Rosa Acheson is reporting in the Register-Star more than 100 of Columbia county's elected officials, business owners and residents gathered at Kozel's restaurant in Ghent Tue., Apr. 25, for a celebratory breakfast to honor the accomplishments of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation in 2016. Among the changes acknowledged Tuesday: The appointment of F. Michael Tucker as CEDC president and CEO in April 2016. Under Tucker's leadership the development agency made progress in community infrastructure initiatives, business retention and expansion, and increased the county loan fund to almost $900,000. Keynote speaker for the event was Hugh Johnson, chairman of Hugh Johnson Advisors. Johnson shared his projections for the national economy, saying he foresees "a positive continuation of the stock market." Also Tuesday, New York Association of Convenience Stores President James Calvin and Hudson school district Superintendent Maria Suttmeier were elected to the CEDC Board of Directors. Read the full story in the Register-Star.