The New Windsor-based Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. is boasting the full megillah for businesses looking to set up shop in its seven-county, Hudson River-centric sphere, followed by that simplest of pitches: Call us.
The HVEDC claims for the region in its just-released 2010 annual report include:
Ӣ high-quality work force;
Ӣ top-tier space;
Ӣ varied private sector of builders, engineers and developers; and
Ӣ political support.
In touting its vision for growth, the HVEDC has put forth a raft of statistics: 1.17 million square feet of space occupied in 2010; 1,471 jobs created; and 246 development-themed meetings with the likes of brokers and site selectors.
HVEDC Vice President Marissa Brett offered details of the progress to date in response to written questions:
Your report, “The Nucleus for Economic Growth in the Hudson Valley” ”“ notes 246 unique meetings with brokers, site selectors and via HVEDC corporate outreach. What”™s the feedback?
“The feeling among these folks is positive for the Hudson Valley. They see the opportunity we have here in our region among industry clusters that we are working hard to develop such as biotech/life sciences and solar coupled with our prime location.”
The report cites 1.167 million square feet of space occupied. Is that in 2010 alone? Where was the most space taken?
“Yes, that is the number for 2010 alone. Orange County had the most square footage occupied with 637,600 square feet, mostly from gaining President Container ”“ a 505,000-square-foot attraction into Wallkill.”
The report cited 1,471 jobs created. What sector created the most?
“Over 300 jobs were created in the biotech/life sciences industry sector, strongly supporting our position that NY BioHud Valley is growing. We saw more than 600 jobs in manufacturing with the attractions of President Container, Takasago and Solartech Renewables, as well.”
Specific successes?
“Kolmar Labs could have relocated out of New York state; instead they opted to stay in Orange County retaining 500 jobs and they are investing $23 million in their facility.
“Two noteworthy expansions in Ulster County include Precision Flow Technologies and Selux USA. Precision Flow Technologies has expanded significantly. They are remaining at their facility in Saugerties and have taken an additional 40,000-square-foot space in Kingston at TechCity. Selux USA added 18,000 square feet of manufacturing space to their existing facility in Highland. These companies are creating quality jobs and together they have more than 430 employees to date.
“DeCicco Family Markets is bringing 85 jobs to Putnam County. They are not only opening an upscale food market, they are also using the space to centralize their specialty food manufacturing and distributing to their other locations.
“Life Medical Technologies has chosen high-tech space at the Hudson Valley Research Park in Dutchess County to locate their new headquarters. They are going to manufacture at the facility and will be creating 250 jobs over the next three years.
“The largest deal of the year was President Container Group”™s move from New Jersey to Orange County. They consolidated three New Jersey sites to one in Wallkill and are bringing more than 200 jobs and purchased a 505,000-square-foot facility. It”™s not often that we place a single tenant in 500,000-plus square feet.
The report cited “more businesses on the move” with Health Quest, Magnetic Analysis, Zyloware, Avon, Nuverse and Solid State Cooling. What do these coming moves mean to the economic picture?
“These moves show activity in our region. We are seeing existing companies to expand such as Magnetic Analysis Corporation, Avon Products and Solid State Cooling Systems. Companies are upgrading their facilities by moving into recently renovated buildings such as Health Quest moving to Taconic Crossing. This is a good sign as we have spent much time focusing on the downward cycle of the economy. These expansions and upgrades show the Hudson Valley has strong companies that are leading the economic recovery.
What else do you believe to be important points of your report?
“The Hudson Valley region has struggled with a difficult economy just like everyone else. Despite this tough climate, HVEDC was able to create over 1,400 jobs and occupy over 1.1 million square feet of commercial and industrial space throughout the region. We focused on a cluster-development strategy embodied in our renewable energy and biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms and we”™ve seen successes in both these sectors with the attraction of Solartech Renewables, Life Medical Technologies and ContraFect Corp. We are entering 2011 with a clear strategic plan to help make the Hudson Valley stronger and the location of choice for businesses looking to expand or relocate.”
