Newsreleases—Archives 2006

For Immediate Release
December 7, 2006

Contact: Thea Glaser
Director of Business Development
845.463.5415

Free Engineering Assistance Offered to Small Businesses in Dutchess County

Poughkeepsie, NY – The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce its partnership with the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP). Funded by a grant through NASA, SATOP offers up to 40 hours of FREE engineering assistance to help small businesses overcome technical challenges. The goal of SATOP is to help speed the transfer of technical knowledge from the U.S. space industry to small businesses, thereby promoting economic development.

Assisting SATOP as Alliance Partners are aerospace contractors, NASA field centers, universities, and colleges, which donate time and expertise. Platinum-level Alliance Partners include Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, New Mexico State University, and TEAM Specialty Products. SATOP accesses small businesses at the local level through its Alliance Partners, which now include the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation.

According to a recent study by Economic & Policy Resources, in 2004 alone, SATOP dealt successfully with 390 requests for technical assistance. SATOP does not work only with “high-tech” firms. Last year, SATOP’s projects included reducing shipping damage for window shutters; recommending lenses for a new type of theatrical light; optimizing the design of an aftermarket motorcycle part; and improving humidity control for a salami-curing process.
The improved business technology resulted in an economic impact in 2005 of more than $107 million and was responsible for the creation or retention of 292 jobs. More than 1,800 resolutions have been provided to businesses since the SATOP’s inception.

Says Anne N. Conroy, Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO,  “SATOP will be a great resource to small businesses in Dutchess County, giving them access to a level of consulting technical expertise that they could not normally afford. We are delighted to be a partner with SATOP in offering this unique service to qualifying businesses in Dutchess County.”

Beth Bornick, Director of the NY SATOP Center states:  “We are excited to welcome Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation as a SATOP partner, Their presence will give us greater visibility and give more small businesses the opportunity to benefit from SATOP’s free service.” SATOP provides its free engineering assistance to a wide variety of small   businesses, and mainly addresses challenges in mechanical, electrical, materials, and manufacturing engineering (SATOP does not handle software or IT requests).

Any small business (up to 500 employees) facing a technical or production challenge may submit a Request for Technical Assistance by contacting Thea Glaser, Director of Business Development for the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation at 845.463.5415 or by going to the SATOP website at www.SATOPNY.com.

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The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a private, nonprofit organization serving the cities, towns, and villages of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency (DCIDA), and through private-sector investment, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in Dutchess County.

For Immediate Release
July 12, 2006

Contact: Tamara Watson
Director of Marketing
845.463.5450

Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes New Empire Zone Coordinator

Poughkeepsie, NY - The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) has appointed Theresa M. Kelly as the new Empire Zone Coordinator for the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone effective June 27, 2006. Kelly was formerly the Assistant Director, Empire Zone Program, with Empire State Development Corporation, which is the state’s economic development agency.

Kelly will assist local businesses with their Empire Zone certification applications, incentive information, and available program assistance. She will also work with companies that would like to establish themselves in the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone to determine if they qualify and will work to fulfill New York State requirements for the Zone.

In her former position with New York State, Kelly managed eleven Empire Zones including the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone; designed and wrote copy for print and online marketing for the Zone; and met with business and municipal officials to discuss details related to projects and offer customized benefits projections. Kelly has also been a regular speaker at economic development seminars on the topic of Empire Zone programs.

States Kelly: “The Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone is the best Zone in the entire state. I am looking forward to working with everyone in Dutchess County, and I intend to build on the success that the Empire Zone has achieved thus far.”

Dr. D. David Conklin, President of Dutchess Community College and Chair of the Zone Administrative Board for the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone observes: “I am looking forward to having someone with Theresa Kelly’s level of experience as part of the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone team. Her knowledge and experience with the program, gained by working with many Zones and with state regulations, will be valuable in moving the Zone forward while maintaining its well-established level of achievement.”

Anne N. Conroy, President and CEO of Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation, states: “We have worked with Theresa at the state level and have a first-hand appreciation of her skill, knowledge, and ability to work with people. She will be a valuable addition to our Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone team.”

Originally from Peekskill, and currently residing there, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

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The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a private, nonprofit organization serving the cities, towns, and villages, of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the County’s Industrial Development Agency, and through private sector investment, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in the Dutchess County through a variety of business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development programs.

