Orange County NY Economic Development Guide by Web Master

ORANGE COUNTY !

2011-2012 OFFICIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

Reaching Out With Business Resources

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PAGE 20

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Contents

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ORANGE COUNTY 2011-2012 OFFICIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

KEY INDUSTRIES

Encouraging Job Growth ......................................................4

Strong Healthcare Scene Bolstered By New Hospital .........20

Orange County Executive Ed Diana outlines priorities

Excitement surrounds Orange Regional Medical Center

Office of Business Assistance Forms Basis For Bright Future ..............................................6

Medical Options That Catch The Eye.....................................21

One-stop shopping for local job creation

High-Tech Hudson Valley .........................................................22

Unparalleled Transportation Options .....................................7

Solar energy and biotechnology establish strong foothold

Touting the benefits of roads, rail, runways and rivers

Time Warner Cable Tunes In To Customers .........................23

Busier Skies Forecasted Over Stewart Airport....................10

Investment in communications infrastructure continues growing

Operation appears ready to take off under PANY/NJ’s direction

Orange’s Banking Needs Are Well-Served ............................24

BUSINESS RESOURCES Orange County Business Accelerator .............................................12 Orange County Industrial Development Agency ............................ 14 Pattern-for-Progress ......................................................................15 Orange County Partnership ...........................................................16 OCP Alliance for Balanced Growth ................................................ 17 Orange County Chamber of Commerce .........................................18

Crystal Run, Bon Secours and St. Luke’s Cornwall

Effective leadership aids industry growth

Verticon Builds On Success In Commercial Construction ...................................................26 Third-generation company keeps business “on time, on budget”

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 1

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Contents

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

QUALITY OF LIFE

Serving Those Who Served Our Country .....................................28 Veterans benefit from programs at Mount St. Mary and elsewhere

Activities Available for Every Taste ..............................................30 Shopping, sightseeing, performing arts and more

High Grades For Schools ...............................................................29 Students enjoy access to exceptional opportunities

AD INDEX ...................................................................................32

SUNY Orange Opens Doors In Newburgh ....................................29 New Kaplan Hall facility making impact in community

The Orange County 2011-2012 Official Economic Development Guide is produced in cooperation with:

Main cover photo by: Matthew E. H. Green

Orange County Government

Additional cover photos courtesy of: Orange County Chamber of Commerce

Orange County Partnership

Map courtesy of: Orange County Planning Department

www.co.orange.ny.us

www.ocpartnership.org

Orange County Chamber of Commerce www.orangeny.com

Editor/Writer: Colby Coates Photographer (unless otherwise indicated): Michael Nelson, michaeldalenelson.com

Chairman: Robert F. Martinelli President: Jonathan Witty Project Manager: Julie Lang Art Director: Ricky Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andrea Senior Editor: Blaise Willig Account Executive: Bernard Wasserman Traffic Coordinator: Chris Milton

Published by:

Media Two

The custom communications division of Hudson Valley and Westchester magazines. 2678 South Rd., 2nd Fl., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 100 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY 10523

Publisher: Ralph Martinelli

Articles, advertisements and listings appearing in the Orange County Official 2011-2012 Economic Development Guide are intended as a service to readers and do not constitute an endorsement of any business, organization or attraction. Information in this publication is as correct as possible at press time, but is subject to change. Reproduction in whole or in part of any photography, maps, illustrations or articles without prior written consent by the copyright holders is prohibited. Copyright 2011 by Media Two, the custom communications division of Hudson Valley and Westchester magazines, published by Today Media.

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 3

PHOTO BY MICHAEL NELSON

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ED DIANA

Encouraging Job Growth

In comparison to the other 61 counties in New York State, Orange County enjoys its share of advantages, not the least of which is its prime location just 60 miles northwest of New York City. So the challenge to County Executive Ed Diana is to maximize the county’s geography as well as other favorable factors, such as unparalleled transportation options, a host of quality-of-life amenities, good schools, affordable housing, a highly educated work force and a viable airport with plenty of capacity to handle both cargo

and passenger traffic. If all that weren’t enough to put a smile on business and local government’s face, Orange County sits smack in the middle of the Boston-Washington, D.C., corridor, making it the perfect place to reach upwards of 75 million consumers in less than a half-day’s traveling. In an area covering 816 square miles,

4 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

and in which burgeoning tracts of commerce seek an accommodation with rolling green hills sporting apple orchards and cornfields, Diana unfailingly strikes the right chord. He balances a quest to bring new business, jobs and revenue to the county while preserving the vestiges of a more tranquil lifestyle that’s widely viewed as a prized asset. Orange County has been ranked New York State’s fastest growing county in eight of the last nine years. In 2009-10 alone, several thousand new jobs were created while hundreds of others were saved. In addition, a business incubator was launched and the county’s various economic development agencies – once hamstrung by too many competing agendas – pulled together with uncommon commitment. Such enthusiastic cooperation is, to a degree, a product of the participants’ zeal and talent. But there’s also a passion and “never say never” attitude that filters down from the county executive. Born and raised in the county, Diana has served as an educator, classroom instructor and proprietor of a popular Middletown restaurant, the eponymous Diana’s. He served in the county legislature before being elected county executive in 2001. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2005 and 2009.

‘Special Quality of Life’ Given his professional background prior to politics, it’s hardly surprising that Diana’s philosophy of governance seems imbued with a sense of genuine concern for home and family. It’s a constant theme in many of his speeches and a linchpin of the annual State of the County address to the legislature. He characterizes his administration as “very proactive toward business” but with an endgame that “allows our sons and daughters to live and work here.” He continues, “Government must always look to the future. We have to ask, ‘10 or 20 years out what can we do to help, how do we create jobs so that people can live here and work here now and in the future?’ We all want to maintain Orange County’s special quality of life, but the term quality of life, and all that it implies, rings hollow if people don’t have jobs.”

To that end, Diana points with satisfaction to the annual Orange County job fair, which is all about training, employment and “encouraging business to come here.” A number of commercial projects have come to fruition under Diana’s watch, among them Taylor Biomass, a Montgomery, NY-based company that recently broke ground for a $100 million facility that converts certain kinds of waste into electricity. Diana calls Taylor president Jim Taylor a “true visionary” and waxes euphoric about a business built from the ground up by a lifelong county resident who opted to locate the new facility here. Another success story under Diana’s watch is President Containers, which recently moved from New Jersey to Orange County, bringing well over 200 jobs with it. “Some critics say we’re growing too fast.” Diana says, “but I don’t know many people who don’t like it.”

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Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 5

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

Even while creating an environment in which business thrives, Diana’s been able to protect the county’s natural beauty. At the same time, Diana has implemented a whole series of costcontrolling measures. Two county agencies – the Director of Operations and Cost Control and the Office of General Funding – are devoted to reviewing all expenditures while at the same time devising ways to get more bang for every one of the county’s bucks. It seems to be working, as Orange is one of only two counties in New York State to hold an AAA bond rating from Moody’s. Combining a multitude of the county’s obvious advantages in every important economic development category with a decidedly pro-business posture makes Orange County what it is today: an outstanding place to live and work. !

Office of Business Assistance Forms Basis for Bright Future Orange County’s Office of Business Assistance, headed by Deputy County Executive James O’Donnell, stands as the coordinating mechanism for all local job creation initiatives. As a “one-stop” economic development tool, this office works in cooperation with the Industrial Development Association (IDA), the Orange County Business Accelerator, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Partnership to attract and retain businesses. As County Executive Ed Diana noted in his 2011 State of the County Address, “The future of Orange County will only be brighter if we have enough good paying jobs for our citizens. Job creation and retention are paramount to our sustainability as a thriving County.” In 2010, Orange County retained more than 400 jobs, added nearly 600 new jobs for county residents, and received in excess of $80 million dollars in capital investments. Companies such as Kolmar Laboratories, Array Optronix, Taylor Biomass, C&S Grocers, Shortline/Coach USA and Satin Foods either recommitted, expanded or opened new operations in Orange County in 2010. For more information, see the “Business Resources” section, pages 12-19, and also go online to www.HVmag.com.

www.co.orange.ny.us

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When the economic development community in Orange County talks about transportation, the conversation usually opens with a paean to Stewart International Airport, proceeds to note the confluence of three interstate highways that connect to Anywhere, USA, makes mention of the busy commuter train service, and inevitably concludes with a reference to the two majestic rivers bookendinig the county. All are crucial to Orangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant economic development story. As OC Accelerator Managing Director Michael Di Tullo likes to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of our biggest selling points is the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;four Rs of transportationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; roads, rail, runways and rivers.â&#x20AC;?

