Airports Mean Business

 "Small Business Opportunity Forum"

 L-R Panelists and Contributors: Front: Carol Smith, VP Gov't Initiatives, Orange County Chamber, Phyllis Esnes,Supvr. Construction Contract Services, PANY&NJ, Ida Perich, Mgr. Program Development, OBJO, PANY&NJ, Diannae Ehler, GM Stewart Int'l Airport,PANY&NJ / Back Row: Dr. John D'Ambrosio, Pres. Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Helene Gibbs, Program Mgr. Stewart ASDO, Eric Billowitz, Airport Mgr. AvPorts Stewart Int'l Airport and Gregory Reszka, Mgr.Plant Structures & Airport Development, PANY&NJ and Giovanni Perraglia, Assistant Support Center Mgr. FAA, Stewart Int'l Airport

Stewart Air Services Development Office(ASDO) recently presented it's second seminar co-hosted with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of this small business forum was to engage the talent and resources of area businesses in future opportunities with aviation and airport buyers at Stewart. Helene Gibbs, ASDO's Program Manager said "panelists successfully engaged approximately 100 business participants in a dialogue that stressed the importance of checking their respective websites for oportunities and information. They also thoroughly explained purchasing and procurement processes of the PANY&NJ, the FAA, AvPorts and ASDO".

Diannae Ehler, General Manager of Stewart International Airport in opening remarks said " the aviation industry at Stewart is committed to help generate economic growth in airport communities by identifying and awarding contracts to local business enterprises. The agency has also spent $40 million on Stewart projects since it began operations in November 2007 and there's more to come". ASDO helps establish mutually beneficial relationships by giving both aviation and area businesses direct access to the communities they serve. ASDO is funded by the Port Authority of NY&NJ and administered by the Aviation Development Council. Services to buyer and seller are entirely free of charge.

NYS & OCCC have a special program just for you!

You can learn everything there is to know about starting or growing your existing business when you register to attend this 10 week business building course, at the Orange County Chamber. Once registered, you will continue to receive counseling as your business grows in order to ensure that all your questions are answered. Additionally, class attendees have a better chance for approval of two different loan funds to start or grow your business. Upon completion of the course, you will be given the opportunity to apply for the Minority and Women Owned Business Loan Fund, which lends up to $20,000. The second loan fund is the Mid-Hudson Regional Revolving Loan Fund; lending up to $70,000. Completing means that you understand how to run a business and may have a better success probability than someone who did not receive the same training. Contact the Chamber at www:orangeny.com or call OCCC's Patricia Mugnano at 845.457.9700 for registration information.

Think Stewart First

This Dutchess County Regional Chamber 2005 “Think Local First” marketing campaign is an initiative designed to promote local businesses by encouraging people in the area to patronize local shops and businesses, rather than shopping outside the Hudson River Valley for products and services. Launched prior to the 2005 holiday season, this campaign has been going strong ever since and now even includes "Give Local".

"Think Stewart First", is a natural progression for the campaign aimed at promoting all things Hudson Valley,” said Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Charles S. North.  "Thanks to strong public support, the “Think Local” part of the campaign has grown to include “Think Stewart First”, to raise awareness and encourage travelers to use this valuable local resource. Anyone who would like a poster or the use of the logo, can call the Dutchess Regional Chamber at 845-454-1700, Ext. 1020 and leave a message for Tammy".

Stewart ASDO supports all initiatives that focus on the expertise and availability of local resources. ASDO helps establish mutually beneficial relationships by giving both aviation industry buyers and area businesses direct access to the communities they serve through it's program at Stewart International Airport.