The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at its board meeting on Thursday, July 11.

Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project would add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where the company has been headquartered since 1942.

The $17.6 million proposed investment includes the construction of a 28,867 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities. The project would create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 367 current FTEs.

The initial resolution requested sales tax exemptions estimated at $383,546 and a property tax abatement estimated at $298,427 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $681,973. 

For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $42 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.5 million in wages and tax revenue. A public hearing for the proposed project agreements is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 17 at 3:30 p.m. at the Batavia City Hall.

What is mixed-income housing? Workforce housing? Low-income housing? Affordable housing? Market-rate housing?

These terms appear frequently in thousands of documents obtained from government agencies by The Batavian for an investigation into how the 55-unit apartment building under construction at Ellicott Station transformed from “luxury” units to apartments eligible for Section 8 rental vouchers.

How did this once promising project go from a complex where all tenants hold down jobs to one where potentially as few as 36 percent of the potential tenants are gainfully employed, and finally, one where the project's actual completion is in doubt?

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at its board meeting on Thursday, July 11.

Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project would add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where the company has been headquartered since 1942.

The $17.6 million proposed investment includes the construction of a 28,867 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities. The project would create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 367 current FTEs.

The initial resolution requests sales tax exemptions estimated at $383,546 and a property tax abatement estimated at $298,427 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $681,973. 

For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $42 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.5 million in wages and tax revenue. 

If the project application is accepted, a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposed project agreement in the city of Batavia. 

The July 11 GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com.

It’s championship season!

After building a great roster, staying on track after missed opportunities and close calls, and finishing with clutch performances, my Boston Celtics are hanging another banner.

Leading the NBA standings all season, the Celtics had to earn their place at the top. It took years to go from contender to champion, and it was worth it.

I’m pleased that we have another group here locally that’s ready to do the start down a championship path this summer at the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Bootcamp.

We’re launching this year’s boot camp on July 8 with our largest ever group of participants.

This summer, over a dozen from Genesee County and surrounding communities will have six-weeks of PAID on-the-job training with companies like US Gypsum, McCabe Electric and Craft Cannery. They gain hands-on experience, a deep understanding of what’s ahead, and start to realize their career goals.

In just six weeks, participants get started on a multi-year apprenticeship opportunity that will grow with their careers.

In addition to paid work in the field, students get 96 hours of classroom instruction at the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center’s mechatronics lab. This is where we just celebrated 100 graduates in the first 4 years of GV BOCES electro-mechanical trades program.

Pre-apprenticeship instruction features state-of-the-art training equipment, an environment that will bring students along as they gain experience and show their progress. Electrical basics, motor controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, and programmable logic controls are among the topics they will gain.

This is a great opportunity to get noticed and get ahead of their peers. After completing the bootcamp, many of our previous graduates have gone on to registered apprenticeship programs with their partnering employers.

That’s the path we see putting more and more students into “Make a Million in Mechatronics & Metal Trades”. 

You start early, and quickly build up your professional standing and wages. 

These careers in electro-mechanical trades are in demand across all industries. With the skills gained in this program, graduates have their pick of opportunities in Genesee County and our region.

I’m excited to get this year’s program underway.

There’s always more work to be done. Do you have a graduate that’s not sure what to do after high school, or has a degree that they don’t have a path to use, or uncertain about their professional career?
That’s where I excel. We recently launched a “7-Steps to a Great Genesee Career” checklist and getting started with a Career Coach is Step 1 whether you’re 14 or 24.

Set up a Coaching Session with myself and Dr. Sheila Eigenbrod by emailing me at csuozzi@gcedc.com, calling or texting me at 585-409-1301, or signing up at gcedc.com/careerchecklist.

Chris "Coach Swazz" Suozzi is VP of Business Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

A Federal Tech Hub supporting the semiconductor industry at the STAMP Mega-Site and a region running from Buffalo to Rochester to Syracuse is growing with new investments announced Monday.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a phase two Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hub) grant of $40 million to the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART-I Corridor) consortium.

The announcement comes as Edwards builds the semiconductor industry's dry pump manufacturing factory of the future at STAMP.

Over the next five years, the consortium will serve a critical role in supporting Upstate New York’s continued growth into a globally competitive center of semiconductor workforce development, innovation, and manufacturing – part of the continued transformation of the state’s rust belt cities into a brand new innovation belt.