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GRAY

Unparalleled Transportation Options

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY TOURISM

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

Staying On Track The century-old Moodna Viaduct is a single-track iron trestle bridge that stands nearly 200 feet high and spans a breathtakingly gorgeous valley that includes the popular trout fishery, Moodna Creek. At 3,200 feet in length, it’s the highest and longest bridge of its kind east of the Mississippi, and harkens back to another era. In other places, high-minded engineers would likely have replaced the viaduct years ago to make way for something modern and woefully out of place in the pristine valley. In these parts, perhaps nothing is more symbolic of Orange County’s soul – its bucolic nature and charming quality of life. The viaduct also plays a crucial role in providing ready, seamless access to New York City. Commuter trains operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on what is known as the MetroNorth Port Jervis line carry hundreds and hundreds of passengers every day from

“the country” over the viaduct to jobs in the city. When not in use as a passenger conduit, the tracks carry freight in trains operated by Norfolk Southern. Located just outside the village of Salisbury Mills, the viaduct is one of the more visually spectacular attractions in the county. (Movie fans will remember the bridge from its appearance in George Clooney’s 2007 film, “Michael Clayton.”) But there’s also another scenic rail option for county commuters heading to New York City – long stretches of the 90-minute ride run on track that in some cases lays within yards of the Hudson River and offers a particularly fine view of West Point. Anyone in the eastern half of Orange County heading to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s experiment in social engineering drives over the NewburghBeacon Bridge and catches a train that disembarks in Grand Central Station. For those in the farthest, western reaches of the county, it’s a 40-minute car trip before boarding Metro-North’s Hudson Line in Beacon, in Dutchess County.

Orange Is Car County Whether you’re going to a string of riverfront restaurants in Newburgh, making a delivery to Woodbury Common, shopping at the Galleria mall in Middletown or attending Section 19 Little League baseball playoffs in Pine Bush, most of the time it’s an automobile that gets you to your destination. The county is crisscrossed with major interstates. For example, Interstate 87 (the New York Thruway) runs northsouth along the county’s eastern border. I-84 is mainly an east-to-west roadway, while I-86 (more widely known as Route 17) cuts across the county in a south-tonorthwest arc, eventually heading due west along New York’s Southern Tier to dead-end near Erie, PA. That’s where I-95 invites the road warrior to head north to Buffalo and Canada or south to Cleveland and the vast Midwest beyond. A string of both state and county roads connect all points within the county’s 816 square miles.

ORANGE COUNTY, NY

It’s where business comes to live Businesses relocate here just for the fun of it. Orange County has some of the best known destinations and events in New York State. From West Point to Storm King Art Center, the scenery is so beautiful film companies choose us for locations. Call for our 40 page guide to see why.

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www.OrangeTourism.org 8 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

Moodna Trestle

Short Line/Coach USA is a national bus line, headquartered in Orange County, that can get riders to Westchester and Rockland counties, New York City and beyond. Along with Short Line buses, a growing number of independent town-based taxi services cover the county. There is also some public minivan service available to seniors.

Orange County’s only 2 level enclosed shopping center! Shopping, Dining and Entertainment all in one great place! Macy’s, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, JC Penney, Sears, H&M, Forever 21, American Eagle, Hollister, Old Navy, DSW, Pandora, Sephora Inside JC Penney, The Children’s Place, Express, Johnny Rockets, Ruby Tuesday’s, a 16 Screen AMC movie theater and more!

Located just minutes off of I-84 and Rt 17 (Future I-86) One Galleria Drive, Middletown, NY 10941

Clearly...The Best of Everything!

Rivers Run Through It For as long as human beings have lived along its shore, the Hudson River has been “a corridor of commerce.” While the volume of shipping has changed over the years, the waterway remains viable for the transport of oil, cement and other commodities. However, the river is also quite important to agriculture, as the river’s physiological effect has produced some particularly fertile land in Orange County – perfect for raising grapes and apples and providing grazing land for dairy cows. (The Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville touts itself as America’s oldest vineyard, and once upon a time, Orange County fancied itself “a butter capital of the world.”) Whereas the Hudson fills commercial and recreational needs, the Delaware River in the county’s southern end is mainly known for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. It has been compared favorably to some blue-ribbon trout rivers in Montana and Wyoming, and the annual shad run up the Delaware, which also hosts a large population of smallmouth bass, is a major social and economic event. !

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For more information: The Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College: www.hudsonrivervalley.org Metropolitan Transportation Authority: www.mta.info NJ TRANSIT: www.njtransit.org Short Line/Coach USA: www.shortlinebus.com

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 9

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

Busier Skies Forecasted Over Stewart Airport

High-Flying Numbers

PHOTO BY MICHAEL NELSON

In a 2010 survey of Stewart International Airport customers – both incoming and outgoing – nearly 90 percent said they were extremely satisfied with the Stewart experience. On the cargo side, the airport enjoyed nearly a 21 percent increase in tonnage in 2010. Federal Express and United Parcel Service are the primary cargo carriers using Stewart, which is especially appreciated by Orange companies that ship products around the world. DIANNAE EHLER

The story of Stewart International Airport, located in the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor, is a complex one, characterized by twists and turns. But from an economic development perspective, Stewart is a game changer. Though it’s had a somewhat unsettled past as a variety of public and private entities have taken turns operating it, the airport is now – and for nearly a hundred years going forward – in the hands of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ). That’s the same organization that operates the metropolitan area’s other airports (Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark Liberty) and is responsible for bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, a subway system linking the two states, and the region’s marine terminals and ports. The PANY/ NJ also operated the first World Trade Center and is building its replacement. “Our mission,” says Stewart General Manager Diannae Ehler, “is to bring about a better quality of life to Orange County by strengthening the economic development activities.” The PANY/NJ sees Stewart’s role as a strong regional airport, with sustainable gains in passengers and air cargo the ticket to success. Certainly, all the major economic

development agencies in Orange, as well as the entire Hudson Valley, have lined up in support of that objective. The Orange County Chamber of Commerce has been especially vigorous in that vein, prominently posting a “Think Stewart First” ad on its website and urging the 2,000 Chamber members, “When you make arrangements to fly, why not give Stewart a try.”

First-Class Facilities Since it took over the airport in 2007, the PANY/NJ has spent upwards of $50 million on a host of facility upgrades, including new parking lots, an improved terminal, internal roads to handle traffic from a new I-84 airport exit, and an aeronautical electrical system upgrade that features new runway lights. Ehler points out that at least half of that outlay has gone to local contractors. Port Authority executives have also taken spots on local boards, initiated a citizen advisory board and, according to the airport’s GM, “forged a strong alliance with the Chamber of Commerce and Orange County Partnership.” In fact, when the Partnership brings prospective clients to the county on

10 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

recruitment tours, “we always join in the conversations,” Ehler says. Businesses want to be near airports for obvious reasons. But they also want choices when booking trips. Currently, jetBlue, Delta and US Airways maintain direct flights to Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. While Stewart handled about 900,000 passengers in 2007, the total was only 395,000 in 2010. That number, however, represented a gain over 2009, and Port Authority management is implementing a variety of plans to bring additional carriers and routes to the airport. “We’re trying to help the carriers defray start-up costs.” Ehler says. “We’re providing marketing assistance to help them market new routes.” According to Ehler, all the assets are in place to turn Stewart into a bellwether regional airport capable of serving a very important part of New York State. With the Port Authority and the full weight of the local business community behind the effort to revitalize the airport, the forecast is for busier skies over Newburgh. !

www.panynj.gov/airports/ stewart.html

Vital Information About

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Comparison

Greenhouse gas emissions from Indian Point — Virtually none Air pollution emitted by equivalent gas generation — millions of tons of pollutants a year

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Cost Stability Comparison U.S. Electricity Production Costs 2011 Cents Per Megawatt Hour Coal — $32.50 MWH Gas — $38.80 MWH

Nuclear — $20.00 MWH Comparative Megawatt Output Average Day Indian Point Energy Center 2064 megawatts Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Plant 2080 megawatts Niagara Falls Hydroelectric Plant 1880 megawatts Largest gas-fired plant in NY 1064 megawatts Largest coal-fired plant in NY 766 megawatts Largest wind farm in NY 360 megawatts Largest solar plant in US 350 megawatts

