The Tech Valley Center of Gravity (COG), which was initially sponsored and financially underwritten by the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) recently celebrated its one year anniversary with a lot of positive economic development achievements.  The IDA’s investment in the project has seen the COG grow to more than 200 paid members, over half of which reside in the county, and the economic benefits have been impressive. In excess of $2,300,000 in investment and financing for County businesses has resulted, and today 16 new businesses in the county exist because of a start-up under the COG or because of financial and technical support introduced by the COG. That has translated to more than 30 new full time jobs and 20 part time jobs in the County.  Most recently, the COG has launched a renovation of the Quackenbush Building, a long-vacant 46,000 square foot Victorian era building in Downtown Troy. The Quackenbush will enable the COG to expand its equipment and service offerings, and to rent space to start-ups and other businesses, including two businesses that plan to install product manufacturing lines. The $3 million renovation was made possible in part by a $550,000 grant from Empire State Development and more than $300,000 in donations pledged by local and regional organizations. The RCIDA will continue to work with the COG in the new location on how to provide a supportive environment for startup and existing businesses.