Empire State Development has committed up to $8 million in match funding along with significant additional aligned resources to support the NY SMART-I Corridor and will serve as a member of the Tech Hub’s implementation steering committee. 

“With this transformative federal grant, New York is taking another major leap toward building Chips Country in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “This award will help to bring the next generation of semiconductor research, manufacturing, and workforce training upstate and unlock even more funding – on top of our other state investments – to attract chipmaking businesses and jobs. From Micron’s historic investment to our first-in-the-nation chips research center in Albany, New York is all in on semiconductors and I thank the Biden administration, Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Morelle for ensuring we remain competitive in the global race for chips business.”

The NY SMART-I Corridor was awarded one of 31 Tech Hub designations by the federal Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in October 2023 from a pool of nearly 400 regional applications, and is one of only four semiconductor tech hub designations in the nation.

The consortium comprises the Western NY, Finger Lakes, and Central NY regions and is convened by the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership, ROC2025, and CenterState CEO respectively. It includes more than 80 members that include economic development organizations, government, workforce development, labor, industry, academia and nonprofits.

The Tech Hub will work to build a world-class semiconductor ecosystem across a range of focus areas including equitable workforce development and talent placement, research and commercialization pathways in partnership with leading academic institutions, chip manufacturing supply chain growth and development, and technology innovation.

Managed by a multi-sector implementation governance committee, the consortium will serve as a key coordinating body for semiconductor industry growth alongside the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration housed within ESD. 

Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s efforts to re-shore the semiconductor industry in a way that emphasizes smart and strategic growth, equitable and diverse workforce development, and cutting-edge R&D and innovation are a model for the nation and the world. Funding for the Tech Hub provided by the Biden administration will help us realize this shared vision to build a thriving innovation sector, increase our domestic semiconductor supply chain, and protect our economic and national security – all while creating good jobs for all New Yorkers.”

Press release from Rep. Claudia Tenney:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) joined Representatives Joe Morelle (NY-25), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Brandon Williams (NY-22) to announce that the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor), comprised of the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse areas, has been selected to receive $40 million in Phase II funding in the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program. 

The creation of the NY SMART I-Corridor will allow for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region to combine its expertise in advanced manufacturing with both ongoing and new investments in semiconductor and sensing technology. The NY SMART I-Corridor coalition emphasized collaboration over competition, utilizing their unique universities, field experts, and local and federal advocates to build a brighter future for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.

In October 2023, the NY SMART I-Corridor was designated a Regional Tech Hub during Phase I of the program. Selection for Phase II funding further underscores the strength and promise of our region.

"With this additional investment into the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor and its designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub, our region will be at the forefront of innovative advancements benefiting our nation, and the world," said Congresswoman Tenney. "This funding will onshore critical parts of our nation's supply chain, bringing jobs to our communities and promoting technological advancement. I am eager to see the positive impact this funding will have on our community."

Press release from Sen. Charles Schumer:

After years of relentless advocacy and landing the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse that he created in his CHIPS & Science Law, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” was just selected as one of only 12 Tech Hub award winners in the nation, bringing a major $40 million in federal funding to further position Upstate NY as a semiconductor center for the world. 

Schumer said this prestigious and highly competitive federal investment will supercharge Upstate NY to build out its workforce training initiatives, strengthen existing manufacturing and innovation, and help attract new supply chains from the billions in private and federal semiconductor investment the senator has helped bring to the region, helping ensure this industry that is critical to our nation’s future, and that once was being lost to overseas, now is not just made in America, but made in Upstate NY. 

“This is a monumental victory for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region as the first major Tech Hub award in the nation, bringing a whopping $40 million from my CHIPS & Science Law. With this major investment, the feds are shining a national spotlight, and confirming what I have long known, that America’s semiconductor future runs through the heart of Upstate NY along the I-90 corridor.,” said Senator Schumer. “From the fields near Syracuse that will become Micron’s massive mega-fab to the cutting-edge research labs in Rochester and workers learning these manufacturing skills in Buffalo, this award helps connect the region to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity and establish Upstate NY as the heart of America’s semiconductor industry. I created the Tech Hubs competition with Upstate NY in mind, and pulled out all the stops to win this award –first proposing this program in my Endless Frontier Act, then passing it into law as part of my CHIPS & Science Act, making the case to bring the region together, advocating at the highest levels and delivering the transformational investment to make today possible. It’s never been more clear: the heart of America’s semiconductor industry runs along the I-90 corridor in Upstate NY!”

