Leaders in Business Honored at Annual REDC Awards Ceremony

BY MICHAEL CAHILL 

Rockland County is open for business was the overwhelming message sent by the pack house of nearly 300 people last Friday at the Rockland County Economic Development Corporation’s (REDC) Annual Economic Development Awards Luncheon.

The REDC is a not for profit entity in Rockland County whose goal is to attract new businesses to Rockland. They induce some of the bigger businesses to open up shop by providing access financial incentives for development, government contracting, and more.

The REDC also provides support for entrepreneurs seeking to open their own small business. At the REDC offices in the Blue Hill office park in Pearl River, hopeful business owners can take advantage of the recently opened small business center. The center, sponsored by First Niagara bank, provides a space where entrepreneurs can come to ask questions and get advice about starting up their business.

At Friday’s event, the REDC honored several firms and individuals for their outstanding contributing to the community and economy of Rockland County during the past year.

This year’s Award of Distinction went to Doctor Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C. Ed. D., President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. The REDC recognized Fitzpatrick’s contribution and dedication to the community through her involvement in local affairs and organizations such as Camp Venture and the board of the Town of Orangetown.

The REDC also recognized Nice-Pak Products, Inc. of Orangeburg as their manufacturer of the year, along with Malcolm G McLaren, President and CEO of the McLaren Engineering Group as their entrepreneur of the year. The award for service provider of the year went to the Center for Safety and Change Inc., formerly the Rockland Family Shelter.

  awards luncheon, REDC, rockland county, Rockland County Economic Development Corporation