Mar 9, 2015
Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation Launches Refreshed Portal of Comprehensive Business and Strategic Sources
HUDSON , NY – March 9, 2015 -- Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) has launched their new website, www.hvadc.org. The new, robust site will serve as a comprehensive information resource targeted for growers, food entrepreneurs, producers, and consumers throughout the Hudson Valley.
The website now features a clearinghouse of agricultural resources tailored to meet the needs of the growing food and agriculture community of the Hudson Valley. The site boasts a wealth of helpful resources such as funding opportunities, upcoming grant deadlines, agriculture-related workshops and conferences, business planning guides, and more. Also included on the new site are detailed descriptions of HVADC services, current projects and regional initiatives, and past activities.
HVADC is the region’s sole economic development agency with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the Hudson Valley. HVADC was established in 2006 to provide both individual and regional solutions to farms and the agribusiness industry. A key focus of HVADC is its Incubator Without Walls program through which qualified farms and ag-related/ag-dependent businesses can tap into a wide range of individualized services to accelerate their growth and increase their chances of long-term success. Details about this program and eligibility are available on the new website as well as a downloadable application form.
“We see the new site as an extension of the services that we are able to offer agribusinesses on an individual basis, now putting these sources at the fingertips of all food producers throughout the region,” said Mary Ann Johnson, HVADC Projects Director.
HVADC has also undergone a major change regarding staffing and capacity building. HVADC welcomes Iyla Shornstein as its new Program Associate. As a contractor, Ms. Shornstein provided project support to HVADC since 2013 and became a member HVADC’s full-time staff in January, 2015. Ms. Shornstein’s responsibilities include administrative support to both the Projects Director and Executive Director, and program support for Incubator Without Walls, Hudson Valley Bounty (HVB) and other regional initiatives. Iyla holds a BA in Political Science from Binghamton University where she had the opportunity to conduct research on development patterns in both Ghana and Nepal. Most recently, Iyla worked for a NYC-based, for-cause jewelry line aiming to combat sex trafficking in Cambodia and as an intern for Maurice Hinchey’s Kingston office during his final year in Congress.
“Iyla has already had a great impact on our programs, first demonstrating her skills while working as a contractor. Being able to add her to our staff has increased our capacity and range,” said HVADC Executive Director, Todd Erling.
In other HVADC news, Kristin Roca, Hudson Valley Bounty Program Director, is departing to work in Television Production for the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. Kristin has worked as HVB Program Director since the program was established in 2011 and has been responsible for coordinating several widely-popular regional food and farm events as well as promoting HVB members throughout a ten-county footprint.
“Kristin will continue to be a resource to all HVB members,” said Todd Erling. “We thank Kristin for the strong foundation she leaves behind and wish her well as she focuses on her new endeavor.”
Roca’s current responsibilities will transition to Iyla Shornstein beginning March 9, 2015. All further HVB inquiries and correspondence should be directed to Iyla at ishornstein@hvadc.org, info@hudsonvalleybounty.com or 518-432-5360 x 303.
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
About Hudson Valley Bounty (HVB)
HVB is a project of HVADC designed to promote and support networking and connections between local agricultural producers and culinary businesses, while educating the community about the preservation of local farms and the use of local and regional sustainable food products. HVB’s network spans ten counties (Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington, and Westchester. The database includes roughly 275 farms, 300 restaurants, and 30 markets. Visit www.hudsonvalleybounty.com for additional information.