NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (May 30, 2013) — Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) announced today that it has embarked on a third, major cluster marketing initiative – one that is expected to grow even larger than its remarkably successful NY BioHud Valley and Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance.
In front of a standing-room only crowd of more than 300 business, community and educational leaders at SUNY New Paltz’s Student Union, HVEDC President and CEO Laurence P. Gottlieb formally launched the organization’s new Hudson Valley 3D Printing initiative (www.hudsonvalley3dprinting.com), which puts together in one place educational and funding resources for Hudson Valley businesses using (or anyone interested in using) 3D printing technology. The project was unveiled today at HVEDC’s “Next Big Thing” breakfast series, hosted by SUNY New Paltz.
“Much like the enormous successes of NY BioHud Valley and the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Hudson Valley 3D Printing initiative is bringing together business people with academia and community leadership to rapidly accelerate the growth of one of the most exciting technologies to emerge this century,” Gottlieb said.
Ulster County businessman Sean Eldridge (and HVEDC board member) is spearheading a $1 million dollar investment to create manufacturing jobs and spark economic growth in the Hudson Valley. The initiative will include a $250,000 investment from Eldridge, as well as a three-year matching grant from Central Hudson Gas & Electric (a founding member of HVEDC) to create the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz.
The Center will bring state-of-the art 3D printing equipment to the region, as well as the expertise and curriculum needed to provide students with hands-on training in this growing industry, as provided by SUNY New Paltz. A new certificate program will be established to help prepare students for jobs that incorporate 3D printing.
The impact of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center will extend beyond SUNY New Paltz. The region’s community colleges will have access to the Center for training and use of the equipment, so they can design, test and create new products and manufacturing processes. As the Center grows, local businesses will be able to rent the state-of-the-art 3D printing equipment to create prototypes and grow their businesses.
In addition to the Advanced Manufacturing Center, Eldridge is committing up to $500,000 for investments in Hudson Valley companies that incorporate 3D printing in their businesses to help grow this new industry. The investments will be made through Eldridge’s Kingston-based investment fund, Hudson River Ventures.
3D printing, the process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital model, is rapidly revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. From producing lightweight aircraft parts to customized toys and medical implants on-demand, this advanced manufacturing technology is on the verge of becoming a massive engine for global economic growth. The technology provides an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional manufacturing, as products are manufactured closer to the consumer and without excess materials.
It is estimated that sales of 3D Printing products and services could reach $3.7 billion worldwide by 2015, and exceed $6.5 billion by 2019.
“3D printing has tremendous potential to grow our economy and create jobs in the Hudson Valley,” said Eldridge, founder and president of Hudson River Ventures. “There is a great tradition of innovative manufacturing in the Hudson Valley. We have skilled workers, world-class universities, access to the largest markets in the world – and now we will have the equipment, the training and the investment needed to lead the charge on 3D printing. I want to thank SUNY New Paltz, Central Hudson, and the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation for partnering with me on this exciting project to bring this revolutionary technology to our region.”
“Central Hudson Gas & Electric is proud to support the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz with our investment,” said Steven V. Lant, chairman of HVEDC and chairman and CEO of Central Hudson Gas & Electric. “The new state-of-the-art printing equipment will help provide students with the exciting, new and necessary skills to advance in this growing field, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to launch or expand their businesses.”
“3D printing provides a great opportunity for SUNY New Paltz to build on our strengths in the arts and in engineering and technology, said SUNY New Paltz President Dr. Donald P. Christian. “We are excited to help lead this initiative that shows so much promise for our students and for economic development in the Hudson Valley and New York.”
Gottlieb said: “Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation has been honored to take a leadership role in pulling together an incredible group of economic development partners – Sean Eldridge, Central Hudson and SUNY New Paltz – to launch the Hudson Valley 3D Printing initiative, resulting in the development of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center. Because of this coordinated effort, students now will be challenged and grow in a new dynamic industry, and entrepreneurs will have a willing business entity with financial resources if they are utilizing 3D technology in their businesses.”
“This 3D printing educational event is just the first in a series of special events that will spark innovative and thought-provoking business and commerce discussions throughout the Hudson Valley,” said Gottlieb. “Today was a success but more events are coming, including our June 25th lunch event on The Business of Energy and Sept. 23rd on Access to Capital, as well as our Hudson Valley Beer, Wine & Spirits Summit on Oct. 31st. This is going to be a very busy year for HVEDC and Hudson Valley businesses.”
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Sharon Smith, vice president of marketing, Stratasys Ltd., who presented at the event: “Stratasys has been honored to work with the team at Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation to help bring its Hudson Valley 3D Printing initiative to life. 3D printing is having a huge impact on the future of the U.S. manufacturing industry, and this initiative will help educate students in the Hudson Valley on the many possibilities of this transformative technology.”
Dr. David Lavallee, executive vice chancellor and provost for the SUNY System: “I am delighted to be able to take part in today’s kick-off event. This is an exemplar of the many kinds of partnerships that New Paltz has established with business and industry that are so crucial to regional economic development and to new and exciting job opportunities for SUNY students.”
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein: “It is especially satisfying to have Ulster County, and more specifically SUNY New Paltz, host the new Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center. These educational and business initiatives in a growing technological field will enhance manufacturing opportunity both locally and throughout the Hudson Valley.”
Patrick H. Dollard, president and CEO of The Center for Discovery, the largest employer in Sullivan County: “The Center for Discovery is thrilled to learn of the creation of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz; and fully supports its efforts to enable the Hudson Valley Region to be at the epicenter of 3D Printing. The Center currently utilizes 3D printing technology in the development of highly customized equipment, tools and other devices to enable individuals with severe disabilities to achieve a higher level of independence and functioning. We also have a growing relationship with SUNY Sullivan and expect the Hudson Valley Manufacturing Center to be an incubator for innovations of all kinds.”
Joanne Deyo, vice president of facilities at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.: “Having the ability to design and print prototypes, models, and final products that we can work with very quickly has significantly improved our ability to provide innovative and custom solutions to our scientists. A multitude of processes have benefited from this technology. When we learned that the HVEDC had also embraced 3D printing and was actively working to advance the capabilities in our region we were excited to join the team in support of this amazing technology. We look forward to attending events and participating in functions that will further this technology!”
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC)
HVEDC is the leading economic development agency for the seven-county region of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information or to review available business sites, visit www.hvedc.com or call CEO Laurence P. Gottlieb at 845-220-2244.
About Hudson River Ventures
Hudson River Ventures, LLC is a small business investment fund focused on the Hudson Valley. Founded by Sean Eldridge in 2011, Hudson River Ventures works to empower entrepreneurs and build thriving businesses throughout the Hudson Valley. Hudson River Ventures is making strategic investments ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 in target industry sectors, including food & beverage, agriculture, tourism & hospitality, and innovative technology. To learn more, contact us at info@hudsonriverventures.com.
For more information: www.HudsonValley3DPrinting.com
Link to archived video of event: http://new.livestream.com/ellenbogen/events/2127428
