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518 828 4718 |
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July 2019 Newsletter
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New $175 Million
Workforce Development Initiative
The new Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) will invest $175 million throughout New York State for innovative, creative, and regionally customized workforce development projects.
CEDC is partnering with Greene County Economic Development, Columbia-Greene Community College, Workforce NY, Questar III and Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce to form a core group to review currently available information on the Governor's Workforce Development Initiative and to work with other businesses and organizations in both counties to develop a strategy to initiate, partner and support eligible applications.
2019 Capital Region
Workforce Development Summit
Business and educational leaders from throughout the Capital Region attended the Workforce Development Summit on June 21st to learn the details for the Governor's new Workforce Development Initiative (WDI). CEDC Marketing Director Carol Wilber attended the information session, along with representatives from Columbia-Greene Community College, Greene County Chamber of Commerce, Questar III BOCES and Workforce NY.
2019 Workforce Development Initiative
2019 WDI Program Guidebook
2019 Program Guidelines
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NY Seasonal Works. The New York State Department of Labor has launched NY Seasonal Works - a seasonal worker job bank that highlights and markets approximately 10,000 summer and seasonal jobs throughout New York State. To post a summer or seasonal job, contact Rachael McDonough at rachael.mcdonough@labor.ny.gov or call 518.549.0081. |
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Access to Capital Workshop. CEDC co-sponsored a June 12th workshop for food, beverage and agricultural enterprises interested in learning about traditional and alternative sources of financing. Representing CEDC were President F. Michael Tucker and Business Development Specialist Martha Lane who presented on CEDC Loan Program. Additional co-sponors included the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation, Empire State Development and the University at Albany-Green Scene.
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Join CEDC Today!
Help Define Columbia County's Future
CEDC focuses on economic development in Columbia County. We work to grow, retain, and attract businesses that provide high-quality employment opportunities. We create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and business development. And, each year we continue to achieve successes.
Last year the County consistently led New York State with the lowest unemployment rate; had a record turnout at our Annual Meeting; launched the Columbia County Business Leaders Survey; initiated new workforce and education programs; and continued to provide business assistance and lending programs to existing businesses, while working to attract new business investment to the County. We could not have done it without CEDC member support. For more information contact Carol Wilber at 518.828.4718. Join Online Today!
Join local businesses and organizations to help CEDC define the kinds of development that will shape Columbia County's future.
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Need Financing? We can help!
SBA Microloans. CEDC makes SBA Microloans to small, medium and even large businesses. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), all lending decisions are made locally. Microloans are available to for-profit businesses in both Columbia and Greene Counties. All Microloans come with one-on-one technical assistance at no charge. We work with business consultants who have expertise in accounting, marketing, computer systems, employee management and other areas.
CEDC Revolving Loan Fund. CEDC maintains a revolving loan fund for start-up and expanding businesses that create jobs in Columbia County. Interest rates and terms are competitive.
For more information about CEDC's lending programs, contact Martha Lane at 518 828.4718.
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Success Story: Chris' Cafe
Chris’ Café has been a fixture in the Village of Valatie for over a decade. Located in Valatie Village Plaza on Route 9, Chris’ Café has earned a reputation for being a reliable restaurant offering reasonably priced, quality food.
Nick Jennings is the owner of Chris’ Cafe. A true success story, Nick started working at the restaurant in 2008. Over the years, he worked his way up to become General Manager. Then, in 2017, Nick purchased the business from his former boss.
Nick was able to finance the purchase, in part, with a small business loan from Columbia Economic Development Corporation. “I had some of my own funds to invest, but the loan from CEDC made the deal work,” according to Nick.
He worked with a CEDC consultant to develop a business plan. Then he completed the necessary paperwork, and qualified for a five-year business loan. He has been the owner/operator for just over two years.
The mix of comfort and specialty foods served at Chris’ Café appeals to a wide variety of people. Pizza is a mainstay, and the soups and salads are homemade.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Specials are posted daily to the business’ Facebook page. Take out, platters, and a kids menu rounds out the business model. Catering is also available by calling Chris’ Café at 518-758-7701.
Nick reports that business is brisk, so his focus on quality and affordability must be a winning combination. “Since buying the business, I have worked to keep it an affordable dining option for both locals and visitors,” said Nick. “We really value our customers and want them to keep coming back.”
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CEDC June Board Meeting. CEDC's Board of Directors met June 25, 2019. Board Chair David Fingar and President F. Michael Tucker updated the Board on the 2019 CFA application process, the new Workforce Development Initiative (WDI), and several projects around the county.
The Board of Directors elected Kenneth Leggett of Livingston to the CEDC Board. Kenneth is a self-employed general contractor, specializing in residential construction for over 40 years. Kenneth Leggett also serves as Assessor for the Towns of Livingston and Ancram.
The next regularly scheduled CEDC Board of Directors meeting will be held on July 30, 2019, 8:30am at 4303 Route 9, Hudson, NY. The public is invited to attend.
CEDC July Meeting Calendar
Holiday Office Closed - July 4
Audit & Finance Committee - July 17 @ 8:30am
Loan Committee - July 23 @ 1:00pm
Board of Directors - July 30 @ 8:30am
CEDC Public Documents
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Thank You
James R. Campion
James (Jim) Campion was elected to the Columbia Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors on December 20, 2000.
