Greater Rochester Enterprise Celebrates 10 Years
By: Katrina Irwin
Updated: December 12, 2012
GRE President and CEO Mark Peterson discussed the milestone Wednesday morning on News 8 at Sunrise.
Peterson said GRE was founded by area business leaders who recognized the need for a coordinated approach to economic development in order to attract new capital investment and jobs to our region.
The results of a 10 year economic impact study done by GRE illustrate tremendous success. Peterson said by considering the top 10 GRE-led projects, $407 million in new capital investment was generated and 1,246 jobs created. When factoring in the multiplier effect of those projects, an additional 2,005 jobs were created for a total of 3,251 jobs.
Between the initial capital investment and jobs created, the key projects GRE has attracted over the last 10 years have generated an output of $1.2 billion. Peterson points to several factors which have led to companies choosing the Rochester region, including a highly-skilled workforce, natural resources like fresh water, exceptional research and development facilities, and world-class colleges and universities.
In addition, Peterson noted one of the factors that led Alpina Foods and Muller Quaker Dairy to locate in Genesee County was the region's abundant milk supply. He said proximity to major markets, without the major market costs creates a competitive advantage for Rochester.
Peterson added GRE has already participated in several site visits by prospective companies this month, meaning it's likely the positive momentum will continue into 2013.


