The Battery Prototyping Center at Rochester Institute of Technology and the Battery and Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Test and Commercialization Center have merged to become a comprehensive battery development enterprise in New York state. The university-led merger, which was announced during the annual Capture the Energy 2024 Conference and Expo in Albany, NY, will be designated the RIT Battery Development Center, in partnership with NY-BEST. | RIT has the latest on the merger.

Nate Aldrich, economic development coordinator for Chautauqua County and manager of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, was the recipient of the 2024 James W. Griffin Rising Star Award, presented by the New York State Economic Development Council. Aldrich was presented the award at the council's recent meeting in Cooperstown. The Rising Star Award honors an individual, age 40 and under, who has made a significant contribution to the economic development profession in New York State, with consideration given to quality of service and impact on New York's economy. | Read more at the Post-Journal here.

Sessler Environmental Services has acquired the construction division of O'Rourke Inc. SES, one of the largest environmental services contractors in New York, is headquartered in Macedon and has an office in the Mohawk Valley in Oriskany. The company performs abatement, environmental remediation, interior demolition, concrete saw cutting and removal, industrial cleaning and environmental investigation services. | Read more about the acquisition in the Rochester Business Journal.

The Schoolhouse Project located at 191 Washington Street in the City of Newburgh was awarded $2.5 million in an effort to bring a long vacant former school building back to life. The project was one of four in the Mid-Hudson Valley area collectively awarded $19.5 million. The project would include creation of 70 residential units with 12 apartments and another 58 unites in two new buildings. The auditorium of the former school building would be transformed into an 8,000 square foot brewery, tap room, and food stalls for local vendors, creating up to 15 jobs in its first few years of operation. | The Mid Hudson Times has the story here.

Mark Geise, president and chief executive director of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) says the county is looking for up to $90,000 from the IDA to upgrade 66 acres at the Mason Industrial Development Park in the town of Ellicott so the land can be used for development. | Read more at the Post-Journal.