A Liverpool business was shown Wednesday as an example of how Central New York’s economy is rising – and how the CNY Rising initiative is helping. Governor Andrew Cuomo visited JMA Wireless, which recently expanded and added 280 jobs. CEO John Mezzalingua knows his high-tech business could go anywhere. But he has roots -- and confidence -- here.
“I think when we think about Central New York and competing we can recruit people here, we can hire local people here we can do advanced manufacturing here. We’re committed and we feel like after four and a half years and 700 people in this area, really we’re just starting. I’m very bullish and excited about the area, the people that we have the industry, I think all things are aligning to really create something really really special in this area.”
JMA received $8 Million in state economic aid as part of the CNY Rising initiative; the company invested the rest of the $34 million expansion. Cuomo sees JMA as a growing example of how the image is changing.
“You have SAAB that is now located in Central New York that is doing all sorts of exciting work with sensors. You have the Gryphon Sensor Company. The Central New York area is a leader in the drone testing area. Welch Allyn is investing their plant; the Terakeet company, Ascension Gaming Company. You see that Central New York rather than having an exit sign now has an entrance sign and businesses are coming back.”
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Of course the larger goal is to make the area more appealing to businesses and residents, where population has been stagnant or declining. While some national rankings slam Syracuse, Cuomo offers evidence to the contrary.
“USA Today recently rated the Syracuse area the top 10 in the nation for millennials who are looking to start a life and start a career. US News and World Report said that the Syracuse area is one of the top 20 cities in the nation to live in.”
Many of the jobs created by the expansion are open now for job seekers. Information is at http://www.jmawireless.com/index.php.
