Rockland County Business Journal
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St. Thomas Aquinas College has opened the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is aimed at creating partnerships focused on advancing economic growth, supporting local entrepreneurs, and expanding experiential learning for students.
“The Grand Opening event marked a momentous new chapter for St. Thomas Aquinas College and for the many small businesses in our region,” said President Ken Daly. “By hosting the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, we are deepening our mission of supporting workforce development, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating hands-on opportunities for our students to engage with the business community. I am delighted that several of our students and alumni have already been hired by SBDC.”
The opening ceremony gathered government leaders, business owners, students, faculty, and community members to celebrate the launch of the Center at its new home on St. Thomas Aquinas College’s campus.
Speakers included New York SBDC State Director Sonya Smith, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Lower Hudson Valley SBDC Regional Director Louis Scamardella, and President Ken Daly and Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Mike DiBartolomeo from St. Thomas Aquinas College, who all emphasized the transformative impact this partnership will have on the community and the College.
The Lower Hudson Valley SBDC’s new location on campus makes St. Thomas Aquinas College one of only two private institutions in New York State to serve as an official host site for an SBDC, joining a network typically hosted by CUNY and SUNY campuses. The Center provides no-cost, confidential, one-on-one business advisement, training, and research to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties.
“The commitment of the St. Thomas Aquinas College leadership team and campus community to hosting an SBDC underscores what we all know to be true: great things happen when education and entrepreneurship come together,” said Sonya Smith, New York SBDC State Director. “This collaboration is a testament to STAC’s support for the regional community, economic development, and lifelong learning. By welcoming the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC to its community, the College joins a distinguished network of institutions in New York that serve as starting points for growth and opportunity.”
In 2024, the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC served nearly 570 active clients and facilitated more than $7.8 million in capital impact for small businesses in the region. By situating the center within St. Thomas Aquinas College, the partnership will also offer students access to unique internships, cooperative education opportunities, and entrepreneurial resources, enriching their academic experience and professional readiness.
For more information about the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, visit stac.edu/sbdc.
Senator Bill Weber and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat hate in New York State. The No Hate NY initiative includes creating a No Hate NY license plate and a dedicated No Hate NY Fund to support anti-hate programs and initiatives statewide.
Senate Bill S1934 and Assembly Bill A2455 seek to raise awareness and provide funding for programs that promote tolerance.
“At a time when hate crimes are on the rise, we must take bold action to ensure that New York is a place of inclusivity and respect – and that’s what the No Hate NY initiative is designed to do,” said Senator Bill Weber. “I’m grateful to Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkamur for carrying this bill in the State Assembly, Rockland County Human Rights Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe for being the impetus behind this bill, and to the college students who are advocating for its passage.”
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar emphasized the bill’s mission: “In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘No one is born hating another person.’ Hate is learned, and the time is now to unlearn it. The No Hate NY Fund is a beacon of love and respect in the fog of hate permeating society today. We will create programs that foster peace and understanding among all the diverse communities across New York, showing that we will always be a welcome home to everyone—no matter where your family is from, how you worship, the language you speak, whom you love, or anything else that makes us a Gorgeous Mosaic. I am proud to partner with Senator Weber to stamp out hate for good.”
The proposed No Hate NY license plates would be available to New York State residents, with proceeds directed toward the No Hate NY Fund, which would support anti-hate education, victim assistance, and community initiatives administered by county human rights divisions throughout New York State.
Senator Bill Weber named Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet as 2025 Woman of Distinction in recognition of her dedication to preserving African American history in Haverstraw and empowering the Rockland community.
Norfleet is the Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates the public about the deep and rich history of African Americans in Haverstraw. Since founding HAAC in 2008, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that African American heritage is acknowledged and celebrated in schools, libraries, colleges, and community groups across Rockland County.
Born the youngest of nine siblings in Haverstraw, New York, Virginia overcame significant economic challenges to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and a civil rights leader. She has used her skills to revitalize her community.
Ms. Norfleet’s research has uncovered the roots of Rockland’s pre-Revolutionary African American families, leading to collaboration with institutions such as the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education, which now hosts an exhibit on American slavery.
With the help of neighbors and volunteers, Ms. Norfleet transformed a drug-ridden area on Clinton Street into the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, preserving an important landmark of Haverstraw’s history. Her advocacy has earned her well-deserved recognition, including induction into the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2019 and recognition from the Town of Haverstraw during Black History Month in 2021.
“Virginia Norfleet has devoted her life to preserving African American history in Rockland County while fostering greater awareness and unity in the community,” said Weber. “Virginia’s contributions to advocacy and education make her the right recipient for this honor.”
Senator Weber will formally honor Ms. Norfleet, alongside his Senate colleagues’ nominees, at a special recognition event in Albany on May 13, 2025.
