Investment In County Continues to Grow

Impressive accomplishments were recorded during 2005, with
projects totaling $35,331,200. Partnerships with several organizations began to pay off handsomely. 

Now in its second year under the direction of David R. Smith, the Infotonics Technology Center again made progress in establishing itself as a unique world-class research and development facility. This is the daunting challenge of the Center of Excellence in photonics and micro-systems which is dedicated to bringing next-generation products to life. The Center has already attracted several new companies and investment, as well as many new jobs—36 alone at the facility by year-end and possibly twice that number by the end of 2006.

The Technology Farm, more formally known as the Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park is the only place in the world where businesses can become part of—not just tap into—the extensive knowledge and expertise of Cornell University. And only there, will they be surrounded by companies in related fields of bio, agriculture and food technology.

We also served as a catalyst for broadening bandwidth for companies in the County which is now being brought to the Board of Supervisors for implementation. Our strategic interests were further advanced by a unique program that offers 10 years of sales and use tax exemptions for information technology and telecommunications businesses.

View Project Results Table

2005 in Review

Our strategic plan for technology-led development was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, and steps were taken on how to best implement this bold initiative to assure prosperity in years to come. A Business Retention and Expansion team will institutionalize many of the policies and processes that have made our past operations a success. Some quality-of-life issues have been addressed as well.

The County’s infrastructure is gaining girth, the planned installation of a fiber-optic ring will bring people and organizations closer together and provide unprecedented access to the world-at-large.

Cutting-edge research at the Infotonics Technology Center in Canandaigua and new Technology Farm in Geneva is expected to lead to whole families of next-generation enterprises and stimulate new job growth. Some state funding has been secured to help micro-enterprises commercialize technologies emanating from these two centers.

A third tour of the Finger Lakes Region conducted by Greater Rochester Enterprise for out-of-state site selectors showcased Ontario County and its industries. Now they know what we have known all along—we have much to offer anyone interested in maintaining a competitive edge in a focused, friendly environment with a virtually unparalleled lifestyle and promising future ahead!