Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D – Forestburgh) and Alan Gerry hosted an economic development forum yesterday with Patrick Foye, Downstate Chairman of the New York State Empire State Development Corporation, and local business leaders. The group gathered at Bethel Woods to discuss economic development issues in the Hudson Valley.

Patrick Foye, chairman of Empire State Development/Downstate, said, “An important element of our economic development vision is to make sure that the state fully leverages its cultural offerings. With its entertainment and tourist destinations – like Bethel Woods and Monticello - the Hudson Valley will be an essential part of that strategy. The right public investments will ensure that Sullivan and the surrounding areas remain engines for private business and job creation.”

“Bringing together Chairman Foye and local leaders provided a great opportunity to exchange ideas and share our vision of the future for the Hudson Valley,” Gunther said. “Bethel Woods was the perfect setting to illustrate how much our region has to offer potential businesses looking to put down roots in New York. We are making it a priority to work together to boost tourism and improve the overall health of our local economy.”

"We are very pleased to have Chairman Foye visit Bethel Woods and establish an on-going focused and productive dialogue regarding current and future economic conditions in our region," said Alan Gerry. "The complex issues involving our collective efforts to stimulate and increase job growth and economic opportunity in our communities and region should be of paramount importance to all of us. We look forward to working with Chairman Foye and the Empire State Development Corporation and other agencies to achieve sustained and significant progress on these matters."

Last year, Gunther helped secure state funding for Bethel Woods in addition to other local tourism projects. She also noted the Assembly recently passed a comprehensive package of legislation she supported to promote economic development and job creation within New York State. For more information, please visit the Assembly web site: http://assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20070621/.

“Our region has so much to offer and it is important we do all we can to take advantage of these positive features,” Gunther said. “I will continue working with my colleagues to spread the message that the Hudson Valley is a great place to work, live and visit.”