For Immediate Release
May 31, 2006

Contact: Tamara Watson
Director of Marketing
845.463.5450

Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation Website Captures Award from NYS Economic Development Council

Poughkeepsie, NY- The New York State Economic Development Council (NYSDC), at its annual meeting in Lake George on May 24-25, awarded the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) a Certificate of Excellence for its revised and redesigned website, in recognition of its outstanding data quality, organization, navigability, visual appeal, and accessibility.

Anne N. Conroy, President and CEO of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation, states: “Our thinkdutchess.com website is an important marketing tool, promoting DCEDC and Dutchess County to business and corporate leaders, site selectors, real estate professionals, and others. For our newly updated website to be awarded this accolade by the statewide economic development council is truly an honor.”

The focus of the NYSEDC annual meeting this year was “Regional Strategies in Global Economy.” NYSEDC is the principal statewide professional development organization for local economic developers in New York State, representing 900 economic development professionals from diverse sectors. Represented at the annual meeting were: chambers of commerce, private corporations, industrial development agencies, bond councils, commercial and investment banks, utilities, local development corporations, and underwriters.

NYSEDC’s goal is to enhance the professional abilities of its members through educational programs to help establish regional and statewide development programs, and to promote economic development throughout New York State. The statewide council has been assisting New York’s development professionals for over thirty years.

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The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a private, nonprofit organization serving the cities, towns, and villages, of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the County’s Industrial Development Agency, and through private sector investment, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in the Dutchess County through a variety of business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development programs.

For Immediate Release
March 16, 2006

Contact: Tamara Watson
Director of Marketing
845.463.5450

Local Firms Play Important Role in Positioning Former IBM West Campus for Adaptive Reuse

Poughkeepsie, NY – The former IBM West Campus—renamed by its recent purchaser, Preferred Real Estate Investments, Inc., the Hudson Valley Technology Campus—was one parcel built for one company’s use. A major challenge facing Preferred, and local entities with a stake in the success of the redevelopment of the 934,000 square-foot site, will be to work together to effectively position the campus in the marketplace for a possible variety of uses and users. The ultimate user package could include a semiconductor-related company, Bio tech, pharma, and/or a call center.

Dutchess County Executive, William R. Steinhaus, hosted a meeting at his office on March 15 with the goal of facilitating a dialog to enhance understanding of the project and all local entities and issues involved.

In addition to Preferred Real Estate Investments, the Dutchess County Executive invited the President and CEO of the Dutchess County Economic
Development Corporation (Anne N. Conroy) and the Director of Business Attraction (Gordon Rutherfurd) for DCEDC, which has specific expertise in issues relating to business attraction and incentives through the Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone; the Supervisor of the Town of East Fishkill, (John Hickman), who will be working with Preferred on town-related issues such as zoning; the President of the Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce (Ann Meagher); and the Planning Commissioner of the Dutchess County Planning Department (Roger Akeley), who oversees land-use and planning countywide.

In describing the meeting, County Executive, William R. Steinhaus states: “I brought together a core group to learn more about Preferred’s plans and to stimulate dialog and open communication with local entities that will make the redevelopment of this world-class campus a resounding success for the community as well as the owners.” Adds Steinhaus, “The project is vitally important to both southern Dutchess County and the county as a whole. The adaptive reuse of the 934,000 square foot site will attract new jobs, additional business investment, and stimulate local spending.”

At this point, Preferred anticipates multi-use. Spokesman for Preferred Real Estate Investments, Inc., Scott Tattar, states: “Preferred’s philosophy, whenever we come into a community, is to get to know the local businesses, use their resources and benefit from their understanding of the people and culture. We have reached out to local law firms, town supervisors, various community groups and other key influencers in the market. Ultimately, by partnering with these entities, Preferred will become a good neighbor in East Fishkill.”

At Preferred’s request, representatives of two local firms were present: The Chazen Companies and Cuddy & Feder, LLP. Representing The Chazen Companies was the Principal (Richard Chazen) and the Director of Planning (Susan Blickstein). Chazen is a Poughkeepsie-based firm whose portfolio includes civil, structural, transportation, environmental consulting, and geotechnical engineering, as well as planning. Representing the law firm Cuddy & Feder, LLP were Partners (Jennifer L. Van Tuyl, Esq. and Dan Leary, Esq.). Cuddy & Feder, LLP is a regional Hudson Valley firm, with offices in Fishkill and White Plains, that has legal experience that encompasses the region.

Anne N. Conroy, President and CEO of Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation, states that the meeting “enriched everyone’s understanding of the possibilities of this complex project.” Adds Conroy, “the local public and private entities that will be assisting Preferred with their local knowledge and specific expertise used this opportunity to learn more about Preferred and its impressive and particularly relevant history in adapting other, large-scale industrial properties for reuse by one or more industrial tenants.”

