2006

FOR RELEASE:       Immediate: February 13, 2006
CONTACT:               Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA 
                               518-862-1090 ext. 3359
                               cqr@nyserda.org

State Launches New Website to Draw Clean-Energy and Environmental Technology Companies to the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park

Albany, New York - - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today the launch of a new website providing information to clean-energy and environmental technology companies looking to relocate and establish themselves in the fast growing Tech Valley Region. The Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP), located in Malta, is a special destination for clean-energy and environmental technology companies in the heart of New York's Tech Valley. More than a physical site, it is a fully-integrated 'knowledge community' that includes programs, services, partnerships, and amenities to support the success of companies and their employees.

"The new STEP website is a tremendous tool for companies looking to grow and thrive in the Tech Valley Region," said Peter R. Smith, president of NYSERDA. "Enhancing communication with potential companies, and the general public, about our goals and efforts will help us be a leader in the clean-energy and renewable energy field."

The STEP website (http://step.nyserda.org) is a useful resource, offering information on the history of STEP, its site plans, vision and goals, and current activity. The companies currently housed at STEP are also highlighted on the website with a company description and a link to their website.

The STEP website also provides business resources such as information about New York State's Empire Zone Program, which is a vital component of Governor Pataki's effort to revitalize and expand New York's economy; the STEP Mentor Program, a program designed to provide business-related problem-solving services to those companies located at STEP; and a workforce initiative involving NYSERDA and Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) to identify training needs within a STEP company, and share those needs with other local companies and HVCC.

The website outlines the many reasons why companies should locate to STEP and how accommodating the area is, not only for these companies, but for their families that relocate with them. The Capital Region offers easy access to highways, culture and entertainment, and proximity to many other cutting-edge, high-tech education institutions and companies. 

In 2001, STEP was established as a technology park devoted to clean energy, energy-efficient, and environmental technologies. NYSERDA hopes to draw more companies to STEP and is committed to developing the use of STEP in nurturing the technologies that will address energy needs and environmental conservation for the long range future. STEP is the nation's first park dedicated to renewable and environmentally-friendly, clean energy technologies.

Visit http://step.nyserda.org for more information about STEP. To learn more about NYSERDA and its programs visit www.nyserda.org or call 1-866-NYSERDA.

###