Emma Willard School Honored with "Good News Award" from Rensselaer County Chamber

TROY, NY (11/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Emma Willard School will be recognized by County Executive Kathy Jimino and Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Hillman at "Good News Rensselaer County" event on Nov. 15. This annual event of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce highlights the success stories of the Rensselaer County business community and recognizes exceptional businesses that have positively impacted the region's economy and quality of life. County Executive Jimino will join President Hillman in congratulating and recognizing each of this year's honorees.

"Good News recipients show the diversity that makes this region a dynamic place to live and work," said Hillman. "The impact of these local companies goes far beyond our county."

The Chamber recognizes Emma as "known worldwide as a place where girls excel, Emma Willard School has been a leading college-preparatory boarding and day school for young women since 1814. With students from 20 states and more than 30 foreign countries, the Emma Willard community fosters in each young woman a love of learning, the habits of an intellectual life, and the character, moral strength, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape her world."

Head of School Trudy Hall said, "This honor underscores the power and value of women and girls' voices in creating and sustaining the local economy. At Emma we firmly believe that more women's voices must be heard globally if we are to effect greater economic and world change. How proud I am to be leading a school on the forefront of that dialogue."

The 2011 program honors the following businesses as well:

Berle Farm

Located on 600 acres in Hoosick, Berle mixes organic farming methods with state-of-the-art technology, including solar power for almost three-fourths of its energy needs. The result is a successful certified artisan cheese, yogurt, and beef operation that continues to grow its retail and wholesale client base.

Comfort Inn & Suites

This award-winning hotel, off I-90's exit 10, has consistently grown its reputation and its profitability through excellent customer service and facilities. Among its honors is the prestigious 2011 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International. Named an exceptional performing property, it is ranked among the top 10% of franchised hotels within the Comfort Inn brand nationwide.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Situated near the University at Albany East Campus, Regeneron is the largest independent biotechnology company based in New York State, employing 1,500. The company produces and distributes medicines from its facility in East Greenbush, which has doubled in capacity and employment in recent years and expects to add 100 jobs in 2011.

Scale Service & Supply Co.

A family-owned business founded 24 years ago, this firm is based in a newly-constructed facility in Rensselaer and serves New York State and parts of the northeast. The company sells and services all types of manufactured scales as well as batching systems and software for weighing applications. Scale Service also provides ISO-certified repairs, overhauls, calibrations, and certifications.

About Emma Willard School

As the oldest non-denominational girls' schools in the country, Emma Willard School has been empowering girls since 1814. Pioneering educator Emma Hart Willard founded the first school in the country to provide girls the same educational opportunities given to boys. Emma Willard School will celebrate its bicentennial in 2014.