ANCRAMDALE– Local Ocean, the new fish farm in Greenport, is the recipient of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Crystal Apple Award.
Over 100 people attended the event at Pond Restaurant & Banquet Facility in Ancramdale Friday, February 26, where the award was announced. Dinner was crafted by the staff at The Pond.
A video created by Midhudsonmedia highlighted the 2009 accomplishments of the six finalists, and the Steuben Glass crystal apple was presented to Local Ocean by emcee Roger Coleman, publisher of the Chatham Courier/The Register-Star and Chamber Chairman Michael Sullivan of Crawford & Associates Engineering and Land Surveying PC.
Local Ocean, a fish farm that just started in the area, anticipates bringing 53 full time “green” jobs to the region over the next three years, along with 7 contract positions. Local Ocean’s “green system” of farming is designed to prevent pollution and reduce energy use. It is the nation’s first re-circulating saltwater commercial aquaculture operation. The project aims to replace fish imports, increase aquaculture expertise and create employment throughout the United States.
The other finalists included: BeLo 3rd, Catamount Adventure Park, Columbia-Greene Dialysis Centers, Taconic Farms, Inc. and The Historic Blue Stores. The annual award is presented to a chamber member business to recognize an extraordinary contribution to economic progress, community improvement, and the quality of life in Columbia County during 2009.
The event was sponsored by A. Colarusso & Son, Crawford & Associates Engineering & Surveying PC, EP Nevins Insurance Agency, Inc, First Niagara Bank, Kinderhook Bank, Taconic, Clear Channel Radio, Midhudsonmedia, Chatham Courier/The Register-Star, Columbia Hudson Partnership, Fingar Insurance, Freeman Howard, PC, and Shallo Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito, CPAs, PC and The Bank of Greene County.
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, which has 850 members, provides advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. For more information call (518) 828-4417 or visit www.columbiachamber-ny.com.