161 NEW JOBS coming to East Fishkill NY!, in the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County, Green 
company to make solar panels at the old East Fishkill, IBM Plant. Century 21 Realtor, Crystal De Raffele is excited to hear this sunny news. Which she hopes will increase consumer confidence, and be the beginning of economic growth for Dutchess County....Read on for more information on Dutchess Countys' Press Release:
SpectraWatt to Bring 161 New Jobs to New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2009 GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES NEW SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURER TO MOVE TO DUTCHESS COUNTY SpectraWatt to Bring 161 New Jobs to EAST FISHKILL New York -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that SpectraWatt, a designer and manufacturer of energy-efficient technologies, will build its new headquarters in Dutchess County, bringing 161 new jobs to the area. This $81 million investment will provide a state-of-the-art facility to house SpectraWatt’s first manufacturing line and serve as the company’s global research and development center. “SpectraWatt’s decision to bring their headquarters and research and development operations to Dutchess County is an enormous win for the State of New York and a testament to the our ability to attract emerging industries,” said Governor Paterson. “Following in the footsteps of world-class technology companies that have located their R&D facilities in the State, SpectraWatt’s investment further solidifies New York as a prominent leader in green technology. It will be a vital component in our State’s clean energy future.” SpectraWatt creates and produces crystalline silicon solar cells that use high purity silicon to convert solar light energy into electricity at high efficiencies. When completed, SpectraWatt’s manufacturing operations will occupy space at IBM’s Hudson Valley Research Park and will be the among largest U.S.-owned and operated silicon solar cell manufacturing plants in the country. Starting in June 2008 as a spin-off from Intel Corporation, SpectraWatt’s global investors include Goldman Sachs, Intel and the German solar firm Solon SE, positioning SpectraWatt as a powerful contender in the world solar market. Empire State Development (ESD) President and CEO Marisa Lago said: “The solar industry has grown 41 percent annually in recent years and, according to some forecasts, is expected to continue at a growth rate of 37 percent over the next five years. The solar industry is perhaps the fastest growing high technology industry in the world today. With its significant capital investment and creation of many high-paying jobs, SpectraWatt is making an enormous contribution to the State’s economy at a critical time.” SpectraWatt CEO Andrew Wilson said: “Between the skilled work force, outstanding support from the Empire State Development Corporation and the valuable programs offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the decision to locate in New York was very easy for us. We look forward to building a successful future from our new home in the Empire State.” SpectraWatt will be New York’s first solar cell manufacturing firm to start operations in the State. The company comes to New York State on the heels of Globe Specialty Metals announcing their intention to locate in Niagara Falls and begin producing solar grade silicon. Silicon is the major raw material used in solar panels and its production is an energy intensive process. The combination of these two companies locating within the State makes New York a heavyweight competitor in solar energy and green technology. In 2008, New York State negotiated with Globe Specialty Metals an option on a portion of its solar grade silicon in return for 40 megawatts of low cost hydropower. As an incentive to SpectraWatt, ESD offered the company 200 metric tons (20 percent of New York State’s option) per year of Globe’s solar grade silicon. In addition to silicon, SpectraWatt will receive $3 million towards this project from ESD and $1.5 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Dutchess County and Central Hudson Gas & Electric also made grants available to SpectraWatt. U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The decision of SpectraWatt to set up shop in Dutchess County is proof positive that the Hudson Valley is on its way to becoming the solar energy industry’s own Silicon Valley. This company is a beacon of things to come with a newfound emphasis on green technology that’s good for the environment and good for local jobs.” U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This decision by SpectraWatt is great news for Dutchess County and all of New York, and demonstrates its understanding of what our State offers to cutting-edge companies looking for a skilled and motivated workforce. In these times of economic uncertainty SpectraWatt’s investment will infuse the region with much needed well paying new jobs, and serve as a vital component in New York’s long term economic recovery efforts.” Congressman John Hall said: “SpectraWatt’s decision to build its new headquarters in East Fishkill brings an investment of millions of dollars to our local economy and creates 161 high-paying jobs here. This is a great example of how cooperation among all levels of government can create jobs and make real progress towards energy independence. I am proud to welcome SpectraWatt and the new jobs they bring in solar energy manufacturing to the Hudson Valley. I commend the Empire State Development Corporation for recognizing this opportunity and working with all of us to make it a reality.” Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “At a time when our economy continues to struggle greatly, renewable energy is proving to be a sector on which we can count to deliver new jobs in a very real and meaningful way. The addition of SpectraWatt to the Hudson Valley demonstrates how effective The Solar Energy Consortium has become at helping to bring in new solar businesses to the region. The model of a federal-state-industry partnership is proving to be effective at bringing in new solar businesses to the Hudson Valley, which create jobs while providing solutions to the pressing national need for energy independence.” State Senator Stephen Saland said: “The renewable energy market is critical to our efforts to provide consumers with more affordable energy alternatives. I was pleased to work with the Governor, Empire State Development and local officials to secure jobs for the region with an industry that shares our commitment to the environment. This is the kind of green technology that we should be pursuing.” Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro said: “I am proud to have joined forces with the Empire State Development Corporation, Dutchess County Economic Development Agency as well as Governor David Paterson and State Senator Steve Saland in bringing 161 green technology jobs to East Fishkill. During these tough economic times it is essential that New York State focus on attracting businesses and creating jobs. Today’s announcement that SpectraWatt will establish operations in Dutchess County and invest $81 million is exciting news for our region and the State. It shows that when New York State puts its mind to it, it can attract job-creating industry that will help improve our struggling economy.” Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus said: “After spending many months helping put together all of the pieces to convince SpectraWatt to choose Dutchess, we are thrilled to see this project come to light. I am proud the first solar manufacturing plant in New York State has chosen to call Dutchess County home and we welcome the bright ideas and hundreds of green jobs this will help create.” Dutchess County Legislature Chair Roger Higgins said: “We are so pleased to with SpectraWatt’s decision to move to Dutchess County, bringing much needed new revenue and to our local economy and stimulating our job base. This is a significant investment that will benefit generations to come.” NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. said: “SpectraWatt’s decision to invest in New York is a direct result of Governor Paterson’s vision and commitment to a new energy and economic future for the State, one based on encouraging innovation and investing in the development of clean energy technologies. We are excited to be part of this effort. We are pleased to announce that SpectraWatt will receive $1.5 million through NYSERDA’s clean energy manufacturing program, which provides incentives to companies that produce renewable energy technologies in New York State.” New York Power Authority President and CEO Richard M. Kessel said: “This project is illustrative of the strategic use of New York State’s limited economic development resources, namely low-cost renewable hydropower, to attract multiple businesses to the state. Governor Paterson and Empire State Development should be commended for successfully leveraging one form of clean, renewable energy to attract two ‘green collar’ manufacturers to New York State by linking Globe Specialty Metals with SpectraWatt.” Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. Executive Chairman Alan Kestenbaum said: “Globe is pleased to welcome SpectraWatt to New York as it expands the growing network of New York-based companies involved in the solar value chain. We look forward to continuing to partner with New York State and helping its endeavors to support solar based initiatives.” IBM Senior Location Executive in East Fishkill Hank DiMarco said: “IBM and New York State have made significant investments in the technology and infrastructure of the East Fishkill Hudson Valley Research Park, and this announcement demonstrates that the site has value to companies in high-tech fields beyond the semiconductor industry. Our technology and site investment can be leveraged in renewable energy applications to meet energy demand, improve efficiency and build a green economy. The leadership of The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC) and ESDC attracted SpectraWatt to New York, and the future collaboration of technology companies like SpectraWatt, GSM and IBM will sustain and accelerate solar technologies in New York.” Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) President John MacEnroe said: “The attraction of SpectraWatt to East Fishkill is evidence of collaboration in the Hudson Valley. The Governor’s Office worked closely with DCEDC through Empire State Development to provide reasonable incentives that—when coupled with our talented workforce and our great partners in The Solar Energy Consortium, IBM and Congressmen Hinchey and Hall—enable us to expand our portfolio of green energy companies into what will be one of the great renewable energy clusters in the world.” Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.nylovesbiz.com
For more information on local homes for sale in the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County NY, Please Call Crystal De Raffele, Century 21 Realtor, a specialist in Buyer & Seller Home Sales. (845) 416-4281
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