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HVEDC Names Michael Oates as New President and CEO
(NEW WINDSOR, NY, September 18, 2009) – The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC), which promotes the Hudson Valley as one of the world’s premiere locations for business, today announced the appointment of Michael Oates as its new President and CEO.
Mr. Oates, who will assume his new position on October 12, has been a senior executive with Empire State Development Corporation since 2007. Most recently, he served as Vice President/Regional Director and was responsible for managing New York State’s economic development initiatives in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster and Putnam Counties – the same seven counties represented by HVEDC.
“Mike Oates has the experience, the vision and the energy to take the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation to new heights,” said Steven V. Lant, Chairman, President and CEO of CH Energy Group, Inc., who also serves as the chairman of HVEDC’s board of directors. Mr. Lant said that Mr. Oates emerged as the top candidate in a nationwide search to find a replacement for Anthony Campagiorni, who resigned earlier this year as HVEDC’s President and CEO to take a position with Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
“I am thrilled to take the helm at HVEDC and look forward to collaborating closely with our seven counties, our private-sector businesses, elected officials and the State of New York to help create high-quality jobs and investments for the Hudson Valley region,” Mr. Oates said. “The Hudson Valley has tremendous resources for business and we intend to showcase those assets on a global basis.”
"Mike Oates has been a true champion for the Mid-Hudson region," said Empire State Development Chairman and CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen. "Under his leadership, we aided in the creation and retention of hundreds of New York jobs and attracted businesses leveraging millions in investment for New York State. Now we are gaining a partner as Mike transitions into his new role at HVEDC. On behalf of Empire State Development and the State of New York, I would like to thank him for his service, and wish him well. We look forward to working side by side to promote economic development initiatives for the Mid-Hudson Valley."
"Mike is a proven leader who has worked tirelessly to help develop the high-tech industry in the Hudson Valley," Congressman Maurice Hinchey said. "In particular, Mike has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to grow the solar energy industry in the Hudson Valley and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity."
During his tenure with Empire State Development Corporation, Mr. Oates led negotiations on numerous high-profile corporate attraction and retention projects handled by the Mid-Hudson Regional Office. Among the projects that helped create or save hundreds of jobs in the Hudson Valley were SpectraWatt, APS Healthcare and OSI Pharmaceuticals.
Since its inception in 2003, HVEDC has played a role in creating nearly 10,000 direct new jobs in the Hudson Valley. More than 6 million square feet of office and industrial space has been occupied and 300 acres of land sold for commercial development. Aggressive marketing to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate
brokers has also resulted in a 50% increase in awareness of the Hudson Valley region as a prime location for business, according to a recent survey conducted by HVEDC.
In June 2009, HVEDC announced that it has reorganized around a new mission and new board of directors that dedicated an unprecedented level of private and public sector investment. In addition to the economic development organizations in the seven counties, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, M&T Bank, CH Energy Group and Orange & Rockland Utilities made major investments in the organization.
HVEDC’s new mission includes aggressive advocacy in Albany to secure state support for economic development projects in the Hudson Valley. HVEDC is also taking a lead role in helping the region identify and develop sites that can be made “shovel-ready” for businesses to build high-tech manufacturing, office and other facilities. A third prong of the organization’s new mission is to develop an “innovation strategy” to draw more early-stage companies to the region. In addition, HVEDC will continue to market office, commercial and industrial real estate available in the region.
Prior to joining Empire State Development Corporation, Mr. Oates was CEO and President of The Creative Field Marketing Group, Inc., in Yonkers and Rockland County. The special event and marketing agency created promotion campaigns for Bacardi USA, PepsiCo and other consumer product companies.
A graduate of Siena College in Loudonville, NY, Mr. Oates has lived in the Hudson Valley for two decades. He currently resides in South Salem with his wife and children.
For more information on the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, visit www.hvedc.com.
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