Regional Groups Partner to Support Reemergence of the Industry
Hudson Valley, N.Y. – FuzeHub, a not-for-profit that works to connect small- and medium-sized manufacturers with resources throughout the state, has partnered with The Accelerator, Powered by the Orange County IDA, The Orange County Partnership and The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC) to hold an event that will promote the reemergence of the fashion manufacturing industry in the Hudson Valley. The event, “Evolution of Fashion Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley: Past, Present, Future,” will be held on Friday, December 11, at SUNY Orange’s Kaplan Hall, from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Our goal is to provide a platform for manufacturers to connect and learn about the resources available to them to grow their businesses,” said FuzeHub’s Interim Executive Director Elena Garuc. “By working with regional partners, we are able to tap into an emerging manufacturing cluster in the Hudson Valley, learn about the needs of these companies and start conversations that are important to foster collaboration.”
The event will bring together local apparel designers and manufacturers to increase industry connections, provide business-to-business networking and connection opportunities, and educate attendees on current and future trends in the industry. Fashion design and manufacturing was historically a thriving industry in the Hudson Valley, with tremendous contributions to the growth of the region’s economy and culture. With recent trends favoring locally-produced goods and smaller business, there is great opportunity to support the reemergence of this industry in the region.
“The Hudson Valley is a very lucrative area for fashion manufacturers, as it’s located close to New York City and major transportation corridors, with real estate and resources at a fraction of the cost,” said Vincent Cozzolino, managing director of The Accelerator. “We’re already getting a lot of interest from apparel and accessory manufacturers about coming to the region, so that they can continue to grow their businesses and be successful.”
Within the theme of “past, present and future,” the event will include a presentation from the Newburgh City Historian, Mary McTamaney, on the history of the apparel industry in the area, and a recognition ceremony for former local industry leaders. For the “future” portion, Dr. Juan Hinestroza of Cornell University will discuss the cutting edge trend of nanotechnology in clothing. The event will also include a panel discussion on current initiatives and challenges in reviving the industry in the Hudson Valley.
For more information on the event, please visit www.fuzehub.com or contact Fuzehub at info@fuzehub.com.
About FuzeHub
FuzeHub works to connect New York’s small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovative solutions and business growth. FuzeHub unites and integrates a broad network of multi-disciplinary public and private sector technology, industry and commercialization services, experts and partners. FuzeHub is funded by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (STI).
