PORT JERVIS -  After over a year of discussion over the future of Kolmar Laboratories in Port Jervis, the State’s top Economic Development official – who just took office yesterday, is scheduled to be in Port Jervis this morning.  Dennis Mullen is the new CEO of Empire State Development and Commissioner of the State Department of Economic Development 

Mullen’s visit to Port Jervis was promised one day after State Senator John J. Bonacic called on Governor Paterson to intercede in the matter or risk losing Kolmar.  Bonacic criticized the efforts of regional Empire State Development officials, who have failed, according to Bonacic,  to step up efforts to keep Kolmar in Port Jervis.  According to Bonacic, multiple other States are courting Kolmar with substantially larger incentives. Bonacic confirmed, after an inquiry from www.MidHudsonNews.com, that Mullen would be coming to Kolmar today.   Bonacic also said he spoke with Mullen Thursday morning. 

Bonacic voted against a measure, pushed by the governor and legislature, that the senator says made doing business even more expensive in Orange County by levying a payroll tax on businesses in the County.

“Losing nearly 700 jobs would devastate Port Jervis”, said Bonacic.  “Both the direct jobs and the spin off business those employees bring would be lost.  It appears the Governor got the message and I appreciate his sending our top Economic Development official to Port Jervis.  However, we need action now.”