POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Think Dutchess Alliance for Business is excited to announce the winners of the upcoming 2024 Business Excellence Awards. This year’s awards celebration will be held at The Culinary Institute of America on October 24, 2024. For more than 20 years, the Business Excellence Awards celebration has attracted hundreds of prominent business leaders to recognize the people and companies that demonstrate unique vision, innovation and achievement in support of Dutchess County’s economy.
“Each year, our award winners exemplify the incredible impact of our business community in making Dutchess County an exceptional place to live and work,” said Sarah Lee, CEO of Think Dutchess Alliance for Business. “Their commitment to advancing our local economy, creating jobs and enriching the lives of our residents is commendable. We are proud to celebrate these awardees for their vital contributions to our community.”
Think Dutchess is honored to present the following businesses, organizations and individuals at this year’s awards celebration:
Grand Award: DAY ONE Early Learning Community, Inc.
This year’s grand award winner, DAY ONE Early Learning Community in Poughkeepsie, NY, plays a growing vital role in the Hudson Valley community by providing an alternative workforce development program and early education support for local working families. In October 2023, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited DAY ONE during her tour of the Mid-Hudson region. She praised the center's innovative Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP), which provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience for a career in early childhood education, ultimately resulting in local careers with livable wages. In April 2024, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1.2 million in federal funding for DAY ONE to expand the program which will allow for more cohorts, classrooms, and services. Day One’s model has expanded into Ulster County with plans to expand into NYC. When it comes to addressing the needs of the regional workforce and advocating for childcare, DAY ONE serves as a model to be emulated across the country.
Special Recognition: Peter Grant Jordan, Ed.D., Dutchess Community College President
Since becoming President of Dutchess Community College in 2021, Dr. Peter Grant Jordan has distinguished himself as a transformational and collaborative leader who is committed to serving the community – both within and beyond the campus. In addition to the continued growth of the Aviation program, his list of accomplishments includes the creation of the first Mechatronics Lab in the Mid-Hudson Region. This 6000 sq. ft state-of-the-art space offers hands-on learning opportunities that will prepare students for a variety of in-demand jobs across the manufacturing sector. Off campus, Dr. Jordan is a member of the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet and Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board, and Chair of the Dutchess County Economic Advisory Council (EDAC) Education & Workforce Committee. In August 2023, he participated in a White House and USDOE Career and Technical Education Working Session, which focused on exploring opportunities for community college-union partnerships.
Large Business of the Year: Anderson Center for Autism
Founded in 1924, Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, NY is a pioneer in the autism community both locally and around the world. With a team of over 900 employees this award-winning organization assists more than 600 individuals on an annual basis by providing evidence-based support and interventions for children and adults with autism, their loved ones, and caregivers. One of the most notable developments locally has been the planned reconstruction of the historic Dellinwood building on the Anderson campus. This project, backed by a $3 million grant from New York State, is part of a broader $10 million initiative to create "New Dellinwood," a state-of-the-art facility that will include training and conference spaces designed to grow the talent pipeline for education, healthcare and behavioral health. Anderson Center for Autism’s significant strides in educational, vocational, residential, and clinical services has also expanded internationally, quickly gaining global influence. Anderson Center International continues to improve quality of life by sharing their expertise with the world through a partnership with the United Nations and collaborative arrangements with large and small organizations worldwide.
Small Business of the Year: Boutique Wines, Spirits & Cider
Known for its curated customer experience and selection of more than 300 craft ciders, Boutique Wines, Spirits & Cider in Fishkill, NY has solidified its reputation as tastemaker in the regional and national beverage industry. Inspired by the agricultural influence of apples in the region and underrepresented cider category in the industry, this family-owned startup created a business that was more about the relationships and experience than the sale, both inside and outside the store. In addition to its daily operations, Boutique Wines, Spirits & Cider partners with local businesses, events and students to share their expertise and passion with the Dutchess County community. Partnering with the Culinary Institute of America has allowed students to expand industry knowledge, receive help with industry certifications and acquire one-on-one learning on site. The store continues to draw attention for its unique offerings and customer experiences, frequently hosting tasting events that are popular with locals and visitors alike, attracting over 1,800 people annually. Attendees travel from as far as California, Michigan, Maine, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, shining light on Dutchess County and positively impacting the economic vitality of the region.
Innovator of the Year: Fit and Fun Playscapes
Fit and Fun Playscapes has helped over a million people across more than 8,000 schools, community parks, and recreation centers to move, interact and experience health and wellness in fun, engaging ways. Recently expanding its headquarters and production to Dutchess County, the Poughkeepsie-based company has been creating activities from beginning to end including research, design and manufacturing for 13 years. Fit and Fun's products are widely recognized for creating inclusive environments that encourage movement and play across all age groups including the new “Fit and Fun Forever™” series, designed to promote active gameplay for adults and seniors. The Fit and Fun team is extensively involved in the local community collaborating with local schools and organizations to learn from their needs, develop concepts that can help them and test products to ensure maximum performance, durability, and enjoyment. With innovation at the forefront, this business continues to bring new creations to life, launching original and updated products like portable mats and reusable playground stencils.
Nonprofit of the Year: Mid-Hudson Works
In 2023, Mid-Hudson Works (MHW) celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking decades of impact in the Hudson Valley community by providing employment opportunities for local veterans, people with disabilities and those re-entering the workforce. Located in Poughkeepsie, NY, Mid-Hudson Works’ training opportunities have traditionally focused on advancing skillsets in manufacturing/trades, dry food co-packing, order fulfillment and warehousing, and assembly. In 2022, the organization received a donation, North River Roasters Coffee Roastery, and has used this gift to teach and promote entrepreneurial learning opportunities. This venture has allowed the team to focus on creative ways to further collaborate and interact with the community, as well as promote creativity and engagement for staff. The organization recently became a key collection site for the "Suits for Our Heroes" program, which provides gently used business attire to veterans preparing for job interviews.
Tickets for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards are available for purchase here.
For more information on the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business and its partners, visit www.thinkdutchess.com.