STATE TOURISM CHAIR MAKES HUDSON VALLEY STOP

Hyde Park, NY—Senator Sue Serino welcomed Senator Rich Funke (Identifier), Chair of the State’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation to Dutchess County recently to highlight the Hudson Valley’s premiere tourist destinations.

“From the Walkway Over the Hudson, to historical homes, draw-dropping public spaces and unique shops and restaurants, the Hudson Valley truly has evolved into a world-class tourist destination that offers something for everyone,” said Senator Sue Serino. “Senator Funke has gone above and beyond to see first-hand all that makes our area unique, and his trip offered an important opportunity to share ideas and discuss the many ways our local communities have worked to create spaces and experiences that benefit both tourists and locals alike.”

“One of the great honors I have serving as Chair of the Senate Tourism Committee is getting to learn about the many diverse assets that attract visitors, jobs, and investment all across our state,” said Senator Funke. “From visiting the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, to checking out the Walkway over the Hudson, to enjoying a "pop-up" picnic with New York grown farm-to-table produce, our time in the Hudson Valley Region has been both enjoyable and educational. I thank Senator Serino and her constituents for their kind hospitality.”

Senator Funke and his wife, Pat, arrived in Hyde Park early on Wednesday, August 2^nd and began their tour of the area at the famed Mills Mansion. Their visit also included stops at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Val-Kill, the Walkway Over the Hudson, and Bard College’s Fisher Center. Over the course of two days, the Senator Serino also led the Funkes on visits to various shops and local businesses from Beacon to Rhinebeck.

They were joined on their tours by local experts including Dutchess County Tourism Executive Director Mary Kay Vrba, Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Heart and Claudia Cooley, Executive Director of the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce and community officials including Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and Beacon Mayor Randy Casale.

Senator Serino said, “I cannot thank the local tour guides, destination managers and local business owners enough who helped us put a spotlight on the incredible work our community does. Showing visitors around our area provided yet another reminder of all that we have to take pride in."

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