Made in the Hudson Valley

photo by Keith Ferris

"You might call us the Ben & Jerry's of the Hudson Valley, " says Leslie Gordon, originator of Made in the Hudson Valley, whose mission is to "advance greater awareness of the region and generate increased economic viability for the resident farmers, artists, and specialty food producers by providing them with outlets to reach a broader consumer audience."

The Hudson valley has long enjoyed a tradition of agriculture and art and has even been referred to by congress as the "landscape that defined America." But until the creation of Gordon's Made in the Hudson Valley, its farm products, gourmet foods, and artisan works were only treasured by the lucky few who lived or visited here. Now thanks to an added Web site, www.madeinthehudsonvalley.com, these products are available to anyone with Internet access.

It was a little over a year and a half ago when Gordon, a resident of the Hudson Valley for 30 years, went to work trying to preserve this landscape. She wanted to increase the visibility of the region as being a premier market of farmers, specialized food producers, and artists. So triggered by a strong sense of place and a desire to help sustain the area's legacy of art and abundance of farms, Gordon set out to create Made in the Hudson Valley, a catalog business that sold Hudson Valley products only. She hopped in her trusty Honda Civic armed only with a map and a dream and drove up and down the Hudson stopping at each "farm barn, apple orchard, artist studio, kitchen table, coffee table, and back road," talking farmers, bakers, and artists into recognizing her vision with her.

What could be thought of as long, lonely hours in a car turned out to be much more. Her trip was "colored by connections and driven by encouragement." At each stop she found herself amazed by the extraordinary talent she discovered and the genuine hospitality of these people. "I'd sit with them and drink homemade tea, and eat homemade apple pies," said Gordon, who has an obvious affection for them. "I've become a part of their families, a true part of their lives."

With the "talent" signed on, Gordon made her dreams reality, and what began as a slow moving catalog business has evolved into a flourishing Web business.

Prior to the Web site's launch this past March, the company wasn't really "doing any movement." It was the Web site that undoubtedly introduced Made in the Hudson Valley to eager consumers. "The Web site is our primary vehicle," said Gordon. "Sales went up significantly after its launch.

The beauty of Made in the Hudson Valley is its absolute dedication to the region. All the products are connected in some way to the area, and are "a reflection of time-honored traditions, inspiring geography and the rich personal history of the producers," explains Gordon. The company showcases products from 11 counties in the region and offers a range of prices. From $6 aromatherapy soaps to $1,450 handmade quilts, there truly is something for everyone. The variety of their collection is just as diverse as their prices. One can find elaborate works of art, educational toys, home decorations, delectable treats, and subscriptions to local magazines and newspapers all in one convenient place.

In addition to the company's fine line of products, Made in the Hudson Valley works with individuals, corporations, and retailers to develop unique gift packages, one-of-a-kind pieces of art, special tours of farms, and day internships with artisans.

The "Hudson Valley Bounty Hunter Service" comes in handy for the person with no time to shop. All that is required is a quick phone call and a few minutes to share the characteristics, interests, and hobbies of the recipient in order to get a feel for what he or she might like. Then once an agreed upon price range has been established, gift ideas are suggested and together a decision is made. It's a personal shopping device that enables consumers to support the traditions of the area and find the ideal gift.

Made in the Hudson Valley also works with other companies looking to award or recognize outstanding individuals. Instead of purchasing a trophy or plaque, Made in the Hudson Valley identifies producers who can create custom gifts. Imagine hanging a stained glass work of art with your name and honor etched into its intricate design above your desk; that's much nicer than a wooden plaque with a gold-plated, inscribed slab of metal, don't you think?

But the company doesn't stop there. Gordon's goal was to not only increase sales and recognition, but to help these farmers and artists to grow as well.

Made in the Hudson Valley serves as an innovative outlet to introduce their products to consumers. "It's merely a vehicle to test products," says Gordon, who aids producers in ascertaining what their best product is, so that they can push it in a larger market.
Eventually, with her help, these resident farmers, artisans, and specialty food producers can stand on their own with an established reputation and loyal following of customers. The company works with them to help provide marketing, logistics, networking support, training, and education in business and e-commerce so that they might find bigger opportunities. Gordon hopes that these producers can grow and connect with other agencies that are better equipped to market these wonderful products.

In time, Gordon hopes that these farmers, specialty bakers, and artisans will find their own distinct niche to showcase and share their talents beyond the boundaries of the Hudson Valley with the rest of the world. —Jacqueline Edelman

Call (914) 631-1051 anytime.
Regular business hours are from 9AM-5PM.

www.madeinthehudsonvalley.com