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Nyack-based York Analytical Laboratories Bought By ALS Limited; Pearl River Farmers’ Market Returns For A Full Season; CHPE Pre-Construction Open House

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Nyack-based York Analytical Laboratories Bought By ALS Limited

Nyack-based York Analytical Laboratories, Inc. has been acquired by ALS Limited to accelerate growth of its environmental testing services in the Northeast U.S.

The addition of York’s market-leading operation – with more than 200 staff across four laboratories and four strategically-located service centers across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – is the latest strategic acquisition by ALS in key markets around the world.

“The acquisition of York Analytical enables us to grow quickly in the fast-emerging northeast U.S. environmental marketplace, where there continues to be significant investment in major infrastructure programs and widespread PFAS contamination issues,” says Malcolm Deane, CEO and Managing Director of ALS Limited.

“York entered the PFAS market early with the first PFAS lab in New York City and have built an impressive operation that we will help scale and accelerate. Combined with its impressive drinking water, air and full suite of environmental testing, and York’s relentless dedication to fully satisfying its clients, ALS+York will lead to even better, faster and more reliable service for all clients, both current and new.”

Critical to the deal is the retention of all of York’s employees, including its senior staff and its client-centric and culture-enhancing commitments.

“With ALS’s focus on Northeast and the tremendous global resources they provide, our teams will combine with the dynamite ALS laboratories in Middletown, PA and Rochester, NY to quickly become the laboratory of choice for environmental professionals throughout the Northeast,” said Michael J. Beckerich, President and CEO of York Analytical. The depth and scope of talent and resources across the ALS global network combined with our grassroots results-focused business model is going to have an immediate impact on client growth and satisfaction.”

This month, the EPA issued its new rules regarding PFAS in public water systems.

“The EPA timing is not coincidental with the investment in our business,” he said. “We’re just a proof point that these regulations are tied to where the money’s heading.”

The lab, which moved its headquarters to Nyack from Connecticut under the state’s START-UP NY program, has a partnership with Rockland Community College. It has 200+ employees and labs and client service centers in Nyack and Queens; Stratford and Newtown in Connecticut, and Toms River, New Jersey. And now the company that Beckerich’s father founded 30 years ago has been acquired by ALS Limited, a global technology and laboratory testing company.


Pearl River Farmers’ Market Will Be Back – And for A Full Season

After a successful four-week trial in the Fall of 2023, the Pearl River Farmers’ Market will return for a full season starting in May. The market will operate every Saturday from May through November from 10am – 2pm in Central Avenue Field.

“The decision to do a trial only last year was based on the fact that there had been previous farmers’ market attempts in the hamlet that failed — and we wanted to gauge the interest level for ourselves, but without committing to an entire season,” said Joe Serra, who runs the market.  “The trial revealed a few things: Great enthusiasm and turnout from Pearl River residents, lots of people from neighboring towns attended, vendors were encouraged and were on board for a full season… and lastly, the Town of Orangetown was extremely supportive in the endeavor.  Our Facebook page, in only a matter of weeks, grew from zero to approximately 800 followers.”

The Town of Orangetown has contracted with Serra’s organization to run the market.

Last year’s trial, which was hindered somewhat by bad weather, had only a handful of vendors. Some 40 vendors are expected to participate this season. Some will be weekly, while many of the specialty vendors will showcase their wares either bi-weekly or monthly. On average, there will be 25 vendors per market.


Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) Hosts Pre-Construction Open House

The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project is hosting a pre-construction open house  on May 7th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Patriot Hills Senior & Community Center, 19 Clubhouse Lane in Stony Point to explain its route and give residents and business owners the opportunity to ask questions about the project’s construction, location and timelines in Rockland County.

The open house will be hosted by members of the project’s construction, real estate and community engagement teams who will answer your questions and provide you community specific information.

Champlain Hudson Power Express is an innovative energy transmission project which will bring clean, renewable hydropower from Québec, Canada to Queens, meeting 20% of the New York City’s power needs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3.9 million metric tons per year.


RCC Celebrates Fourth Annual Unity in Community Festival

Rockland Community College is hosting the fourth annual Unity in Community: Rising as One Festival. From April 22 – May 7, the festival features a range of events and activities aimed at highlighting and honoring the collaboration, passion and compassion that boosts RCC’s community spirit.

“I am honored to witness the incredible support and enthusiasm from our RCC community,” said a Co-chair of the Organization Committee, Professor Patricia Maloney-Titland, Program Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Rockland Shakespeare Company, and a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor.

The concept of Unity in Community was born in 2021 through the vision of Professor Maloney-Titland. The celebration brings together colleagues and students to share empowering stories and journeys, shaping and uniting a proud legacy. Unity in Community includes theatrical performances, food festivals, historical event discussions, and more. Events and activities will also highlight the creativity of RCC students, faculty, staff, and the community.

“We are thrilled to once again host the Unity in Community: Rising as One Festival at Rockland Community College,” said Dr. Lester Rápalo, President of RCC. “This event embodies the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines our campus community. We look forward to coming together to showcase the creativity and talent that enriches our college experience and strengthens our bonds as a community.”

This year’s event kicked off for the Rockland County community with a Unity in Community Kick-off Fundraiser on April 20, 2024 at the Kendra Scott Outlet Store-Woodbury Commons.