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A Roundup of Recent Ulster County Business-Related News, Views, and More

September 24th, 2025

Pictured: Meagan Bianco, Ulster Strong Community Engagement Director at Buy Local Expo

Thank you to all who attended the Buy Local Expo hosted by the Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce earlier this month at Diamond Mills. Ulster Strong was delighted to again participate this year, and engage with many visitors. In our un-scientific poll, we asked visitors if they are a YIMBY? (Yes In My Backyard) We asked 'do you believe there is a housing shortage?' and 'Do you support building new housing and development?' and 'Do you think Ulster should try to attract new businesses that offer better-paying jobs?' Guess what?! It was a resounding YES to all - there are quite a few YIMBYs out there! A fun time was had by all at the Expo.

As you will read below, while the general business sentiment at the Expo was positive, there is growing concern over New York's business climate and the heavy handedness of regulations and slow bureaucracy. Let's hope that message reaches Albany.

Some fascinating stories to share with you this month, including quantum computing, launch of new organization to prevent a government takeover of Central Hudson, a new brewery opening, growing concerns over corporate ownership of family housing, and more! Enjoy!

This newsletter includes the following:

Concerns Over Corporate Ownership of Housing

Why Quantum Computing Matters for the Hudson Valley’s Future

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Jill Singer Graphics

Home field advantage: Buy Local Expo 2025 showcases Ulster County’s optimistic and energized business culture, daunted only by state government

Kingston officials express excitement over Frog Alley housing plan

Housing in the Hudson Valley Panel Discussion

QUICK BUSINESS NEWS UPDATES

Blue Duck Brewing/Phoenicia Diner Canteen in Kingston open for business

Protect Our Power Coalition Launches to Prevent Disastrous Government Takeover of Central Hudson

PILOTS (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Simply Explained (VIDEO)

The ability to buy and live in your own home has long been a dream in our nation. While the subject of housing costs has been extensively discussed, there’s another growing problem across the nation and potentially locally. It's called the financialization of housing - the growing purchase by investment institutions of large numbers of single-family homes and converting them into rental properties. 

Corporate consolidation of housing, driven by high returns over short timelines, is attractive to private equity firms. The investment strategy accelerated significantly following the 2008 financial crisis, enabled by technology. The post-recession market conditions created a unique opportunity for institutional investors to quickly expand and manage their holdings of single-family homes.  Historically focused in areas with low housing prices, such as Florida and Texas, the practice is increasingly entering other markets, such as New York. 

Corporate ownership and consolidation of housing adds to our housing pain. It's often associated with increased housing costs, decreased housing quality, algorithm-driven pricing, and reduced homeownership. Investment groups and corporations can pay cash, outbidding first-time homebuyers. By reducing access to homeownership, it reduces the path to building wealth for middle-class families. 

An upsurge of corporate purchases of single-family homes has sparked legislation in at least half a dozen states this year.  Ulster Strong welcomes the recently announced plan by non-profit research group Pattern for Progress to conduct research on corporate housing ownership and consolidation in the Mid-Hudson region. It’s essential we have a clear picture of our local housing market, and then determine if new regulations are warranted.

The Hudson Valley has always been a place where big ideas meet real industry—where research becomes jobs, and ingenuity becomes exports. Today, a new wave of innovation is cresting here: quantum computing. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a practical platform that will change how we discover drugs, make products, move goods, grow food, and welcome visitors. And it’s happening in our backyard because global leaders like IBM are doubling down on the Hudson Valley.

In October 2022, IBM announced a plan to invest $20 billion across the Hudson Valley over ten years—accelerating work in semiconductors, mainframes, AI, and quantum computing. The message was unmistakable: this region is central to the world’s next computing era. 

That commitment builds on assets that already set us apart. IBM’s Quantum Computation Center in Poughkeepsie has grown into a unique facility operating a fleet of quantum systems that execute billions of circuits daily for users around the world. This capability doesn’t just showcase cutting-edge hardware; it anchors a robust cloud ecosystem that lets researchers, startups, and manufacturers test real problems on real quantum machines—right here in the Hudson Valley.

Meanwhile, up the Thruway, Albany NanoTech—where IBM has long played a pivotal role—is expanding as a national hub for advanced computing and chipmaking R&D. Recent state and federal initiatives are positioning the complex to host next-generation tools, further strengthening New York’s end-to-end innovation pipeline from materials to systems. For the Hudson Valley, this means a denser network of research partners, suppliers, and talent connected to our employers. 

