In an effort to support and grow the forest products industry in the Central New York area, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball announced on Oct. 5 that he is launching new marketing and educational initiatives. As a result, the “Pride of New York” branding program will be expanded to include wood products.
Pride of New York promotes agricultural products created or grown in New York. Forest producers will now be welcomed into the program.
“We are pleased to work with our members on how Pride of New York can help market New York's diverse forest products,” said Steve Servies, director of procurement at the Gutchess Lumber Company. “From paper products to lumber, furniture to pellets and firewood, New York's forests and forest related industries provide high quality products to domestic and international markets.”
Recently, Governor Andrew Cuomo hosted “Capital for a Day” in Syracuse, N.Y., conversing with forest product manufacturers on state government matters. In turn, legislators learned more about how the local government could make a positive impact on residents and the industry.
“Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s ‘Capital for a Day’ event, we had a great opportunity to hear from industry members and talk about the important contributions they make to the economy,” said Ball. “We also discussed key workforce issues and doing a better job of telling their story. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to take steps to address these issues.”