GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES $2.3 MILLION IN CARES ACT FUNDING AWARDED TO HELP SMALL, AND MID-SIZED MANUFACTURERS RECOVER FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Initiative to Support Manufacturers Recovering from COVID-19 Pandemic to Position Themselves for Future Competitiveness
Today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $2.3 million in federal CARES Act funding for four organizations to provide critical services to small and mid-sized manufacturers as they adapt to changing market conditions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The awardees, which are New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers designated by Empire State Development, will use the funds to help companies reshoring and rebuild supply chains, secure personal protective equipment, improve safety and efficiency, adopt new technologies, and enhancing resilience for future disruptions.
“As New York fights the COVID-19 pandemic in the present, it's critical that we plan for the future, particularly as businesses take part in a phased reopening and New Yorkers return to work,” Governor Cuomo said. “This CARES Act funding will help manufacturers access the supply chains, PPE, and technology they need to protect their workers and remain competitive in this tough economic environment. It is what properly-applied federal funding can do to strengthen small businesses and communities on the ground.”
“We have transformed communities statewide thanks to our economic development and investment efforts, and we cannot lose all of the progress that we have made,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental to our businesses, economy, and residents across the state. This $2.3 million in funding for manufacturers is crucial to help them recover from the crisis and secure PPE, improve safety and efficiency, and adapt to new technologies. We are committed to building back better and making sure our businesses and our communities are stronger and more resilient for the post-pandemic future.”
As the federally designated New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership center (NY MEP), ESD's Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR) deploys emergency assistance made available through the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Empire State Development is leveraging every available resource to provide for the many struggling New York State businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help manufacturers operate safely and prepare themselves for future market disruptions due to this pandemic.”
$2.3 million has been awarded to the following organizations:
Center for Economic Growth (CEG) – $800,000
CEG, the NY MEP center located in Capital Region, will assist companies statewide with reshoring and rebuilding supply chains. This initiative will be focused on skills gaps, cutting production costs, identifying alternative materials for manufacturing inputs, redesigning products, and addressing other barriers to moving production from other countries to New York State.
ITAC – $650,000
ITAC, the NY MEP center located in New York City, will help companies statewide secure personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure they can operate safely during current or future pandemics.
Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC) – $500,000
MTEC, the NY MEP center located in the Hudson Valley, will conduct virtual assessments of manufacturers across the state to ensure they are operating safely, effectively, and efficiently, and identify ways to assist manufacturers in improving productivity and safety, new technologies and processes.
FuzeHub – $350,000
FuzeHub, the NY MEP statewide center, will develop, deliver, and distribute virtual webinars and workshops to reach as many manufacturers across the state as possible. Training and information sharing will include such topics as emergency preparedness, supply chain utilization during a crisis, cybersecurity, and recovery efforts.
Rep. Paul Tonko said, “We advanced the CARES Act through the Congress to deliver emergency assistance to local communities and regional economies. The CARES Act funding delivers on that purpose by throwing a lifeline to New York's small and mid-sized manufacturers, helping them maintain access to critical supply chains, source personal protective equipment, and implement the technology. It will help them weather this storm and become more resilient for the future. I applaud Governor Cuomo for ensuring these funds are managed effectively and efficiently in support of New York's small and medium-sized manufacturers and small businesses.”
About the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The nationwide network provides various services, from innovation strategies and process improvements to sustainable manufacturing, supply chain, and technology acceleration services. MEP centers also work with partners at the state and federal levels on programs that position manufacturers to develop new customers, expand into new markets, and create new products.
As a U.S. Department of Commerce program, MEP offers a range of effective resources to help manufacturers identify opportunities that will accelerate and strengthen their growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
MEP is a nationwide network of more than 1,200 technical experts located in every state. They serve as trusted business advisors focused on transforming U.S. manufacturers to compete globally by supporting supply chain integration and providing technology access for improved productivity. MEP is built around manufacturing extension centers located throughout the 50 states and Puerto Rico. MEP Centers are a diverse network of state, university-based non-profit, and other non-profit organizations offering products and services that address their local manufacturers' critical needs.
Empire State Development's (ESD) Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR) is the designated MEP center for New York State. Eleven centers (ten regional and one statewide) competed for and were designated to provide services and assistance.
Source: Press Release GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO Date: September 10, 2020