About The Accelerator

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far The Accelerator has created 26 blog entries.
14 10, 2019

A Family-Owned Business: Nearly 30 Years in the Making

2020-05-05T15:39:09-04:00October 14th, 2019|News|Comments Off on A Family-Owned Business: Nearly 30 Years in the Making

Since Fernando Ullauri moved to the United States from Ecuador in 1985, he has been cultivating a career in screen printing. After working for several companies in the Northeast, Ullauri decided to start his own company in 1987. Seco Silk Screen had operations based in Brooklyn for more than 30 years before Ullauri was given the opportunity and moved the company into The Accelerator location in New Windsor in January. While the move was a significant one for the company, Ullauri is excited about the new opportunities in store for the business that performs its printing by hand in an industry that is now mostly automated. “We were located in Brooklyn for the past 30 Read More

3 09, 2019

Retro Rebel: Turning a Brand into a Lifestyle

2020-05-05T15:46:11-04:00September 3rd, 2019|News|Comments Off on Retro Rebel: Turning a Brand into a Lifestyle

To be successful as a clothing company or fashion brand, businesses have to deliver innovative concepts and creative designs with the applied business know-how and expertise to generate growth and interest from consumers. With a commitment to unconventionality, Retro Rebel – a client of The Accelerator in Middletown – is fostering a unique network of designers, artists and creators to develop a clothing movement that’s more than just another brand. More than fashion Retro Rebel launched its first design in September of 2018. The SftLnch Tee represents the brand’s commitment to inspiring people to be themselves and to embrace the things that make them unique. Through collaboration with designers and artists, Retro Rebel seeks to Read More

1 07, 2019

Quality Craftsmanship, Unique Designs and Art You Can Wear

2020-05-05T15:48:34-04:00July 1st, 2019|News|Comments Off on Quality Craftsmanship, Unique Designs and Art You Can Wear

Fashion trends come and go, but some brands and designers make a lasting impression with artfully designed, timeless pieces. One such brand, NYCe BLU, produces leather handbags inspired by the vibrant art and culture of New York City. Designer Mary Fleckenstein co-founded the brand with her brother, Doug Fleckenstein. Their combined experience in leather materials, design and fashion products inspired them to create a brand that would exhibit unparalleled leather craftsmanship and quality. “I have always been an artist working in many mediums,” says Mary Fleckenstein. “I had a business for 10 years designing and manufacturing costumes for dancers. Most recently I concentrated on silversmithing, both jewelry and sculpture in silver. My brother, after working Read More

16 05, 2019

Helping Veterans at the Accelerator

2020-05-05T15:42:55-04:00May 16th, 2019|News|Comments Off on Helping Veterans at the Accelerator

The Orange County IDA and The Accelerator were recently featured in the Times Herald-Record. The great article touched on the work they do with military veterans looking to build their businesses. CLICK HERE to read the article. [slide-anything id='1242']

25 04, 2019

A New Generation of Entrepreneur Brings an Innovative Business Concept to Port Jervis

2019-11-07T11:31:46-05:00April 25th, 2019|News|Comments Off on A New Generation of Entrepreneur Brings an Innovative Business Concept to Port Jervis

At just 20 years old, Sarah Wilson – a junior at State University of New York Empire State College – might not look like the typical entrepreneur. However, she is blazing a trail for Generation-Z business owners like herself to deliver innovative new concepts and products to the marketplace. Wilson is a co-owner of Vikings Hatchet Hurling, a hatchet hurling range in Port Jervis. As a business management major, Wilson had been learning a variety of principles and concepts that she used to help her start her business with her former boss, Dustin Adams, and her father, Karsten Wilson. “I’m a business management major, so obviously I wanted to get experience and this business idea Read More

13 03, 2019

Green Panda Toothbrushes are Taking the Eco-Friendly Market by Storm

2020-05-05T15:50:52-04:00March 13th, 2019|News|Comments Off on Green Panda Toothbrushes are Taking the Eco-Friendly Market by Storm