According to Jennifer L. Van Tuyl, Esq., Partner in the regional Hudson Valley law firm, Cuddy & Feder, LLP, and member of the DCEDC Board of Directors: “Seeing visual representations of the work that Preferred has done in other states and communities was very helpful. We will be working with Preferred to assist them in the permitting process for the redevelopment of their property, which will include obtaining the approvals required.”

Susan G. Blickstein, Corporate Director of Planning with The Chazen Companies observes: “This is a great project. The Chazen Companies will be working with Preferred on environmental planning and will give assistance in the area of civil engineering.”

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The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a private, nonprofit organization serving the cities, towns, and villages of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency (DCIDA), and through private-sector investment, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in Dutchess County through a variety of business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development programs.

For Immediate Release
March 9, 2006

Contact: Peter Winne
Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone
845.463.5408

2006 Empire Zone Tax & Finance Seminar Offered

The Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone and DCEDC will host a 2006 Empire Zone Tax and Finance Seminar at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. The seminar is open to businesses, accountants, and financial advisors.

Attendees will learn about the changes that were made to the 2006 NYS tax forms, financing options, and the redesignation of the Poughkeepsie / Dutchess Empire Zone. Suzanne Reusch, Taxpayer Service Representative from NY State Tax and Finance will present an overview of the changes in Empire Zone tax forms for qualifying businesses. Andrew Linehan, Senior Vice President from NYBDC will discuss Statewide Zone Capital Corp financing options for Empire Zone businesses. The 2006 Seminar is sponsored by Castagna Commerce Park, Anchin, Block & Anchin, and Eagle Riverview Group.

The fee for the seminar is $30 and includes breakfast and materials. There is an additional, optional, fee of $20 for the new 2006 Empire Zone Tax Workbook.

For more information, please contact Nathaniel Pazik at 845.463.5420 or Npazik@dcedc.com.

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The Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone was designated by New York State in July 1994. Its purpose is to spur growth in economically impacted areas. The Poughkeepsie/Dutchess Empire Zone is administered through the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation.

The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation is a private, not-for-profit organization serving the cities and towns of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the Dutchess County’s Industrial Development Agency, and through private sector investments, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in Dutchess County through a variety of business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development programs’.

News Release
Office of the Dutchess County Executive
22 Market Street ¨ Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845/486-2000 Fax: 845/486-2021
e-mail: countyexec@co.dutchess.ny.us

Date: March 6, 2006

For Further Information Contact:
William R. Steinhaus, County Executive
845/486-2000

STEINHAUS PRESENTS TO NATIONAL GROUP
Tells the “Dutchess” Story

Poughkeepsie…At the annual 2006 Legislative Conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo) in Washington D.C., Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus was the guest speaker Sunday at the Economic and Community Development Steering Committee. Mr. Steinhaus was asked to present the “Dutchess” story on how a community can deal successfully with sudden economic downturn.

The NACo conference is held annually for county officials across the nation, and is attended by more than 3,000. County Executive Steinhaus serves as a member of the NACo Board of Directors and is a past president of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).

Steinhaus emphasized the county’s gain of 14,000 jobs since 1994, its low unemployment rate of 3.6%, the billions of dollars of business investment, as well as the numerous national awards and rankings in recent years that have recognized Dutchess County as having one of the healthiest economies in the nation. Dutchess County is also a recognized model of “best practice” in many areas of government services and programs.

Mr. Steinhaus said, “I was honored to be asked to tell a national audience how our public/private partnership, “Team Dutchess”, joined together to share a vision, set a clear strategy, and implement the action steps necessary to rebuild the Dutchess economy after the corporate downsizing of a major employer.”

Describing the demographics and location of the County, Steinhaus noted the impact after the loss of thousands of jobs, the increase of vacant commercial and industrial space by more than 6 million square feet, and the overall ripple effects on the businesses in the county. He outlined the county’s plan for recovery including the first Economic Forum he convened in April 1993 with primarily private sector business and community leaders, resulting in a strategy that was a multi-dimensional, diverse and comprehensive one that, once drafted, was open to public participation at multiple citizen forums.

“Most critical to our success was, and continues to be, the Dutchess County Economic Development leadership model we developed,” Steinhaus told the group. “The entire community had to feel ownership for the strategies and the solutions…they had to feel empowered by the highest level of government leadership…they had to be sure of my commitment to the County’s future as well as my support behind their efforts.”

