Empire State Development today announced Praxair Inc. will invest $38.7 million to further expand and modernize its Praxair Technology Center located in the town of Tonawanda. The expansion will result in 1,111 direct full-time jobs remaining in the town, as well as the creation of more than 22 new jobs.

Praxair, a Fortune 250 company, is one of the largest employers in Tonawanda, where the company's facility is responsible for global plant engineering, research and development, North American operations communications, global plant monitoring, customer demand monitoring, and fleet dispatch and back office support functions.

AT&T announced the company is seeking applicants for more than 150 jobs in New York. The new hirings will be primarily focused on technical and retail positions and are a result of AT&T's continued investment in the network and delivering a first-class sales experience.

"AT&T continues to expand its customer base in New York and invest in our network to ensure we are providing the high level of service customers have come to expect," said Marissa Shorenstein, New York president, AT&T. "As part our commitment to this level of customer service and to support our growth in the Empire State, we are pleased to have the opportunity to welcome more than 150 residents to the AT&T family."

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, announced the company has entered into an agreement with Budwey's Market and, upon closing, will assume operation of the grocery store located at 2555 N. Main St., Newfane.

There are approximately 74 total employees at the Newfane location; each of whom has the option of applying for continued employment with Tops Markets.

"Budwey's has been an important part of the Newfane community for many years, and we plan to continue the tradition of providing shoppers with an outstanding shopping experience," said Frank Curci, Tops Markets president and CEO.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo officials announced Monday the 2014 appeal exceeded its $10.8 million goal, with cash and pledges received to date totaling $11,001,057.29.

Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo, thanked all donors and supporters for helping Catholic Charities to accomplish such an ambitious goal in order to continue serving those in need throughout the eight-county Diocese of Buffalo.

"As a result of the incredible generosity of the Western New York community, I have the great joy of announcing we have met, and surpassed, our goal again this year," Malone said.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced the launch of the New York state mortgage assistance program, or NYS MAP, which will provide small loans to families struggling to avoid foreclosure. The loans will assist families in securing mortgage modifications and result in more families staying in their homes.

The program is an enhancement to the attorney general's homeowner protection program, which provides struggling borrowers with free legal and housing counseling services, and has served more than 28,000 homeowners across the state since the launch of the program in October of 2012.

Borrowers can apply beginning Oct. 15.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Thursday the completion of an expansion project by Diversified Manufacturing, a manufacturing and engineering services firm in Lockport, which will facilitate the retention of 130 jobs. The nearly $5 million project was supported by $450,000 in funding from the New York Power Authority.

Marnie LaVigne, who has guided University at Buffalo economic development efforts since 2005, including helping UB and its partners establish Buffalo's life sciences sector, has been named CEO of Launch NY.

LaVigne, Ph.D., associate vice president for economic development at UB, will end her tenure at UB and assume leadership of Launch NY in July. One of the founders of Launch NY and a member of its board, LaVigne will focus her efforts in the CEO role on repositioning the young nonprofit organization to coordinate with evolving economic development efforts that target entrepreneurship as a key to the region's economic future and job market.

The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board today recommended $625,000 in funding to two Western New York enterprises: Praxair Inc. and the Niagara Falls International Airport Stakeholders Group Inc. In total, the latest projects recommended for funding awards are expected to create 22 jobs, result in investments by project applicants of nearly $39 million, and ensure the long-term economic success of entities in Niagara County.

Lewiston's Enchanted Florist recently was recognized by Teleflora as one of the Top 2,000 florists in the country. Enchanted Florist was recognized for its service and product quality.

Niagara University's B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Gold Rating from the United States Green Building Council.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors approved applications for assistance from Praxair Inc., Niagara Lodging Inc. and Niagara Falls Hospitality Inc. (Microtel) at its board meeting.

"The manufacturing base in the City of Niagara Falls is critically important to the local and regional economy, and retaining good paying manufacturing jobs is a high priority of our agency," said Henry M. Sloma, chairman of the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency. "In this instance, Praxair is making a significant capital investment that not only retains jobs, but creates new jobs. But just as importantly, this investment shows that the company is making a long term commitment to maintain its operations in Niagara Falls."

A coalition of 16 mayors from across the state has endorsed Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act and called on legislative leaders - Senate co-Leaders Sens. Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. The legislation would provide support to communities that have been plagued by vacant and abandoned properties.

Members of the Lewiston branch of RealtyUSA presented a $395 check Tuesday to Chris Kreiger, president and co-founder of WNY Heroes Inc.

The Williamsville-based organization provides direct financial assistance to returning soldiers. This includes support for rent, food and schooling.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced a record number of applicants for the "43North" global business idea competition, which concluded its application round May 31. A total of 6,932 applications were received for the competition during the four-month entry period, with 2,603 qualified submissions advancing to the first round of judging.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved new allocations of low-cost hydropower for four firms in Western New York that will support 335 jobs and more than $28 million in capital investments in the region.

