Matt Rand, CEO and President of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, has been recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Developmen

NANUET—Matt Rand, CEO and President of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, has been recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council.

Rand becomes the first real estate professional to sit on Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) Board.

MHREDC is the strategic economic advisory board representing the seven counties that border New York City as well as major Northeast markets. The region includes: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.

“I’m proud to be joining this group of smart and accomplished community leaders who are working to advance the economy of our region,” said Rand.

The Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) support the state’s innovative approach to economic development, which empowers regional stakeholders to establish pathways to prosperity, mapped out in regional strategic plans. Through the REDCs, community, business, academic leaders, and public members in each region of the state put their unique knowledge and understanding of local priorities and assets to help direct state investment in support of jobs creation and economic growth.

The councils have awarded more than $7.5 billion to more than 9,100 economic and community development projects.

“We need to focus on bringing companies here, helping them expand, making this a great place to live, and a great place to play,” said Rand. “The Hudson Valley has such a great opportunity for growth, with its proximity to the city, scenic beauty, and opportunity for businesses.”

The MHREDC board consists of 18 members with varied experience and backgrounds. Rand’s knowledge of real estate and familiarity with the region will provide a new perspective for the council, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty officials stated.

The Rockland County Business Journal recently reported that the Mid-Hudson Regional Council Board also appointed last month: Adam Bosch, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress; Elizabeth H. Bradley, Ph.D., President of Vassar College; Colin Jarvis, Executive Director, The Newburgh Ministry and Farshad Maltés, President & CEO, Community Capital New York.

Rand is also a member of the board of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, and the Rockland Business Association. In addition, he is a former chairman and current board member for People To People, Rockland’s Hunger Relief Agency.

Howard Hanna | Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 31 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County, and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County, and the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance.