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GOVERNOR SPITZER CALLS ON BUSINESSES TO JOIN THE FIGHT TO REVIVE UPSTATE
Governor Says the Entire State’s Future Depends on Upstate’s Revitalization

Governor Eliot Spitzer today continued his “Bringing the Budget Home” Tour with a stop in North Syracuse, where he addressed members of the Manufacturing Association of Central New York (MACNY) about the need to revitalize the Upstate economy. As he travels the state, explaining in real terms what this year’s Executive Budget means for the people of this state, the Governor is focusing on his vision for making Upstate an engine for economic growth and opportunity. Today he called on business leaders of Central New York to join in efforts to make his $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Plan a reality.

The Governor's Upstate Revitalization Plan is designed to bring much-needed economic growth to Upstate New York by making the region more attractive to growing businesses and families by reducing the costs of doing business, making key investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation and parks, as well as initiatives to make more capital available to businesses. The Governor plans to work with the legislature to build a consensus around the need for action.

“At this moment, we have an increasing statewide awareness of Upstate's economic struggles an awareness that MACNY and other business groups played a critical role in building; we have a comprehensive plan on the table—centered on a $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund; and we have the full energy, passion and determination of the Executive Branch behind this effort," said Governor Spitzer. "Now, we must ask: how are we going to move this plan off the drawing board and make it a reality.

Only our collective efforts can yield the true investment the Upstate economy so desperately needs if it is to fully embrace today’s global Innovation Economy. We must recognize that no one will fight for us until we fight for ourselves—with one voice. So we must come together and fight for Upstate’s economic future. Upstate’s future is New York’s future."

Senator David Valesky said: “I applaud Governor Spitzer's commitment to the revitalization of Upstate New York. This is an exciting and challenging initiative that calls for strategic investments as well as an innovative approach to creating jobs throughout Upstate New York. I look forward to continue working with the Governor on promoting economic development throughout our communities.”

Assemblyman William Magnarelli said: “I strongly support Governor Spitzer's initiative to get things moving again here in Upstate New York and Onondaga County in particular. We need good paying jobs and a first class work force, and to ensure those things we are going to have to invest in our businesses and infrastructure. The only way to reduce taxes and ensure a strong economy is to create good, stable jobs that allow young people to stay in this region and raise their families. Governor Spitzer's Upstate Initiative is exactly what we need.”

Assemblywoman Joan Christensen said: “I am so pleased that the Governor has recognized the needs of Upstate and has personally committed to giving us the resources we need to grow and thrive. We must do all we can to ensure that this becomes a reality and I will fight in the Assembly to enact these critical measures.”

Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney said: “Governor Spitzer's Upstate Revitalization effort and his Commission on Property Tax Reform are two proposals with real potential to have a positive impact in Central New York. I look forward to working with the Governor on these important initiatives.”

Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll said: “The revitalization of Upstate is not going to happen on its own. As Governor Spitzer stated today, we need to work with everyone involved in Upstate’s economy to galvanize progress and solidify our future. I look forward to working with the Governor and local businesses to invest in our long-neglected urban centers and break ground on projects that will improve our lakefront, downtown sector and other areas of the city that desperately need to be revived.”

Cortland Mayor Tom Gallagher said: “The Governor's Upstate Revitalization plan finally brings much needed focus to rejuvenating communities across Upstate New York and bringing hope back to Upstate New Yorkers.”

Randy Wolken, President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) said: "The Governor's $1 billion Upstate Revitalization plan is a key tool for our region in order to foster upstate economic growth and opportunity. In each of the key components illustrated, including the Regional Blueprint Structure, City-by-City investments and improving transportation and infrastructure, the Governor addresses critical needs for promoting economic expansion. MACNY looks forward to working with the Governor and Albany in moving Upstate's economy forward."

Syracuse Research Corporation President & CEO Robert U. Roberts said: “We're excited to hear about the Governor's Revitalization Plan. Our past and future success depends on continued support, such as this, to keep this area competitive for business.”

Robert M. Simpson, President-elect of the Metropolitan Development Association said: “The plan outlined by the Governor marks an important shift in our region's economic development dialogue -- from what is wrong with Upstate to what is possible Upstate. As proposed, the Upstate Revitalization Fund provides the necessary elements to unlock Upstate's full economic potential -- investing in shovel-ready infrastructure, brownfields remediation, urban development, small business and higher education.”

Darlene Kerr, President of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce said: “We sense a real commitment on the part of the Governor, and his economic development team, to identifying the root causes that are the reasons so many businesses throughout New York State are at a competitive disadvantage. That’s why the Chamber supports the key priorities of the Governor’s $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Plan which includes small business development, urban core revitalization and a property tax cap. Governor Spitzer’s proposed budget appears to reflect his consistently stated commitment to improving the Upstate economy. The Chamber remains committed to working with the Governor and our state representatives to ensure the final budget reflects that objective.”

Pat Mannion, Chairman of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce said: “The Governor has already proven his intent to make a real difference in the Upstate economy with his commitment to reform Wicks, his leadership in reducing Workers’ Comp costs and his City-by-City initiatives to invigorate local economies. His promotion of $1 billion for additional Upstate needs shows his commitment is thoughtful, deep, strong and meaningful. If ever there is a time for a collective show of the business community's support for a Governor's program, it is now. He has stepped up with an aggressive agenda and we need to use that as a base to rebuild our economy.” The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) is a non-for-profit that advocates for the growth and development of New York’s manufacturing sector, a critical component of a vibrant New York economy. Three-quarters of MACNY members are engaged in manufacturing while the remaining members include companies networking with and assisting manufacturers, including financial, engineering and law firms, suppliers for manufacturing and others. In total, the Manufacturers Association represents more than 325 businesses and 55,000 workers across nineteen counties in Upstate New York.

The Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC) is an independent, not-for-profit research and development organization.