A computer coding camp this summer will give middle-schoolers a glimpse of scientific career opportunities and a lesson in problem-solving they can carry on to non-technical career fields, as well.
Schenectady-based nonprofit Rise High, which works to introduce students to the concepts of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), has received grant support from AT&T to offer the program to students who have completed eighth and ninth grades.”
Plug Power supplying fuel cell engines for 100 electric trucks operated by Germany’s largest courier
“Plug Power is continuing to expand into the on-road delivery market with a new partnership that will have Plug powering 100 hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks in Europe.
On Tuesday, the Latham-based fuel cell manufacturer announced a new partnership with the German electric vehicle manufacturer StreetScooter.”
“Albany Stratton VA Medical Center has several major projects in the works, worth tens of millions of dollars.
The hospital has been planning several of the projects for years, associate director Mary Ann Witt said.”
SUNY Poly professor awarded $360K battery research grant
“A professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute was awarded $360,000 by the U.S. Army Research Office to develop more advanced batteries with enhanced energy storage capabilities.
Shadi Shahedipour-Sandvik, SUNY Poly’s interim vice president of research advancement and graduate studies, was awarded the three-year grant, which will aim to improve battery conversion efficiency and output power in extreme environmental conditions.”
Niskayuna, Schenectady GE operations win hydro research grant
“Local General Electric scientists will be part of a federal research project into pumped storage hydropower.
GE Research and GE Energy Consulting were awarded $1.25 million in federal funding for the project, which seeks to establish whether pumped hydropower can offer some stability to wind and solar power, which are emissions-free but highly variable based on weather conditions.”
CDTA awards $4.3 million contract for new bus rapid transit route construction
“The Capital District Transportation Authority awarded a $4.3 million construction contract to Callanan Industries Inc. on Wednesday to build infrastructure for the new bus rapid transit line between Troy and Albany.
Callanan, the sole bidder for the work, will build pedestrian signals, expanded sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps along the new route, known as the River Corridor. The base bid is worth $4.3 million, with a 20% contingency, for a maximum total of $5.2 million, according to CDTA’s May board meeting agenda.”
Schenectady city, county IDAs better than average in comptroller report
“Schenectady’s city and county IDAs spent less than the statewide and regional average to create jobs, the state Comptroller’s Office found in its latest number-crunching report on industrial development agencies.
Both IDAs were well below their average counterparts for operational costs and for tax exemptions per job created, according to the report for the 2017 fiscal year, issued Wednesday by the comptroller.”
Local leaders gather to hear from trade experts during panel discussion in Saratoga
“Local leaders gathered to hear from trade experts on Wednesday during a panel discussion titled ‘The New NAFTA: Why it Matters to Saratoga County & The Region.’
The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, Saratoga County’s economic development corporation, convened a panel of international government, business, and industry leaders to talk about the ‘New NAFTA’ – including potential opportunities for companies in Saratoga County and the Capital Region.