Why does quantum matter for our key industries?

Healthcare. Quantum computers excel at simulating molecular interactions—tasks that are prohibitively complex for classical machines. As quantum processors scale (IBM’s “Condor” crossed the 1,000-qubit threshold in 2023), we can expect faster pathways for drug discovery, optimization of clinical trial design, and better matching of therapies to patients. For the Hudson Valley’s hospitals, biotech startups, and university labs, that means shorter time-to-insight and new collaborations with global pharma and med-tech partners. 

Manufacturing. Precision manufacturing thrives on optimization: minimizing scrap, tuning processes, and designing materials with specific properties. Quantum-enhanced algorithms can search vast design spaces and improve complex scheduling on factory floors. With IBM’s footprint here—and our region’s advanced manufacturers—quantum gives us an inside track to pilot tools that raise quality and lower costs across aerospace, electronics, and machinery.

Logistics. From the Port of New York and New Jersey to last-mile distribution centers along I-84 and I-87, logistics is the region’s circulatory system. Quantum approaches to routing and inventory management can squeeze waste out of multi-variable problems—reducing fuel usage, cutting delivery windows, and boosting resilience when disruptions hit. That translates directly into competitive advantage for Hudson Valley shippers and third-party logistics providers.

Agriculture and Food & Beverage. Our farms, distilleries, and food makers are innovators in sustainability and quality. Quantum-assisted modeling can help optimize irrigation and fertilization under changing weather patterns, design better enzymes for fermentation, and improve crop-disease forecasting. The result: higher yields, lower inputs, and premium products that keep the Hudson Valley on the culinary map.

Construction, Housing, Architecture, and Engineering. The built environment is central to the Hudson Valley’s growth, and quantum computing can dramatically accelerate how firms design and deliver projects. For architecture and engineering companies, quantum-assisted modeling allows faster simulations of building materials under stress, more efficient energy system designs, and optimized construction sequencing to save time and reduce costs. In housing, where affordability and sustainability are top concerns, quantum optimization can help developers model entire communities—balancing land use, renewable energy integration, and transportation access to create smarter, greener neighborhoods. Contractors and developers benefit as quantum-powered logistics improve supply-chain management for materials, while sustainable design practices gain from advanced modeling of energy use, airflow, and structural performance. The result: safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally responsible projects that strengthen the region’s housing stock while enhancing commercial and infrastructure development.

Tourism and Hospitality. Experience-driven sectors win by anticipating demand and personalizing service. Quantum-inspired optimization can refine pricing, staffing, and itinerary planning across hotels, venues, and attractions—helping destinations balance seasonality, reduce waste, and elevate guest satisfaction. Smarter operations mean stronger margins and more year-round jobs.

What makes the Hudson Valley uniquely positioned is the full stack: world-class R&D, a maturing quantum cloud operated locally, and a diversified industry base ready to apply it. IBM’s technology roadmap—delivering larger, more reliable processors and integrated software—signals that the tools businesses need are moving from labs into everyday workflows. 

The promise is compelling: higher-value jobs, stronger small-business supply chains, and a reputation that attracts students, scientists, and entrepreneurs. With IBM’s leadership and long-term investments anchoring the ecosystem here—and with state and federal partners reinforcing the infrastructure—we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead. The Hudson Valley was built by people who turned frontier technologies into everyday prosperity. Quantum computing is the next frontier, and our region is ready to make it real.

Professionals in real estate, construction, and related industries rely on Jill Singer Graphics when they need high-impact marketing materials that capture attention and convey credibility. Whether supporting an existing marketing strategy or launching something new, flyers, logos, branding, brochures, websites, presentations, signage, and tradeshow materials designed by Jill help clients stand out, showcase their projects, and reinforce their professionalism in a competitive field.

Jill Singer Graphics is a certified NYS woman-owned business (MWBE) and a 2025 inductee into the Westchester County Business Hall of Fame. Now based full-time in the Catskills, Jill serves clients across the region and beyond.

Please check out a few samples of her work (link below). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to be in touch with Jill directly.

