The Capital Region is at the crossroads of the northeast, linking New York City, Boston, Montreal and Central New York State.   Located midway along the eastern border of NYS, the region includes Albany, founded by the Dutch as a trading post in 1609 and now the seat of State government; Schenectady, where Edison began General Electric; and Saratoga Springs, home to world-class thoroughbred racing.  The Capital Region enjoys a captivating mix of attractions and a variety of cultural and recreational offerings, all surrounded by the tranquil beauty of farms and woodlands. Quality of life is further enhanced by the scenic Hudson and Mohawk river valleys, and the Adirondack and Catskills mountain ranges.

Governor Paterson oversees New York State from Albany's historic State Capitol, where government professionals lead the nation's public sector expertise in such areas as financial management, public health, education, economic development, workforce training, technological innovation, criminal justice, and  environmental conservation.

A hub for global research and education, Tech Valley boasts numerous colleges and universities, including the University at Albany's #1-ranked College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; and Albany Medical Center's nationally renowned teaching hospital.  GE Global Research and Knolls Atomic Power Lab lead world-class scientific exploration.

Dynamic high-tech economic development in this region is led by  International SEMATECH, a world class computer chip manufacturers' consortium; AMD's announced investment in Luther Forest; Plug Power, innovating fuel cells; and includes software development; power generation equipment, and medical products firms. Transportation networks linking the Northeast and Canada define the Capital Region as a critical crossroads and attract distribution and warehousing centers to the region.

In short, the Capital Region is an American gem, showcasing historic landmarks and cutting-edge technology, beautiful vistas and public policy experts, all a short distance up the Hudson River from New York City, a gateway to the world.