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Direct Economic Impact 1,100 Full-time employees with $130 million in annual payroll $75 million annually in local property taxes and revenue sharing with New York State

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL NELSON

BUSINESS RESOURCES

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR PETER GREGORY, IDA ATTORNEY PHILIP CROTTY AND DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE JAMES O’DONNELL

Active Accelerator Helps Start-Ups Find Success Not long after the Orange County Business Accelerator was launched in October 2009, County Executive Ed Diana characterized the business incubator as “a perfect example of how government can support industry.” Moreover, he suggested its performance defines “the helpful – not hindering – role government should play” in nurturing start-ups involved with cutting-edge ventures that ultimately create new jobs. In the current political climate, where everything government does is greeted with a raised eyebrow, one wonders if it gets any better than that. Such a ringing endorsement, however, is entirely appropriate for an agency

that massages entrepreneurial dreams into job-creating, revenue-producing reality. In a little more than a year, the Accelerator has exceeded all expectations, serving 14 clients and tenants, already adding additional space beyond the 10,000 square feet available when it opened its doors, and creating more than 50 jobs with the prospect of hundreds more developing once its clients move on. With every passing

12 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

day, inquiries from hundreds of other potential entrepreneurs pour in. Veteran Orange County economic development impresario Michael DiTullo, the incubator’s managing director, says the environment that’s been created is at the intersection of “capital, talent and innovation.” As a result, “we’re creating jobs from within the county,” which, he adds, “is what we’re all about.”

Services Offered Much of what the Accelerator provides clients is not that dissimilar to hundreds of other incubator-type programs scattered throughout the United States. State-of-the-art offices and innovation suites, all the latest technology in a plug-and-play environment, and wellappointed and spacious conference rooms overlooking the grand vista of Stewart Airport greet the prospective tenant. And it’s at a price tag that’s about 60 percent of the market rate. The entire overhead – from lights to heat as well as a full complement of administrative support services – is included in one fixed rate. It’s true turnkey operation. Usually a new client signs up for a

BUSINESS RESOURCES

three-year commitment; after that, the hope is the incubated companies will be of sufficient strength to move into their own location, add employees and function as yet another important cog in the county’s economy. Studies suggest that 80 percent of the businesses started in an incubator are judged to be “successful,” a rate that’s far higher than those that go it alone. Besides the physical amenities, start-up businesses can utilize an impressive array of other services, including mentoring programs, access to marketing and public relations professionals, legal services and an unending succession of networking opportunities. Through its Entrepreneur Knowledge Series, the Accelerator stages monthly seminars about the issues of the day, giving start-ups access to brainpower that might otherwise not be readily available. Among the topics covered to date: cloud computing, patent protection, corporate sustainability and the growing influence of social media as a tool of business. According to DiTullo, the monthly series “creates a dialogue between the Accelerator and the business community so we can improve our services and adapt to growing market trends.” Using the Entrepreneur Knowledge Series as a springboard, the Accelerator has added two additional information exchange programs, the Pop-Up Knowledge Series and the Service Provider Series. In both cases, clients meet with experts who perpetuate the sobriquet that knowledge is power. The Accelerator’s well-regarded Enterprise Development Director, Peter Gregory, handles many day-to-day operations. The initial drivers behind the incubator idea were IDA Chairman James Petro, Jr. and board member and IDA attorney Philip Crotty. In 2008, the IDA was approached with a number of investment ideas but none rang true. “None of the opportunities offered the meaningful jobs that IDA sought for Orange County,” Petro said. “So the IDA board decided to explore alternatives.” The Accelerator was born with the mandate to establish a home for entrepreneurial start-ups in exciting

new industries, including renewable energy, life sciences and information technology. The Accelerator “helped us with everything from getting our logo squared away to marketing advice and access to capital,” said Michael Finnegan, cofounder of Continental Organics, a firm focused on aquaponics. Continental Organics became a client in January

2010 with the dream of eventually opening a huge aquaculture operation. That dream’s about to come true as the groundbreaking for a facility in the Town of New Windsor is only a short time away. Finnegan explains, “If it wasn’t for this start-up assistance, we’d be nowhere near ground-breaking.” ! www.ocaccelerator.com

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Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 13

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL NELSON

County’s IDA Can Be Difference-Maker For Many Businesses Via Incentives

OCIDA CHAIRMAN JAMES PETRO, JR. AND ACCELERATOR MANAGING DIRECTOR MICHAEL DITULLO

The mission of the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is to promote economic development via a program of incentives that assist in the construction, equipping and maintenance of specific projects and facilities. In other words, it’s the agency that finds money for businesses through two primary tools, providing tax abatements and financing. OCIDA Chairman James Petro, Jr. explains the agency’s straightforward, uncomplicated approach to aiding almost any business save retail: “In this economic climate, we look at everything.” Though an independent agency, IDA has many partners in its efforts, first of which is the Orange County Executive. “County government appoints our seven board members, but it doesn’t tell us what to do,” Petro says. And while it also functions as an adjunct to the Orange County Partnership, IDA’s board makes decisions about whether new companies qualify for tax exemptions (real property taxes, sales and use taxes and mortgage recording tax exemptions) or financing,

mainly through the issuance of tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds. “We’re spending money to grow,” Petro says about the IDA’s economic development strategy, adding that initiatives are not funded by “special fees or involve even one dollar from county taxes.” Instead, financing comes mainly from local lending institutions with tax exemptions, buying the new companies time to invest in their operations in the county. Eventually, tax abatements disappear and users pay a higher tax rate with each succeeding year of their deal. The endgame for OCIDA is as transparent as can be: advance the prosperity and economic welfare of Orange County’s citizens by retaining and creating jobs and attracting new businesses.

Toolbox of Incentives Of the three different tax exemption programs offered by IDA, the mortgage recording tax is the easiest to explain: Any mortgage filed in an IDA-sponsored project is exempt from the 1.05% New York

14 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

State mortgage recording tax. IDA offers exemptions from sales tax on materials and equipment used during the construction of a project. (A sales tax letter is issued to the project owner who, in turn, supplies it to all vendors. In essence the letter says the project owner is an agent of IDA and that no tax should be imposed on materials or equipment until the IDAsponsored project is completed.) In Orange County, the sales tax is 8.125 percent, meaning the exemption is an especially powerful incentive for companies. The final tax-related incentive in IDA’s toolbox is real estate tax exemptions. During the time IDA holds title to or leasehold interest in the real property of a project, that property is exempt from property taxes. However, all IDAs require companies to make payments in lieu of taxes (the PILOT program). PILOT payments usually consist of a negotiated percentage of taxes that would otherwise be due if the project was completed without the IDA’s help. There is also a Super PILOT program available that aids the county’s ability to attract certain targeted development. Super PILOT doubles the tax benefits of the New York State Standard 485-b program but is limited to only 15 years duration. On the financing side of the equation, Industrial Development Bonds for financing of up to $10 million are available to manufacturing and R&D companies and are exempt from State and local taxes on interest paid. IDA grants are also available to non-profit organizations that are deemed to be creating jobs and are healthy for the community. IDA and the Orange County Partnership also help businesses gain access to a Foreign Trade Zone located at Stewart International Airport, as well as serve as a conduit to other agencies and utilities, all of whom count economic development as a top priority. ! www.orangecountygov.com/ content/124/1342/default.aspx www.ocpartnership.org/webpages/ OCIDA.asp

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PATTERN-FOR-PROGRESS

Think Tank Solving Complex Issues Pattern-for-Progress – a non-profit, public policy research and planning institute founded by civic and business leaders in 1965 – serves as a think-tank for a nine-county region in New York: Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. But it’s home is in Orange County in the city of Newburgh. And reminiscent of the county’s world-famous black dirt farms in Pine Island, many consider Orange’s 816 square miles the most fertile land in which to grow the fruits of economic development in the entire Hudson Valley, if not New York State. Before the Orange County Partnership recruits businesses to the area or the Orange County Chamber of Commerce nurtures them once a firm is established here, most of the economic development agencies turn to Pattern-for-Progress for qualitative research and analysis about the myriad issues germane to job creation in the region. As one of the Hudson Valley’s pre-eminent research and evaluation agencies, Pattern seeks a balance between growth and the issues that affect the county’s quality of life. “We think about how to help people move here and locate their businesses here,” says Jonathan Drapkin, Pattern CEO. “But business also wants a regional understanding of how everything works, and that’s what we help to provide.” On the other side of that equation, Pattern-for-Progress spends a great deal of time examining issues deemed vital by local lawmakers. “There’s so much pressure on local government,” Drapkin says. “They’re responsible for school systems, taxes, the environment, creating the right climate for businesses,” not to mention healthcare, transportation and a host of other issues. “It’s a really tricky period in the country’s history,” Drapkin says, “but local government is doing some very clever things.” And Pattern is usually there to contribute to that effort.

