Chamber Introduces Columbia County Bounty Program

Hudson, NY – Over 90 guests in attendance learned about the exciting new Columbia County Bounty program at the Chamber's annual Agricultural Brunch on March 14.  The sold out event featured a panel of speakers and a keynote by Phil Gottwals of Agricultural & Community Development Services, LLC.  Click here to view the photo gallery.

The brunch focused on "The New Faces of Farming" and introduced three exciting new projects.  Phil Gottwals spoke about the economic effect that the agriculture industry has in Columbia County and the entire Hudson Valley region.  He said that the new Columbia County Bounty program was one way to help continue to foster relationships for the farm community.

Chamber Director David Robinson of Bezalel Gables Fine Catering and Events and co-chair of the Columbia County Bounty program unveiled the program for very excited attendees.  The program has established the connection between farmers and chefs to help build relationships, so that chefs can buy local products to use in their place of business while increasing the bottom line for the farmer.  The possibilities of this program are endless as David Robinson said and this is just the beginning.   The directory of farmers and restaurants is available at the Columbia County Chamber office and features 65 farms and 56 restaurants/chefs as members of the program.  You may become a Charter Member of the program for $25.  That entitles you to the binder, a member decal and access to exclusive events throughout the year.  Click here for a Columbia County Bounty Charter Member Application.

This idea was created from information presented at last year's Agricultural Brunch. This Committee of the Chamber has been working for a year to make connections between local farmers and chefs.  Numerous meetings and even a Bounty of the County Dinner was held last year to help forge the relationships and it had an overwhelming response.  Martin Stosiek of Markristo Farm spoke about the impact that this program will have on the farm community to increase business in their own backyards.  Farmers will be able to work directly with chefs to sell products and potentially grow specific crops for these chefs.  Linda Gatter of Local 111 Restaurant also spoke about the impact for restaurants.  Restaurants will be able to feature local products on their menus, which has become increasingly important to consumers.  Restaurants and farmers will be able to proudly display that they are members of the program.

Derek Grout and Tom Crowell of Harvest Spirits, LLC spoke about their exciting new vodka distillery. While housed on the same land, this new business will be separate from the well-known family business, Golden Harvest Farms. Golden Harvest produces an over-abundance of utility and cider-grade apples every year, but unfortunately they don't generate a lot of income on the wholesale market. With vodka being the most popular distilled alcoholic beverage consumed in the US , there is little hand-made, batch-distilled vodka available. The project focuses on using available resources to further promote agriculture in the region.

The final presenter was Todd Erling, Executive Director from the newly developed Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC). Todd spoke about why HVADC was created. It was created to aid in the development, promotion, enhancement and retention of the agricultural industry and its associated economic and environmental benefits within New York 's Hudson Valley . Two Hudson Valley Counties, Columbia and Orange have joined forces to help establish Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development. Each county will be responsible for providing personnel and financial resources for the development of the project.

Bridges Restaurant owners Helen and Terry Benedict produced an almost 100% local menu of food by working with local food producers.  Food providers included Beth's Farm Kitchen, Coach Farm, Feather Ridge Farm, Hawthorne Valley Farm, Our Daily Bread, Golden Harvest Farms, Van Wie Natural Foods, Gumaer Farm, Hometown Foods, Mexican Radio and Sweet Water Organic Coffee Roasters.  After the program attendees were invited to browse the various displays setup by the food providers.

The Chamber would like to thank everyone involved in making this an outstanding event and moving this project forward to fruition.

First Niagara Bank and National Union Bank of Kinderhook were Major Sponsors. Midhudsonmedia and The Register-Star/Chatham Courier are Media Sponsors. First Pioneer Farm Credit and Hawthorne Valley Association were Supporting Sponsors.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County , providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.