Global Leader in Wireless Technology Officially Opens Factory of the Future and Only U.S.-Owned 5G Campus in the United States; Commits to Creating More Than 200 New Jobs

New York State Investment in Transformative Project Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Kathy Hochul today visited 5G-wireless technology leader JMA Wireless to help officially open its new headquarters in Central New York. JMA relocated its operations to Syracuse's southeast gateway adjacent to the city center on Cortland Avenue. The global innovator of software-based 5G technology will invest $100 million in this multi-phase project. The sprawling campus, spanning a city block, currently houses JMA's headquarters and factory of the future. JMA manufactures its most advanced 5G equipment at the site, including radios, embedded antennas, and millimeter wave products. "JMA's expansion into Syracuse will unlock hundreds of new jobs and further establish Central New York as a hub for innovation," Governor Hochul said. "This multi-million dollar investment is a testament to our transformative, regionally focused economic development strategy. By initiating policies that attract growing businesses to our communities, we are building economic momentum across Upstate New York and upholding our commitment to creating the jobs and technologies of the future."

JMA Chief Executive Officer John Mezzalingua said, "This is an historic moment and the critical first step to restoring American leadership in global wireless technology, as we establish Syracuse as a national 5G hub. We appreciate Governor Hochul's partnership as we add more than 200 jobs and invest over $100 million in Central New York."

This New York State-supported project complements efforts by the City and County to develop a strong tech corridor from downtown into the South Side, making Central New York a center for 5G and smart city development. The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs in a distressed neighborhood adjacent to downtown. These jobs will range from entry level to advanced engineering. Empire State Development is providing a $5 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant to assist with this project. Additionally, in 2017, JMA invested $34 million to relocate its out-of-state operations to Liverpool. There, the company exceeded their hiring commitment of 145 jobs, creating more than 200 new jobs at that location as well as meeting the investment commitment in half the expected time.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are continuing to attract global innovators like JMA Wireless that understand New York State offers a unique tech talent pool to support their growth. The wireless technology leader's decision to locate its new global HQ in Syracuse - and to open the country's only U.S.- owned 5G campus here - reflects New York State's focus on growing an innovation economy to create the jobs of tomorrow."

This landmark project further supports the transformation underway in downtown Syracuse. The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council has focused its attention on the rehabilitation of the city center. Those efforts include the revitalization of the historic Hotel Syracuse, now known as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the expansion of the Tech Garden, which is helping forward-thinking entrepreneurs to grow their ideas, the renovation of the former Excellus building into the Icon Tower multi-use facility, the redevelopment of the former Post Standard building, and the establishment of online marketplace and software business TCG Players' innovative headquarters on South Warren Street. Syracuse was also named as a round five, $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner.

This multi-million dollar investment is a testament to our transformative, regionally focused economic development strategy.

State Senator Rachel May said, "Central New York is a great place to live, play, raise a family, and do business. JMA's successful expansion and investment in Syracuse is great news, and their choice to put down deeper roots here is a sure sign of our region's bright future. I look forward to seeing their continued success, and the continued growth of Syracuse and CNY."

State Senator John W. Mannion said, "Investment, technology jobs, and community revitalization is the winning combination for economic development in Syracuse and Central New York and the JMA expansion epitomizes what we are working across government to accomplish. As a 5G hub, Syracuse will be at the center of nationwide advancement in wireless technology while adding hundreds of good jobs on the Southside. I commend Governor Hochul, JMA, and our local government partners for this successful project."

Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter said, "Central New York continues to be an innovation hub for the technologies of the future. JMA Wireless' new hub will provide good paying jobs and lay the foundation for additional economic development based in tech. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul as these investments create more opportunities within our region."

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, "JMA's commitment to downtown Syracuse and investment in the area is proof that Central New York is able to accommodate economic growth that will continue to put us at the forefront of the technology industry. Establishing Central New York as a 5G hub is a step to complete smart city development."

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, "I have all the respect and confidence in the world in JMA Wireless. Since our first interactions in 2013, JMA has always exceeded whatever goals we have set for them, and I'm confident that they will continue to do so. The City of Syracuse and its constituents will be the beneficiaries of JMA's new 5G Manufacturing Campus. This will be the tip of the spear of the Syracuse Surge!"

Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon II said, "The momentum in our local economy is undeniable. The hundreds of new jobs being created by JMA and other companies is exciting news for our community. Thank you to all of our partners who helped make this a success."

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, "Syracuse is making its mark as a smart city around the world, and JMA's new 5G Manufacturing Campus on the Southside serves as a perfect example of the city's progress. This historic investment will support the renaissance that is occurring across the city and will supplement the Syracuse Surge - our strategy for inclusive growth in the new economy. I thank the many partners who have invested in Syracuse and in this project, including Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and JMA itself, and look forward to what we continue to accomplish together."

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, and Dr. Linda LeMura, President of Le Moyne College, said, "The regional council is fully committed to the future of Downtown Syracuse. By supporting transformative projects like the JMA expansion, we are furthering our efforts to reinvigorate the area, creating a welcoming place for millennials, families and others looking to experience all that the area has to offer."

About JMA Wireless Founded in 2012, JMA is restoring U.S. leadership in wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G. Based in Syracuse, New York, JMA makes the world's most advanced and only all-software-based 5G platform, which it designs, codes, and manufactures in the United States. JMA's cutting-edge technology—most notably a revolutionary software solution called XRAN—is ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity for businesses, workers, and ultimately consumers. For more information, visit www.jmawireless.com.

Today's announcement complements "CNY Rising," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. 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 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NEW YORK," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

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