Today’s award is the culmination of years of work by Schumer both creating the program through his CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY in mind, and working meticulously to lay the foundation for the region to succeed in securing this award. Going back to before the creation of the program, Schumer cited Upstate NY as ready to compete, and began working to build the coalitions to come together to be ready to tap the federal funding award, including landing major grants like  $25 million from the American Rescue Plan for Buffalo to boost its growing tech industry, while simultaneously working to land major companies in the semiconductor and related industries in the region from Micron’s massive over $100 billion federal investment in Central NY to Edwards Vacuum in Western NY. 

Thanks to Schumer’s efforts, the multi-region consortium beat out nearly 400 initial applications in the first phase of the Tech Hubs competition and was one of only 31 proposals selected for the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation that allowed them to compete for the funding awarded today. This fits together with billions in private and federal investment Schumer has helped deliver for Upstate NY, and companies we are seeing already expand in the region. Just after receiving the Tech Hub designation, Schumer announced TTM Technologies intends to build an up to $130 million, 400 job high-tech manufacturing facility in Central NY, citing the Tech Hub designation as a reason for wanting to locate in Upstate NY.

This is on top of other major investments in the semiconductor industry, including GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, Wolfspeed recently opening the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world in the Mohawk Valley, and Menlo Micro investing $50+ million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility near Ithaca, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, major supply chain companies like Edwards Vacuum is making a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western NY, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York. Niacet Specialty Chemicals also announced an investment of $50 million in its Niagara Falls facility to strengthen the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain, and Corning Inc., which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry, is investing $139 million in Monroe County – creating over 270 new, good-paying jobs, and many more.

 

The $40 million in Tech Hubs funding will go towards specific component projects that aim to solve the growth challenges the region would otherwise face over the coming decade and ensure that growth is translated to all members of our communities.  Specifically, the component project efforts will be led by Monroe Community College, the University at Buffalo (UB), and Syracuse University, all of which will be coordinating across the region to bolster workforce training initiatives, help elevate local supply chain companies, create a collaborative ecosystem for semiconductor R&D commercialization. According to the proposal, by the end of the decade, 25% of all chips produced in the United States will be manufactured within 350 miles of this Tech Hub, – with no other region in the nation accounting for a greater share of microchip production.

The NY SMART I-Corridor Consortium Tech Hub spans across the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse region and has engaged 100+ institutions, including assembling commitments from industry, academia, labor, non-profit, government, and other private sector members. The implementation phase of the program will allow the region to expand the semiconductor ecosystem already in existence to develop and make the future of semiconductor technology in Upstate NY. 

The Governor’s office recently announced Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative, which includes capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from multiple State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development (ESD), available to projects on a continuous basis.

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council is focused on supporting projects that advance or address strategic priorities including the four core focus areas of Industry Growth, Built Environment, Workforce Development, and Quality of Life. New this year, up to $10 million for the Small Manufacturer Modernization Program; and up to $40 million for the Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program.

We are fortunate that the Finger Lakes Region’s Empire State Development office has offered to join local organizations in Wyoming County (Wyoming County IDA and Chamber of Commerce) and Genesee County (GCEDC and Chamber of Commerce) in holding two in-person Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) information sessions for details regarding funding available in Round XIV of the REDC initiative on:

• Wednesday, June 26 at the Genesee County Economic Development Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. The program begins at 10 a.m., with a Q & A session to follow.
• Thursday, June 27 at the Wyoming County Ag & Business Center, Second Floor Conference Room, 36 Center Street, Warsaw. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Q & A session to follow.

“We encourage our municipalities, small businesses, and manufacturers to join us to learn the opportunities available in this year’s CFA and connect with Empire State Development representatives that can assist in submitting successful applications,” said Mark Masse, GCEDC Senior Vice President. “CFA programs can accelerate investments and infrastructure that grow our communities.

