March 3, 2006

Batavia, NY Ranked USA's #3 "Micropolitan"

Ongoing economic growth leads to climb in Site Selection Magazine ranking

Buffalo, NY - The Greater Batavia, New York area is the third highest ranking Micropolitan in the United States for 2005, according to a new analysis by Site Selection Magazine. Batavia, located in Genesee County 30 miles east of Buffalo, NY, achieved its ranking as a result of economic development activity compared to hundreds of other similar communities.

"Micropolitan" (or Micropolitan Statistical Area) is a federal definition of cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000 and cover at least one county.

Batavia's #3 ranking marks the 2nd straight year the region has appeared on Site Selection's list of top Micropolitans. Last year, the magazine ranked the Batavia MSA #7 in the nation.

The Site Selection ranking follows an ongoing pattern of growth and success for the Batavia area and Genesee County, resulting from efforts of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). In 2005, the GCEDC claimed 39 economic development project successes, creating $33.7 million in capital investments. Highlights include Milton Caterpillar Co.?s commitment to build a $10 million, 100,000 sq ft heavy equipment and distribution center in Batavia and the start of construction on Provitello Corp.'s $8 million agribusiness facility in Elba, NY. Over the last 36 months, the GCEDC has assisted 122 projects, creating more than $150 million in capital investment.

"Proactive sales and marketing, strong financial incentives, and aggressive real estate and corporate park development have helped fuel our growth," said GCEDC President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Hyde. "Most importantly, these efforts are supported and strengthened through solid partnerships and cooperation with and among our local municipalities and private sector businesses of Genesee County, greatly enabling our continued economic development success," said Mr. Hyde.

GCEDC first gained the national industry spotlight in 2004 when it won the International Economic Development Council's annual competition called "The Project." The "reality show" pits three economic development agencies vying for a major business attraction project against each other and is judged by a panel of "real-life" corporate real estate decision makers.

Businesses considering relocation are attracted to the County's mid-way proximity to Buffalo and Rochester and easy access from three NY Thruway exits. The region is also home to approximately 20 colleges and universities, providing a large, educated workforce. Its affordable living and stunning landscape have also proven to be a strong magnet.

"Genesee County has done an outstanding job of defining, packaging and marketing its most valuable product: its skilled, qualified workforce," said Thomas A. Kucharski, President & CEO of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise. "The designation of the Batavia MSA as one of the nation's top Micropolitans for two years running is testament to Genesee County's collaborative, well-focused and enlightened economic development process. We are proud to be their partner."

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise is the point of contact for business retention, expansion and attraction for the eight counties of western New York. For information on doing business in Genesee County, visit www.gcedc.com or call 1-877-343-4866. For information on doing business in the greater Buffalo Niagara region, visit Buffalo Niagara Enterprise at www.buffaloniagara.org.