New York state Senate votes 'yes' on Rob Dyson

WASHINGTON — A few weeks ago the state Senate in Albany accomplished something that made Harlem Valley residents proud. It confirmed Gov. David Patterson’s appointment of town of Washington resident, businessman and racecar driver Rob Dyson as a member of the Empire State Development Corporation’s (EDC) Board of Directors. The EDC is the state’s agency for encouraging jobs and investment.

Dyson was reached at his business office in New York City for comment.

“There are lots of things going on. The key aspect of EDC is to create an environment where business feels it can prosper,� he said.

The EDC encourages viable private enterprise projects, which range from assistance of as little as $75,000 for small companies to helping Columbia University’s $6 billion expansion project, and the construction of the Moynihan Railroad Station in New York City.

The board has only four directors and the Senate has yet to confirm Dennis Mullen as the CEO. All directors serve without pay.

“No expenses, no getting off of speeding tickets, either,� Dyson said. “Specifically, I’m doing this because I have a great commitment to our community and our state.�

Dyson also explained that although there are projects under consideration for Dutchess County, his role is not to push Hudson Valley projects.

Dyson is the chairman and CEO of the family-owned international holding company, Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, founded in 1954 by his father, Charles Dyson. Dyson is also the president of the Dyson Foundation, which awarded grants in excess of $15 million in 2009, with a special interest in supporting nonprofits in the Mid Hudson Valley. Since its founding in 1957, the foundation has awarded grants of more than $223 million. Dyson is also the president and CEO of Dyson Racing, which competes in the American Le Mans racing circuit.

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