Capital Scenic, Inc., located in Garnerville, is one of many Rockland businesses that have received Empire Zone certification. Pictured are (l to r) Peter Mosen and Richard Harrison, Capital Scenic, Inc., showing one of its many theatrical displays to Steven Porath and Ronald Hicks, REDC. Created for Theatreworks USA, the set design will tour nationally for one of its hit musical productions.
Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), the designated Zone Administrative Entity for Rockland County’s Empire Zone Program, recently presented the year-end accomplishments of the Program to its 11-member Zone Administration Board (ZAB), chaired by County Executive, C. Scott Vanderhoef. Steven Porath, Zone coordinator, and REDC’s Director of Economic Development, reported to the ZAB the effectiveness of the Empire Zone program–now an integral part of REDC’s economic development efforts. Designed to spur the creation of new jobs and investment in Rockland County, the Program has served to attract new businesses as well as encourage the expansion of a number of current businesses, since the County received its designation in July 2006.
In 2007, the Rockland County Empire Zone program certified 10 businesses that will result in the creation of almost 300 new jobs over the next five years–with an average salary of $41,000, will enable businesses to purchase, lease or renovate 280,000 square feet of commercial space, and generate over $26 million in new investment. Of the 10 businesses, three are new to Rockland County.
The businesses range from larger companies with over 100 employees to new businesses that plan to grow to five employees. One company, Capital Scenic, Inc., located in Garnerville at the Arts & Industrial Center, received its Zone certification to invest in high-end printing technology to expand its client base–focusing on the industrial and corporate markets, to hire new employees over a five-year period, and to invest more than $140,000 in the Haverstraw Investment Zone. Capital Scenic is a design and manufacturing firm for the theatrical and Industrial scenery industry. Clients include 20th Century Fox, Baldor Specialty Foods, Dunkin Donuts and the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Richard Harrison, Vice President, Corporate Secretary at Capital Scenic said, “"With REDC’s assistance and the benefits of the Program, we can take the essential steps we need to expand our marketing as well as our workshop, and make the necessary investments to grow our business.”
Another company, Schreiner MediPharm, a hi-tech printing company, from Munich, Germany, is locating to Blauvelt solely because of the benefits provided by the Empire Zone program.
County Executive and ZAB Chair, C. Scott Vanderhoef, said, “The year-end results of the Program conclusively reflect its value as an economic development tool that leads to sustained growth. Through the Empire Zone designation, we in Rockland are now able to offer incentives that will make a significant difference as our prospects continue to grow and drive our economy forward.”
“Because Program benefits are tied to job creation and investment, eligible companies–of all sizes can participate and take advantage of the Zone related tax incentives. This truly increases our competitiveness to attract businesses – small, medium and large, that may otherwise look to our neighboring states when relocating or expanding,” said Ronald Hicks, REDC’s President and CEO.
New York State’s Empire Zone program was created to stimulate economic growth through a variety of State tax incentives designed to attract new businesses and to enable existing businesses to expand and create more jobs. The benefits include: sales tax refund, tax reduction credit, wage tax credit, real property tax credit, sales tax exemption, and investment tax credit.
Rockland’s Empire Zone comprises of six development or investment zones, encompassing 1,275 acres in all five of its Towns.
For more information about the Rockland County Empire Zone Program, contact Steven Porath at 845-735-7040 or stevenp@redc.org.
