Orange County Partnership Announces 2026 Annual Event Honorees

GOSHEN, N.Y. — The Orange County Partnership is pleased to announce the honorees who will be recognized at its 2026 Annual Event on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at The Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown.

The Annual Event brings together business leaders, elected officials, developers, and community stakeholders to celebrate the investments, partnerships, and achievements driving economic growth throughout Orange County.

This year's honorees represent three important components of successful economic development: private-sector investment, municipal leadership, and a long-term commitment to the community.

The Orange County Partnership will recognize Fidanza Family Properties with the Quality of Life Award and Town of New Windsor and its Planning Board with the inaugural Pathfinder Award, the Alliance for Balanced Growth's Golden Shovel Award will be announced in the coming weeks.

"These honorees represent exactly what makes Orange County competitive when it comes to attracting investment and supporting business growth," said Conor Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership. "From a family-owned company that continues to reinvest in our communities, to municipal leaders who understand the importance of moving quality projects forward, each of these award recipients demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships and a commitment to long-term economic growth."

2026 Quality of Life Award: Fidanza Family Properties

The Orange County Partnership will present its 2026 Quality of Life Award to Fidanza Family Properties in recognition of the company's longstanding commitment to responsible development, community stewardship, and continued investment in Orange County.

Founded by entrepreneur Franco Fidanza, whose business ventures began with a single pizzeria before expanding into a restaurant franchise, Fidanza Family Properties has grown into a successful property, entertainment, and food service management group. Today, the company operates more than ten restaurant locations across three states, in addition to managing a diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial, and hospitality properties.

Throughout Orange County, Fidanza Family Properties has demonstrated a commitment to revitalizing and reinvesting in properties, supporting local employment, and creating destinations that contribute to the character and vitality of the community.

Among its notable projects is The Barn at Villa Venezia, a premier event venue that has become a destination for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings.

Beyond its development portfolio, Franco Fidanza has remained actively involved in supporting local nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives, reinforcing the company's commitment to giving back to the communities where it operates.

“Orange County has been home to our family and our businesses for many years, and we’ve always believed in investing in the communities that have supported us along the way,” said Franco Fidanza, Founder of Fidanza Family Properties. “What started as a small family business has grown into something much bigger, but our approach has never changed. We take pride in bringing new life to properties, creating jobs, and developing places where people can come together. Whether it’s a restaurant, a commercial property, or a venue like The Barn at Villa Venezia, our goal is to build something that adds value to the community for years to come.”

2026 Pathfinder Award: Town of New Windsor and Town of New Windsor Planning Board

This year the Orange County Partnership will present the inaugural 2026 Pathfinder Award which recognizes a municipality or partner that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering economic development and responsible growth. The recipient exemplifies collaboration, responsiveness, and a commitment to creating an environment that supports projects and encourages investment in Orange County.

The Orange County Partnership will be honoring the Town of New Windsor and its Planning Board for their leadership and collaborative approach in advancing one of Orange County's most significant recent life sciences investments: Garonit Pharmaceuticals.

Garonit Pharmaceuticals selected New Windsor for a new advanced manufacturing and research and development operation totaling approximately 180,000 square feet. The facility will manufacture chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), an essential ingredient used in antiseptic medical products, positioning Orange County as a growing destination for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The project represents approximately $48 million in private investment and is expected to create approximately hundreds of jobs.

The Town of New Windsor and its Planning Board played an instrumental role in advancing the project, completing the municipal approval process in just five meetings while maintaining the appropriate diligence and review.

Their responsiveness, collaboration, and commitment to balancing community priorities with the needs of a major employer helped Orange County secure a transformational investment in a highly competitive industry.

The Pathfinder Award recognizes the Town's leadership in demonstrating how efficient municipal processes and public-private partnerships can help attract significant private investment, create career opportunities, and strengthen the county's economic future.

“We are honored to receive the Orange County Partnership’s inaugural Pathfinder Award. In New Windsor, we recognize that economic development is about more than attracting businesses. It’s about creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our tax base, and building opportunities for our residents,” said Town of New Windsor Supervisor Stephen Bedetti. “The Garonit Pharmaceuticals project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when local government and the private sector work together. I’m proud of our Planning Board and the entire Town team for their professionalism and commitment to moving this important investment forward while ensuring the needs of our community were met. We look forward to seeing Garonit become part of New Windsor’s business community and contributing to our town’s future.”

Celebrating Orange County's Economic Opportunities

"Orange County continues to attract significant private investment because we have businesses that believe in this community and local leaders who recognize the importance of economic development," said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. "Whether it's welcoming an innovative pharmaceutical company to New Windsor, or recognizing the continued investments of the Fidanza family, these projects create jobs, strengthen our tax base, and contribute to the quality of life our residents enjoy. I congratulate both honorees and thank the Orange County Partnership for its continued work in moving our economy forward."

The Orange County Partnership's Annual Event is an opportunity to recognize the businesses, municipalities, and community leaders whose efforts are helping shape the county's economic future.