Mar 13, 2015
HUDSON, NEW YORK, March 13, 2015- New York state and federal agencies will be hosting an informational forum to discuss funding opportunities to improve the economic development of rural New York.
The Community Economic Development Funding Forum will be held on Wednesday, March 18 in the Arts Center at SUNY Columbia Greene Community College, 4400 Route 23 in Hudson, NY. Doors will open at 8:00am and the program will be held 9am to 2pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with subject matter experts from state and federal agencies, private companies and commercial lenders to discuss funding programs, upcoming application deadlines and requirements.
“We will have unique informational sessions that will cater to a variety of attendees,” said Scott Collins, USDA NY Rural Development Acting State Director. “The topics at the sessions will include; housing, community facilities, business, agriculture, energy, broadband, and utilities. This forum will focus on leveraging public and private partnerships to strengthen the momentum for innovation and entrepreneurship in rural New York.”
“We are happy to be partnering with Rural Development to better educate and inform attendees about funding opportunities available for agricultural projects,” said Todd Erling, Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) Executive Director. “HVADC is committed to enhancing the viability of agriculture in the Hudson Valley by providing a unique set of services aimed at improving rural development in our region. This event also coincides with the recent re-launch of our website which includes extensive agricultural funding resources that we look forward to sharing with attendees.”
"It is an honor to host the USDA Rural Development forum," said Columbia-Greene Community College President James Campion. "Our own rural community has seen significant economic development, for which we are pleased to have played a part. This forum will serve to strengthen the future of that development in our area."
State Department of Agriculture and Markets Deputy Commissioner Ron Rausch said, “I greatly look forward to attending and participating in this event in Hudson next week. Agriculture is on everyone’s radar right now and it is the fabric of economic development in our rural communities. Ag and Markets has a strong partnership with USDA Rural Development and I anticipate a great event next week.”
This event is free and open to the general public. To register, call Christopher Stewart at (315) 477-6436.
About Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC)HVADC is the region’s sole economic development agency with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the Hudson Valley. It assists both new and existing agri-businesses such as farms, food businesses, and food distributors, by providing technical and business consultation and resources. The non-profit promotes balanced, market-based solutions that lead to enhanced agricultural entrepreneurship, rural economic growth, and community enhancement. www.hvadc.org