Several reasons for the jobs’ shortfall
The Genesee County Economic Development Center hit or exceeded most of its goals for 2014 except for generation of new jobs.
The county’s industrial development agency hoped its business projects would create 200 positions in the past 12 months. It received pledges from employers for 141 jobs in the next four years.
“Obviously we didn’t achieve that goal,” Mark Masse, EDC vice president of operations, said at Thursday’s meeting of the board of directors.
Masse and EDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Hyde there were several reasons for the jobs’ shortfall.
The agency “spent a lot of time on STAMP,” Masse said.
The Western New York Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park in the town of Alabama is a megaproject under development in the town of Alabama. The goal of STAMP is to attract businesses that make products such as computer chips, solar technology and flat-screen video monitors.
The EDC hoped to land a tenant for STAMP this year but was unable to do so, Masse said.
Hyde said the generation of new jobs fell short of expectations but also noted the EDC saved 152 jobs through two of its initiatives. Tax abatements for a $23 million infrastructure project for U.S. Gypsum in Oakfield retained 98 positions and helping find buyers for the about-to-close P.W. Minor footwear manufacturer saved another 54.