Monticello, NY – Sullivan County legislators on March 18 confirmed the appointment of two new members to the board of the Industrial Development Agency (IDA), a quasi-governmental agency focused on attracting and enhancing industrial and economic growth, facilitating private-sector investments, creating jobs and maintaining economic stability.
Sean Brooks and Craig Fleischman were unanimously approved to replace Joe Perrello and Sean Rieber on the IDA Board. Board Chairman Ira Steingart is also departing, and Legislature Chairman Robert A. Doherty plans to nominate Fred Stabbert III to replace him. Current IDA Board Vice Chair Suzanne Loughlin will succeed Steingart as Board Chair.
“It has been my honor and pleasure serving such an incredible board and staff for the past decade, especially through the growth we’ve experienced in that time,” said Steingart. “I’m very proud of our accomplishments, which include over $2 billion in investment and the creation of several thousand jobs.”
“I thank Ira, Joe and Sean for giving their time to this important board. Both Ira and Joe will remain County legislators, and I look forward to continuing to work with them on the County level,” Chairman Doherty stated.
“I welcome Craig and Sean – and soon Fred, pending confirmation by the Legislature – to the IDA Board,” he added. “The three of them carry an incredible amount of business knowledge and experience, and they will bring a new energy and perspective to the board, which will align well with the initiatives this Legislature is working on.”
Brooks owns and operates Prestige Towing, a heavy-duty towing, recovery, repair and transportation company headquartered in Harris.
“I’m humbled by this appointment and anxious to be helpful in any way I can be,” Brooks remarked. “I look forward to working together with my fellow board members and the community toward positive growth.”
Fleischman is the third-generation owner of the Monticello Bagel Bakery, one of the County seat’s best-known businesses. His family has run the legendary destination since 1967.
“I’m excited to be joining the board, and I’ve been raised by a family and in a business where community involvement is important. However, I’ve always been involved behind the scenes – this is my first time stepping out into something more public,” Fleischman said. “We feed hundreds of people every day at the store – all nationalities, all walks of life, all backgrounds, so I think that gives me a bead on the pulse of Sullivan County, which I’m glad to share with the board.”
Stabbert owns Catskill-Delaware Publications in Callicoon, which publishes the 130-year-old Sullivan County Democrat newspaper. He has served as the paper’s publisher for the past three decades, carrying on the legacies of his father and grandfather, the latter of whom purchased the paper nearly 100 years ago.
“If the Legislature agrees, I’m looking forward to joining such a strong and vibrant board during such a critical time,” Stabbert affirmed. “The IDA has helped write many success stories across Sullivan County and assisted employers in creating thousands of new jobs. It would be a privilege to be part of the team that helps Sullivan County remain active in the very competitive economic development field and brings new opportunity to our County, both through job creation and new business development.”
“We welcome the addition of Fred, Craig and Sean, three successful and engaged Sullivan County residents and businesspeople, who will undoubtedly add tremendous value to the ongoing work of the IDA,” said Loughlin.
More info on the IDA can be found at www.sullivanida.com.