The Diamond Mills Hotel and Conference Center pulsed with energy on Sept. 10, 2025, as the Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Local Expo drew a steady stream of business owners and professionals eager to swap ideas, forge connections, strengthen Ulster County’s economy and, of course, score some free pancakes from Phoenicia Diner.

“With the diner, at any time there could be a line out the door … but it makes for a fun environment,” said Angelina Candelaria while flipping some of the establishment’s famous flapjacks. She’s executive assistant to Phoenicia Diner owner Mike Ciofi, who recently expanded into the new Blue Duck Brewing Company location in Kingston with his Phoenicia Diner Canteen concept. The brewery has been consistently packed since opening in mid-September, with the food getting rave reviews.

Ulster County isn’t just welcoming more visitors than at any time in recent memory — it’s also attracting new residents and new business owners who are contributing to the local economy.

“Post-COVID, it was crazy,” said Dave Canning, Arnoff Moving regional sales representative. “It’s tapering off just a little bit, but we’re still going pretty strong on everything, especially our commercial business.”

He emphasized that the commercial moving business is resilient to changes in the economy. “Whether they’re expanding or downsizing, there’s always a way we can help with different services,” he said.

Like many of the companies at the expo, Arnoff Moving has deep roots in the community.

“We’ve been a family-owned business for a hundred-plus years now,” said Marketing Manager Stephanie Nash. “So it’s really our family, the family and all the employees as an extension — that are helping our local community family as well.”

Rose Forte-Piccoli, an insurance agent with Ulster Savings, echoed that longtime local spirit.

“I've lived here my whole life,” she said. “It's a beautiful area. I think we have a lot to offer. It's funny, I feel like a lot of the people I’ve talked to in this room have been here a long time.”

She said the financial, real estate and insurance industries also can’t help but take notice of the rapid growth of business in Ulster County.

“We've had a lot of people move into this area from out of town, buying new homes,” she said. “It’s still going strong.”

Like Canning, she also saw commercial opportunities growing in the local insurance industry. “We see a lot of businesses coming in, which is great.”

The business landscape is not without its challenges, as several businesses at the expo pointed to forces largely outside their control as the obstacles they’re having to navigate.

In the insurance industry, Forte-Piccoli said that “hard market rates are on the rise,” referring to a market-wide increase in insurance premiums triggered by a variety of factors.

She added that “underwriting guidelines are stricter” as well, making it harder for customers to qualify for policies that offer more favorable terms and/or pricing.

Tiffany Wadsworth, personal lines supervisor for Naccarato Insurance, added that while her business is “very, very busy … New York state is crazy with insurance. The state mandates are tougher than they've ever been,” referring to stricter regulatory requirements that compel insurers to provide broader coverage and maintain higher reserves, which drive up company costs and, in turn, lead to higher premiums.

Nikki Paulsen, accounting and operations manager for Next Level Design & Construction, cited the same stumbling block in her industry: state government.

“New York is a challenge,” she said. “If only New York made it easier for businesses to operate. That's the hardest challenge — the licensing — what licenses are needed and just getting through the ropes. We have a strong local business community, but we’re under the state laws, so …”

As for rising material costs, Paulsen expressed resiliency. When construction project budgets are challenged by increased prices, “we try to find more cost-effective options for our customers,” she said.

Paulsen reflected on other trends in the industry: “Not a lot of people are building their houses from the ground up anymore, but we do a lot of sheet rocking, spackling, taping, siding and roofing. A lot of the time people are buying the new fabricated homes that are already rebuilt, that just get shipped to the location. Or they're buying foreclosed homes and just need us to come in and do it from the studs in.”

Despite the difficulties cited in navigating New York state’s red tape, businesses at the expo were unanimous in their praise of Ulster County as an incredible community of interconnected locals welcoming a surge of new interest and activity in our area with open arms. And pancakes.

The project’s developer, Coby Lefkowitz and architect Alessandro Ronfini, shared details about the makeup of the project, which will consist of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units planned to be rented at between 60% to 90% of the Area Median Income across multiple buildings ranging from one to three stories, totaling 29,403 square feet.

The one-bedrooms will consist of three units at 60% AMI, 10 at 80% AMI, and four at 90% AMI; the two-bedrooms will include two units at 60% AMI, 18 at 80% AMI and two at 90% AMI; and the project will also contain four three-bedroom units at 90% AMI, developers said.

WAMC On The Road and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley collaborate to present an important and engaging panel discussion on the housing challenges facing the Hudson Valley and the organizations working on solutions. In the recent community listening report, Voices of the Hudson Valley, Community Foundations gathered valuable insights from residents, nonprofit leaders, and civic partners about the region’s most pressing issues. The report revealed that housing is the number one concern across the Hudson Valley. WAMC Hudson Valley Bureau Chief and 51% host, Jesse King, will moderate the discussion on topics ranging from public policy to development and conservation, recorded for a future airing on WAMC Northeast Public Radio media.

Speakers:

Steve Rosenberg, Co-convener of the Hudson Valley Alliance for Housing & Conservation

Adam Bosch, President and CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Kevin O’Connor, CEO of RUPCO

Presented in collaboration with:

Upstate Films

What are the Busiest County Roads in Ulster County?

As youth population declines, schools are repurposed in the Hudson Valley

(Times Union)

School enrollment declined in eight of the nine counties in the Hudson Valley between 2012 and 2024, according to a report by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a nonprofit research organization. The drop ranges from 6% in Westchester County to 21% in both Columbia and Greene counties. This has led to the consolidation of school districts and the closing of school buildings.

But the majority of the buildings have been converted to other uses. Two former school buildings in Columbia County — the Ockawamick School in Claverack and the Martin Van Buren School in Kinderhook — have been turned into art galleries. Other buildings have been converted into housing, private education centers, or municipal offices.

One of the biggest attributes of school buildings with regard to adaptive reuse is their location near the middle of communities, Adam Bosch, president and CEO of Pattern for Progress, said. Other pluses include their construction — Bosch said they “tend to be big, sturdy buildings” — and their large electrical loads.

There are negatives, too. Many schools have asbestos and “big, grumpy HVAC systems,” Bosch said.

Report paints highly critical picture of New York’s business climate

(Spectrum News)

The Public Policy Institute of New York State Inc., an affiliate of the Business Council of New York State, along with the New York state Economic Development Council, recently released a report looking to find out what is fueling malaise in the state’s business climate. (Link to report)

It comes amid widespread concern over expansive regulation and a rising cost of doing business. More than 40 associations and more than 500 individual business leaders from across the state participated in the report.

Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council, and Chelsea Lemon, director of government affairs for the Business Council, joined Capital Tonight to discuss why they feel only 8% of those surveyed think the state is supportive of innovation, the study’s critical view of New York’s regulatory climate, and what the report recommends — including a renewed czar role in the governor’s office and the repeal of New York’s scaffold law.

Parks & Trails New York launches economic impact study of the 750-mile Empire State Trail

(MidHudson News)

Parks & Trails New York announced the launch of an economic impact study of the Empire State Trail. Led by LaBella Associates with support from the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University, this will be the most comprehensive greenway economic impact analysis ever undertaken in New York State, and perhaps anywhere in the US.

Kingstonian gets another one-year extension to build project

(Daily Freeman)

For the second straight year, the city’s planning board approved a site plan approval extension for the Kingstonian mixed-use project in Uptown.

With little discussion, the board voted unanimously on Monday, Sept. 15, to extend the proposed mixed-use project’s site plan approval until Oct. 17, 2026. The project received site plan approval in 2022, which granted a two-year window for construction to begin. The board later granted a one-year extension in September 2024 as the project’s timeline continued to push out.

Lloyd approves Rt. 9W apartment complex

(Southern Ulster Times)

Last week the Lloyd Planning Board approved a Mixed Use project proposed by Highland 3555 LLC, containing 140 apartments and commercial space on the ground floors of four, three story buildings fronting directly onto Route 9W where there once was an auto dealership.

On August 21 the Planning Board granted a Negative Declaration [NegDec] for the project, which requires a lesser amount of environmental review by a developer. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [NYSDEC] points out that, ‘Every negative declaration must: identify the relevant areas of environmental concern; thoroughly analyze the relevant concerns; and document the determination, in writing, showing the reasons why the environmental concerns that were identified and analyzed will not be significant. Unsupported statements such as “The action will not have a significant impact” or “No significant impacts were identified in the Environmental Assessment Form [EAF]” are assertions that are not legally sufficient for a negative declaration. Such statements must be supported with adequate detail to explain why there will be no significant impacts.’

