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Panel discussion to focus on Gardiner development
By Dawn Letus
Correspondent, January 27, 2003

GARDINER - The Gardiner Association for Responsible Development will sponsor a panel discussion, "Local Living Economies," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Town Hall.

Local speakers will discuss what they consider to be appropriate commercial and economic development for Gardiner. The meeting is open to the public.

Al Randzin, a certified business advisor with the Mid-Hudson Region Small Business Development Center, and author Melissa Everett are expected to offer insights into Gardiner's commercial strengths, as well as consider whether commercial development is a viable means of offsetting tax increases brought on by increased residential development.

Laura Walls, the former town supervisor and a principal in the local
grant-writing firm of Shingebiss Associates, will act as moderator.

Randzin, an entrepreneur and lifelong resident of Ulster County, is familiar with state and local economic development agencies and funding sources and works with both start-up and existing business owners.

Everett is an advocate of "sustainable development," focusing on local job creation strategies. The author of "Making a Living While Making a Difference: the Expanded Guide to Creating Careers with a Conscience," she coordinates the Sustainable Hudson Valley Economic Development Working Group, and is an instructor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

For information about the upcoming discussion, call Ajax Greene at (845) 256-9386 or e-mail ajax@vh concepts.com.