Jim has served as President of Columbia-Greene Community College since 2000. Jim has a long history with the college, having served in several administrative positions since 1974, including Director of Financial Aid, Assistant Dean of Community and Educational Services, Dean of Community Services and Executive Director of the Columbia-Greene Community Foundation - a position he held for 20 years prior to his appointment as President.
Jim Campion holds an Associate of Arts degree from Duchess Community College, where he is a member of the Alumni Hall of Fame, a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY New Paltz, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism, both from the University at Albany-SUNY. In addition to further graduate work, he completed professional development programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He currently serves as an Invited Presenter at the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education. He's been named to the State University of New York's Alumni Honor Roll, is a past recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service and has been recognized for his work by many professional and community organizations.
A prolific volunteer in both Columbia and Greene Counties, Jim Campion is a former member and secretary of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and past director and chaplain of the Columbia County Association in the City of New York. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors of the Bank of Greene County, the Olana Partnership Emeritus Council, and the Columbia County Community Health Care Consortium Board of Directors, in addition to several other civic groups.
Jim Campion has announced his plans to retire after the close of the 2019 academic year. He is the fifth and longest-serving president of Columbia-Greene Community College in its 52-year history. Jim will retire to his home in Livingston where he lives with his wife Donna. They have three children, Florentina, Robert Joshua and Elena.
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Business Workshops & Training
8-Week MicroBusiness Seminar Series Begins September 17th
Applications are now being accepted for CEDC's popular MicroBusiness Seminar Series, which is set to run September 17-November 5. This year's program will include eight, two-hour sessions held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. Session topics include include marketing, bookkeeping, financing, and legal issues. The course fee is $195. Scholarships are available.
Sign Up Today! Applications are available by contacting CEDC Business Development Specialist Martha Lane at 518.828.4718.
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Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Competition
Governor Cuomo has announced the application window is now open for Round 1 of the Grow-NY food and agriculture competition. The $3 million competition aims to transform the food and agriculture industry in Upstate New York. More
Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC)
HVADC is the only economic development agency in the Hudson Valley with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the region.
HVADC Cultivator
Department of Agriculture and Markets
To receive Ag and Market's Monthly Harvest newsletter and all of the latest information from the Department of Agriculture and Markets - Click here
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Creative Economy Mixer: Capital Roots
July 10 @ 5:30pm - 7:30pm
594 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Join ACE for their July Creative Economy Mixer at the amazing Capital Roots in Troy, NY.
Register
Creative Economy Mixer at PS21
July 31 @ 5:30pm - 7:30pm
2980 Route 66, Chatham, NY 12534
Join ACE for a Creative Economy Mixer at PS21 in Chatham, NY. PS21 is a unique venue that provides both a traditional stage with open-air seating protected by a pavilion roof and an intimate black-box theater that can operate year-round. Set on 80 acres of restored orchard fields, PS21 welcomes you to come early and take a stroll along paths which will take you through the idyllic countryside around the theatre. Sponsored by CEDC.
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WORKSHOP: Remanufacturing, Repair and Reuse
July 22 @ 9:00am - 4:30pm
Rochester Institute of Technology
Learn about innovative technologies, industry best practices, and funding opportunities available to help you improve your bottom line. Register
Trade Americas - Business Opportunities in Latin America Conference
August 19, 2019
Washington, DC
This conference will focus on regional business opportunities, economic trends, and strategies to win business by identifyng the right partners, tackling trade barriers and leveraging financial tools. Registration deadline: July 31, 2019. Register
Energy Efficiency Resources for Manufacturers
To help manufacturers in New York more efficiently manage their energy consumption, FuzeHub has found the best energy efficiency resources for New York State Manufacturers.
Energy Efficiency Resources for NYS Manufacturers
Cybersecurity Resources Growing for NYS Manufacturers
Manufacturing is one of the most threatened industries when it comes to cybersecurity attacks. In response, the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers (MEP) are growing their knowledge-base to assess and aid in the implementation of cyber and physical security measures. More |
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Hudson Valley Venture Hub
The HV Venture Hub is a strategic community engagement initiative of the SUNY New Paltz School of Business. They encourage and support entrepreneurials of all types across the Hudson Valley, to enhance the entrepreneurial journey for all.
HV Venture Hub June 2019 Newsletter
U.S. Commercial Service
The United States Commercial Service is a part of the International Trade Administration, a sub-department of the US Department of Commerce. The Commercial Service, which is located around the US and internationally, assists small and medium-sized businesses facing barriers to exporting, including intellectual property rights protection, regulatory complexities, and unfair trade practices. To learn more about the United States Commercial Service, click here.
Innovate 518
Starting a new business and need support? Innovate 518 is a collaborative effort of incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurial service providers from the Capital Region. The program offers best practices, networking and mentoring, as well as educational and financial resources to better assist start-up companies. More
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2019 CEDC Sustaining Members
  
 
  
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About CEDC
Columbia Economic Development Corporation is the lead economic development organization for Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to strengthen the area's tax base through economic development and job creation, to assist businesses to locate and expand within the County, and to promote Columbia County as a premier spot for both business investment and personal opportunity. Learn more at www.columbiaedc.com. |
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