FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Odell Urges Businesses to Attend April Funding Workshop, Planning & EDC Leaders Among Co-Sponsors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MaryEllen Odell
Putnam County Executive
(845) 808-1001

Odell Urges Businesses to Attend April Funding Workshop 

Planning & EDC Leaders Among Co-Sponsors  

A free workshop offering applicant assistance to not-for-profit corporations, for-profit businesses as well as county and municipal agencies seeking grants available through New York’s Regional Economic Development Council will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 in the Weber Auditorium at Putnam Hospital Center, 670 Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel, NY. The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

“The CFA is a modern and easy-to-use single, online application designed to offer economic development project applicants and other entities expedited access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell.

Putnam’s Commissioner for Planning Anthony Ruggiero and Putnam’s Economic Development Corporation President Meghan Taylor are among the several hosts for the morning program. Ruggiero noted that Gov. Andrew Cuomo streamlined the grant application process by initiating the 10 Regional Economic Development Councils whose job is to identify priority projects based on each Council’s specific five-year plan. Each Regional Council’s membership is comprised of Elected Officials, local business members, academia, as well as community and not-for-profit organizations. 

“We’re trying to get a pushout – more information out about the workshop,” said Ruggiero. “If you haven’t done this before, there will be a number of people present to offer their assistance. Jonathan Drapkin, the president and CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress will come down and Aimee Vargas, Director, Mid-Hudson Region Empire State Development will be there.”

“By attending the CFA workshop, businesses will obtain a clear understanding of the application process,” said Taylor. “The workshop will provide information on specific funding opportunities and will provide the information necessary for individuals to apply successfully through the CFA process.”

Cold Spring-based Scenic Hudson received a grant last year which helped the organization in restoring the West Point Foundry Trail. Ruggiero wants to let more businesses and not-for-profits know that there is substantial regional funding available and assistance for those entities seeking a share of the monies earmarked for disbursement. 

Ruggiero stressed that the workshop is informational, not mandatory. He said each of the member counties in the Mid-Hudson Region will be hosting CFA workshops throughout the month of April. Other member counties include Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. For information on the dates, visit:  www.nyworks.ny.gov. or pattern-for-progress.org.

The funding opportunities to be discussed at the Putnam workshop include Business Assistance, Community Development and Energy & Environmental.  

Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, local development corporations, business improvement districts, public benefit corporations including industrial development agencies, economic development corporations, research and academic institutions, technology parks, counties, regional planning councils, tourist attractions, and community facilities within the Mid-Hudson Region.

“The Putnam County EDC is here to help any organization looking to apply through the CFA and stands willing to assist,” said Taylor.

Others hosting the CFA Workshop include Putnam Hospital Center, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, Putnam County Chambers of Commerce, Empire State Development Mid-Hudson Region, and Putnam County Industrial Development Agency.

Attendees should RSVP to Roe Cialini at 845-878-3480 x 48100 or e-mail her at: roe.cialini@putnamcountyny.gov