Alliance will focus on helping companies work together on common issues
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (Feb. 2, 2012) – The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. officially launched its Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance today with an event attended by over 200 of the area’s food and beverage companies, suppliers and elected officials.
The Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance was created by HVEDC – the same organization that developed NY BioHud Valley, which helps unify marketing efforts by the biotech industry in the Hudson Valley and reinforce that the Hudson Valley is the epicenter of the biotech industry in New York.
“The Food and Beverage Alliance will be a strong network of companies, providers and government all with the same purpose in mind – to grow an already prosperous food and beverage industry into an even greater sector for the Hudson Valley,” said Mike Oates, CEO and President of the HVEDC.
Among those speaking at today’s Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance Roundtable was Senator Charles Schumer; Dr. Tim Ryan, President of The Culinary Institute of America; and Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro. The event was hosted by The Culinary Institute of America at its Danny Kaye Theatre in the Conrad N. Hilton Library at the Hyde Park campus.
“I am eager to work with the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation as they launch The Food and Beverage Cluster, which will create new economic opportunities and good-paying jobs,” said Sen. Schumer. “Whether it’s a small farmer selling their crops or a global company facing international competition, I will help anyway I can. This initiative will forge new partnerships and thrust the Hudson Valley to the forefront of the food and beverage industry. When food and beverage companies are looking to start up or expand – they will now be looking at the Hudson Valley to call home.”
The Food and Beverage Alliance’s mission is to focus on helping food and beverage companies in the region work together as strong partners and market their products all over the United States.
The purpose of today’s discussion was to help shape the course of the food and beverage industry in the Hudson Valley for 2012 and beyond. Discussions were held on a variety of topics, including exploring business-to-business needs, industry policies at the state and federal levels, workforce training and education initiatives including funding opportunities, access to capital through loan and grant programs and networking.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said: “The Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance Roundtable is an excellent opportunity for the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation to bring together local New York businesses to showcase all of the fine products they have to offer. I will continue working with the Economic Development Corporation and these local businesses to promote this initiative and attract more jobs to the Hudson Valley food and beverage industry.”
County Executive Molinaro said, “As home to the nationally renowned Culinary Institute of America, Dutchess County has seen significant growth in the food and beverage industry. Fostering this cluster is important to our local, regional and state economy, so we are excited to partner with the Food and Beverage Alliance to help ensure these companies continue to grow and prosper here in Dutchess County.”
“From global brand powerhouses such as PepsiCo, Dannon, Heineken, Sabra Dipping and Pernod Ricard, to local emerging specialty firms, such as Captain Lawrence Brewing, we view the Alliance as a powerful platform for promoting the vitality and diversity of our Westchester-based food and beverage companies,” stated Laurence Gottlieb, Westchester County’s Director of Economic Development. “By partnering with private industry, rather than getting in its way, government (at all levels) can work together with the Food & Beverage Alliance members to significantly expand business and employment opportunities throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.”
“Ulster County is home to a large number of food and beverage industry partners ranging from small value-added specialty food production to large beverage bottling operations to food equipment process manufacturing,” said March Gallagher, deputy director of planning for economic development, Ulster County Office of the County Executive. “We appreciate that HVEDC is shining a spotlight on this important industry sector, which drives jobs and investment in our community.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, “Between agriculture and manufacturing, food and beverage is an integral part of Hudson Valley economy. I am happy to work with HVEDC on this exciting initiative to promote and grow this vital industry.”
Michael C. Finnegan, CEO of Continental Organics, said, “For a startup like Continental Organics, support from companies that belong to the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance and networking with them will be immensely helpful.”
“I think the Alliance will offer companies like ours the opportunity to find synergies or commonalities that help each of us profitably grow our businesses,” said Robb E. Turner, founder of Crown Maple Syrup.
“The launch of the Food and Beverage Alliance builds on the strength of the diverse industries in this sector throughout the Hudson Valley,” said Dr. Marsha Gordon, president/CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “Formalizing this alliance provides even more of an opportunity to create jobs and build the economy of our region. The Business Council of Westchester is pleased to be a founding sponsor.”
Maureen Halahan stated, “I applaud the HVEDC for its role in forming the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance. “The food and beverage industry has blossomed from a collection of mom-and-pop operations to a trillion dollar powerhouse led by huge international corporations. This alliance will position the region to take advantage of this high-growth industry.”
“I am extremely excited to be a part of the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance,” said Michael Bonura, a founding partner of Bonura Hospitality Group. “Being involved in the industry in the Hudson Valley since childhood, my passion for its growth and enhancement is innate. I’m honored to be part of the voice that can give our industry presence and strength in Albany.”
“Farming is one of the most important businesses in the Hudson Valley and the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance is a vital first step to building relationships in our various food system networks as well as further strengthening our voice with relevant public policy makers,” said Chris Pawelski of Pawelski Farms in the Goshen area. “I and the farmers in the black dirt of Orange County would like to thank HVEDC for making this event and future ones possible.”
Todd M. Erling, executive director of Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp., said, “HVADC appreciates the opportunity to play a role in this effort and to support our network of producers and local food companies. HVEDC has taken a key step in convening the diverse representation of food and beverage companies in the Hudson Valley and we recognize their effort to incorporate the valley’s local growers.”
Ralph A. Martinelli, vice president of Today Media and publisher of Westchester Magazine, Westchester Home, 914INC., Westchester Weddings, Hudson Valley Magazine, said: “Hudson Valley Magazine and Westchester Magazine are happy to be the print media sponsor for the HV Food and Beverage Alliance. What a great opportunity to bring together and market the abundance of food and beverage companies in the Hudson Valley region. Our magazines look forward to promoting and getting the message out about this alliance and bringing together these food and beverage companies. We will help to bring together many of these businesses who may not know some of their neighbors in this industry in our region. We feel strongly that this industry is poised for major growth of the next few years.”
Catherine A. Maloney, acting president and CEO of Dutchess County Economic Development Corp. (DCEDC), said, “DCEDC is pleased to be partnering with HVEDC in this collaborative effort. Highlighting businesses in this sector makes good business sense and kicking off the event at The Culinary Institute makes sense for the Hudson Valley.”
Mary Kay Vrba, director of Dutchess County Tourism, said, “The Hudson River Valley is rich in the history of food and beverages and many visitors come because of the quality of food that we have to offer and I am happy that HVEDC is creating partnerships to increase the focus on farm producers and their products and to increase vitality of food and beverage industry in the Hudson Valley.”
Lance Matteson, president of Ulster County Development Corp., said: “People are paying a lot of attention to what they eat and drink and the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance has the potential to greatly increase the regional business opportunities springing from this fact. Ulster County has a dynamic food and beverage sector, so UCDC is delighted to participate in this timely initiative.”
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. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit www.hvedc.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
