Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. will host its first forum this month in an educational series designed for the region’s food and beverage entrepreneurs.
The first seminar in the “Nibbles” series will address legal issues facing the industry. It will be from 6 to 8 p.m. April 21 in the Reckson Metro Center auditorium at 360 Hamilton Ave., where Heineken USA, an event sponsor, has its headquarters. Check-in will be at 5:30 p.m. at Heineken’s 12th-floor office, where refreshments will be served at The Haystack.
The cost is $30 per person.
Speakers will include attorneys Kyle-Beth Hilfer of Kyle-Beth Hilfer PC in Chappaqua, Donald M. Bernstein of Victor & Bernstein PC in Manhattan and Howard Schragin of Sapir Schragin LLP in White Plains.
They will discuss licensing and leasing issues involved in launching a restaurant business; legal issues in choosing a name, décor and menu; restaurant advertising and marketing campaigns; and recommended policies for employment law issues.
HVEDC President and CEO Laurence P. Gottlieb said the event builds on the New Windsor-based organization’s  annual Hudson Valley Beer, Wine, Spirits & Cider Summit.
“We were hearing from those in the food industry that they wanted follow-up educational forums with more content tailored to their needs,” he said. “The Nibbles series will provide local entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to be successful in our regional economy. As we say, ”˜smaller servings, same great content.”™”
“The restaurant business can become legally confusing for a first-timer,” said attorney Luis Rivera, executive director of the Westchester County Bar Association, “and that”™s where we want to help with expert advice delivered by a panel of knowledgeable individuals who understand the unique needs of this business sector.”
Event sponsors in addition to Heineken and the Westchester County Bar Association are Reckson ”” Division of SL Green Realty Corp., Con Edison, the Hudson Valley Economic Development Network and HVEDC.
To register online, go to nibbles04-21.eventbrite.com.
