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

"These firms may well have chosen to go somewhere else--possibly out of state--if we hadn't stepped up and offered benefits," says IDA Chairman William Mulrow. "We firmly believe that these projects will provide substantial employment, capital investment and an increase 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., in Harrison, plans to purchase and renovate a 16,500-sf building at 615 Fifth Ave., in Larchmont. The company was approved for $980,000 in mortgage tax exemptions to help with its efforts to consolidate its operations at one location by mid-January. Currently, the firm operates two additional facilities in New Jersey and the Bronx. The relocation will improve efficiency and allow the company to more than double its 15-member workforce, according to Airmaster's application filed with the IDA.