Craft brewer is first business to join advisory board following announcement of HVEDC/WCA intent to merge
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (February 11, 2019) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC), which announced its intent to merge with the Westchester County Association (WCA) in a statement on January 29, 2019, has welcomed John Rubbo, co-founder of Yonkers Brewing Co., to its advisory board.
Rubbo is co-founder and self-proclaimed “BrewEO” of Yonkers Brewing Co., Along with overseeing day-to-day operations, Rubbo focuses on optimizing wholesale production and sales of Yonkers brand in the regional market, including the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Yonkers Brewing is located in downtown Yonkers, and the company also has a successful restaurant and brewery component located on the Yonkers Waterfront. The restaurant serves nearly 50,000 patrons annually and employs more than 20 people.
Rubbo was sworn in as City Councilman for the City of Yonkers Fourth Council District in January 2018, a position he enjoys for its opportunities to help, and advocate for, his community and the City of Yonkers. His primary legislative goal is to fight for additional resources in the Yonkers Public School system so that Yonkers can rebuild its aging school infrastructure and add new buildings.
“I am honored that Mike Oates and Bill Mooney have asked me to join the newly formed HVEDC/WCA advisory board. I am committed to seeing Yonkers, Westchester County and the entire region prosper,” stated Rubbo. “The overall success of the downstate counties is linked to a growing business community, vibrant CBOs and a well-funded education system that is preparing tomorrow’s generation of medical professionals, tradesmen, tech workers and entrepreneurs. I plan on advocating not only for today’s workforce but for tomorrow’s leaders as well.”
An Iona College graduate, Rubbo began his career with the City of Yonkers, working with civic groups, community-based organizations and various religious groups in New York State’s fourth largest city. Following his tenure with the City, Rubbo worked in the payment processing field, and built a $2 million business portfolio with a platform that serviced companies including GEICO and UPMC prior to being sold to a private equity firm. Rubbo remains actively involved in the business portfolio for the platform, which now operates as Wordplay. Rubbo resides in Yonkers with his wife Dawn, sons Dominic and John, and their two year old English Bulldog Max.
“It is our pleasure to welcome John and Yonkers Brewing Co. to the HVEDC/WCA advisory board at such an exciting time for both organizations,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of HVEDC. “The timing is prefect to welcome aboard such a successful Westchester-based business. John’s dedication to community and to lending his know-how to support the next generation of business owners and entrepreneurs is what we’re all about.”
The Boards of Directors of HVEDC and the WCA announced on January 29 the intent to pursue a merger of the two organizations, creating a leading economic development and business advocacy organization in New York State. The new organization unites a shared strategic mission and vision of HVEDC and the WCA. It will build on their economic development strategies, which are designed to diversify and strengthen the Hudson Valley economy.
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, and the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance. To learn more, call 845-220-2244 or visit hvedc.com.
