Business

Rockland County Welcomes New PPE Manufacturer

Published

5 years ago

April 27, 2021

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jeremy Schulman today congratulated NY Critical Materials LLC, a manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) who was awarded a $750,000 New York State grant, the largest amount in this round of funding, to produce COVID-19 supplies. NY Critical Materials will open a facility at the New York Center for Innovation in Pearl River to produce N95 respirator face masks.

“We are thrilled that NY Critical Materials has chosen Rockland County to produce these lifesaving supplies,” said County Executive Day. “Rockland has all the essential elements conducive for entrepreneurship, production and growth. This project will have a tremendous impact on the county in terms of public health, safety and long-term economic growth.”

NY Critical Materials is a subsidiary of Hudson Holdings Group which is expanding beyond its Piscataway, New Jersey base and was formed in response to the pandemic and the demand for American-made PPE. NY Critical Materials plans to hire 100 new employees and has invested in eight specialized machines that will allow it to manufacture 2 to 3 million face masks per day.

“Our new home in Rockland County is a unique opportunity for us to help solve the PPE shortage crisis, particularly N95 masks,” said Jonathan Ho, CEO and Founder of Hudson Holdings Group. “Our made-in-America mission is squarely in line with supporting in-state needs. Our approach brings mass production of high-quality, low-cost disposable masks to a space dominated by Chinese imports. This partnership will also bring much-needed American jobs to New York at a time when people are still feeling the harsh economic impact of the pandemic. We’re proud to help.”

NY Critical Materials will lease over 50,000 square feet of commercial space in Building 100 at the campus, making it the first manufacturer and largest tenant to occupy the building, which has ample space, power and specialized infrastructure to accommodate future expansion plans and those of other industrial users. The company seeks to take advantage of the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)–an economic development tool available to Rockland companies–as an incentive to help them “Make it in Rockland” and remain competitive in global trade.

“The New York Center for Innovation is a perfect fit for NY Critical Materials as a socially-conscious tax ratable that will provide jobs in the local community,” said Economic Development Director Schulman. “The county quickly assisted NY Critical Materials through identification, coordination and facilitation of its site selection search with Empire State Development’s collaboration.”

“How fitting that NY Critical Materials LLC, a manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is coming to Pearl River and, notably, to the same campus where Pfizer’s successful research for the COVID-19 vaccine took place,” said Town of Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny. “NY Critical Materials will help us to continue our fight against COVID-19 with its production of N95 respirator facemasks. After a difficult financial year for so many, the creation of 100 new jobs right here in Orangetown is welcome news to all of us. We welcome NY Critical Materials to the growing Orangetown business community and look forward to a ribbon cutting ceremony in the near future.”

Business

Down to Earth Living Highlights Benefits of Indoor Plants for Health and Air Quality

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Indoor plants have become a popular addition to homes and workplaces, valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their wide-ranging health benefits. From improving air quality to enhancing mental well-being, these natural elements can transform indoor environments.

Benefits of Indoor Plants

Improved Air Quality
Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Research, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, has shown that certain plants—such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants—can help remove indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Enhanced Mental Health and Productivity
Studies published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology indicate that interacting with plants can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additional research in Environmental Psychology found that workplaces with plants experienced up to a 15 percent increase in productivity.

Aesthetic Appeal
Indoor plants enhance interior spaces by softening architectural lines and adding natural beauty. Popular varieties like fiddle-leaf figs, pothos, and succulents complement a wide range of décor styles. The National Gardening Association reports that visual appeal is one of the primary reasons people incorporate plants into their homes.

Physical Health Benefits
Plants can increase indoor humidity, potentially reducing issues caused by dry air such as sore throats, coughs, and dry skin. They may also help absorb sound, contributing to quieter indoor environments.

Ease of Care
Many indoor plants are low-maintenance and adaptable to different lighting conditions. Hardy options such as pothos, ZZ plants, and succulents make it easy for beginners to enjoy the benefits of greenery.

Indoor plants do more than enhance décor—they contribute to cleaner air, improved well-being, and a more vibrant living or working space.

Down to Earth Living’s expanded indoor plant showroom is now open for the spring season, offering a wide variety of plants. Customers can also take advantage of a complimentary repotting service with the purchase of a pot.

Business

Palisades Center Celebrates 28 Years in Rockland County

Published

1 month ago

March 5, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

WEST NYACK, N.Y. — One of the Hudson Valley’s most recognizable destinations is marking a major milestone this week as the Palisades Center celebrates its 28th birthday.

Since opening its doors in 1998, the four-level shopping and entertainment complex in West Nyack has grown into one of the largest malls in the United States and a central gathering place for residents across Rockland County and the surrounding region.

Mall officials said the anniversary is a time to reflect on nearly three decades of growth, community partnerships, and memorable experiences for visitors.

“From then to now, we’ve grown, evolved, and created unforgettable memories with our amazing community,” the mall said in a statement celebrating the milestone.

Over the years, the Palisades Center has become known for its mix of retail, dining, and entertainment attractions, drawing visitors from across the Hudson Valley, northern New Jersey, and New York City. The center has also hosted countless community events, seasonal celebrations, and family activities.

Officials thanked visitors and the community for their support over the past 28 years.

“Thank you for being part of our journey over the past 28 years — we couldn’t have done it without you,” the mall said.

As the shopping center celebrates its past, leaders say they are also looking toward the future, with plans to continue evolving and serving as a destination for shopping, entertainment, and community gatherings.