"By providing upstate manufacturers with the means to grow their operations, we are strengthening the economy and providing new opportunities for New Yorkers in the region," Cuomo said. "These latest low-cost hydropower allocations are giving companies in Western New York the support they need to lower their overhead costs, expand their workforce, and refocus on growing their business well into the future."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a partnership with industry leaders from five electric and gas utilities to develop a plan that places veterans returning back home in jobs in the utility industry. The plan supports objectives that emerged from the New York State Veterans and Military Families Summit held in March, which focused on the state's efforts to support veterans and the military community.

"New York's veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and by expanding professional opportunities for them at home we can help to ease their transition back to civilian life and empower them for years to come," Cuomo said.

The New York Power Authority trustees elected Robert F. Lurie to serve as NYPA's executive vice president and chief financial officer. He will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the statewide public power utility, which owns and operates 16 power plants and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.

Lurie's duties will include forecasting and budgeting, financial planning and controls, managing investment programs and debt, and leading the enterprise risk and physical asset insurance-risk management activities. In addition, he will also oversee NYPA's strategic planning, treasury and controller functions.

Members, officials and staff of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union gathered recently for their annual meeting. The event was held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building in Lockport.

Board First Vice Chairman Angelo DiMillo presided over the meeting, during which Cornerstone President and CEO Ann M. Hood, Treasurer Edward P. Sandell and Supervisory Committee Chairperson Wm. Keith McNall presented reports.

DiMillo began by discussing the key role Cornerstone CFCU plays in the community by providing financial resources as well supporting dozens of other organizations and fundraisers throughout Niagara County.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors has approved applications for assistance from Reid Petroleum Corp., Irr Supply Centers Inc. and 765 Fairfield Place LLC.

"It's always a positive sign when a company makes an investment in existing infrastructure as it usually means the company is here for the long-term," said Henry M. Sloma, NCIDA chairman. "In this instance, all three of the applicants are making significant financial investments, which will result in a positive economic impact throughout Niagara County - especially in terms of job retention and new job creation."

Empire State Development's board of directors has approved more than $4.4 million to support six economic development projects in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, North Country and New York City regions. The funding will leverage more than $5.6 million in private and additional public investments to support businesses, improve important infrastructure and lay the groundwork for future economic growth and job creation.

New York state's clean water state revolving loan fund, the nation's premier loan program for local wastewater systems, is marking its 25th year of operation with a low-cost financing program available to virtually any local government in the state.

Sunnking Inc., an electronics recycling and data destruction company with facilities in Brockport and Buffalo, has successfully completed the updated R2/RIOS:2013 certification process. It is among one of the first electronics recyclers in New York to upgrade to the new standards.

R2/RIOS is a combination of the responsible recycling (R2) practices and the recycling industry operating standard, or RIOS. The R2/RIOS:2013 Standard establishes responsible recycling practices for the recycling of electronics globally. By certifying to this standard, electronics recyclers help customers make more informed decisions and have increased confidence that used and end-of-life electronics are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council will hold two consolidated funding application workshops for potential applicants to learn more about the fourth round of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's initiative to stimulate job creation and economic growth through the Regional Economic Development Councils. The workshops will be held May 13 in Amherst and May 29 in Fredonia.

In 2014, up to $750 million in economic development resources from 33 state agency funding programs will be available to applicants through the CFA.

Register by visiting http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/western-new-york or by calling 716-846-8206.

The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board announced it recommended $1,720,000 in funding to three Western New York enterprises: We Care Transportation Services, Nexus Natural Gas LLC and Innomotive Solutions Group LLC.

In total, the latest projects recommended for funding awards are expected to create 128 jobs and result in investments by project applicants of $23.25 million.

Two of the projects recommended are related to energy. The WNYPPAB Act stipulates 15 percent of funds need to be dedicated to energy projects. The recommendations are expected to be considered by the New York Power Authority board of trustees at its May 20 board meeting.

Catholic Health, Ascension Health and Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center have agreed in principle to formalize a comprehensive agreement to have Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center in Niagara County become a full member of the Catholic Health System.

New York state ended the 2013-14 fiscal year in the strongest fiscal position in years and was able to deposit $175 million in the Rainy Day Reserve Fund for the first time since 2008, according to a report on the recently enacted state budget released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Still, the $143 billion budget continues to rely, in part, on temporary funding streams to attain balance.

"After a tough few years, New York state is in better fiscal shape thanks to an improving economy and difficult fiscal choices made by the Governor and the Legislature," DiNapoli said. "

Assemblyman John Ceretto is initiating talks to seek support for two new economic development initiatives to boost the Niagara Falls tourist economy. First, Ceretto is exploring the possibility of building the new Buffalo Bills stadium in Niagara Falls. A recent report about the stadium task force named Niagara Falls as a possible site. In addition, he is looking to bring Nik Wallenda back to the area.

"Bringing the Bills to Niagara Falls would be a major victory for our community. It would give our local tourism economy a big shot in the arm and create jobs for Western New York families," Ceretto said.

The Buffalo & Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee approved more than $1.7 million in funding recently for five projects to improve the waterfront along the Niagara River Greenway.

The following entities proposed projects that were awarded funding: Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy, Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association, Cazenovia Community Boating Center and the Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council. The funding is from the New York Power Authority and was made possible as a result of the federal relicensing of NYPA's Niagara Power Project in 2007.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced the results of its fraudulent refund prevention program. In 2013, 255,000 fraudulent and erroneous refunds totaling more than $413 million were stopped, and the department has identified $287 million in questionable refunds already this year.

