Hammering Out a Deal

Besides the $1 million in state aid and incentives, a $500,000 state capital grant, a 15 percent to 20 percent discount on electricity from the New York Power Authority, and up to 10 years of property tax abatements, Jim Hammer is most pleased with the deal he negotiated for his employees with RIT.

Emerging from talks with school officials is an ambitious plan for employee education and training that will send each Hammer employee into RIT classrooms for at least 48 hours annually. Among the offerings to employees are technology updates for print-floor personnel on digital equipment and processes. Other employees can opt for a variety of business or even liberal arts courses. Office personnel will be encouraged to participate in the digital technology and process courses to better familiarize themselves with the company' business and operations.