Sullivan talks to chamber members

CENTRAL VALLEY - Executive Director of the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial Tara Sullivan said at an Orange County Chamber of Commerce breakfast Thursday that many programs are already in planning for the celebration, and urged business members to “jump on the bandwagon” and become part of the process.

Sullivan urged business members to support the events that will mark the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the waterway.

“My list grows on and on and it grows every day.  It’s only May, and we’re well on our way to what promises to be an historic and treasured memory for all of us, but not without you,” she said. “New York businesses and corporations will have a major roll next year. We ask all of you to jump on the bandwagon as ambassadors of New York’s 400th anniversary.”

Sullivan noted that a Quadricentennial newsletter is in the making and will be ready for distribution in June.  Other efforts include the production of a Quadricentennial flag; she said they are also pushing for the flag to be displayed at the new homes of both New York baseball teams in 2009.

The state has so far allocated $4 million to fund local efforts across the state to municipalities for initial marketing functions for the event.  Sullivan said in addition to that the state will be handing out over 250 $1,000 grants in the next year to support that effort.

Sullivan said she is also pushing to get the Quad emblem placed on next year’s drivers’ licenses, and to have a decorative coin produced in the anniversary’s honor.

Among the most prestigious guests invited for the celebration is the Dutch Royal Family; and efforts are underway to invite the new President of the United States to attend events in the here in the Hudson Valley.

US Senator Charles Schumer pledged last month to make an effort to have the then President be one of the first people to cross the finished Walkway Over the Hudson, considered by many to be one of the biggest attractions to the valley in 2009.