GCEDC Announces Venture with GCC, UMMC Posted on Jul 28, 2009 by ttrav
The Genesee County Economic Development Center has officially announced plans to build a 40,000 square foot Commercialization Centre that will house its offices and be the future home of Genesee Community College’s nursing program and United Memorial Medical Center’s physical therapy treatment center.

The building will also have 7,000 square feet of space reserved for emerging Life Science's companies that are working towards the commercialization of innovation that springs from regional University Centers like UB and U of R. The plan was officially unveiled at the GCEDC's annual luncheon held at GCC. "This is a joint venture that will benefit the entire county and was only possible because of the partnerships formed with GCC and UMMC," said Steve Hyde, CEO of the GCEDC. "And the commercialization space will help us build a tech-driven economy that will allow us capitalize on innovation that is created here in the Western NY/Finger Lakes Region, creating good paying jobs for our residents."

The GCEDC, which is celebrating its 30th year anniversary, also announced that Genesee County and the Batavia Micropolitan Area has been named one of the country's 10 fastest growing regions by Site Selection Magazine for a fifth consecutive year. A Micropolitan Area is a census definition that describes a city of less than 50,000 people that serves as the seat of a larger geographical area like Genesee County. There are roughly 600 Micropolitans nationwide.

The Batavia Micropolitan was first recognized in 2004 and ranked 7th in the nation. In 2005, the region was named the 3rd fastest growing Micropolitan in the nation and the number 1 location in the Northeast. Batavia made the list again in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 the Batavia Micropolitan ranked fourth nationwide.

The GCEDC also recognized three local organizations and one employee during today's event. National Grid was honored for their commitment to Economic Development in Genesee County and statewide. Through its Economic Development Program, the utility company has helped enable six business parks in Genesee County alone which at full build-out would create more than 14,000 jobs.

Both O-AT-KA Milk products, a regional co-op and balancing plant, and the Batavia Incubator Center (BIC) are celebrating 50 years of service in Genesee County and were honored by the GCEDC. The BIC is recognized as the first incubator center nationwide and is currently operated by the Mancuso Business Development Group.

Steve Lockwood, VP of Client Financial Services and the Empire Zone coordinator for Genesee County was honored for his 10 years of service. Mr. Lockwood will be retiring from the GCEDC in October and moving to Brazil with his wife Helena.