HONORING ACHIEVEMENT, REDC PRESENTS ITS 2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

On November 22, nearly 300 people gathered to applaud the efforts of the honorees at REDC’s 19th Annual Economic Development Awards Luncheon. Sponsored by TD Bank, REDC presented awards to companies, organizations and individuals for their leadership, dedication and commitment to Rockland’s economic vitality and have substantially enhanced the local business climate. Held at the IBM Executive Conference Center in Palisades, NY, the message was clear that Rockland continues to flourish with its diverse businesses that are driving the County’s economy forward.

The 2013 honorees included:

Dr. Cliff L. Wood, President, Rockland Community College, with the Award of Distinction, for his ongoing dedication, commitment and contributions to the Rockland community;

Congers-based Celtic Sheet Metal, Inc., a manufacturer and subcontractor of sheet metal as well as a provider of consulting and advisory services to sheet metal and HVAC contractors, with the Manufacturer of the Year Award;

Adam Lipson received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his entrepreneurial spirit as well as for his volunteer and community service activities including, serving on the Board for the American Red Cross of Greater NY, most recently as Board chair, and countless hours on committees for People to People, Center for Safety and Change, Inc., and the Nyack Center, to name a few;

The Salvation Army with the Service Provider of the Year Award, for its diverse services including disaster relief efforts, after school programs, childcare, education tutoring, emergency assistance—providing shelter, food, clothing, and counseling, and so much more. In addition, The Salvation Army remains on-call ready to assist the Red Cross, local first-responders and communities with major disasters, and is dedicated to creating, managing and operating innovative and meaningful programs for adults and youth most in need in Rockland.

The Rockland IDA, with REDC’s first-ever President’s Award to recognize a strategic economic development partner whose involvement and influence was imperative to a successful attraction and contributed to significant wealth creation in Rockland County. This year, the Rockland IDA was instrumental in the successful attraction of Bloomberg LP. In May, the global financial giant announced it will locate a new mission critical data center in Orangeburg. The 131,000 square-foot facility currently under construction and being developed by Russo Development represents a projected $845 million investment―the largest single private investment in Rockland County.

And, a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Hon. C. Scott Vanderhoef, for two decades of outstanding leadership and invaluable service as the Rockland County executive. In addition, Leslie Whatley, Executive Vice President, Start Up New York, Empire State Development Corp., served as the luncheon keynote speaker. Leslie is a globally respected executive with extensive real estate and management experience across multiple industry sectors and geographies.