NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (Dec. 21, 2015) — The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) announced today it is launching a new cluster development initiative, Hudson Valley PLAY, to help boost the region’s profile as a thriving center for gaming, indoor/outdoor recreation and the amusement industries – all in an effort to better capture the interest of “PLAY-sumers,” produce more jobs and spur economic growth in the Hudson Valley.
As the leading economic development organization for the Hudson Valley region, HVEDC is the creator of several successful industry cluster development initiatives, including NY BioHud Valley, Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance, Hudson Valley 3D Printing (HV3D) and Hudson Valley EDs & MEDs. Hudson Valley PLAY will join these clusters as it works to expand the local economy by supporting relationships between local businesses, vendors and entrepreneurs in the amusement, gaming and recreation industries, as well as generating awareness of the region’s newest offerings in this arena.
“We aren’t joking when we say the business of play is serious business,” said Laurence P. Gottlieb, HVEDC president and CEO. “Over a billion dollars in new regional projects have been announced within the past year alone in this thriving sector, and so as we’ve done in the areas of food and beverage, 3D printing and the life sciences, we see incredible opportunities to help our county economic development and tourism partners attract, retain and expand this industry, while stimulating long-term economic and occupational growth for our region.”
HVEDC is already working on major development projects, including Turk Hospitality’s Wildberry Lodge hotel and water park in New Paltz, as well as the Montreign Resort Casino at Adelaar – a local, $1 billion project that is expected to open its doors in 2017. These establishments will boost employment opportunities for local residents. According to the Quarterly Census of Employment Wages developed by the State of New York and the U.S. Bureau of Labor, an average of more than 14,000 regional employees worked within the amusement, gaming and recreational industries last year — a number that has steadily increased in recent years.
“The amusement, recreation and gaming industries in the Hudson Valley are rapidly expanding and increasingly popular,” said Rick Remsnyder, President of Hudson Valley Tourism. “These key business segments have transformed our region into a travel destination visited by people of all ages from countless locations throughout the world.”
In early 2016, HVEDC will announce details for an upcoming Thought Leaders: The Business of Play educational event with industry experts, and other promotional activities scheduled throughout the year related to the launch of Hudson Valley PLAY.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC is the leading economic development agency for the seven-county region of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC helped start the organizational, branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley, Hudson Valley 3D Printing, Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance and Hudson Valley EDs & MEDs. To learn more, call 845-220-2244 or visit http://www.hvedc.com.
