Governor Paterson Announces the Launch of New Business-Focused Website
November 1, 2010

Governor David A. Paterson was joined by Empire State Development (ESD) Chairman Dennis M. Mullen and statewide business partners in announcing the launch of New York First, an innovative business-focused website geared toward companies expanding in or choosing to locate in New York State. Prior to the website's launch, an interested business stakeholder had to view multiple State agency websites to learn the full scope of economic development programs available in New York. Now, New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov) houses all of that information in one place-searchable by type of assistance, size of business, MWBE status, industry, administering agency and more.

"This new website, New York First, will serve as a centralized economic development resource to show companies all of the benefits available to anyone who does business in New York," Governor Paterson said. "Websites are often a 'here's who we are and what we do,' but New York First articulates, 'here's what New York can do for you.' I applaud Chairman Mullen and Empire State Development for their foresight and for their extensive research and collaboration with partners throughout the State to populate this website."

Although Empire State Development often serves as a first point of contact for businesses seeking assistance, additional agencies throughout the State also offer targeted financial incentives and technical expertise. Solicited and compiled by ESD's Division of Policy & Research, the content on New York First is inclusive of 35 agencies and provides information for every type of business. ESD's Office of Public Affairs, working in concert with ESD's Office of Management Information Systems, as well as the divisions of Strategic Business, Small Business and Minority and Women-owned Business Development, originated the new website.

Empire State Development Chairman & CEO Dennis M. Mullen said: "New York First offers visitors unprecedented access to the programs, tax credits and incentives the State has available to help businesses realize their vision and run a successful venture in New York State. Thanks to Governor Paterson's support of this undertaking, ESD now provides businesses within New York and elsewhere access to the full depth and breadth of New York State's economic development tools. What's more, with our Experts on Demand commitment, ESD guarantees that every email or phone call we receive will get a response within one business day. We encourage visitors to work with these economic development professionals throughout the State to find the program that is right for their business. Feedback is always welcome and the site will grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of business."

Created at a cost of just over $1,000, New York First features:

• An all-encompassing "Business Resource Center" which is a catalog of the State's full complement of business incentives.
• Browsable menus allowing for freeform exploration while only displaying resources relevant to the user's self-selected needs.
• New York First's dual navigation track allows visitors to peruse the site thematically or by identity for quicker access to customized resources.
• An all-inclusive list of economic development resources by region, created in partnership with the non-profit www.BUZgate.org, the industry gold standard for small business resources.
• Our "Experts on Demand" commitment: we personally guarantee that every email or phone call we receive will get a response within one business day.
• New York First also features a mobile version for easy access from any cellular device (iPhone, iPad and Blackberry).

The front page of New York First features an introductory video by Chairman Mullen, in which he introduces the concept of the site and personally guarantees that anyone who reaches out for more information on New York State programs and incentives will receive a response within one business day. To supplement the responders available through New York First's toll-free 1-800-STATE-NY, a dedicated email account monitored by ESD staff is set up to receive requests.

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov). ESD is committed to being recognized on a global scale as the economic development engine driving job growth, strategic investment and prosperity in New York State. ESD is intent on paving the way for New York State to become the leader of the innovation economy and one of the most business friendly, productive and competitive economic development climates in the world. ESD also oversees the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.

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