The Information sessions will consist of an overview of available funding programs, application tips, as well as time for questions about the CFA process. As a reminder, the application deadline for most CFA programs is July 31 at 4 p.m.

"We are very appreciative of our partners from Empire State Development for working with us to conduct this important informational program for our businesses in Wyoming County," said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County IDA. "These workshops are a great opportunity for local businesses and officials to learn about the variety of development programs available that will help to grow and continue to build our businesses and local communities. We hope everyone interested takes advantage of this opportunity."

Additional information on programs is available online on the Regional Council website https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov and Available Resources Guidebook at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/2024_Available_CFA_Resources.pdf

Seating to both events is limited and RSVPs are requested.

• For the Batavia session, please RSVP by June 25 to jkrencik@gcedc.com. For more information or questions, please contact the GCEDC at 585-343-4866 or jkrencik@gcedc.com.
• For the Warsaw session, please RSVP by June 26 to scott@gowyco.com. For more information or questions, please contact Jim Pierce at 786-3764, or Scott Gardner at 786-0307.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for GE Bergen Owner, LLC’s proposed 196,000 square-foot facility at Apple Tree Acres in the town of Bergen at its board meeting on Thursday, June 6.

The proposed facility would be leased to an end user and would create 60 new full-time jobs and generate $38 million in wages and benefits as well as revenues for local governments over ten years.

The project is pending, subject to receiving incentives from the Empire State Development Corporation.

GE Bergen Owner LLC is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at approximately $1.75 million, a property tax abatement of approximately $2.15 million a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), and a mortgage tax exemption of $366,000.

The project would generate a $13 fiscal impact for every $1 of proposed incentives. A public hearing for the proposed project agreements will be scheduled in the town of Bergen. 

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider an initial resolution for GE Bergen Owner, LLC’s proposed 196,000-square-foot facility at Apple Tree Acres in the town of Bergen at its board meeting on Thursday, June 6.

The proposed facility would be leased to an end user and proposes to create 60 new full-time equivalent positions.

“This expansion continues the success of the development of the Apple Tree Acres business park similar to the growth we have experienced at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park which also is almost at full capacity,” said GCEDC Senior Vice President Mark Masse. “In just the last few months, we celebrated the expansions of Liberty Pumps and Craft Cannery and the continued success of businesses in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.” 

GE Bergen Owner LLC is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at approximately $1.75 million, a property tax abatement of approximately $2.15 million a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), and a mortgage tax exemption of $366,000. 

The proposed incentives for the project are estimated to generate $38 million in wages/benefits and revenues for local governments generated by the development over 10 years. The project generates a $13 fiscal impact for every $1 of proposed incentives. 

The project is pending, subject to receiving Empire State Development incentives. 

The June 6 GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com.

Seeing the contracts NFL teams are handing out, it’s wild to see the value of a journeyman quarterback or a promising left tackle. 

But we have students graduating from our high schools this year who have made their own million-dollar decisions in mechatronics and in the metal trades.

And nothing is preventing more students from doing the same. 

Take Joseph Costa and Thomas Condidorio from Le Roy. 

We just celebrated our 100th graduate in the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center’s Electro-Mechanical Trades Program, and their story is an example of why this career pathway is working.

In their junior and senior years, Joseph and Thomas trained in the Electro-Mechanical Trades classroom and went on job shadows and paid youth apprenticeship co-ops at Gorbel.

Both students are now graduating with accepted offers to continue with the company and pursue apprenticeships.

Without college debt and with the starting salaries matching their training experience, they are on the path to making $1 million over the next 12 years.

How?

Upon entering the workforce in a specialized field, students can complete a four-year apprenticeship program, where they gain hands-on experience and develop their skills while contributing to the team as a valuable asset.

These four years can earn you as much as $250,000 debt-free!

After your apprenticeship, you will be well on your way with promotions, additional job duties, and leadership roles that will set you up for sustained success throughout your professional career.

Your next eight years in the workforce can earn you an additional $750,000, which will complete your 'make a million in mechatronics' milestone as a professional who can receive a steady annual salary increase.

Joseph and Thomas are thrilled to have the chance to 'make a million in mechatronics', but what's even more exciting is that every other student in their region and their classmates in the CNC and Welding programs at the Batavia CTE share the same incredible opportunity!

