NOVEMBER 30, 2007, SHIRLEY, NEW YORK – Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley praised his Economic Development Division for the high marks it has achieved in the annual Empire Zone Administrative Performance Evaluation conducted by New York State. The Town received a grade of 92.93 percent, up almost 11 percent from last year’s grade of 82 percent; it was the highest grade the Town has ever received.
“The Brookhaven Town Economic Development Division has brought business, jobs and development to the Town to the economic benefit of every resident, and this glowing report card from the State recognizes that good work,” said Supervisor Foley. “Economic Development Director Ray Donnelly and Deputy Anthony Figliola, who manages the Empire Zone as well as Yves Michel who heads up our workforce development efforts, have done a great job in furthering my goals of thoughtful, considered development that benefits our great Township through smart economic growth and job creation.”
The time period covered in the evaluation was July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007.
In 2006, the Empire Zone certified companies such as Advanced Energy Systems, Intercounty Appliance Corporation and All County Provisions, totaling over 110 jobs retained on Long Island and over $20 million in capital investment.
The high marks earned from the state are attributed to one of the most progressive Zone Development Plans on Long Island created under the Foley administration. These new policies include:
- Creating the Town’s first minimum wage policy for Empire Zone companies.
- Developing a groundbreaking Workforce Development Program to connect Brookhaven businesses looking to hire with Brookhaven residents looking for work.
- Establishing the Zone’s first ever Pre-Application, designed to assist new projects through the application process, while conducting a thorough review of each project to ensure they meet the Town's socially-progressive standards.
Director Donnelly expressed confidence that the Town’s grade will be even better next year.
Office of the Supervisor
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