Enriching Rockland
When I first took office in January of 2014, I vowed to find new and innovative ways to bring money into Rockland County. More than 7 years and a few hurdles later; we have done just that.
This week we took another step towards continuing to improve and enrich life in our community. Thanks to the efforts of Lucy Redzeposki, our Director of Economic Development and Tourism and the dedicated staff her the Department, 18 organizations received more than of $175,000 in tourism grants which will be used to attract visitors to our beautiful county.
According to the most recent Tourism Economic Study from New York State, tourism accounted for 7.1 percent of all employment in Rockland and generated more than $30 million in local taxes. If not for tourism generated sales and local taxes the average household in Rockland would have to pay an additional $585 in yearly taxes to maintain current services. That is a lot of money saved thanks to the efforts of our Economic Development and Tourism Office!
It’s clear that these regular small investments are paying dividends for Rockland. Not only are we enriching our county with sports, events, theater, and art. We are bringing visitors and the money they spend into our county.
The tourism funds going to these agencies are County dollars and they come with a set of performance expectations; these are not giveaways. We have every confidence that the organizations receiving this funding will use it to bring visitors here to see all that Rockland has to offer.
These funds are going to organizations that bring arts, music, theater, sports, and culture into Rockland County. Groups like the GARNER Arts Center, the Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education, the Haverstraw Brick Museum, the RCC Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center, the Rockland Pride Center, the India Cultural Society of Rockland, the New York Boulders and so many others.
Funding was also awarded to the Greater Suffern Chamber of Commerce, Sloatsburg Chamber of Commerce, Nanuet Chamber of Commerce and Visit Nyack. Groups that work to bring people into the community.
And while folks may visit the first time for a particular event, I know that our baseball, music, theater, art, riverfronts, and downtowns will keep them coming back.
This is the way forward. We have created a resilient environment where businesses thrive, and jobs are created. Congratulations to the organizations who have won these awards, we know you will do us proud with your efforts!
