Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that Charter Communications, a leading broadband communications company, will expand their operations and add 228 new full-time jobs in Rochester and Henrietta. The second largest cable operator in the nation, Charter will invest more than $2.9 million to renovate its existing Rochester-based facility, lease a new, 46,000 square-foot headquarters in Henrietta, and purchase interior fixtures in order to support their customer contact center.

“This expansion of one of the nation’s leading cable providers in the Finger Lakes is a clear signal that our economic strategy is driving innovation and transforming the local economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “Cutting-edge companies are betting on this region like never before and are growing their businesses and creating-good paying jobs in the process. By incentivizing private sector growth, we are generating momentum and strengthening the economy in Monroe County and beyond.”

Charter Executive Vice President, Field Operations, Tom Adams said, “By early next year, this beautifully restored facility will allow us to bring together our field operations leadership and vital support functions under one roof. Through our partnership with the New York State Economic Development Corporation, the Rochester area benefits from an influx of high-paying technical jobs, while our customers across Upstate New York and throughout New England benefit from improved communication, collaboration and efficiency in our operations.”

Charter currently employs more than 11,000 full-time employees across the state, including 460 at its existing facility in Rochester. Once completed, this expansion will support more than 230 employees at Charter’s new regional headquarters in Henrietta while maintaining more than 460 jobs at its customer care center in Rochester.

Charter Executive Vice President, Customer Operations, Kathleen Mayo said, “We plan to add 20,000 new jobs at Charter in the next several years. In part by returning Time Warner Cable call center work to the United States. The combination of our investment and these incentives will help us place some of those call center jobs right here in Rochester.”

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “We applaud Charter Communications for its investment in the Rochester region, and its commitment to further growth and jobs creation, thanks in part to state incentives that will help to ensure the company’s long-term growth in New York State.”

As the nation’s fastest growing TV, internet and voice company, Charter’s recent acquisition of Time Warner Cable broadens the company’s customer base and upstate New York footprint. The company is at the forefront of the intersection between technology and entertainment, facilitating essential communications that connect more than 25 million residential and business customers in 41 states.

Charter Communications will invest nearly $2.9 million to support enhancements at its Rochester customer care center and outfit its new Henrietta-based headquarters. As part of the agreement, Empire State Development will provide the company with up to $2.5 million through performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for job creation commitments.

Senator Joe Robach said, “The addition of Charter Communications and the 200+ jobs they are bringing to Rochester region is a win-win for our local economy and workforce. Every job is critical for our community, and the work of the Finger Lakes Forward team is helping us add jobs and create a better economy for hard-working people in Rochester, as is evident with the addition of Charter Communication’s regional headquarters.”

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer said, “Charter Communications is a household name, and their decision to grow their company in the Finger Lakes is a testament to the region’s economic revival. Thanks to the State’s unprecedented commitment, we are creating good-paying jobs for hardworking New Yorkers and, simultaneously, strengthening the surrounding communities. I look forward to Charter’s continued success and impact on the entire Finger Lakes region.”

Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “Charter's decision to expand in Rochester and Henrietta is another example of the immense focus that has been placed on growing the upstate economy. The investments being made by Charter and Empire State Development are paying dividends by creating much needed jobs throughout our region and upstate New York."

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “Today is a tremendous day for the families of the Rochester region. The decision to create a regional headquarters in Henrietta is a great opportunity to showcase our well trained workforce.”

Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle said, “Today’s announcement marks yet another important step forward for our community, and further builds upon the economic momentum we have worked so hard to create. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s continued commitment to Upstate innovative companies are choosing the Finger Lakes to call home which is strengthening our economy, creating new jobs, and helping to secure a brighter future for our region.”

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward

Today’s announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.

Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.