By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – 300 new jobs are coming to Buffalo thanks to the rapid expansion of the First Niagara Group. The company announced Thursday it will move its headquarters to the Larkin building on Exchange street.
Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's full story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
The good news for the region is that this is not merely a shift of jobs from the company's Pendelton facility. There are 250 new jobs being created now in Buffalo and another 50 or more expected within the coming year. Company officials said they will maintain back office operations in Pendelton, and at current staffing levels.
But First Niagara President John Koelmel said they need room to grow. The company recently made acquisitions in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Koelmel said this is just the beginning of their expansion.
Koelmel said the company is still actively shopping for new acquisitions. And when more branches are added, he said that will mean more jobs based in Buffalo to manage the fast-growing organization. He said they are eager to be part of the turn around already happening in the city.
The Buffalo headquarters is being partially financed with $1.3 million from the Empire State Development Corporation. Dennis Mullen is chairman and chief executive officer for the state agency. He said it is a wise investment for everyone.
Larkin building developers say their new tenant is one more sign that the historic district is on the rebound.