Garigliano, center, with Mark Mulpeter, left, and John Glusko, both of Central Hudson

BRIDGEVILLE – Central Hudson and The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development have teamed up to assist Catskill Mountain Sugar House of Grahamsville, New York  as the maple producer ramps up production after a successful spring season in 2009. Sugar maker John Garigliano plans to increase the yields of his operation through advances in maple syrup production technology and expansion of his “sugar bush”, the maple trees that cover his family’s farm. Central Hudson is playing a direct role in addressing the ever-increasing energy needs of the sugar house.

“Central Hudson has long supported entrepreneurs and John’s efforts prove that young people can come back to the region and make a nice life for themselves”, said John Glusko, Director of Governmental Affairs and Economic Development for Central Hudson.

Garigliano recently received a degree in Agricultural Economics from Auburn University in Alabama and moved back to Sullivan County after graduation. He also raises grass fed beef. The Sullivan County Partnership identified Garigliano’s sugar house as a target commercial user for Central Hudson’s economic development efforts and brought the parties together.

“We’re seeing more and more start-ups and Central Hudson has always been very aggressive and helpful with projects like this. This is a company that recognizes the value of assisting all sizes of business, not just the big electric users”, said Tim McCausland, President of The Sullivan County Partnership. “While the commercial footprint of Central Hudson in the Town of Neversink is small, the impact of the utility’s efforts does not go unnoticed.”