The department uses a combination of sophisticated technology and highly trained staff to review every tax return and stop suspicious refunds before they're issued. The program is a model for other states, and was recognized this year with an Outstanding Technology Award by the Washington, D.C.-based Federation of Tax Administrators.

The New York Power Authority on Monday issued its 2013 annual report, combining a summary of the past year's accomplishments with updates on its sustainability activities in one comprehensive publication.

At the same time as the issuance of its annual report, NYPA also released an overview of its financial performance during the past three years, which can be viewed at http://www.nypa.gov/AR13/ar13-Financials.pdf. Both documents demonstrate how prudent management practices place NYPA in a strong financial position to implement its 2014-19 strategic vision, announced last month, and available at www.nypa.gov/PDFs/StraVis2014/.

The First Niagara Foundation is sponsoring the fifth annual New York Business Plan Competition. The event is hosted by The SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany's School of Business, and Syracuse University, in partnership with SEFCU, SUNY, and collegiate partner institutions across the state.

The 2014 New York Business Plan Competition features regional competitions in New York's 10 Regional Economic Development Council zones that will lead up to a statewide final competition at CNSE's Albany Nanotech Complex on April 25.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors has approved an application for assistance for Wurlitzer Industrial Park Inc. The park is a multi-tenant facility on the site of the former Wurlitzer organ factory at 908 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda.

"It is just as important to keep existing infrastructure and office space as up to date as possible as it is to provide incentives for new builds," said NCIDA Chairman Henry M. Sloma. "In this instance, these upgrades and improvements will not only help retain existing companies at the industrial park who employ almost 300 residents in the local community, but also immediately creates new jobs and the potential for even more new jobs once the renovations have been made."

The New York Power Authority board of trustees has approved the award of competitively bid contracts, valued at more than $20 million, to two Buffalo-based businesses: Ferguson Electric Construction Co. Inc., and Quality Inspection Services Inc.

"The New York Power Authority remains committed to further strengthening its core generation assets," said Harry Francois, regional manager for Western New York, NYPA. "The auxiliary equipment installations and ongoing operations monitoring covered by these contracts are but two of recent examples. We seek qualified, cost-effective contractors who do excellent work on-time and on-budget."

Explore & More was awarded the 21st Century Fund's $100,000 grant to be used in the exhibit designs for the new children's museum set to open in the South Aud Block of Canalside on Buffalo's waterfront in 2016.

On March 27, members of the 21st Century Fund gathered to hear presentations from the final four contenders for the grant, including Explore & More, the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo, Habitat For Humanity and the YWCA of Niagara. Members voted that evening to select Explore & More as the recipient of the $100,000 award, out of an original field of 19 applicants.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced more than $245,000 in funding awards to two Western New York companies for projects that will create 35 new jobs in the region, and expand manufacturing capability, increase productivity, provide job training, and grow market share for their businesses.

The New York Power Authority trustees approved funding to Eden Valley Growers Inc., and Living Green Insulation Products and Services LLC.

This represents the fifth round of funding awards approved by the trustees from recommendations made by the Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board.

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, voted to pass a budget that includes major tax relief initiatives, the remainder of the "Buffalo Billion," increased aid to local school districts, and reforms to the Common Core mandates. Ceretto called this budget, which is the fourth consecutive on-time budget for the state, another step in the right direction for Western New York families.

Other parts of the budget Ceretto helped pass include increased funding for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, property tax relief for victims of last year's floods, and cost of living adjustments for human services workers.

As a business leader and involved citizen in the Lewiston area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Phillip Mastantuono has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014.

This designation is being presented to Mastantuono for his outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of his agency's work.

"The Premier Agency designation is not just about Phillip's successful business results. The honor also demonstrates Phillip's commitment in being accessible to customers and using knowledge to help ensure customers have the insurance products they need to protect themselves and their family," said Eva McIntee, Allstate New York's field vice president.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees approved an allocation of low-cost hydropower to Trinity Packaging Corp. of Cheektowaga for a planned $6.5 million expansion of its manufacturing plant, and a commitment to retain 129 jobs and create 21 new, good-paying jobs.

"One of Western New York's top resources - clean, low-cost hydropower - is a key element in reinvigorating the region's economy," Cuomo said.

Empire State Development has announced Praxair Inc. is expanding its business and building a steam methane reformer to increase the supply of hydrogen for its liquid hydrogen plant in Niagara Falls. This investment will not only retain 78 jobs, but also serve growing customer needs for hydrogen in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., and southeastern Canada. Empire State Development, the state's economic development agency, will provide a $1 million capital grant to assist the company with its facility and equipment investment.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved another round of low-cost power allocations under the statewide ReCharge NY program. Approximately 5.8 megawatts of low-cost power will be distributed among 14 businesses in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson area, New York City and Long Island, and are expected to leverage in excess of $207 million in capital investment commitments. Of the more than 2,400 jobs supported by this round of allocations, about 670 jobs are being newly created.