Economic Development Grants to Help Trikeenan Tileworks Expand, Create 22 Jobs

Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) today announced $316,000 in NYS Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) awards to the City of Hornell in Steuben County to help Trikeenan Tileworks, Inc. expand and create 22 new full-time jobs, 12 of which would be available to low and moderate-income workers.

Trikeenan Tileworks produces handcrafted ceramic tile. Originally located in New Hampshire, Trikeenan Tileworks acquired an existing 45,000 square foot facility in 2005 in Hornell, New York to expand production capacity. The NYS CDBG grants will be used for employee training, new machinery and equipment, and working capital needs associated with expanding production and sales operations.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "Trikeenan Tileworks is a first-class company and we are proud that they've chosen to expand operations in New York. Trikeenan Tileworks is known for its commitment to keeping jobs and production in the United States, meeting rigorous environmental standards for manufacturing, and for its commitment to charitable organizations and community projects. They will be a great asset to the local economy and a great addition to the New York business community."

DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said, "Congratulations to Mayor Hogan and the City of Hornell. We're thrilled to award this grant to the city for Trikeenan Tileworks. The funding will help bring jobs to the area and revitalize Hornell and the surrounding community."

City of Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan said, "Trikeenan Tileworks is well-known and often highlighted in design and architectural publications. They're located in Keene New Hampshire with an eye on moving operations to New York. I want to thank Governor Paterson and the Division of Housing and Community Renewal for their support. This grant will help Trikeenan Tileworks create 22 new jobs in Hornell and help solidify their presence in New York."

The NYS CDBG grants were approved by the state's Housing Trust Fund Corporation, which is administered by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and chaired by DHCR Commissioner VanAmerongen . The NYS CDBG program is federally funded and administered by DHCR's Office of Community Renewal. The program provides grants to small communities in order to: ensure decent affordable housing, provide services to the most vulnerable, create jobs and expand business opportunities, and improve community facilities and services.

-30-