These three programs are just the beginning of what mechatronics and the metal trades have to offer, providing a foundation for a wide range of career possibilities.

Mechatronics is an in-demand skill set that employers are actively searching for. It provides professionals with diverse roles related to computing, robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.

For Joseph and Thomas, the programs that led them to start their careers in mechatronics with a strong foundation in robotics, residential/commercial electrical, circuit boards, wiring, and most importantly, how to become self-sufficient learners, skills manifested from the instruction of Rich Monroe and the Electro-Mechanical Program.

These skills lead to local careers including residential electrician, industrial electrician, maintenance technician, advanced manufacturing technician, robotics technician, engineering/engineering technician, solar technician, and even healthcare technician!

Even if your child is graduating without taking advantage of this program, there are opportunities to catch up.

The same partners who supported Joseph and Thomas team up for a six-week mechatronics-based program at the Batavia CTE Center. The program provides students aged 18-24 with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

By gaining these skills, students can improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential in the region.

With all of the companies growing in our region, we can help your son or daughter find their path. As a career coach, I’m passionate about helping them.

We can get them on the path to ‘make a million in mechatronics and the metal trades’!

Contact me at csuozzi@gcedc.com to learn more about the opportunities available.

Chris “Coach SwazZ” Suozzi is the Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Press release:

At its annual meeting, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) celebrated another successful year of economic development activity, including 11 projects that will generate up to $700 million in economic impact in Genesee County.

The gathering of over 230 stakeholders and partners was thanked for their role in growing Genesee County’s economy, including Friday’s announcement that Edwards Vacuum has started construction of a $319 million semiconductor dry pump manufacturing campus at the STAMP mega-site. 

The meeting also was a celebration of the service and leadership of Steve Hyde as President and CEO of the GCEDC, who announced Friday that would be retiring in July from the GCEDC after over 21 years as the organization’s professional leader.

“It’s always difficult to put into few words all of Steve’s achievements,” said GCEDC Board Chair Pete Zeliff. “Over 20 years as President and CEO, Steve and Genesee County have accomplished significant economic growth and prosperity of the community with all of these projects, investments and new jobs. It’s appropriate that the announcement of Steve’s retirement comes on top of the start of construction at STAMP of the Edwards Vacuum project as STAMP is the cornerstone of Steve’s vision for Genesee County as an advanced manufacturing hub.”

Following a video featuring well wishes from past board members, community leaders, and economic development partners, Hyde reflected on the support given in pursuing economic growth, led by the Genesee County Legislature, GCEDC board members, municipal and community leaders.

“That has been our ‘True North’ for over 20 years now - to build back manufacturing and create more and better jobs for our residents and children,” Hyde said. “Because of your support, we’ve developed and activated 8 shovel-ready industrial park sites. Existing businesses have expanded, and new businesses have chosen Genesee County. Thousands of youths have been guided through career-focused workforce programs.”

During Hyde’s tenure, the GCEDC has completed over 500 projects generating over $2.5 billion in investment, supporting thousands of careers both created and retained by businesses.

Empire State Development (ESD) was among the partners recognized at the annual meeting. It was named the GCEDC’s Economic Development Partner of Year. ESD Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development/Global NY Jeff Janiszewski accepted the award and provided the event’s keynote address.

Mark Masse, GCEDC Senior Vice President, led the proceedings with remarks highlighting the successful projects underway in Genesee County. In addition to Edwards Vacuum’s construction, Genesee County in 2023 welcomed the announcement of a $120 million expansion by HP Hood at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, and completion of major distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, and equipment operations.

Masse also noted that National Grid completed a significant milestone to support STAMP’s current and future tenants by completing a powerline re-route that supports the first distribution line from the 600-MW substation being constructed at STAMP.

“It may sound like a broken record, but 2023 was another hugely successful year for our county and 2024 is already off to a strong start,” said Masse.

Hyde said the projects underway after years of development, planning, and implementation reminded him of a sentiment he has shared frequently during his time at the GCEDC, “economic development is a marathon, not a sprint.”

“I can see the finish line for me getting closer, but this is not the end of the race,” Hyde said. “It’s really the beginning. The assets for continued economic growth and success have been built. I hope that in years to come, we can look back at this moment as the humble start of something even greater.”