“Importantly, we had to share accountability and take responsibility for our respective areas of assignment. We were relentless, implementing one third of our 100 strategies within the first 12 months,” Steinhaus noted.

Steinhaus took the group through the reorganization of the County’s economic development infrastructure, including the County government’s increased financial commitment to help market and brand Dutchess County as a prime business and corporate location. This approach also included working closely with the state, which had become more business-friendly under the leadership of Governor George Pataki in the mid-1990s. The presentation showed early successes, as well as a discussion of the key industry clusters in Dutchess County - technology, health care, and tourism.

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2006

Contact: Tamara Watson
Director of Marketing
845.463.5450

DCEDC Names New Board Members

Poughkeepsie, NY – During its Annual Meeting held February 2, 2006, the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) announced new board members and recognized individuals leaving the Board of Directors.

The following new appointments to the Board were announced: Steven Evans, Assistant Director, Dia Beacon; Garret Corcoran, General Manager, Troutbeck Inn; Elizabeth Eismeier, A.S., Vice President, Finance & Administration, Vassar College; and Thomas McQuade, Chief Financial Officer, Associated Aircraft Group, Inc. Newly elected board members will serve three-year terms.

Paul P. Calogerakis will be the new Secretary of the Board, a position formerly held by Edward L. McCormick.

In addition, it was announced that Michael Graham, Vice President, M & T Bank Corporation and the new Chairman of the External Marketing Council, will join the Board as an Ex-Officio member.

Special recognition was awarded to outgoing Board members for their many years of dedicated service to DCEDC: Ann Davis, Director, Economic Research, Marist College Bureau of Economic Research; Michael Govan, Director, Dia Art Foundation; Richard J. Henley, former Executive Vice President, Health Quest; and Edward L. McCormick, President, McCormick Management Consulting. In addition Stephen W. Cole, Regional Manager, External Affairs, IBM Corporation, moved from Ex-Officio to regular board-member status.

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The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a private, not-for-profit organization serving the cities and towns of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency (DCIDA), and through private sector investments, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in Dutchess County through a variety of business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development programs.

For Immediate Release
January 24, 2006

Contact: Tamara Watson
Director of Marketing
845.463.5450

Innovative Book Wholesaler Chooses Dutchess

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Now open for business at 900 Dutchess Turnpike in the Town of Poughkeepsie, BookStream, an innovative wholesale book distributor, has progressed in classic start-up manner, from idea to business plan to practical realization of an original dream.

Describing itself as a “general trade wholesale book distributor,” BookStream sells what the publishing industry calls trade books (fiction and nonfiction books) directly to bookstores. According to the principal owners of BookStream, Jack Herr, President, and Rich Stone, CFO, the wholesaler’s preliminary market is the independent bookselling community. Says Herr, “our aim is to build a wholesale business that has preeminent systems, comprehensive resources, and outstanding people committed to the success of our customers.”

The company has obtained a temporary C of O for 82,000 sf, with total space of 110,000 sf available for expansion. BookStream currently has 21 employees (13 warehouse employees and 8 office employees). Says Stone, “We’ve found great employees in the Town of Poughkeepsie, and all 13 of our warehouse employees are local.” He adds, “Our long-range plan is to grow to a level where 50-60 employees will be needed.”

William R. Steinhaus, Dutchess County Executive, states that businesses like BookStream “Diversify our Dutchess economy and increase Dutchess County’s economic energy by successfully tapping into the local workforce to realize their dream of successful entrepreneurship.”

Says Anne N. Conroy, President and CEO of Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation, “While BookStream is individual and innovative in its approach to serving the needs of customers, it is typical of many start-ups, which require vision tempered with a willingness to take the risks and do the hard work necessary to launch a fledgling business.”

Both Herr and Stone assert that they are happy to be underway and to have found the right location for their business. Says Herr, “We’re fortunate to have space that is both cost-attractive and suitable. Our location in the Town of Poughkeepsie is ideal for servicing booksellers in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern regions. We are particularly fortunate to have met Gordon Rutherford of the DCEDC early in our search. Gordon, Anne Conroy and the entire EDC have been extremely helpful in establishing BookStream.”

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The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a private, nonprofit organization serving the cities, towns, and villages of Dutchess County. Funded annually by the County, the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency (DCIDA), and through private-sector investment, the DCEDC supports and promotes business development in Dutchess County through a variety of business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development programs.