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BUFFALO'S GOT BLUE BRIDGE

Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of New Offices on Buffalo’s East Side

Company will bring 71 jobs to the growing business district

Yesterday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Blue Bridge Financial, LLC, a leading national provider of equipment financing, celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in the historic Electric Tower in Buffalo’s central business district. Blue Bridge Financial will retain 12 jobs in Western New York while creating 71 new jobs over a five year period. After an extensive search including suburban and city locations, both in and out of the state, New York State’s incentive proposal made the company’s move into an initial space of 5,500 square feet in the iconic Electric Tower possible.

“I commend Blue Bridge Financial for the company’s decision to move its worldwide headquarters to the region and for taking part in Buffalo’s transformation,” Governor Cuomo said. “This administration has worked hard to create an environment where businesses are able to grow and thrive in New York and this is even more evidence that Buffalo and Western New York are on the move.

Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy said, “Blue Bridge Financial’s decision to move its headquarters to Buffalo is just the latest example of the economic growth that we are seeing in Western New York under Governor Cuomo's leadership. Buffalo is becoming the place for businesses to locate, with some of the most attractive opportunities to expand in the entire nation. I thank Blue Bridge and all of our state partners for making this a reality, and bringing new employment opportunities to the region."

The company qualified for up to $586,173 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development, the state’s economic development agency, in return for its proposed investment and job creation commitments. Significant contributors to the incentive package and the relocation included the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and the CBRE|Buffalo Office brokerage team.

Blue Bridge Financial CEO Mark DeBacker said, “We are pleased to open our national headquarters in downtown Buffalo, thanks to the generous support of Empire State Development, the Governor’s office and Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, among others. While the office opening is the culmination of an extensive search, it marks the launching point for our continued rapid growth within the specialty finance and equipment finance markets.”

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Blue Bridge is one of the many companies from around the country that are choosing to stay and grow in Western New York. ESD is excited to partner with Blue Bridge to bring 70 new jobs to Buffalo’s expanding downtown business district.”

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise President & CEO Thomas Kucharski said, “The advanced business services industry cluster has evolved into one that has a meaningful impact on our region’s economy, and we are very pleased that Blue Bridge Financial chose the Buffalo Niagara region for this expansion that will create good paying jobs in the heart of Buffalo’s central business district. Partners like Empire State Development, and programs like the Excelsior Tax Credit program allowed our region to successfully compete for this investment and job creation opportunity over possible locations in Florida, and I want to thank all our public and private partners who helped make this project win a reality.”

Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Jobs are the drivers of growth in our economy, and Blue Bridge Financial is helping fuel the economic momentum in Western New York by bringing more career opportunities to the heart of downtown Buffalo. Each day, we’re seeing more and more companies like Blue Bridge Financial who recognize Buffalo’s strengths and assets, choose Western New York as the ideal place to do business. By working together, we are spurring a sustained and purposeful transformation of our economy.”

Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Buffalo is the place to grow your business; Blue Bridge Financial moving into the Electric Tower is great news. I applaud Governor Cuomo and the entire economic development team for securing the move. Job opportunities for everyone are created when Buffalo continues to attract new business internationally and nationwide. “

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “Downtown Buffalo is entering a new era of revival, bringing new job opportunities and economic growth. Blue Bridge Financial’s new headquarters in Buffalo builds on the momentum by retaining and providing new jobs for city residents. Thank you, Blue Bridge Financial, for your investment in Buffalo and thanks, too, to Governor Cuomo for his continued commitment to the people of Buffalo.”

About Blue Bridge Financial, LLC

Blue Bridge Financial, LLC, a direct lender, is a leading provider of equipment financing solutions to equipment manufacturers and distributors as well as directly to small business borrowers on a national basis. The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY, with offices in Tampa, Florida, San Francisco, California and Wylie, South Carolina. To learn more about Blue Bridge Financial, visit www.bluebridgefinancial.com or call (716) 204-8467.

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