New Windsor, NY (Feb. 28, 2012)

One of the region’s most prominent hospitality management and ownership professionals has joined the board of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp (HVEDC).

Michael Bonura, who is a founding partner of Bonura Hospitality Group, has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. He serves as the general manager of Anthony’s Pier 9, acted as creative director while opening Billy Joe’s Ribworks in Newburgh and a proprietor of Shadows on the Hudson and The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, among others. In addition, he is a successful real estate developer and is actively involved in a number of initiatives within the community.

Bonura Hospitality Group also recently became a founding member of the HVEDC’s latest venture, the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance. The Alliance focuses on helping food and beverage companies in the region market their products all over the United States.

The HVEDC works to develop economic growth throughout the Hudson Valley, which includes the counties of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan.

“I am very happy to join the board of the HVEDC, and our company looks forward to contributing to the efforts of the Food & Beverage Alliance,” said Bonura. “It is an excellent time for Bonura Hospitality Group to come to the table to move the industry forward because the food and beverage industry here is thriving and will continue to grow and expand.”

In 2011, Bonura received the Next Generation Award from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for his work in the region.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Bonura to the board of the HVEDC, as he is a highly successful and respected member of the business community in the Hudson Valley,” said Mike Oates, CEO and president of the HVEDC. “He contributes his experience and expertise in all areas of the hospitality industry, and brings a very good perspective on the issues and opportunities facing the hospitality and food and beverage industries in the region. Because of Bonura Hospitality Group’s wide range of ventures, the company is also a perfect fit for the Food & Beverage Alliance.”