Taking On The Big Issues Of The Day Pattern has studied, lobbied and proposed solutions to a number of topics over the years, such as affordable housing and balancing environmental requisites with the rights of business and industry. “We usually have a special advocacy mission every year,” Drapkin

says, pointing to a recent Pattern campaign calling for equitable taxation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Pattern completed studies of MTA’s payroll tax proposals, conducted its own investigations and issued several white papers on the impact to the region. In a nutshell, Pattern provides plenty of the heavy lifting – the nuts-and-bolts

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Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 15

BUSINESS RESOURCES

research that engenders insightful, impartial perspective about life and commerce in Orange County – as well as a blueprint for how to confront the issues. Three different Pattern committees – Intergovernmental Cooperation, Regional Housing and Land Use Policy – meet regularly to discuss regional issues. In addition, Pattern hosts a

series of breakfasts, regional leadership meetings and receptions, all offering business and local government an opportunity to network, share concerns and work toward achieving solutions to problems that interfere with job creation or imperil Orange County’s top-notch quality of life. !

ORANGE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

Smoother Sailing For Economic Development With Partnership

www.pattern-for-progress.org

O&R is open for business. Your business, that is! Whatever your needs, we have the right tools to help your business grow: • Business expansion planning • Economic development incentives • Energy-efficiency programs • Assistance with site/building location • Guidance with approval processes • Knowledge of state and county incentives We’re here for you. Contact us.

Toni Graziano Manager Economic Development 845-577-2516 grazianot@oru.com

OC PARTNERSHIP PRESIDENT MAUREEN HALAHAN IN A JETBLUE AIRPLANE AT STEWART INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

In its first quarter-century of service, the Orange County Partnership has:

Rick Struck Director Economic Development 845-577-2498 struckr@oru.com

oru.com

16 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

O&R Economic Development

• Helped create 20,000 jobs • Seen 450 companies either move here or expand • Witnessed $3.8 billion in construction investment • Added more than 25 million square feet in industrial and office space.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

The Orange County Partnership is on an important mission: to increase the county’s tax base by bringing in strong, new and expanding companies while also keeping existing businesses healthy. As such, Partnership President/CEO Maureen Halahan notes that her agency “never likes to say no” when it comes to coordinating economic development. Such a can-do attitude was especially important in 2010, when the national economic situation was dire and the local pipeline was, as Halahan describes it, “lean.” Instead of retreating to the sidelines, Halahan and her team redoubled their efforts. The results were impressive: Orange County gained 530 new jobs, 20 companies either came to the county or expanded existing operations, 973,220 square feet were added to inventory, and slightly more than $80 million was invested. Says Halahan, “the entire economic development team here never worked better.” Evidence of that claim is apparent in the county’s biggest get of the year, the arrival of President Container, which moved from New Jersey to take over the largest vacant industrial space in the county. One key factor that tipped President Container’s decision in favor of Orange is the county’s transportation system at the epicenter of the BostonWashington corridor. Says Halahan, “our location and infrastructure helps companies solve distribution challenges.”

Working Together Prior to the Partnership’s creation 25 years ago as the brainchild of former County Executive Louis Heimbach, the individual agendas of various economic development organizations located here often put them at cross-purposes. The formation of the Partnership was a seminal change in the way the county does its economic development business; today the environment is one in which “every agency shares, works together and gets along,” Halahan says. Much of the credit for that goes to Halahan, who injects a measure of dynamism into the Partnership. She’s a tireless advocate for the county and so good at her job that she makes public relations redundant. In essence, the Partnership is an

amalgam of public and private interests, working on behalf of Orange County, the county’s Industrial Development Agency and its powerful private-sector membership. In fact, much of its funding comes from the private side, which has input into the kinds of decisions that affect the whole county. As a public-private agency, the OCP is governed by a board of directors that includes the most prominent business professionals and governmental officials in the County. These community leaders clearly understand the value of commercial business growth. Bringing new businesses and jobs here has a trickle-down effect that’s healthy for all and is reflected across the board. The Partnership sees itself as a full-service agency for economic development. It has established a number of strong relationships with site selection companies and commercial real estate brokers. It also works with larger, regional agencies like the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, which Halahan says is “the champion of the valley.” And it’s a constant partner to Orange County government, including the Office of Business Assistance, headed by James O’Donnell and the IDA under Board Chairman James Petro, as well as all of the municipalities in the county. Those searching for a new location for a business will take advantage of the Partnership’s many services. Beginning with inventory search and site selection and facilitating partner meetings with supporting agencies to gain incentives, they also address workforce and workforce training, distribution and transportation. Relationships that the Partnership has cultivated over the years yield huge benefits for the newcomers. Some of those advantages include a streamlined application and permit process, open doors to the possibility of financial incentives and access to problem-solving advice from companies already familiar with the county. Direct marketing aimed at small and mid-sized companies plays a role in the Partnership’s pursuit of potential clients. Currently targeted are companies in the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey. “It’s where we’ve enjoyed our greatest success,” Halahan says. As important as attracting new

business to the county is, the Partnership always has its eye trained on retention and expansion of existing operations. Marge LaPerle, in her role as Director of Business Retention/Expansion, focuses on aiding Orange County businesses, some of whom are certainly being pursued by other economic development agencies. Meanwhile, Meghan Taylor, Director of Business Attraction, works with Halahan on the recruitment side of the equation. ! www.ocpartnership.com

Unified Voice With Alliance The mission of the Alliance for Balanced Growth (ABG) is straightforward: Bring the region’s development community together with the Orange County Partnership to present a strong, unified voice for responsible development. ABG is a cooperative effort between landowners, developers, commercial real estate interests, engineers, land-use attorneys, construction companies and the Partnership. The group’s goal is to educate the public about the business and land-use advantages of commercial development. To that end, ABG has produced several studies about the contributions of commercial developments, business parks and the like to local taxes and school budgets. In addition, ABG disseminates information about the state environmental quality review, available tax incentives and a review of commercial real estate in Orange County. To learn more about ABG’s services: www.ocpartnership.org

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 17

BUSINESS RESOURCES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chamber of Commerce Creates Environment For Success

ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES

With more than 2,000 members buying into the notion that knowledge is power, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) is among the state’s largest and most active. Hardly a week goes by that the Chamber isn’t running multiple seminars, breakfasts, one-on-one meetings with consultants and conferences for its constituents, all designed to provide information about how to run profitable businesses. “It’s easy to understand our

mission,” says Chamber president John D’Ambrosio. “We judge the organization by asking the question, ‘Have we helped the business community make money today?’” Meanwhile, the OCCC subscribes to County Executive Ed Diana’s position when he says, “We’re also trying to create a place that our children want to come back to.” Obviously, that only happens if there’s a thriving economy to support Orange County’s 380,000 plus residents.

18 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

D’Ambrosio likes to say that the Chamber’s menu of services to its members ranges from “soup to nuts” – in other words, “everything necessary to create an environment where business succeeds.” Chamber member and Chairman of the Board of Directors Donna Johnson shares that view. “Businesses constantly need things that are new and different. At the OCCC, we are busy creating those new ideas.”

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Functioning businesses that relocate to Orange County usually arrive as a result of the OC Partnership’s efforts. More often than not, the OC Business Accelerator has a hand in homegrown start-ups, with the IDA a key component of all economic development initiatives since it can provide tax incentives and financing. But once the recruiting and nurturing is finished, it’s the Chamber’s turn to work side by side with members. “The business community does not like a duplication of effort,” D’Ambrosio says about the working relationship between county government agencies, the Partnership, Accelerator, IDA and Pattern for Progress public policy research and planning institute. “There’s an agreement among us that everybody should do what they do best.” Many segments of the business community rely heavily on the Chamber’s expertise, and with good reason: D’Ambrosio has headed the organization for nearly 30 years, making him the longest-serving Chamber executive in New York State. And the Chamber staff is a veteran one, boasting a skill-set that can only be gained from years of experience.

