Constellation Brands President and CEO Bill Newlands said: “As a proud member of the Rochester and surrounding area community for over 75 years, we are excited about our new global headquarters in the heart of downtown Rochester. This move allowed us to modernize our workspaces, provide a more centralized location for many of our current team members, and meet the growing needs of our business while supporting the Rochester region. We look forward to contributing to the positive momentum and growing dynamism of the city today.
Constellation’s decision further supports the focused collaborative efforts of the state, city and regional economic development partners to revitalize the area along the beautiful Genesee River waterfront through the “ROC” initiative. the Riverway.” The first phase included investments in 13 targeted projects, all of which have been completed or are currently under construction or design – including the Aqueduct Reimagined project adjacent to the new Constellation campus. The second phase of the initiative, launched by the governor in 2023, is highlighted by the creation of High Falls State Park in the historic Genesee River Gorge in downtown Rochester.
Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, said: “Constellation Brands joins an impressive and growing list of talent-rich companies choosing to call downtown Rochester home. These global companies recognize the value of being based in New York, especially under the vision and leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul. Our strategic investments and positive partnerships with the private sector continue to advance the transformative “ROC The Riverway” initiative, which fuels economic momentum and opportunity for the entire Finger Lakes region.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said: “Today, we celebrate an important milestone in Rochester’s resurgence as Constellation Brands opens its doors on the historic Aqueduct campus. The intersection where the historic Erie Canal Aqueduct meets the Genesee River is the place that launched the “Flour City” and is now where Constellation Brands’ new global headquarters will propel the spirit of innovation and growth of the “Flowering City” to new heights. Constellation Brands’ commitment to investing in downtown Rochester not only revitalizes this iconic location, but also brings hundreds of new jobs, opportunities and vibrancy to the heart of downtown. I congratulate Constellation Brands and everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.
Representative Joe Morelle said: “I am pleased to participate in the celebration of the opening of the new Constellation Brands headquarters downtown. Their investment in the City of Rochester, alongside support from New York State, will help move our community forward in this period of revitalization. I thank Governor Hochul and Constellation Brands for their continued commitment to our city. I am proud to welcome Constellation as it joins the vibrant fabric of businesses that make Rochester such a special place to live, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said: “The Aqueduct Building has long been a powerful reminder of Rochester’s past success, and now, as the new headquarters of Constellation Brands, it will also define the success of our city’s future. Constellation’s decision to move to Rochester means new jobs in the heart of downtown and will also create a ripple effect that will benefit businesses throughout the surrounding community. I want to thank Constellation for being an integral part of our efforts to grow our downtown, as well as Governor Hochul and our community partners for helping make this a reality.
Assemblymember Demond Meeks said: “I am pleased to officially welcome Constellation Brands and join them in celebrating the opening of their new headquarters in downtown Rochester. I am grateful that this world-renowned and leading company is demonstrating its commitment to our community by locating in the heart of our city. Rochester has long been home to innovative and world-renowned companies and Constellation Brands’ decision will add to that historic legacy. As significant revitalization efforts continue in our city, we must continue to provide good-paying jobs and economic opportunities for members of our community.
Assembly Member Harry Bronson “I applaud Constellation Brands for its decision to invest in the city of Rochester as its new home. This is an important and transformative contribution to our city’s growth that honors both our history through the Aqueduct building and our future with the ROC the Riverway expansion, and Constellation Brands joins a list growing number of companies that recognize the potential of this community. And as union president, I am pleased to see that the economic impact will include increasing their workforce as we continue to cultivate a vision for Rochester that is inclusive, diverse and equitable.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said:“Constellation’s investment in the historic Aqueduct Building, an iconic Rochester landmark, symbolizes the start of a new era for our downtown and serves as a reminder of Constellation’s ascendancy as a global leader in the beverage industry . Thank you to Constellation Brands for investing in Monroe County, Governor Hochul, Mayor Evans and everyone who helped make this historic project a success.
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said: “We know that one of the key factors attracting companies like Constellation Brands to Rochester is the ongoing physical transformation we are leading with hundreds of millions of dollars in investment projects across the city. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership and our shared vision for Rochester’s future. It is clearer than ever that our partnership is creating a new era of growth that we can all believe in.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chair Bob Duffy said: “Constellation Brands’ decision to establish its new headquarters in downtown Rochester is a monumental step forward for our city. We are incredibly fortunate to have a global powerhouse like Constellation Brands breathing new life, vibrant energy and incredible opportunities into the heart of Rochester. We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Hochul, our economic development partners and the Constellation Brands leadership team for their unwavering confidence and investment in the Greater Rochester region. We are truly grateful to Rob and Richard Sands and the entire Constellation leadership team for all they have done for Constellation Brands and for their pivotal role in moving the headquarters to downtown.
The CEO of Avangrid, the parent company of RG&E, Pedro Azagra, said: “Rochester has a rich history with hidden gems of beauty. With $600,000 in economic development grants from RG&E, Constellation Brands was able to make utility-related infrastructure improvements, leveraging that wealth with its move to downtown Rochester, helping to boost the local urban economy. It’s an exciting time for the City of Rochester as projects like the ROC the Riverway project now come to life. RG&E is pleased to be part of this collaboration by modernizing streetscapes and historic areas along the Genesee River, bringing a new centerpiece to the city. This will undoubtedly transform downtown into a destination for visitors from across the country.
Greater Rochester Enterprise President and CEO Matt Hurlbutt said“We are pleased that Constellation Brands is dedicated to creating jobs and expanding its operations in the city of Rochester, New York. This commitment not only highlights the exceptional talent in our region, particularly in leading a leading beverage manufacturing company, but also positions Constellation Brands as a catalyst for attracting top talent and other businesses in the Downtown Rochester Innovation Zone. This expansion will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the community and economy, furthering Rochester’s reputation as a hub of innovation and growth.
For more information, visit Constellation Brands.