BY LAURENCE P. GOTTLIEB
The best minds in the beer, wine, spirits and cider industries will give their insights on beverage growth opportunities and challenges at the Hudson Valley Beer, Wine, Spirits & Cider Summit 2.0 on Oct. 9 at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.
The food and beverage industry is a powerhouse growth industry, creating jobs and significantly enhancing the region”™s economic value and vibrancy for the benefit of prospective and current businesses. The Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance, created in 2012 by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., brings a strong network of companies, service providers and government leaders together to grow this already prosperous industry into an even greater one.
But it”™s more than industry clusters like tourism and hospitality that benefit from the industry”™s successes. Quality of life is further enhanced as this “lightning in a bottle” consistently releases its positive electricity in the region. All cluster sectors will reap the benefits of the Food and Beverage Alliance”™s accomplishments and its interest in providing educational opportunities.
That”™s why it”™s important to reinforce the important connection between this industry and others within the Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley Beer, Wine, Spirits & Cider Summit 2.0 is an extraordinary opportunity to hear speakers”™ thoughts and ideas about entrepreneurship, the current state of the industry and their outlook for the future. Those views impact all industries.
Global wine executive James W. Mariani, co-CEO of Banfi Vintners, a wine importer, will be the keynote speaker. Banfi Vinters owns and imports some of the most well-known brands in the business, including Bell”™Agio, Bolla and Riunite.
Without a doubt, Mariani”™s keynote address is analogous to an event featuring Bill Gates speaking about software development at MIT.
Like other Hudson Valley entrepreneurs, Mariani feels it”™s the thirst, determination and drive to find open doors that lead to positive business outcomes.
“Its passion and perseverance that find the opportunities ”“ two key factors binding all successful people working very hard in this business,” he said.
That”™s a good reminder for all of us.
Summit 2.0”™s featured speaker is Richard A. Ball, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
As commissioner, Ball works with industry leaders to help New York agriculture reach its next level of growth. For the past 20 years, Ball has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in upstate Schoharie, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The on-site farm market known as “The Carrot Barn” ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City.
Summit 2.0 also will feature representatives from Empire State Development who will discuss state and federal industry policies, the successful Taste NY initiative and other topics.
The summit also will include breakout panel discussions with financial, legal, accounting and industry experts offering insights on tackling business challenges, and feature a “Thirst & Vine” tasting area.
The collaboration between HVEDC and The Culinary Institute of America aims to bring innovative and dynamic programs to our region”™s leaders. That partnership extends to First Niagara, which is serving as presenting sponsor along with event sponsors The Culinary Institute of America, Taste NY, Heineken, Judelson, Giordano & Siegel CPA P.C., Pamal Broadcasting, Today Media, Townsquare Media, WineRacks.com, Dutchess County Economic Development Corp. and Empire Merchants North.
It”™s important to emphasize that food and beverage entrepreneurs are a different and unique group of individuals who are genuinely invested in each other”™s success.
Please join us at the new, state-of-the-art Marriott Pavilion at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and be part of this chance to hear the perspectives of world-class experts speaking at a world-class venue.
To register, visit hvedcbwscsummit.eventbrite.com.
Laurence P. Gottlieb is president and CEO of Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. in New Windsor. He can be reached at lgottlieb@hvedc.com.
