Chamber to Host Assembly Road Show

Roundtable set with State Assemblymen to discuss challenges facing young professionals and strategies to make the state more attractive for young professionals to live, work, play – and STAY – in New York

Hudson, NY – Columbia County Chamber Members are encouraged to attend an upcoming Hudson Valley forum with Assemblymen Marc Molinaro (Columbia/Dutchess County), Peter Lopez (Columbia/Greene County) Jack Quinn (Erie County) and Rob Walker (Nassau County), organized to engage young professionals about the challenges facing young people in New York State. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 1 from 7:30 to 9:00 am at Columbia-Greene Community College.

The Assemblymen have taken on the charge of gauging young professionals about what can be done to make the state friendlier to young people. This will be part of a series of forums held throughout New York State . The Assemblymen recognize that every region of the state presents unique challenges – from lack of employment opportunities upstate to high property taxes and expensive housing downstate – and have been formulating some of their own solutions, including putting a spotlight on the SUNY system and institutions of higher learning.

The event will spotlight three Columbia County businesspeople who will discuss the challenges facing our County. David Paciencia, Superintendent of the Hudson City School District will speak about the roll of public education in preparing students for the workforce. Tina Sharpe of Columbia Opportunities and Co-Chair of the Columbia-Greene Housing Coalition will highlight the need for affordable workforce housing and finally Michael Sullivan of Crawford and Associates will talk about the challenges of attracting and retaining young workers. The panel will be opened with a welcome from Columbia-Greene Community College President Jim Campion.

The cost for the event is $15 and includes a full breakfast. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Chamber office at 828-4417. Columbia-Greene Community College is located at 4400 Route 23 in Hudson.

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.