Kingston residents and visitors need wait no longer for the launch of a much-anticipated, brand-new brewpub. The Blue Duck Brewing Company finally opened to the public last weekend at 79 Hurley Avenue, headquarters for more than 40 years of the Kingston Daily Freeman. Now known as the O & W Building, after the rail trail that passes immediately behind it, the structure also houses Overlook Bicycles, State Farm Insurance and the Ulster County Board of Elections.

Co-owner Ryan Gillette, who spent four years of his braumeister training at New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado – best-known for its Fat Tire Ale – has hopes of replicating that company’s success in linking the subcultures of craft beer and active outdoor recreation. To entice passing cyclists into the new brewpub, the building has been redesigned with enormous overhead doors affording access to a large wraparound patio space with outdoor seating.

For Immediate Release: September 23, 2025

Poughkeepsie, NY - Today, a broad coalition of local economic development groups, chambers of commerce, and labor unions announced the launch of the Protect Our Power Coalition, an alliance dedicated to protecting ratepayers, jobs, and communities from the harmful consequences of a government takeover of Central Hudson.

Legislation recently introduced in Albany would authorize the creation of a Hudson Valley Power Authority (HVPA) to take over Central Hudson as a government-run utility. Advocates for the bill claim this would make energy more affordable.

However, there is no clear evidence that demonstrates government-run utilities are cheaper or more efficient than private utilities, and the costs of purchasing Central Hudson’s infrastructure through eminent domain would likely fall on customers and increase rates.

Even beyond the billions needed just to purchase Central Hudson, a government-run utility would bring additional risks that could leave customers paying even more in the long run.

The Hidden Costs of a Government-Run Utility

• Loss of Local Tax Revenue – Central Hudson contributes over $60 million each year to schools and local governments. A public takeover would eliminate property tax payments, creating chaos in school district and municipal budgeting and potentially huge gaps in funding.
• Higher Customer Bills – There is no clear evidence that demonstrates government-run utilities are cheaper or more efficient than private utilities. Moreover, the costs of purchasing Central Hudson’s infrastructure through eminent domain would likely fall on customers, driving up rates.
• Elimination of Good-Paying Jobs – Workers in the non-renewable energy sector would be laid off, impacting hundreds of union jobs of professionals who deliver safe, reliable energy to Hudson Valley families.
• Reliability at Risk – Rushed transitions away from existing energy sources could cause harmful economic impacts and even life-threatening service interruptions, particularly during storms and extreme weather.
• Government Overreach – The bill gives the new authority sweeping power to purchase any utility in the state, opening the door to unlimited expansion without voter oversight.

“The Hudson Valley Power Authority’s proposed takeover poses a significant threat to these workers and their families. It is not an appropriate solution to the complex issues facing our region. A government takeover gambles with reliability, resiliency and safety. When storms strike, trained and experienced crews are crucial for prompt and effective response. A new bureaucracy, lacking in experience, would hinder this crucial function. The disregard for safety, and the potential impact on workers’ livelihoods and our communities is deeply concerning,” said Steve Carroll, President & Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 320, which represents employees at Central Hudson.

“There is no evidence that a government takeover of Central Hudson will lower energy costs. History shows the opposite: political control of public authorities results in poorer service and unchecked bureaucracy. If this takeover happens, millions of dollars in property taxes that Central Hudson pays every year will be put in jeopardy. That money supports our schools, fire districts, and municipalities. Without it, taxpayers will be left holding the bag, or our communities will face painful cuts,” said Heather Bell, President & CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

“A government takeover of Central Hudson through the creation of a Hudson Valley Power Authority fails to address the real issues: the high cost of power production and the urgent need to expand generation capacity in NY State, along with the ever-increasing programs and mandates from Albany that force utilities like Central Hudson to become collectors of revenue for a variety of state programs. This legislation misplaces the blame and risks destabilizing a system that is already working well on the distribution side, while doing nothing to solve the root problems,” said Frank M. Castella, Jr. President & CEO, Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Our members are already battling higher costs. Replacing a proven utility with an untested authority is a risky experiment that could raise rates, threaten good-paying union jobs, and destabilize local budgets that rely on Central Hudson’s tax contributions. The Hudson Valley can’t afford uncertainty. We need pragmatic solutions that protect customers, workers, and reliability," said Ward D. Todd, President, Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“While this legislation may be well-intentioned, it falls short of establishing a long-term plan to ensure regular maintenance and the necessary capital improvements to keep our energy system reliable. It lacks the details needed to reassure Hudson Valley residents and businesses that safe, dependable energy will continue. Pixie dust and good intentions belong in fairy tales—not in energy policy. Our members don’t just work here; they live here and raise their families here. They expect safe, reliable energy and a partner committed to making the investments required to maintain and strengthen our infrastructure,” said Daniel Ortega, Community Affairs, Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative ELEC 825.

