Empire State Development president spoke at breakfast

Howard Zemsky, President & CEO of Empire State Development & Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development, discussed the economic outlook for New York State, specifically in the Hudson Valley at the July Contact Breakfast on Wednesday, July 19 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel.

Zemsky helps manage a broad range of programs, incentives and services designed to increase private sector investment and job creation in New York. He works closely with others to successfully implement the plans of 10 regional economic development councils, as part of the governor’s decentralized, collaborative, and strategic approach to economic development.

Prior to coming to Empire State Development, Zemsky co-chaired the Western New York Regional Economic Council and worked on initiatives aimed at revitalizing the upstate economy. In recent years, he has chaired the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and the State University of New York Buffalo Council. He has also served as president of the Richardson Center Corporation, a nonprofit board charged with the rehabilitation of the 140-year-old Richardson Olmsted Complex.

The Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union proudly sponsored this month’s breakfast.

Since 1963, the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union has grown to provide a wide variety of financial products and services to businesses, individuals, and families throughout Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Putnam counties. With 18 branches open six days a week, electronic services such as Internet, mobile and text banking, and access to over 82,000 nationwide ATMs in their fee-free network, HVFCU is the trusted financial partner to help you reach your financial goals. To learn more, stop by any local branch or visit hvfcu.org.

In an ongoing effort to assist those in need within the community, the Chamber's Ambassador Committee has again partnered with the Workforce Development Center to collect canned and dry goods at each monthly Contact Breakfast. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Workforce Development Center.