FIRST COLUMBIA JOINS HVEDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(NEW WINDSOR, NY, January 21, 2010) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) announced here today that it has added another prominent private-sector company to its Board of Directors. First Columbia, a diversified real estate development company headquartered in Latham, NY, has invested in the regional economic development organization and will be represented on the board by its President and CEO Kevin Bette.

“With its development of New York International Plaza and numerous other commercial projects throughout the region, First Columbia has demonstrated its long-term commitment to the Hudson Valley,” said Mike Oates, HVEDC’s President and CEO. “We know that we will benefit immensely from Kevin Bette being on our board, and we are excited about the momentum that is already building for our organization in 2010.”

First Columbia has developed a variety of commercial projects throughout the Northeast including major corporate build-to-suits, office campuses, master-planned communities, medical complexes, and high-tech facilities. For more information, visit www.firstcolumbia.com.

HVEDC represents seven counties in the Hudson Valley: Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster and Putnam Counties. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers around the globe. In addition, HVEDC’s mission includes aggressive advocacy in Albany to secure state support for economic development projects in the Hudson Valley.

For more information on the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, visit www.hvedc.com or call 845-220-2244.