For the 12th year, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with previous recipients of the Forty Under 40 Award, has identified a talented and diverse group of young professionals in the Hudson Valley to be presented with a Shaker Award.

Bestowed annually to 40 people under the age of 40 who have shown a strong commitment to the Hudson Valley, the Shaker Awards honor the next generation of leaders in our region.

“The 40 young professionals who have been chosen by a committee of their peers, truly represent the best and brightest in the Hudson Valley,” said Frank Castella, Jr., President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone at the Chamber sincerely congratulates the honorees and I am especially excited to see how they shape our community in the years to come.”

Chosen from a pool of over 100 nominations, the 2017 Forty Under 40 honorees encompass professions ranging from teachers and lawyers to bankers, veterinarians to engineers, politicians and police officers and everything in between.

“I have had the privilege of learning about immensely passionate people and the worthy causes they are passionate about,” said selection committee co-chair and 2014 honoree Amy Dittmar of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. “It is humbling to see how their dedication and enthusiasm positively impacts our beautiful Hudson Valley.”

The complete list of the 2017 Forty Under 40, can be found online at dcrcoc.org/Top40.

Linda Fakhoury, an attorney with the Dutchess County Department of Law was very humbled to learn of her nomination. "It's an honor to be part of such a vibrant group of people that enjoy giving back to their community. "

"It was incredibly difficult to select only 40 honorees from the large and competitive group of [nominations],” said selection committee co-chair and 2013 honoree, Emily Saland of Marist College. “This year's [honorees] are an incredibly talented and diverse group of individuals. Their accomplishments are truly remarkable, even more so given their ages."

The Shaker Awards will be presented on Tuesday, April 25 at the ChangePoint Theatre in Poughkeepsie. A cocktail reception at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel will precede the ceremony. Complete information about the event, including how to obtain tickets, is available online at dcrcoc.org/40Under40.

Founded in 1907, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to the growth and development of local businesses and the economy. For more information about Chamber happenings, the complete events calendar, or to find out how we might best serve as an advocate for you and your business, please visit dcrcoc.org.

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