The two companies are a window and door installation businessand a uniform sales company that sought tax exemptions from the IDAto help with the costs of remodeling and equipping their newoffices. The companies are among the first to benefit from a newIDA program that specifically targets small- and medium-sizebusinesses, IDA officials say.

"These firms may well have chosen to go somewhere else--possiblyout of state--if we hadn't stepped up and offered benefits," saysIDA Chairman William Mulrow. "We firmly believe that these projectswill provide substantial employment, capital investment and anincrease in the property tax base."

Airmaster Corp., a window and door sales and installation firm,which currently operates out of offices at 550 Mamaroneck Ave., inHarrison, plans to purchase and renovate a 16,500-sf building at615 Fifth Ave., in Larchmont. The company was approved for $980,000in mortgage tax exemptions to help with its efforts to consolidateits operations at one location by mid-January. Currently, the firmoperates two additional facilities in New Jersey and the Bronx. Therelocation will improve efficiency and allow the company to morethan double its 15-member workforce, according to Airmaster'sapplication filed with the IDA.