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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 396-09
September 3, 2009

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION DESIGNATING FLYING FOOD GROUP LLC AS A REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT PROJECT

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

“The final bill before me today is Introductory Number 890, sponsored by Council Members White, Comrie, James, and Palma.  Introductory Number 890 designates Flying Food Group, LLC, as a Regionally Significant Project eligible for State benefits under the Empire Zone Program. 

“The Empire Zone Program was established in 1986 to stimulate private investment, business development, and job creation in disadvantaged communities through a variety of State incentives, including wage, investment, sales, and real property tax credits.  In 2005, the State Legislature created the Regionally Significant Project designation, which allows for certain businesses located outside the boundaries of an Empire Zone to be eligible for these benefits.  To qualify for Regionally Significant Project designation, a business must meet more rigorous employment creation thresholds and be approved by the Zone Administrative Board, the State, and the local legislature.

“Flying Food Group, LLC, is a manufacturer of airline meals, currently employing 596 workers out of six separate locations throughout Southeast Queens.  It is a union facility with 93 percent of employees residing in New York City, 70 percent in Queens, and 47 percent in Southeast Queens.  This Regionally Significant Project designation will allow Flying Foods to relocate from its current locations to Building 146 at Kennedy Airport, just beyond the boundary of the South Jamaica Empire Zone.  At this new location, Flying Foods will expand its operations, investing $25 million in capital improvements and equipment, and hiring at least 160 new employees. 

“Flying Foods had been in negotiations to relocate to Newark Airport, but thanks to this sensible application of the Regionally Significant Project Designation, these jobs will stay in New York City, where Flying Foods will continue to grow and employ New Yorkers.

“I would like to thank Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh, Mayor’s Office of Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses Executive Director Leslie Ramos and their staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation.”







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Stu Loeser/Evelyn Erskine   (212) 788-2958




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