I was working in the governor's office during Republican Governor Pataki's Administration. The goal was to develop a high tech corridor through NYS. Pataki initiated the financial support needed to launch the project. Not surprisingly, it takes years to grow a seed into a tree. However, what began under Pataki has now grown into a blossoming industry that has attracted investors from across the US. The facility visited by Obama today, is located at the State University of NY at Albany. According to the history on their web site:
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany-SUNY began as a combined vision of government, academia and industry. The common goal was to propel New York State to a leadership position in technology and economic development. Four key drivers comprised the strategy: select an overarching discipline (nanotechnology), invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, focus on world-class, hands-on education and training incorporating the whole supply chain, and leverage public-private partnerships.
Since its inception, the center has grown, and drawn other high tech industries to the Capital District. One of these is Global Foundries in nearby Malta. They have attracted some of the greatest minds from around the world. The surrounding community has welcomed these new members with open arms while providing them with top rate golf courses, some of the best skiing in the US, top notch restaurants and a locale focused on raising a family. While it is impossible to compete with the CA climate, the Capital Region of NYS is a centralized hub where families are only 3 hours away from NYC, Boston or Montreal. Check it out! Global Foundries
I am a native New Yorker. I grew up downstate, lived on Long Island, commuted to a job with an international airline in Manhattan. About 20 years ago, I decided to relocate to this part of the state and have never regretted the move. Silicon Valley is great but being in an area where your talent is recognized and appreciated .. well, that's actually welcoming :-)
Global Foundries new plant at Luther Forest in Malta, NY