2021 17th Edition: January 11 - January 15
Hope in a New Beginning

Throughout 2020 we heard time and again, “I’m done with this year, we need a fresh start.” It actually felt good to ring in the New Year with hope and optimism. And here we are, halfway through the first month, somewhat bewildered and disappointed by the barrage of news and the deplorable actions of a very small few. No matter what our political beliefs, we cannot be defined by the illegal actions of a small group of individuals who break the law.

Remembering that it is a new-year, and COVID will eventually be eradicated, we get up every day and do what we do best, WORK! We were built to work and when we do it together, we succeed. In fact, it’s impossible to fail when we work hard every day. We may not reach every goal, and we may not be rewarded the way we think we deserve, but hard work results in success. That’s what we’re all about at the Partnership. We work together with each of you, putting one foot in front of the other, tackling every project with precision (and passion) to ensure that our mission is satisfied.

It’s all about jobs. Not just new permanent jobs, but jobs for engineers, bankers, architects, attorneys, utility workers, contractors, landscapers, maintenance workers, consultants, developers, security guards etc. etc. Now that we are back at our posts, reaching out to one another, conducting business and overcoming challenges, there is no question that we will have a year of victories by overcoming challenges and working together.

In addition to these monumental projects that will all be operational the end of this year:
We have many exciting projects either currently under construction or soon to be under construction, including:

  • Dynarex Corporation: A major supplier of medical equipment to businesses and consumers worldwide, Dynarex will be constructing a $30-million, 400,000-square-foot distribution center in the Town of Wallkill creating approximately 75 new jobs. The site is currently being cleared and construction will begin soon.

  • GFI Partners: A real estate developer, operator and investment manager based in Boston, MA is prepared to construct the largest speculative industrial building (500,124 SF) in the history of Orange County. They are courting multiple interested parties who will bring hundreds of jobs. This building may be available for occupancy as early as the fourth quarter of 2021.

  • President Container Group: One of the largest manufacturers of corrugated boxes in North America produces in excess of 2.4 billion square feet of corrugated products each year, is going “Green” with the use of renewable solar energy. They are undergoing a $1.5-million, 150,000-square-foot expansion in the Town of Wallkill and will be creating 89 additional jobs.

  • KingZak Industries: Based in Goshen, KingZak Industries has been supplying the retail market with quality products in the party, catering and industrial arenas. Due to the high demand of party supplies, they recently retained Triple R Development, to construct a $7.4 million, 70,000-square-foot expansion to their current facility and created 25 new jobs.

There are many more projects which we will continue to provide updates on in our upcoming e-newsletters.

My very best,
Maureen Halahan

President & CEO
U.S. Sen. Schumer Pushes Incoming Biden Administration for Expanded Route 17
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who later this month will be designated as the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, revealed that he recently held a virtual meeting with incoming U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and urged him to prioritize federal infrastructure funding towards construction projects, including the estimated $500-million expansion of Route 17 from Orange County to Sullivan County.
Danskammer Energy Project Receives Major Boost from Organized Labor
The $500-million Danskammer Energy project in Newburgh, which is in the Article 10 process before the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment, recently received a major endorsement from the New York State AFL-CIO.

The proposed project would convert the aging Danskammer plant into a 535-megawatt energy facility.
Orange County-Based McKesson Delivers in the Fight Against COVID-19
McKesson Corp., which has a major distribution facility in Hamptonburgh in Orange County, has been distributing the Moderna COVID vaccine since late December as part of the U.S. government’s “Operation Warp Speed” and is a major player in the nation’s battle against the coronavirus.
Amazon Launches $2-Billion Housing Equity Fund
E-commerce giant Amazon, which is building major distribution and fulfillment centers in Montgomery and New Windsor in Orange County, has launched a $2-billion Housing Equity Fund to preserve and create more than 20,000 affordable homes in Washington State’s Puget Sound region; Arlington, VA and Nashville, TN.
Photo Credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com
COVID Accelerating Business Trends Already in Place
Some trends in business and their impact on the national and local economies prior to the pandemic were sped up and, in some cases, intensified by the spread of the virus and the lockdowns and business closures that followed.

Manuel Vega, chairman of Wilmington, DE-based Renaissance Executive Forums, in a recent blog, offered a host of predictions on growth industries in 2021 and how businesses can adapt to the changing economy during the pandemic once the virus’ impact wanes.
Holt Construction, is a full service organization offering general contracting, construction management and design build services. The Holt organization offers over 97 years of experience with projects ranging from office, hospital, pharmaceutical and computer facilities to college campuses, stone processing plants and retail mall construction.

Holt Construction is large enough to fully support and service all of your construction needs while still being properly sized and structured to allow close attention to each project, ensuring efficient and effective service. Their employees practice Holt's philosophy of quality, dependable service and competitive pricing.

Holt is an "owner friendly" firm capable of adapting to their clients' various needs, including pre-construction analysis using historical cost and productivity data tracking over many years. Holt Construction is committed to providing their clients with current and accurate pricing at all stages of the project - a true commitment to personal services. They provide quality craftsmanship and are mindful that true quality is measured by client satisfaction.
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Reach out to our Marketing Director, Sarah Nathanson:
845.294.0679 or sarah@ocpartnership.org
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