|
RCBJ-Audible (Listen For Free)
 |
New Director Will Seek To Boost Aid Programs, Refresh Tourism Programs, Encourage New Partnerships
By Judith Bachman
Lucy Redzeposki has returned for her second stint as Director of the County’s office of Economic Development & Tourism. She replaces Jeremy Schulman, who replaced her two years ago. Schulman left hastily a month ago; County Executive Ed Day has said Redzeposki is filling in on an interim basis.
That said, Redzeposki has picked up the mantle with the enthusiasm and energy she was previously known for. She has once again and quickly became the county’s public face on economic development and tourism, leading what is a crucial endeavor as the country emerges from the pandemic and the world returns to a normal, but also a new normal where everything deserves a fresh look.
During a recent meeting with members of the Rockland Business Association, Redzeposki shared some thoughts on her role and what lies ahead for her office.
She said she is focused on bringing in revenue for the county to ease the burden on taxpayers. That means nurturing known streams of revenue but also developing new ones. Despite the pandemic, she believes the county is in a healthier economic position than it had been in her first term. She noted that the office of Economic Development & Tourism itself is in a stronger position since it now has a staff of three people. Although Redzeposki is indefatigable by anyone’s measure, she previously felt the department needed more hands on deck.
To begin her tenure, Redzeposki is dedicating her efforts to ensure businesses have the resources they need to return to pre-pandemic levels of success. Last week, the county handed out more than $175,000 in tourism grants to chambers and arts, culture and sports organizations.
The new director is organizing a survey for businesses and residents to gauge what support is needed to thrive. The American Rescue Plan and State grants will help but believes there are opportunities for the county and her office to aid businesses beyond those programs. She wants to find out where there are gaps in Federal and State economic development programs to ensure the county funds programs that help the business community.
She also pledges to revitalize many of the efforts she began in her first term, including overseeing a refresh of the county’s tourism website. She also plans to put together a new travel guide and film industry guide. She intends to coordinate her efforts with economic development offices in neighboring counties and is working in partnership with the Hudson Valley Tourism office.
Redzeposki is asking members of the business community and the public to be in touch with her office and share feedback, suggestions, and needs. Her office can be reached at (845) 364-2171.
Judith Bachman is the founder and principal of The Bachman Law Firm PLLC in New City. judith@thebachmanlawfirm.com 845-639-3210, thebachmanlawfirm.com