Joint business-government coalition launched

Warwick — On Thursday, Oct. 4, WVT Communications President and CEO Duane Albro attended a press conference held at Warwick Town Hall with Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard, Maureen Halahan, president and CEO of the Orange County Partnership and Robert Krahulik, president of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce to announce the official launching of a joint initiative, The Warwick Development Coalition (WDC). The new coalition, they explained, was created and designed by them for the purpose of promoting business development in the Town of Warwick. “We first met together in June,” reported Krahulik. “And since that time we’ve been actively working on developing the vision, goals, and strategy necessary to successfully complete our mission.” Supervisor Sweeton explained that while it’s important for Warwick to attract new businesses, it’s equally as important to preserve the rural character of the Town. He and the other members of the Warwick Development Coalition believe this can be accomplished by attracting the right types of businesses. “We are determined to create and vigorously support sustaining strong community and family values in the Town of Warwick with intelligent growth of technology-based businesses,” he said. “We’re not looking for large numbers. We’re trying to attract just a few environmentally friendly businesses whose management is looking for a community with a high quality of life that would be an ideal place to grow and succeed.” Sweeton added that the newly formed WDC is also working collaboratively on this initiative with the Orange County Partnership, the primary Office of Economic Development for the county. “We are happy to partner with the Warwick Development Coalition in their efforts as they see the value of balanced growth in terms of what it can bring to a community,” said Maureen Halahan, CEO of the Partnership. Halahan praised WVT Communications and CEO Duane Albro for his initiative. She explained that because of his previous and extensive background in the communications industry, his current position has created a networking opportunity that could help open the doors of those who run the types of businesses that Warwick would most welcome. “This initiative,” said Albro, “would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Town of Warwick and the leadership demonstrated by Supervisor Sweeton.” Marketing packages are currently being sent out to a number of potential investors coincident with the launching of a new Web site: www.warwickbusiness.org. The packages describe many of the reasons why Warwick is a good place for both business and life. And as part of this business development initiative, Albro also recently announced that WVT Communications would offer a new grant to any owner of a commercially zoned property in the Township of Warwick interested in marketing that property for sale. This WVT Development Grant provides a high-quality, professionally developed brochure to assist in the sale of the qualified property. Potential investors and anyone else seeking more information regarding the WDC Business Development initiative should contact Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, at 845-986-2720 or e-mailing info@warwickcc.org.