Innovation Takes Center Stage This year’s $1M grand prize went to Brekland, a company that has developed a biodegradable foam coating that brings new, in-field functionality to crop protection products. Grow-NY positively impacts the food, farming, and agricultural economy, with many finalists staying in the region to set up operations, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity … Continued
Made With Love, Not Alcohol Founder and Flavor Maven Shelley Elkovich has brought her woman-owned, family-run business, For Bitter For Worse, to Rochester, NY, where it now operates out of a historic former distillery. For Bitter For Worse is known for crafting complex, non-alcoholic cocktails using locally farmed and foraged botanicals. The company was drawn to Rochester … Continued
Optics is Everywhere, and it’s Essential. This week, Rochester, NY, hosts SPIE’s Optifab conference and Luminate Finals, spotlighting the region’s leadership in optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers. SPIE’s CEO Kent Rochford highlights Optifab’s 20-year history in Rochester, driven by its strong academic and industry base. He explains in this GRE Why ROC segment how optics powers everyday … Continued
Your DNA, Your Health, Your Future Rochester Regional Health has launched a no-cost genetic screening program to help you understand your risk for certain cancers, heart conditions, and even traits like caffeine sensitivity. Open to adults 18+, GenoWell is a chance to learn more about your health and contribute to groundbreaking research that’s shaping the … Continued
People-First, Future-Focused Linden Digital Marketing is making waves in ROC. Linden Digital Marketing, a full-service digital marketing agency, leads with a people-first approach. The company recently invested in a new building to support in-person collaboration and create a “content house” for creative work. Lindsay Connelly, Linden’s President, discusses how her team keeps an eye on emerging technologies like … Continued
The National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program announced that a Rochester and Finger Lakes region coalition led by the University of Rochester advanced to the final stage of the program’s second competition. The STELLAR (Science, Technology and Engineering of Laser and Laser Applications Research) project aims to progress the region as a national leader in laser technologies, education, … Continued
Print On Demand Leader RPI Print is thriving in Rochester, powering millions of personalized products for top brands like Canva and Blurb. With decades of experience and a tech-forward approach, RPI delivers high-quality, on-demand printing solutions from the Greater Rochester, NY region, which is known for its rich imaging history, skilled talent pool, and strategic location. Andy … Continued
Governor Kathy Hochul and the PGA of America today announced that New York State plans to host three landmark professional golf championships over the next decade. Bethpage State Park’s famed Black Course in Farmingdale expects to welcome the 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the 2033 PGA Championship, while Oak Hill Country Club outside Rochester … Continued
Coffee That Lifts Everyone Joe Bean Coffee has been a Rochester staple for more than 20 years, thriving through a commitment to quality, consistency, and ethical sourcing. As a B Corp, its mission, “coffee that lifts everyone”, is reflected in its strong relationships with farming partners. In response to rising global tariffs, including a recent 50% … Continued
20 Food and Agriculture Startups from Around the World will Compete to Win a Combined Total of $3 Million in Prize Money at Annual Summit on Nov. 12 and 13 The Grow-NY Competition is funded through Upstate Revitalization Initiatives – Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising, and Southern Tier Soaring – Regional Comprehensive Strategies to Revitalize … Continued
Designing With Purpose #ROC’s CPL is celebrating its 50th anniversary. While the firm has expanded across multiple states, Rochester remains its home and foundation. CPL’s growth has been driven by impactful projects across a range of industries, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community development, demonstrating their commitment to smart, purpose-driven design rooted in long-standing local partnerships. Todd … Continued
From Sketch to Prototype KEK Design, a third-generation family business in Rochester, has been innovating for more than 55 years. Known for turning ideas into prototypes, KEK Design has designed products like McDonald’s cash registers, L3Harris fire radios, and even Callaway rangefinders. They tap into local talent, particularly from RIT, while also leveraging programs like the GRE Economic Gardening to fuel growth. Check … Continued
Empire State Development (ESD) announced New York State support for McAlpin Industries’ planned expansion in the Town of Webster, Monroe County. As part of a phased-in project, the sheet metal work manufacturer plans to construct a 300,000 square-foot facility on Hard Road to support its light manufacturing operations. Work at the site will include laser … Continued
Job fairs set for August 5-6 and September 9-10 fairlife, a fast-growing ultra-filtered milk brand, is hiring for a range of positions to support its new 750,000 SF production facility in Greater Rochester’s Webster, NY. This expansion, which will establish the largest dairy processing facility in the Northeast, is expected to create 250 new jobs. Katie … Continued
A Winning Tradition This week’s GRE Why Roc interview on WROC TV takes a look behind the scenes at what it takes for Saint John Fisher University to host Buffalo Bills training camp. From NFL-grade facilities and quality food to an enthusiastic welcome from staff and fans, the Roc community shows up to support the … Continued
Constellation Brands, a leading beverage alcohol company, invested $50M into a new 170,000 SF headquarters in downtown Rochester at the historic Aqueduct Building located along the Genesee River. This project created more than 80 new jobs, in addition to the more than 300 jobs being relocated to the new location.
Amazon, one of the world’s largest online retailers, has invested $400 million in a 2.6 million-square-foot robotics sortable fulfillment center in Gates, NY. This investment has created over 2,500 new jobs and introduced advanced automation technologies to streamline operations and get orders to customers in the Rochester area faster than ever before.
Unither Pharmaceuticals, a French-based pharmaceutical contract and development manufacturing company, is investing $106M to consolidate, renovate, and update its Rochester, NY, operation. Company leaders plan to create 180 new jobs over the next few years to pursue growth opportunities in the US market.
Oxbo is a leading manufacturer of specialty harvesting equipment and technology for crops like fruits, vegetables, seeds, and roots. Oxbo is investing $50M to expand in Genesee County. This expansion includes a new 195,000 SF facility, creating 75+ new jobs in several facets of the business and retaining 140 existing jobs.
Genesee Brewing’s parent company, FIFCO USA, has invested $50M into its headquarters in Rochester, NY, to modernize the brewery and improve efficiency with a new world-class packaging facility. This project created 57 new jobs and retained 518 existing positions.