A Full Array Of Member Services A smorgasbord of programs is available to Chamber members, including counseling sessions with staff and retired executives, promotional and networking opportunities, and a couponing gambit in which members offer discounts for a variety of products and services. The Chamber maintains nine different committees devoted to such disciplines as marketing, consulting, government initiatives and education. There’s also a committee for membership and events, ranging from the Chamber’s annual gala to a golf tournament and a business expo. Another Chamber offering is the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP), which is designed to help minorities, women and dislocated workers launch new businesses. Besides providing assistance in such familiar areas as refining business objectives, honing management skills and developing near and long-term marketing plans, the

EAP helps entrepreneurs obtain funding from several different sources. Businesspeople between the ages of 21 and 40 can be part of a committee dubbed Young Professionals. Participating professionals not only share their talents and expertise with each other, but also with more established, senior businesses. In addition to such a comprehensive array

of services, the Chamber offers a group health plan that is particularly important given the profile of its membership, a majority of whom are small businesses with 10 employees or less. Health, dental and vision plans are available from several sources at group rates. ! www.orangeny.com

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Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 19

KEY INDUSTRIES

ORANGE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Strong Healthcare Scene Bolstered By New Hospital Perched on a knoll on East Main Street in the Town of Wallkill, the new Orange Regional Medical Center (ORMC), the first hospital built in New York State in more than two decades, is ushering in a new era of healthcare in Orange County. The state-of-the-art, 350-bed, $350-million-plus facility has been a decade in the planning and three years in construction. Its opening in late 2011 is arguably the biggest thing to happen in Orange County since Route 17– the New York State thoroughfare used by virtually every resident – officially came into existence in 1924. “ORMC will provide the strongest

healthcare possible right here in Orange County,” says hospital spokesperson Rob Lee. However, that in no way suggests the county’s been underserved. ORMC is the result of combining two hospitals – Horton and Arden Hill – that were growing a bit long in the tooth. Meanwhile, Bon Secours operates Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port

20 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

Jervis and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick; St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (clinically affiliated with the world-famous Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City) has its main facility located in Newburgh and a branch in nearby Cornwall; and there’s Crystal Run Healthcare, a doctor-owned, multidisciplined practice that has become a hugely important component of Orange County’s healthcare system. Despite so many choices, patients in the county, particularly those with especially complicated cardio or pediatric issues, were frequently forced south to specialists and hospitals in Westchester or New York City. At ORMC, patients with severe conditions won’t have to leave the county to obtain the care their conditions require. “Patients will be landing at our helipad instead of taking off for other hospitals,” according to Lee. For many companies considering relocation, available healthcare can make or break such a decision. “Our patientfriendly, technologically perfect hospital should be very attractive to companies that want to establish themselves in the county,” Lee says. Local economic development officials

KEY INDUSTRIES

fully expect ORMC to be a “game changer,” says Orange County Executive Ed Diana. He envisions a “health care cluster” developing on the stretch of road between ORMC and Crystal Run, with more doctors, medical vendors and suppliers flocking to the area. What that means is individuals seeking healthcare services, especially people living in more distant counties like Sullivan, Delaware and Ulster, can eschew going to New York City or Albany, and instead find treatment in and around Middletown. Says ORMC’s Lee, “It (the hospital) will be of great benefit to the patient. It’s bad enough to have an illness, but to then have to travel long distances for treatment … well, that’s really difficult.”

Top-Notch Technology ORMC boasts services and medical

technologies that put it on a par with the best hospitals anywhere. Among the technology and facilities: • A 50-bay emergency room • An advanced birthing center, including a neo-natal intensive care unit 12 separate operating rooms in the surgical suite • A cardiac center with three catherization labs and angioplasty facilities • A helipad • Wireless information technology and electronic medical records • An open-design construction plan that accommodates the addition of future technologies ORMC officials believe that such a state-of-the-art hospital will attract superior doctors who are also enamored with the Orange County lifestyle. At last count, some 600 physicians were

Medical Options That Catch The Eye CRYSTAL RUN HEALTHCARE Driving around Orange County, one can’t but help see a series of Crystal Run Healthcare billboards along the highways and byways. The message on all of them begins the same way: “We’re not changing this billboard until you …” and then finishes with a variety of good-natured, albeit coercive suggestions. Among them: pick a primary care doctor, get your blood pressure checked, take our healthy heart quiz or schedule your colonoscopy. The billboards are eye-catching and bold – entirely in keeping with the spirit of Crystal Run, a consumer-focused, premier network of integrated medical practice sites. Dr. Hal Teitelbaum, an MD with an MBA, founded Crystal Run in 1982 as “an entirely new model for practicing stateof-the-art medicine.” Currently, 11 Crystal Run sites serve the area, with more expected in the future. Short of surgeries and hospital beds, Crystal Run handles the majority of healthcare needs. Its physicians have privileges at most area hospitals. ORMC spokesperson Rob Lee says, “ORMC enjoys a great working relationship with Crystal Run,” adding, “Dr. Teitelbaum has done a lot for acute patient care in the county.” Dr. Teitelbaum is an active supporter of the Orange County

practicing at ORMC’s Horton and Arden Hill units. The expectation is that technology combined with patient demand brings an influx of specialists in all disciplines. Financing for the construction of ORMC came from a variety of sources: $261 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the NYS Dormitory Authority; a $48 million state grant; profits from the sale of Horton and Arden Hill; cash in the bank; and an intensive capital funding campaign. Of particular interest to Orange residents, the non-profit ORMC receives no operating subsidies from local governments. In other words, no new taxes. ORMC’s opening truly signals a new era in healing. According to the new hospital’s website, ORMC’s aim is to be the best regional hospital in New York State, “meeting 95 percent of our community’s acute healthcare needs.” !

Chamber of Commerce, and is a presence in many other community-oriented endeavors.

BON SECOURS HEALTH SYSTEM The Bon Secours Health System, which has multiple hospitals in six states, operates Bon Secours in Port Jervis and St. Anthony’s in Warwick, as well as several rehabilitation and home care agencies. Bon Secours is a Catholic health ministry, providing compassionate care to all of its patients, particularly those who find themselves economically challenged. The Port Jervis location is a 187-bed facility while St. Anthony’s counts 73 beds.

ST. LUKE’S CORNWALL With locations in Newburgh and Cornwall, St. Luke’s is the result of a merger in 2002 between St. Luke’s in Newburgh and The Cornwall Hospital. The main facility in Newburgh houses 242 beds, while the Cornwall site is mainly an outpatientfocused center. More than 300 physicians call St. Luke’s home, and the staff tops 1,500, making it one of Orange County’s single largest employers. For more information: Bon Secours Health System: www.bshsi.org Crystal Run Healthcare: www.crystalrunhealthcare.com Orange Regional Medical Center: www.ormc.org St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital: www.stlukescornwallhospital.org

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 21

KEY INDUSTRIES

High-Tech Hudson Valley solar and biotech businesses, while others have launched a variety of their own entrepreneurial ventures in the technology sector.

New York Biohud Valley

PHOTO COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK IMAGES

Replete with its own logo, lofty ambitions, and strong backing from local politicos and the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, New York BioHud Valley hopes to convince existing and startup biotech companies to put down a footprint in the Hudson Valley. The expectation is that the area can one day grow into something akin to California’s Silicon Valley. While Westchester County currently claims the lion’s share of the biotech companies that are already in business, startups are said to be looking north to counties like Orange as a potential site for new facilities or expanded operations. New York Sen. Kristin Gillibrand says biotech development is vital to “the future of our economy.” She notes that the entire region is home to world-class research institutions, medical centers and laboratories, as well as an educated workforce.

