New York Business Hall Of Fame

For immediate release: 8/6/08
For more information: Ron Dresner
ron@newyorkbhof.com
800.990.6685

(Fishkill, NY) – The New York Business Hall Of Fame announced today the “Class of 2007” and this year’s inductees into the statewide business hall of fame.  The two state business leaders and one company inducted are Michael Mandina, president, Optimax Systems, Ontario, NY (www.optimaxsi.com); Dr. D. David Conklin, president, Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY (www.sunydutchess.edu); and MediZine, New York, NY (www.medizine.com).

“Without a doubt, the ‘Class of 2007’ highlights some of the most talented and successful business leaders and companies in our state.  From a college that presently has its highest enrollment in 50 years to a technology company actively promoting regional economic growth to a health care publishing company helping to improve the lives of people throughout the United States, these business leaders and companies should be proud of all of their accomplishments,” said Ron Dresner, director, New York Business Hall Of Fame.“

From September 2007 until April 2008, the New York Business Hall Of Fame solicited nominations from companies and business leaders throughout the state.  Individual awards presentation ceremonies are planned in the coming months.  “Dr. Conklin is so deserving of this recognition. His successful leadership has helped Dutchess Community College thrive and grow into one of the best community colleges in the nation,” commented Trish Prunty, executive director, Dutchess Community College Foundation.

“The mission of the New York Business Hall Of Fame from the start was to celebrate business and the success of companies throughout the state.  This year’s induction class is truly representative of this mission and surpasses it along the way.  Each business leader and company has actively presented a unique positive role – to help strengthen their employees, families and their communities,” said Anthony Santiago, business hall of fame board member and president & CEO, Access for America, (www.access4america.org) New York, NY.

“We are honored to be recognized for the free health education we provide to communities throughout New York and the nation,” said Traver Hutchins, president & CEO, MediZine. “A special thanks goes to the 70 leading pharmacy chains and our advertisers who partner with us to make this happen.”

“Optimax is pleased to be recognized for this award. We are one of many advanced manufacturing firms whose greatest growth challenge has been finding qualified technology workers. I am most proud of Optimax’s role in working with other enlightened advanced manufacturers in the Finger Lakes Region to create the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers’ Enterprise (FAME) partnered with our Workforce Investment Board (http://fingerlakesworks.com/fame-about.php).  FAME’s mission is to develop a pipeline of technology workers for the 21st century. We welcome all stakeholders to join us in this worthy endeavor that will benefit all of us in New York State,” said Michael Mandina, president, Optimax Systems.

Last year’s inductees, the “Class of 2006” included two business leaders and two companies.  That group included Louis Basso, president, The Alcott Group, Farmingdale, NY; James E. Hammer, president & CEO, Hammer Packaging, West Henrietta, NY; Guide Communications, Brewster, NY; and SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Massena, NY.

Established in 2006, The New York Business Hall Of Fame showcases successful companies and business leaders through business networking and industry events that are held throughout the state. The organization partners with private and public organizations, associations and corporations to promote economic development and new ideas in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.newyorkbhof.com.

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