August 2009

FROM BILL MAGNARELLI

District: 333 East Washington St., Syracuse, 13202 (315)248-9651 Albany: LOB 519, Albany, 12248 (518)455-4826

120th Assembly District

magnarw@assembly.state.ny.us

Left to right: Senator David Valesky, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, chair of the energy committee, Assemblyman Magnarelli, Senator Darrel Aubertine and Assemblyman Al Stirpe look on as Governor Paterson signs "Power for Jobs."

•  Governor David Paterson visited Syracuse to sign legislation to continue the "Power for Jobs" program which reduces the cost of electricity for New York businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

"The Power for Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs are critical economic development tools for Upstate New York businesses. The benefits from these programs create an economically viable marketplace for industries with high energy needs, including manufacturers and high-tech service providers," Magnarelli said. "These programs have proven track records of creating and retaining jobs in Central and Upstate New York, and it is essential that the programs be restarted as quickly as possible so that all of the programs' participants are held harmless."

The Power for Jobs and the Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs support nearly 330,000 jobs at businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The legislation extends both programs to May 15, 2010, allowing current customers to benefit from the lower electric rate provided they remain in compliance with the job retention criteria of the initiatives.

•  Assemblyman Magnarelli recently visited two local small manufacturing businesses as part of Support Services Alliance, Inc.'s "Bring Your Legislator to Work Day." SSA, a small business advocacy organization, organized the event as a way of encouraging small businesses to meet and interact with their legislators. Magnarelli visited Nixon Gear, 1750 Milton Avenue, and D&D Motor Systems, 215 Park Avenue.

"It's a great opportunity to meet local business owners, get an in-depth look at their businesses and hear their concerns," said Assemblyman Magnarelli. "Small businesses account for a large portion of New York State's economy. It is important that we continue to monitor how legislative decisions affect their profits and ability to grow in New York State."

Christopher Koetzle, vice president of Membership Services and Marketing for SSA, accompanied Magnarelli on the tours. Koetzle said that he's been hearing companies concerns about state spending, property taxes, Empire Zone credits being distributed ineffectively and new taxes.

Mark Bechlteler, manager of Quality and Continuous Improvement, explains to Assemblyman Magnarelli how gears are custom cut and ground. Nixon Gear is a Gear Motions subsidiary that offers precision ground spur and helical gearing. It has been grinding helical gears in the Syracuse area since 1969, moving to its state-of-the-art 45,000 sq. ft. climate controlled facility in 1992.

Mike Dieroff, president of D&D Motor Systems, talks with Assemblyman Magnarelli about how New York could improve its economic situation to encourage small businesses. D&D Motor Systems designs and manufactures specialty high performance direct current (DC) motors. They focus their market on green motors for golf carts, utility vehicles, hunting buggy motors and neighborhood electric vehicles.

Red House Arts Center received a $15,000 grant from New York State for operational expenses. Assemblyman Magnarelli handed an enlarged check to Natalia Mount, executive director of the Red House. Looking on are Red House members Tony Malavenda, Scott Allyn, Kathy Hanna, Theresa Doherty, Michael Heagerty, Laura Austin, Bill Hider, and Mike Intaglietta.

Assemblyman Magnarelli looks on as the Community Center at McChesney Park is renamed in honor of Armond Magnarelli. Armond was honored for his service as regional director of the State Parks and Recreation Department, president of Syracuse Common council, president of the Syracuse board of education and for his dedication to local sports and theater productions.

Edward Grala helps Assemblyman Magnarelli unfold a flag Magnarelli donated to the Transfiguration of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church on Teall Avenue in Syracuse.

•  A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the CNY Biotechnology Research Center, a partnership between the SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and the Syracuse VA Medical Center. The new center will foster research and development of various medical technologies, small medical devices, regenerative medicine using stem cell applications, and bioprocessing. The center will also provide incubator space for start-up companies that would benefit by the close proximity to a medical campus and the environmental sciences program at ESF.

The biotechnology industry doubled in the last decade and is considered a promising vehicle for economic growth. Central New York is home to nearly 3,000 jobs in the biotechnology sector. The CNY Biotechnology Research Center will rely on cooperation between private sector businesses and universities to commercialize research findings.

Assemblyman Magnarelli speaks with Nancy L. Zimpher, newly appointed State University of New York Chancellor and Carl T. Hayden, Chair of the SUNY Board of Trustees, at the groundbreaking for the CNY Biotechnology Research Center.

•  Assemblyman Magnarelli welcomed about 70 eighth-grade students from across Central New York to the Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST. The students will explore Onondaga Lake's watershed under the direction of professors, engineers and scientists from State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Honeywell and Syracuse University.

"This program is a great partnership between local businesses and universities to encourage eighth-graders to take an interest in science and math," Magnarelli said. "This is an opportunity for these students to learn about the environment in our neighborhood while also exploring how science and math relate to real life."