Some of the most innovative products are unintentionally inspired by the observation of a problem. Today, the issue of environmental pollution and waste is undeniably important, and this problem has inspired business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors to create real-world solutions to help make a difference for the planet. Green Panda – a client of The Accelerator, Powered by the Orange County IDA – is a company started by Tom Ruggiero and his wife, Kathy. Together, they developed the concept for Green Panda toothbrushes, a line of environmentally friendly brushes made from 100 percent biodegradable bamboo. Tom Ruggiero was in the midst of researching marine life as part of a consulting project he was working on Read More

10 12, 2018

Alternate E Source Provides Bold New Solutions for Changing Technological Needs

2019-11-07T11:18:23-05:00December 10th, 2018|News|Comments Off on Alternate E Source Provides Bold New Solutions for Changing Technological Needs

As technology grows and advances, so does the need for network, security and energy management. Alternate E Source, a client at The Accelerator offering security, efficiency and infrastructure management solutions, seeks to help businesses manage their technological needs and a holistic approach to smart building management and integration. The team at Alternate E Source boasts decades of experience in technology. The founder, Tanja Lewit, began the company in 2012 after finding success as an establishing member of PC&S, an electrical equipment supplier and manufacturer where she served as principal beginning in 1992. After witnessing the rapid shifts taking place in the tech world, Lewit brought her leadership qualities to an innovative new technological venture. “(I’m Read More

29 10, 2018

The Accelerator Hosts Second Annual Hudson Valley Women’s Leadership Conference: Leading the Change

2018-10-29T14:44:38-04:00October 29th, 2018|Event Follow-up|Comments Off on The Accelerator Hosts Second Annual Hudson Valley Women’s Leadership Conference: Leading the Change

The Accelerator recently hosted its second annual Hudson Valley Women’s Leadership Conference: Leading the Change. More than 800 attendees gathered at the Culinary Institute of America Marriot Pavilion in Hyde Park, N.Y. on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, for the half-day event. The event included a keynote presentation by IBM Pathways Executive Jennifer Howland, two panel discussions and a networking session with more than 30 regional resources that help support professional and business growth. “The mission of the team at the time this event’s inception was to have a place where female leaders like myself could come together and talk about the fact that it’s okay to be stressed, it’s okay to cry a little bit, Read More

1 10, 2018

Farmbody Skin Care Gets The Accelerator Treatment

2019-11-07T11:17:13-05:00October 1st, 2018|News|Comments Off on Farmbody Skin Care Gets The Accelerator Treatment

One of the consistent traits among clients at The Accelerator is a drive to solve problems and fill a void in the market. Cindy Allyn turned her own need of wholesome skincare products into a company called Farmbody Skin Care, and the company is rapidly gaining momentum in the Hudson Valley. “I started the business out of necessity,” Allyn said. “I have a lot of allergies, and I’m allergic to nuts and certain preservatives that are used commercially. My skin was literally peeling, and I was getting really itchy hives. The amount of skincare on the market that is nut-free like my products and free of the preservatives I’m allergic to is a very narrow Read More

22 05, 2018

Japanese, Military Markets Spurring Growth for Melo

2019-11-13T14:23:05-05:00May 22nd, 2018|News|Comments Off on Japanese, Military Markets Spurring Growth for Melo

The Hudson Valley region is home to small businesses and craftspeople in just about all imaginable fields. One of its up-and-coming companies is Melo, a business that designs unique, stylish bags. The company has found a lot of success in the Japanese fashion markets and in making high-end custom bags for the military. “We do export under our own brand name, the Melo Brand, and export thousands of bags to Japan, all to a single distributor there,” said Jim Melville, founder of Melo. “From there it goes out to more than 100 boutiques and department stores in the Japanese market. And it’s all bags. Everything from small shoulder bags up to big backpacks.” The company Read More