Specialized GIS software and corresponding web platform will host ESD's site and facility database and provide dynamic data to prospective businesses

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2010 — (PRNewswire) — Empire State Development (ESD) and GIS Planning, Inc. today announced the launch of a new website, http://NewYorkState.ZoomProspector.com, designed to help expanding businesses find locations in New York State best suited to their needs.  Developed and hosted by GIS Planning, the site provides immediate access to a wealth of in-depth information previously unavailable in one place.

With this new system, data including dynamic real estate, demographic and industry breakdowns are available free and instantly for all cities and counties in New York, along with a database of available properties with images. ESD's 10 Regional Offices will promote available sites, facilities and communities on this website.

"This website has very real implications for the business community as it provides instant access to detailed site selection data, increasing New York's capacity to respond more efficiently and effectively to businesses looking to expand or relocate here," said ESD Chairman & CEO Dennis M. Mullen.  "Post-launch, ESD will immediately hold training sessions with our partners at the local level who provide the raw data on available facilities and sites throughout the state."

The Geographic Information System (GIS)-powered website is built upon Google Maps technology, and offers state-of-the-art site selection mapping capabilities. The new website is also integrated with GIS Planning's national site selection search engine, http://www.ZoomProspector.com, which allows visitors to conduct national searches of cities and commercial properties that match their unique criteria.

"We've built the only website that actually convinces a business why they should locate in a particular place in the State of New York," said Anatalio Ubalde, CEO of GIS Planning.  "Our software explains and quantifies how properties differ by offering details about what surrounds them, including the labor force, complimentary businesses, geographic access and more."

"Rochester was the first community in New York State to utilize GIS Planning's ZoomProspector system, and we commend ESD for adopting this technology statewide," said Mark S. Peterson, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise. "We've found it to be an effective way to competitively market our region's commercial sites, buildings, and talented workforce, and seamlessly fulfill site selector inquiries."

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal New York First ( www.NYfirst.NY.gov). For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov. 

About GIS Planning, Inc.: GIS Planning, http://www.gisplanning.com, is the world leader in online economic development solutions.  Over 13,000 U.S. cities in 42 states are served by GIS Planning's Geographic Information System (GIS) Software, which provides real estate, demographic and industry data to help site selection professionals.  

SOURCE GIS Planning, Inc.; Empire State Development

Contact:

GIS Planning, Inc. Empire State Development Empire State Development Anatalio Ubalde of GIS Planning, Inc. Phone: +1-415-294-4775 Email Contact Warner Johnston (ESD) Phone: +1-800-260-7313 Email Contact Elizabeth Mitchell (ESD) Phone: +1-800-260-7313 Email Contact Web: http://newyorkstate.zoomprospector.com