The Heat Is On Solar

Technology plays an integral role in the personal and professional lives of Orange County’s 380,000 residents. Whether for entertainment, medicine, communications, energy or scores of other commercial ventures, the availability of new technologies is on a par with the nation’s most sophisticated neighborhoods. And two important industrial segments – solar energy and biotechnology – have been mounting serious campaigns to position the Hudson Valley as the “new capital” of

those businesses. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of highly educated workers available to fill most positions in just about all of the hightech industries establishing operations here. Many of these workers have ties to IBM, which, two decades ago, employed more than 20,000 in the Hudson Valley. Large-scale consolidation has taken place in recent years, but the region is still home to a substantial number of current and exIBM employees. A significant portion of that workforce is already involved in the

22 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

No question, solar energy is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, whether it’s a positive endorsement by President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union address or a recent spate of encouraging signals from the U.S. military about its intentions to ratchet up the use of green energy. At the forefront of the local effort is The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC), a Hudson Valley not-for-profit organization whose goal is to help expedite the adoption of solar energy and create an R&D and manufacturing cluster in the area. TSEC, which was formed in 2007, has already forged strategic alliances with some 70 companies and academic partnerships with four universities. TSEC has IBM to thank for that, says the organization’s President and CEO Carl Meyer. “IBM spawned a hotbed of

KEY INDUSTRIES

technological entrepreneurs,” he says. Despite the global economic slump, “we’re more than holding our own because the talent is here.” Sounding much like an economic development executive touting a county’s selling points, Meyer singles out Orange County for its “tremendous transportation system.” Orange’s proximity to New York City and “a reasonable commute” is “a huge plus,” Meyer says, particularly to foreign companies wishing to build a U.S. presence and demanding access to Wall Street.

You Say You Want A Revolution Of all the technology-oriented activities developing in the Hudson Valley today, perhaps none holds as much promise for the nation’s long-term prospects than the events unfolding in Montgomery. That’s where Taylor Biomass Energy is building a $100 million facility that’s going to turn certain types of waste products into energy via a patented gasification process. The “Taylor Energy Solution” is a multi-part process in which mixed solid waste is sorted, undergoes a gasification process and then is converted to a fuel that then produces power. Jim Taylor, inventor of the process, was born and bred in Orange County and is the third generation owner of the privately held company that began its life as a treeremoval operation. Construction could be hindered if proposed cuts to the national budget results in the loss of U.S. Department of Energy loans for the project, but based on current plans, it is estimated that the plant will produce in excess of 20 megawatts of power, enough electricity for 27,000 homes. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, who, along with U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, championed Taylor’s federal fund-raising efforts in Washington, said at the plant’s groundbreaking in December 2010, “It’s rare to witness a revolution, but that’s what the project we are breaking ground on represents.” He continued, “Generating energy while reducing trash and producing no pollution is an absolute game changer for this country.” Stewart International Airport has already signed on as a customer when the facility is operational. !

Time Warner Cable Tunes In To Customers Time Warner Cable pays attention. “By listening to our customers, we’ve developed products that meet their needs,” says Ken Fitzpatrick, president of TW’s Business Class, East Region. Among those products: high-speed online, digital cable and phone, DVR and HDTV. TW’s business class service currently counts some 2,600 subscribers to its bundle of high-speed data, voice and other communication services. On the residential side, TW remains the largest home provider, but is joined in a very busy and aggressive market by the likes of Direct TV and Cablevision. In response KEN FITZPATRICK to this intensely competitive environment, TW is bundling deals for business and consumers that drive prices lower. TW’s subscribers are a pretty demanding lot: “I want it now, on my terms and whenever I want it,” is how Frank Brigante, TW’s Director of Sales, Hudson FRANK BRIGANTE Valley, describes customers’ mind-set toward suppliers of voice, video and data to the office and home. And he says such attitudes have only been perpetuated with the widespread use of mobile communications. The cell phone culture has apparently created an “anytime, anyplace, any device” mentality, which, according to TW Cable execs, is why the

company’s investment in the Orange County communications infrastructure just continues to grow. TW Cable works with local economic development agencies “so the area has a communications infrastructure that attracts the right industries,” Fitzpatrick says. As TW’s person on the ground in the Hudson Valley, Brigante works with the various Chambers of Commerce, sponsoring or participating in meetings, ceremonies, lunches and breakfasts – in short, “whatever we can do to build relationships.” TW Cable has identified Orange County as an area in which the company has stepped up its infrastructure investment, with an emphasis on supplying services to office parks and retail establishments. “The opportunities are tremendous,” Fitzpatrick says, adding that small and mid-sized businesses are “our sweet spot.” TW’s outlook for growth in the county revolves around the aforementioned business centers and retail, with healthcare and education also high on its list. TW Cable’s Hudson Valley operations are likewise experiencing significant gains as a redundant data storage facility for the IT demands of companies located in New York City. !

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 23

KEY INDUSTRIES

Orange’s Banking Needs Are Well-Served

STEVE DORMER

A decade ago, the banking industry identified Orange County to be as rife for expansion and growth as anywhere in the New York metropolitan area. To that end, the industry seized the initiative and invested the necessary dollars. Subsequently, one institution after another has bolstered its presence in the county over the last several years. Some expansion has been organic – mainly from local banks and credit unions. Acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, meanwhile, have either brought in or significantly altered the presence of a number of national powerhouse financial institutions, as well as some top-of-theline regionals. Today, somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 separate facilities offer one or more of a variety of banking and lending

services. Besides the banks themselves, the beneficiaries are both commercial and consumer interests. Along with larger institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, HBSC Bank and M&T Bank, more localized operations like Provident, Walden Federal Savings & Loan and Orange County Trust have beefed up their footprint. Also participating in the same competitive environment, albeit under slightly different regulatory parameters, are credit unions like Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (which first breathed life as an IBM employee organization) and Hudson Heritage, among others. Provident Bank’s steady expansion into Orange from its home base in bordering Rockland County very much mirrors

24 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

Orange’s historical growth pattern over the last decade or so. Just as there was a steady migration of newcomers to the county from New York City and Rockland County, so too did Provident “follow its commercial and consumer customers,” says Steve Dormer, the bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “We looked at the demographics from the last two censuses and saw that the county was growing about 10 percent every year.” But that wasn’t the only factor behind Provident’s strategic plan. The bank also looked at the quality of companies moving to Orange County, its infrastructure and transportation system, the vibrant healthcare scene and, a tipping point, “the notable business leadership in the county,” Dormer says. Provident decided to expand through

KEY INDUSTRIES

acquisitions as well as opening new branches in such towns as New Windsor, Chester and Pine Bush, and the city of Middletown. Provident sees itself as a “community bank” that provides “an efficient local source of financing,” Dormer says. And it’s made a commitment from the outset to become an active member of the local business community. “Our people are involved in all the local business organizations,” he says. “They’re networking, they share knowledge and contacts with local leaders and they’re always telling small- to medium-sized companies that Orange County is the place to do business and live.”

To Their Credit “It’s a rich time for credit unions,” says Bob Michaud, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Office. “There’s nothing like a local operation that’s an asset to the community.” No question, “local” institutions see themselves as being able to provide enhanced value to consumers during the lending process. “We make the decision here, locally, and that comes with an understanding of the local markets,” Michaud says. “That’s seen as a big plus for credit unions.” In addition, tempest-tossed credit markets in recent years have placed credit unions in a much more favorable light as they stick to their tried-and-true business model – taking in deposits from ownermembers and then lending the money back to them. So, through a combination of local identity and knowledge, together with a “plain dealer” approach, credit unions have prospered. Mid-Hudson Valley’s story is not that dissimilar from Provident in that it’s come to Orange from a neighboring county, in this case Ulster. As has been well documented, the institution started life almost 50 years ago as a credit union serving IBM’s thousands of employees in the Hudson Valley. Mid-Hudson Valley has continued to thrive, and sees the Orange County market as “very exciting,” Michaud says. Besides new facilities in Middletown and a soon-to-be-built one in Newburgh, the

credit union is also eyeing appropriate locations (often mall-type parking lots) for its micro-office kiosks. Mid-Hudson Valley Credit Union foresees a steady period of commercial and consumer growth in Orange County, thanks to a list of assets that includes Stewart Airport, a solid transportation system, a quality infrastructure and an educated workforce.

Michaud, like many other bankers, also credits the county’s “business mentality and strong chamber of commerce” as contributing factors to growth. “There’s very, very good leadership in Orange County,” he says, adding that one more benefit is Orange’s location, which is “far enough away from New York City but close enough to share in the advantages.” !

