Orange County IDA becomes founding member of Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (May 23, 2012) – The Deputy County Executive of Orange County and Executive Director of the Orange County Industrial Development Agency has joined the board of directors of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC).
James D. O’Donnell, who is in charge of economic development in the county, joined Orange County government in 2004 as Director of Operations for the County Executive’s office. He has been in his current position since 2005, and also currently serves as the Executive Director of the Foreign Trade Zone as well as leading the Orange County IDA.
In addition, the Orange County IDA will join the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance as a founding member. The Alliance is a recently launched venture of HVEDC.
“I look forward to representing the Orange County IDA and working alongside Mike Oates, a true professional, to bring more jobs to the Hudson Valley,” said O’Donnell. “This is a partnership that makes sense, and one that has the potential to help our county and region continue to grow. The Food and Beverage Alliance is off to a great start enhancing the economic development atmosphere for our business partners.”
Before joining Orange County government, O’Donnell had a distinguished career in law enforcement, starting as a New York State Trooper and advancing to the rank of captain. He was later in charge of the statewide Felony Warrant Squad. In 1995, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in charge of all uniformed force members in Orange County, and in 1999 was appointed by Governor George Pataki as the Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department in New York City.
The Orange County IDA assists companies and nonprofit organizations with new business and capital expansions, allowing them to be more competitive by expanding their work in the county. The agency offers strategic planning and business plan development assistance, helping organizations identify resources and capitalize on investments in facilities.
The HVEDC aims to foster economic growth in the Hudson Valley, working with companies and organizations to make the region a hub for businesses large and small. The organization’s Food & Beverage Alliance focuses on helping food and beverage companies in the region work together as strong partners and market their products all over the United States. It includes food businesses, farmers, vegetable growers, beverage makers, distributors and other organizations in the industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. O’Donnell to our board of directors, and are happy to announce that the Orange County IDA will contribute its resources and expertise to the Food & Beverage Alliance,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of the HVEDC. “In order for businesses to thrive in our region, they need the cooperation and collaboration of local governments. This partnership is another great step forward for us and our many members.”
O’Donnell is a member of a number of community organizations, including the Knights of Columbus in St. John’s Church in Goshen. He and his wife, Margaret, have been married for 38 years and have eight children.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit http://www.HVEDC.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
