Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that high-speed internet service provider Greenlight Networks has opened its new corporate headquarters located in the Town of Henrietta in Monroe County. The state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot facility located on East Henrietta Road, houses company leadership, administration, customer support, and engineering teams along with its recently formed joint venture, Greenlight LeChase Construction. The total project cost has been placed at $46 million. Thanks to support from New York state, Greenlight Networks has also committed to creating up to 93 new jobs. The company currently has 78 employees, up from 53 a year ago.

“We are committed to continuing the economic turnaround we’ve seen in upstate New York working to attract businesses, jobs and strengthen the economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The opening of Greenlight Networks’ new headquarters in Henrietta complements our efforts to create new opportunities by adding up to 93 new jobs and providing ultra-high-speed internet and broadband services to residents and businesses in the area. Investments like these are helping New York continue to lead the way and build back better for a more inclusive, innovative, and stronger future.”

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Greenlight Networks’ decision to further grow its state-of-the-art business in Upstate New York is a great example of how our economy can build back better and stronger than before. Through the Governor’s focused efforts to fuel the revitalization of the regional economy, tech companies are leveraging local talent and resources to create the jobs and market opportunities of tomorrow.”

Founded in 2011, Greenlight Networks is an ultra-high-speed, broadband service provider, offering residential and small business customers Internet speeds up to a 2 Gigabit per second (2,000 Mbps). The company builds, owns, and operates its fiber-optic networks to provide high-speed Internet connections to its customers. Greenlight Networks currently serves many areas throughout Monroe County. Last December, the company also announced a $100 million incremental investment by controlling equity partner Tom Golisano to expand its high-speed fiber Internet network in the Buffalo Niagara Region and plans to have services available there in the second quarter of 2021.

Mark Murphy, President and CEO of Greenlight Networks said, “Our company was founded in Rochester and continues to grow our headquarters and our network footprint here thanks to the breadth of experienced telecom and internet professionals in the region and the available talent pool being cultivated at area colleges and universities including the Rochester Institute of Technology, SUNY Geneseo, Monroe Community College and the University of Rochester. Contributing to our growth in this area is also the overwhelming support of our customers and increasing demand from prospective customers who need access to high-speed internet now more than ever.”

In August of 2020 Inc. magazine announced that Greenlight Networks had been placed at number 1355 on its annual 5000 list which ranks the nation’s most prestigious, fastest-growing private companies.

Empire State Development is assisting Greenlight Networks with its continued growth with up to $1.4 million through the Excelsior Tax Credit Program. Greater Rochester Enterprise also assisted with the project.

State Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “I congratulate Greenlight Networks for its continued growth in Monroe County. The company’s investment in its new Henrietta headquarters is an example of its commitment to our region and sends a positive message about the strength of the local economy and the quality of our workforce. The jobs being retained and those being created will benefit our entire region.”

State Senator Joe Robach said, “The addition of Greenlight Networks to our community is a win-win for this region. I applaud their commitment to our community for deciding to locate their corporate headquarters in Rochester, a decision that will not only provide additional jobs but also options in service to those who live and work in the Rochester area. I want to be one of the first to welcome this innovative, industry-leading company to Monroe County.”

State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “As Greenlight Networks expands its footprint here in our region, it will be bringing both full-time jobs and much-needed high-speed internet access to underserved communities. Greenlight has expressed a strong commitment to serve all residents throughout Western New York, and this investment will impact not only our local workforce but the communities that make our region strong.”

State Assembly Member Harry Bronson said, “I applaud Mark Murphy and the team at Greenlight Networks for their commitment to our region. Today’s announcement by the company and Governor Cuomo shows that the Rochester area has a strong, diverse, and skilled workforce and is in an economic position to create jobs for the future. I look forward to Greenlight Network’s growth and the addition of new jobs at their new Henrietta campus.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Monroe County is well-positioned to become a top technology-rich economic hub of the future. The addition of the Greenlight Networks headquarters in Henrietta shows the company’s commitment to our region and highlights the strength of our local economy and rich pool of talented workers. I am grateful to Mark Murphy and his team for their investment and recognizing the potential within this county. I thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Empire State Development, and Greater Rochester Enterprise for their commitment to helping us build back better. And I look forward to the important expansion of our local high-speed networks and the addition of nearly 100 new, good-paying jobs.

Henrietta Town Supervisor Stephen Schultz said, “We are very excited about Greenlight Networks moving to Henrietta. I’ve already toured their new facilities and was excited to learn they are already discussing potential expansion plans. I know our residents have been very excited for the possibility of very high-speed internet in Town. Their location in a revitalized building in Henrietta is a great plus. The site work and building work by DDS and Donahoe Management has made for a new hub of industry in Henrietta as evidenced by the companies moving into the building, such as Greenlight Networks.”

Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Greenlight Networks continues to expand in the Greater Rochester, NY region to capitalize on the depth of talent and telecommunications expertise available in our community.”

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private businesses to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.