Montour Falls, NY (WENY) -- New York State Officials came out to Chicone Cabinet Makers to see how the grant they gave them is expanding their business.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul Tours Upstate New York to Support Local Business
Posted: Nov 15, 2017 5:57 PM ESTUpdated: Nov 15, 2017 5:57 PM EST
Montour Falls, NY (WENY) -- New York State Officials came out to Chicone Cabinet Makers to see how the grant they gave them is expanding their business.
Since Governor Cuomo came into office, an economic development strategy has been in place focused on helping local business. The state has allocated money to provide the opportunity for businesses throughout the finger lakes region, and Southern Tier to apply for a grant.
Lieutenant Governor of New York State Kathy Hochul says "this funding comes to the regional economic development council and the reason this is so successful is that we have partnered with local elected officials, business people, people from academia and they help us prioritize where we should be spending the money."
The initiative has decreased unemployment while increasing productivity of the businesses that receive grants including Chicone Cabinet Makers.
She also says "we have been successful in driving down unemployment from over 8% to 4%, tourism in this area is on
fire people are discovering our beautiful parks and Watkins Glen everything they have here-i love coming here, to be able to thank the business
owners like the Chicones and meet the father who is the second generation, the third generation and to know that there is a fourth generation
learning the trade is part of what makes New York so great."
The funding is expanding their operation by adding more personnel, creating a second storage facility and increasing their workload per year.
Most importantly, the grant program is strengthening relationships between the state and local business.
Vincent and Sarah Chicone, owners of "Chicone Cabinet Makers" say that "it's nice to see the state invest in small businesses upstate particularly they
tend to be the bedrock of the community here-we are committed to our county, we are committed to our village and its great to see that the state is committed to us as well."
