The Accelerator, the New Windsor incubator backed by the Orange County Industrial Development Agency that works to revive the mid-Hudson Valley manufacturing industry, will host an event this month promoting the reemergence of fashion manufacturing in the region at SUNY Orange in Middletown.
The event, “Evolution of Fashion Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley: Past, Present, Future,” will be held Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at SUNY Orange’s Kaplan Hall, and will be hosted in partnership with FuzeHub, the Albany nonprofit that connects small New York manufacturers with resources and other services.
The goal of the event, which will include a panel discussion on current initiatives and challenges in reviving the Hudson Valley’s fashion industry, is to bring together local apparel designers and manufacturers to boost industry connections and educate those attending on current and future fashion trends.
Vincent Cozzolino, managing director of The Accelerator, said that the Hudson Valley’s proximity to New York City and major transportation routes make it an ideal location for the fashion industry.
“The Hudson Valley is a very lucrative area for fashion manufacturers,” he said. “We’re already getting a lot of interest from apparel and accessory manufacturers about coming to the region, so that they can continue to grow their businesses and be successful.”
The event will also feature a presentation on the region’s apparel industry history from Newburgh City Historian Mary McTamaney and a discussion of the future of nanotechnology in clothing led by Cornell University fiber science professor Juan Hinestroza.
“Our goal is to provide a platform for manufacturers to connect and learn about the resources available to them to grow their businesses,” said FuzeHub Interim Executive Director Elena Garuc. “By working with regional partners, we are able to tap into an emerging manufacturing cluster in the Hudson Valley, learn about the needs of these companies and start conversations that are important to foster collaboration.”
For more information, visit www.fuzehub.com or contact FuzeHub at info@fuzehub.com
