Griffo: New Jobs, Investment in Nano Utica Means Potential 'Economic Transformation' for Mohawk Valley

This week, the Mohawk Valley embraced its next step in the future of nanotechnology and the potential for the kind of economic transformation that we’ve all been striving for.

Many wondered whether this day would ever come. But the collaborative local team that worked tirelessly together over the past decade to set the stage for this moment never lost faith that our region could provide whatever it would take to make this vision a reality. We recognized and identified where economic opportunity could prevail, with the promise of high-tech and good-paying jobs fit for the 21st century. We invested valuable assets into that future. And we patiently allowed the time necessary to attract and foster the public-private partnerships that would be right for the Marcy Nanocenter, right for the SUNY Polytechnic Institute and right for the people of the Mohawk Valley.     

We thank G.E. and AMS Technologies for joining us on this journey, and for seeing in the Mohawk Valley all of the potential that we’ve worked so hard to create. And we commend Governor Cuomo for pursuing the statewide strategic vision that has now secured the Mohawk Valley’s position in the competitive landscape of nanotechnology-based research and development.

This is a significant and substantive step in our region’s hopes to catapult our economy with real jobs, real population growth and real expansion. But the long-term success of this revitalization will only be as real as our ability to sustain it, and that’s why it was so important that all of our local, county and state leaders first made sure that the proper foundation was in place to allow the momentum of this investment to continue onward. Our educational institutions are readying a workforce with quality minds, our infrastructure is improving, and you can feel the hopeful vibrancy that has been encouraging other businesses to invest in the more large-scale synergy of Utica and its surrounding communities.

This is a proud day for our region, and it’s one that could not have been accomplished without the perseverance of everyone who played their part in this vital mission. Our future is in our hands, and we are ready to make the most of it. 
 
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