RCC Expands Presence into Nyack with York Labs Partnership

NYACK, NY — Rockland Community College is launching a partnership with York Analytical Laboratories, Inc., a full-service environmental laboratory that has opened in Nyack under Start-Up NY. Thanks to the affiliation between colleges and local businesses, this expands RCC’s reach into the dynamic waterfront village.

RCC’s relationship to York Labs offers students and alumni increased access to one of the fastest growing industries, environmental science. York Labs has been involved with many landmark projects in the region, including the new Tappan Zee Bridge construction.

“We are very excited for Rockland Community College to be part of the revitalization of the Nyack waterfront,” said Dr. Cliff L. Wood, President, RCC. “Our partnership with York Labs offers unique opportunities to our students and alumni, particularly in the growing fields of engineering, environmental studies and green technology.”

The partnership will be celebrated with a grand opening event Wednesday.

What: Grand Opening, Corporate Offices, York Analytical Laboratories, Start-Up NY site

When: Wednesday, May 10, 3:00 pm

Where: 50 Gedney St., Nyack, NY

Who: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and officials from York Labs, Nyack and RCC

Start-Up NY, introduced in 2013, offers new and expanding businesses that create new jobs in New York State the chance to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in the state. York Labs, which relocated its corporate offices from Connecticut to Nyack, received Start-Up NY designation in December 2015.

York Labs is an owner-operated business of longtime Rockland county resident Michael Beckerich, and has operated from Connecticut for more than 20 years. It operates laboratories in Stratford, CT, and Richmond Hill, NY, as well as a service center in Prospect Park, NJ. The company relocated six jobs from Connecticut and invested $130,000 in the Nyack facility. York Labs provides analysis of environmental samples including water, soil and air for regulated contaminants.

“Start-Up NY has provided York Labs with an opportunity to continue growing the business in the metropolitan New York City area. The relationship with Rockland Community College accelerates new job creation and invigorates our existing staff with academic engagement,” said Beckerich. “York Analytical Laboratories has a significant commitment to business in the region, and the new building in Nyack is a cornerstone to this long-term presence.”

RCC is one of 81 schools participating in Start-Up NY, representing more than 600 Tax-Free Areas and 6.1 million square feet of tax-free space for new or expanding businesses to operate on or near campuses. More details are available at www.startup.ny.gov.

PHOTO/ contributed