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Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 25

KEY INDUSTRIES

PHOTO COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK IMAGES

Verticon Builds On Success In Commercial Construction

Irving Zuckerman, who along with his brother Alan is a principal of the commercial construction company Verticon Ltd., says he’s already experienced a couple of national economic downturns over the past few decades. So take it from him, this one was a doozy. That’s not to say, however, that it’s all doom and gloom. The third generation, Monroebased company is arguably the area’s preeminent commercial general contractor, specializing in municipal construction as well as light industrial and large agriculture-related projects. Medical office buildings are another area of expertise, but he speculates that between the new hospital and the numerous Crystal Run Healthcare facilities built in the past few years, the ripple effect felt from both has diminished. “Everyone is fighting very hard for business,” Zuckerman says. As a general contractor, Verticon often puts the entire

construction team together, from site selection and architects to vendors and carpenters. “It’s obvious from the bidding that’s going on that vendors are hungry,” he says. “Now’s a great time to be a buyer.” Verticon’s list of clients is a who’s who, not just in Orange County but corporate America, too. Among the companies and institutions they’ve worked for: Home Depot, Wendy’s, The Bank of New York, International Paper and Konica Minolta. Verticon has also been responsible for building or renovating town halls, libraries, fire departments, correctional facilities and schools.

On Time, On Budget Verticon enjoys a sterling reputation earned as a result of the no-nonsense style in which it runs its business. Simply put, it follows all the rules and regulations while bringing projects in on time and on budget. It also maintains a policy of open communication. “We know that building or renovating

26 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

can often be a daunting task for our clients, but we make it easier by communicating regularly and taking charge of every aspect,” explains Verticon’s website. In addition, the company exhibits uncommon attention to the environment and the overall health and well being of their communities. To that end, Verticon is a member of the Orange County Partnership, the Citizens Foundation, Pattern for Progress, the Orange County Planning Board, Orange County Trust and the U.S. Green Building Council. In Orange, Zuckerman says, these groups are allied, seeking “balanced growth through strategic planning.” And Zuckerman says one of the joys of being in business in the county is the commitment the economic development community has to sane, sensible growth. He also says that there’s a real “we’re in it together” attitude. ! For other “Success Stories,” go to www.HVmag.com.

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PHOTO BY MIKE STRASSER, WEST POINT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

EDUCATION & TRAINING

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT

Serving Those Who Served Our Country The United States Military Academy at West Point has been a dominant presence – and source of enormous pride – since it was founded in 1805. • Stewart International Airport, which opened in Newburgh in 1930, has hosted a number of different military attachments during times of war and peace. Today’s resident military presence, the 105th Airlift Wing, is made up of more than 1,700 guardsmen, with nearly 700 civilians also employed. Furthermore, the U.S. Air Force has chosen Stewart to receive eight C-17 Globemaster III transport planes, the first of which should arrive this summer. • Adding to the county’s military heritage are countless military sites and memorials, many dating to the Revolutionary War. Since both George Washington and General David Petraeus have called Orange County home, it’s a bit more palatable to admit that Benedict

Arnold did likewise. Fortunately, Orange County not only celebrates military achievements and leaders of the past but also looks to the future, creating comprehensive and relevant continuing education programs for today’s returning veterans. Beyond West Point and Stewart Airport’s Air National Guard installation,, programs are held at Orange County’s only private, four-year college – Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh. Veterans can enroll in a variety of both credit and non-credit courses at discounted rates. “At any one time, we have about 450 adults enrolled in our continuing education courses; about 100 of them are veterans,” says Lisa Gallina, Mount St. Mary’s Director of Continuing Education. “Most veterans want courses in business and human services,” she adds. That jibes nicely with the college’s academic

28 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

PHOTO BY MICHAEL NELSON

Orange County is respectful of its long-standing ties to the military.

LISA GALLINA, LEFT, AND MOUNT ST. MARY STAFF

EDUCATION & TRAINING

strengths as a top institution for degree programs in education and nursing. Mount St. Mary maintains a close working relationship with community colleges in Ulster, Dutchess and Rockland counties, as well as SUNY Orange, otherwise known as Orange County Community College, another institution of higher learning that’s particularly attuned to veterans’ needs. Gallina says this strong level of cooperation is in everyone’s best interests, most importantly the veterans. “We don’t compete with community colleges, but rather we collaborate with them.”

Enabling vets to pursue degrees isn’t a passive enterprise for Gallina and her staff. “We’re always reaching out to veterans, and we have various marketing initiatives, including hosting many events for them,” she says. Another way in which Mount St. Mary serves the Orange County community is through its Desmond Campus for Adult Enrichment. Some courses are aimed at those 55 years and over and are part of the Mount’s LIFE program, which includes everything from courses in foreign languages to discussions of the arts, history and events relevant to

High Grades For Schools Real estate agents across the United States say that one of the questions asked most frequently by prospective homebuyers is, “How are the local schools?” By that yardstick, Orange County gets strong marks. It is, after all, home to Valley Central High School, which happens to be where 2010 New York State Teacher of the Year Debra Calvino, teaches mathematics. It has also been listed among the 2010 “100 Best Communities for Young People” by the America’s Promise Alliance, which was originally chaired Gen. Colin Powell. The Alliance noted, “Orange County’s collaborative spirit has brought local, state and national resources for youth, both financial and technical, into the county. … Orange County works together so that all children, youth and families have access to quality formal and informal services, opportunities and supports.” The county is divided into 17 public school districts containing 86 individual schools for nearly 66,000 students. Private education is well represented, too, as some 30 or so private institutions are currently educating an estimated 7,500 students. Of the 62 counties in New York State, Orange’s standardized test results place it 31st for elementary schools, 26th for middle schools and 33rd for high schools. Probably best known among the

private schools is The New York Military Academy, located in Cornwall. If it sounds familiar, it should. It’s where Donald Trump went to school. Founded in 1889, it’s run in a structured environment where cadets are immersed in “a culture of leadership, community responsibility and personal resilience,” says NYMA Superintendent Jeffrey Coverdale. Another outstanding private institution, The Storm King School, is also in Cornwall, and its roots trace back to the mid-1800s. For higher education, Orange County Community College, aka SUNY Orange, is a highly respected twoyear college known for being able to tailor its curriculum to current trends in the workplace. The main campus is in Middletown, but a state-of-the art urban campus, focused within the environmentally friendly, 87,000-squarefoot Kaplan Hall, recently opened in Newburgh. Taking the long view of SUNY Orange’s relevance to economic development and quality of life, Chamber of Commerce President John D’Ambrosio says, “Nothing happens here, especially in economic development, without the participation of the community college.” And he credits the local college with being “nimble enough” to provide the kind of academics and services that benefit residents the most. !

the day’s issues. Meanwhile, Mount St. Mary’s Community Education program is open to all ages and boasts an array of programs in the arts, health and fitness, and quality of life topics. The Community Education program also offers courses to maximize an individual’s performance in the workplace, many devoted to mastering technology and its applications. ! For More Information: Mount St. Mary College: www.msmc.edu SUNY Orange: www.sunyorange.edu United States Military Academy at West Point: www.usma.edu"

SUNY Orange Opens Doors In Newburgh Though functioning as a magnet for learning and academics since January 2011, SUNY Orange (Orange County Community College) recently officially opened its new Kaplan Hall facility in Newburgh. The man for whom the 87,000-squarefoot academic center is named, William Kaplan, says he’s confident it will “help turn around the lives of countless young students in our community.” And County Exec Ed Diana believes SUNY Orange’s commitment to making its college a centerpiece in the rebuilding of the city of Newburgh is “monumental.” (The community college’s main campus is in Middletown.) “We will soon be able to accommodate double the amount of students that can be served in Newburgh, and are now able to offer full degrees, accredited programs and an outstanding nursing program,” Diana says. Kaplan Hall’s third-floor nursing wing features two nursing simulation laboratories.