“Politicians have no business running our power grid. When politics gets in the way of critical infrastructure, it’s working people and everyday families who pay the price. A state takeover of Central Hudson would kill good union jobs, stall investment, and put reliability and public safety at risk. The politicians pushing this takeover promised lower bills, but they couldn’t deliver—and they stripped that false claim out of their own bill. What they’re not telling you: this scheme would rip more than $60 million a year out of our schools, our towns, and our emergency services. Our communities can’t afford it,” said Todd Diorio, President, Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, Chairman of New York State Laborers’ PAC and Special International Rep.

“For more than a century, Central Hudson has proudly powered the homes and businesses of the Hudson Valley. Our mission has always been to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy — guided by engineering expertise, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. While we respect the role of government in shaping energy policy, we believe that the delivery of energy should remain rooted in technical rigor, safety, and service; not driven by political agendas or short-term promises. A government-led takeover introduces unnecessary risk and uncertainty at a time when our communities need stability and sustained investment in modern infrastructure,” said Stephanie Raymond, President and CEO of Central Hudson.

“Any promised benefits of a government-run takeover of our utilities will be few and likely never be achieved. A government-owned utility is not incentivized to make proper infrastructure investments. We need to look no further than the institutions that run our subways, trains and state roadways, like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and NYS Department of Transportation, for evidence that another government organization operating our electric grid will result in devastating consequences for everyone,” said John Cooney, Jr., Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley.

“The HVPA is a costly gamble that jeopardizes jobs, schools, and reliable service in the Hudson Valley—we cannot afford to lose what Central Hudson has built over the past 125 years. Ulster Strong stands with our partners in labor, business, and community leadership in opposing the HVPA. This proposal is unrealistic, unaffordable, and threatens the very foundation of what makes the Hudson Valley thrive—good jobs, dependable service, and strong local communities. For 125 years, Central Hudson has powered our region, investing in our workforce, supporting our schools and first responders, and serving as a committed neighbor. We cannot risk replacing that legacy with an experiment that puts our economy, safety, and future at risk,” said Meagan Bianco, Ulster Strong, Community Engagement Director.

“Manufacturers across the Hudson Valley depend on a reliable, affordable grid to keep people working and products moving out the door. A forced government takeover would jeopardize reliability, saddle families and employers with billions in new debt, and rip tens of millions in local tax revenue out of our communities and the schools that develop our future workforce. Let’s strengthen the system we have—not gamble with jobs, paychecks, and reliable energy service," said Harold King, President, Council of Industry.

“The IBEW Local 363 stands firmly against the recent proposal for a government takeover of Central Hudson. While we respect the intent, a publicly run utility would lack the necessary experienced workforce and ultimately become a costly burden to consumers. Central Hudson’s employees have a proven track record of reliable service. Replacing that expertise with a public system that lacks the same qualified workforce would not only risk service quality but also drive up costs in the long run. Customers will end up paying more as the state struggles to fill the gap in skills and experience. Instead, we strongly advocate for strengthening our existing delivery system and experienced workforce,” said Sam Fratto, Business Manager, IBEW Local 363.

About the Protect Our Power Coalition

The Protect Our Power Coalition is a partnership of local economic development groups, chambers of commerce, labor unions, and community advocates working to keep energy in the Hudson Valley affordable, reliable, and accountable. Coalition members include Orange County Chamber of Commerce, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce, New York State Business Council, Construction Contractors Association, Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, Utility Workers Union of America, The Council of Industry, Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council, and Ulster Strong.

Several communities in Ulster County are currently discussing PILOTS (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) with regards to several proposed development applications. Since there continues to be considerable public misunderstanding as to what PILOTs are, we are reprising our educational video, “PILOTS: Simply Explained”.

This short 3 minute video clearly explains what a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) is, with examples on how it may be strategically used to assist in desired local economic development.