FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Marc Baez, President/CEO
Sullivan County Partnership
(845) 794-1110, marc@scpartnership.com
Mike Taylor, Kevin McLaren
named 2025 SC Partnership award recipients.
Recipients to be honored at SCP’s 2025 annual meeting and celebration on October 9th.
MONTICELLO, N.Y. – (July 7, 2025) – The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development has announced that Mike Taylor will be honored as the 2025 Walter A. Rhulen Award recipient at this year’s Annual Meeting on October 9th at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, N.Y.
The prestigious Rhulen Award recognizes an individual or individuals for business excellence, community commitment, and service to humanity.
Mike has taken over his family business, Combined Energy Services (CES), founded by his parents Walt and Patricia Taylor and grown it into a multi-disciplinary company that serves the tristate area with oil & propane, specialty gas, carbonation service, storage and pool supplies. Under Mike’s leadership CES has become a powerhouse in the energy sector, investing and creating jobs throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond. Since 1968 CES has invested, expanded, provided energy products and services and has grown to serve to eight locations throughout New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey from central offices right here in Sullivan County.
Mike furthered his commitment to Sullivan County when he purchased the Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park. As an avid skier Mike felt so compelled to ensure that this ski center would continue to operate, that he purchased the facility in 2023. He has since invested millions of dollars to restore, re-equip and modernize the storied ski center to serve patrons for generations to come. “Mike is the embodiment of what the Walter A. Rhulen award represents. His commitment to Sullivan County through his business investment, support for local organizations, and now his dedication to the rejuvenation of the Holiday Mountain Ski Center underscores everything the award represents” said Michael Zalkin, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Additionally, the Partnership will recognize Kevin McLaren, as its Distinguished Service Award winner.
McLaren, the Commercial Banking Market President for Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, has been a proud board member of the Sullivan County Partnership for approximately 15 years. Kevin’s tenure on the board was predominantly held when he represented Catskill Hudson Bank as president and has helped throughout the merger of the two financial institutions. “Kevin has been a dedicated and outstanding board member, offering his expertise and volunteer involvement with a personal touch that shows that he truly cares about the work of the Partnership”. Said Marc Baez. President and CEO.
The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 9th at Resorts World Catskills from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. To RSVP or to become a sponsor, call 845.794.1110 or email Jen Cassaro at cassaro.jen@scpartnership.com.
About Sullivan County Partnership: The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, founded in 1994, is a private non-profit business association focused on creating new business opportunities for its members by the development and expansion of sustainable businesses in Sullivan County. The Partnership utilizes leadership advocacy and facilitation strategies to create an environment that makes investing in Sullivan County viable. Due to its balanced approach to assisting small and large businesses, The Partnership has played a pivotal role in providing facilitative services and carrying the message of a positive outlook for the future of Sullivan County for 31 years. To learn more about the organization, visit www.scpartnership.com.