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 29

QUALITY OF LIFE

Activities Available For Every Taste Tourism in Orange County is a substantial $400 million-a-year business … and growing. Care to guess which destination is attracting more visitors than anywhere else? If that patriotic streak in your heart is causing you to answer the United States Military Academy at West Point, you’d be wrong. Instead, it’s Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, a collection of 220 stores in Central Valley that’s not only the county’s top draw but is challenging Niagara Falls as the state’s biggest tourist attraction. Without mincing words, “visitors who go there, go to shop,” says Orange County Director of Tourism Susan Hawvermale. With names like Burberry, Polo, Prada, Armani, Gucci and Lacoste, Woodbury Common is a magnet – not only to the millions that live within a few hours’ driving distance, but also to thousands of tourists who enter the country in New York City. Group tours via buses are a seven-day-a-week phenomenon, with hundreds of other visitors opting to stay

overnight in one of the nearby hotels or bed & breakfasts. (Rack rates in Orange are generally one-third to one-half of New York City rates.) Finding a place to eat that suits individual tastes is challenging only in the sense that there are almost too many choices. Orange County’s restaurant scene is richly varied and one of the more remarkable growth stories of the past decade. Options range from highend cuisine created by chefs from the legendary Culinary Institute of America to ethnic and family-style dining. Hawvermale leads an active tourism office, one that uses a variety of media to promote the county and also trades heavily on its status as the geographic linchpin of the Hudson Valley. Since there are eight Orange Counties in the United States, there occasionally is some confusion about which Orange is which. But attach the phrase Hudson Valley to New York’s Orange and confusion evaporates. “Everyone, everywhere recognizes that name,” Hawvermale says.

State of the County During his annual State of the County address delivered to the legislature in March 2011, County Executive Ed Diana suggested that despite trying economic times affecting the country, Orange “remains strong, healthy and ready for the challenges ahead.” He continued, “This past year saw great accomplishments

30 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

Something For Everyone As important as Woodbury Common and West Point are to the local economy (Hawvermale says tourism is the county’s “unsung industry”), there’s an abundance of other activities for visitors and residents alike when the clock strikes leisure time. The best source for information about attractions and destinations is www.orangetourism.org. However, we have assembled a small sampling of places to go and things to do in Orange County.

Historic Sites The Brick House, located in Montgomery, is an 18th-century estate filled with Colonial and Victorian furnishings and artifacts. It is open midMay through October and is the scene of many special events and celebrations. www.museumsusa.org

on behalf of our residents. Our financial house is in order, our public safety efforts are second to none and our commitment to our quality of life remains a top priority.” Diana drew special attention to the county’s state-of-theart Emergency Services Center, which he calls “a worthwhile commitment for the safety of our residents,” and noted its “growing reputation as the best Emergency Services Center on the Eastern Seaboard.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY TOURISM

QUALITY OF LIFE

WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS

Goshen Historic Track is a year-round training facility for harness race horses, a museum and the site of a variety of other festivals throughout the year. www.goshenhistorictrack.com Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, with two locations in Cornwall, boasts numerous hiking trails and a live animal collection of native animals. www.hhnaturemuseum.org Museum Village in Monroe is a living history museum with in-period demonstrations of life in a 19th-century village. www.museumvillage.org Neversink Valley Area Museum celebrates the D&H Canal and Neversink River. It’s a perfect place to fish, picnic and hike. www.neversinkmuseum.org The Storm King Art Center is a worldfamous outdoor sculpture park and museum in Mountainville, overlooking the Hudson River. www.stormking.org Warwick Historic Village is a cluster of houses and buildings dating back to Revolutionary War years. Included among them is a house that Martha Washington once lived in. www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org

GOSHEN HISTORIC TRACK HARNESS RACING MUSEUM

Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh was the site of the Continental Army headquarters and home to George Washington during much of the Revolutionary War. In 1850 the site became the nation’s first public historic site. www.nysparks.com The West Point Visitors Center and Museum is open seven days a week, between 9am-5pm. www.usma.edu

Entertainment Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point hosts a full slate of top-name shows and entertainers, symphony orchestras and national casts of Broadway shows. www.eisenhowerhall.com Lycian Centre in Sugar Loaf presents professionally produced theatre, including musicals, drama, dance and children’s theatre.www.lyciancentre.com Orange County Community College has a variety of year-round programs in all the arts. www.sunyorange.edu The Paramount Theatre in Middletown is home to a wide array of performers in music and dance. It’s also the home to workshops, lectures and exhibits. www.middletownparamount.com

Spiritual Centers Ananda Ashram in Monroe is the country retreat and teaching center for the Yoga Society of New York. www.anandaashram.org The Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush is a spiritual home to Chan Buddhism. Seminars, retreats and meditative events are a staple. www.dharmadrumretreat.org The National Carmelite Shrine in Middletown is the country’s shrine to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Its 60acre site includes a church, indoor and outdoor shrines, meditative gardens and contemplative settings. www.ourladyofmtcarmelshrine.com

Community Supported Agriculture/Farms Dozens of working farms in Orange County range from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to youpick-’em operations. Some are fairly extravagant, catering to customers yearround with special events, festivals and agricultural demonstrations.

Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012 ! 31

QUALITY OF LIFE

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY TOURISM

Outdoor Sports

VILLAGE OF WARWICK

These are a few of the better-known farms: Hodgson’s Farm in Walden is one of the year-round operations, running a fall festival replete with a petting zoo, three-acre maize and haunted house. It hosts birthday parties, magic shows and informational field trips. www.hodgsonfarm.com The Rogowski Farm in Pine Island, home to the county’s famous black dirt growing area, produces more than 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs under certified naturally grown conditions. Rogowski’s also serves breakfast and lunch on the weekends and hosts a monthly prix fixe dinner that’s the talk of the county. www.rogowskifarm.com Soons Orchards in New Hampton produces about 30 varieties of apples,

plus a plethora of homemade farm products and baked goods. www.soonsorchards.com Many of the local farms also showcase their wares at weekend farmer’s markets, a staple of town’s throughout Orange County. At least a dozen are strategically located, leaving most of the county’s residents no more than a 20-minute drive from the fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and locally produced cheeses. The county is also home to about a dozen vineyards, all producing Chardonnays, Cabernets and Pinot Noirs. Washingtonville-based Brotherhood Winery (est. 1839) is the oldest continually operating winery in the nation, and local wines are often featured in some of the region’s finest restaurants.

Golf, fishing, boating, hiking and horseback riding are a few of the more popular outdoor activities in the spring and summer, while winter brings the county’s ski slopes and ice skating rinks to life. Fishing, in fact is a year-round activity at popular lakes in the county. And, of course there’s the Delaware and Hudson Rivers, substantial waterways that accommodate all manner of waterborne adventures. www.takemefishing.org The county provides boundless opportunities and venues to pursue activities that cater to even the most eclectic tastes. There’s ballooning, bird watching and beekeeping. For the thrill seeker, there’s rock climbing, go-kart racing and whitewater rafting. The county is also home to New Hope Farms in Port Jervis, one of the largest equestrian training centers in the nation. Events are held throughout the year. Orange is home to a strong selection of public and private golf courses, including the only Jack Nicklausdesigned course in New York State that’s open to the public. Called Mansion Ridge (www.mansionridgegc.com), it’s a challenging, par-72 layout that’s a shade under 7,000 yards. Other public courses of note includ, the Town of Wallkill Golf Club, Winding Hills and Stony Ford. Several superb private clubs play members only. ! For information about Orange County Parks, Recreation & Conservation, visit www.orangecountyparks.com.

AD INDEX A.J. Ross Creative Media ...................................................... 9 Courtyard by Marriott.......................................................... 5 Entergy ................................................................................11 Ethan Allen Global Corporation ...................................... 5, 15 Galleria at Crystal Run ......................................................... 9 Good Samaritan Hospital ..........................Inside Front Cover Marshall & Sterling Insurance .............................................. 9 Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union ...........................13 Mohonk Mountain House .................................................... 6 Mount Saint Mary College...................................................17

32 ! Orange County Economic Development Guide 2011-2012

New York Military Academy ................................................. 7 Orange & Rockland Utilities ................................................16 Orange County Business Accelerator .................................. 2 Orange County Department of Tourism .............................. 8 Provident Bank ....................................................................27 The Port Authority of NY &NJ/ Stewart International Airport ...............................Back Cover Time Warner Cable Business Class ............ Inside Back Cover USA DATANET..................................................................... 5 Verticon Ltd........................................................................ 25

Check out who flies out of Stewart.

Flying is not just about where you go, but how you get there. Stewart International Airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfortable size, modern amenities, friendly staff and focus on customer care makes flying hassle-free. Conveniently located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Stewart is easily accessible from I-84, the New York State Thruway and Metro-North Railroad. Featuring service from Delta, JetBlue and U.S. Airways, Stewart offers the smoothest way to fly into and out of the region, with its carriers providing direct flights to 5 cities and over 100 destinations with connection. So relax, put your seatbacks in the reclined position and enjoy your trip. Stewart. Your neighborhood International Airport.

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