By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Despite one of the worst economic climates in recent memory, the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise was able claim 14 project wins during fiscal 2010-11.

In its annual report, released Thursday, the BNE said 10 of those had Canadian firms making investments in the region. All told, the projects will result in $471.8 million in private-sector investment while creating an estimated 465 jobs in Western New York.

The average salary of the new or soon-to-be created jobs is $51,331, according to BNE data.

"The reported results are a testament to this organization's evolution as we continue to be nimble in our approach to an ever-changing marketplace and the needs of the various constituencies we serve," said David Smith, BNE chairman. He also is chairman and CEO of National Fuel Gas Co.

Smith, who completed his fourth term at the helm of BNE, is being replaced by Randall Clark, Dunn Tire LLC chairman. Clark preceded Smith as BNE chairman.

Major projects that the BNE helped attract to the region, in conjunction with a number of other economic development agencies, include:

• Alpina Foods decided to open a food-processing plant in Batavia that will create 50 jobs and represents a $13.5 million investment.

• GreenPac is opening a paper products recycling plant in Niagara Falls that will employ 100 people. It is investing $380 million in the plant.

• GalvinStar LLC, which renovated a portion of a former American Axle & Manufacturing plant on East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo, will spend $25 million and hire 55 workers.

• EconoPak agreed to open a Cheektowaga plant that will create 65 jobs and represents a $1.1 million investment.

"That is an impressive return on our investment," Clark said.

That 10 of the 14 companies are from outside Western New York validates the BNE's outreach and marketing efforts for regions beyond the 716 and 585 area codes, said Tom Kucharski, BNE president and chief executive officer.

He said six of them involved advanced manufacturing projects, long thought to be dead in these parts.

"This is a sign that contrary to popular belief, we can successfully compete for manufacturing investment and jobs in New York state and the Buffalo Niagara region," Kucharski said.