A Culture of Innovation

Important indicators of economic strength such as employment, capital investment, education and training, and population growth have sheltered the Ulster County economy from the most recent downturn. There's a certain spirit about conducting business here, and that's why we continue to attract today's most exciting emerging industries and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Technology plays an important role in our county's heritage and economy. Once home to IBM, their presence set a tone for innovation and expertise that strongly prevails today. As such, Ulster County has a legacy of skilled knowledgeable workers, state-of-the-art educational and research facilities, as well as access to venture capital. Today, Ulster County's economic growth comes from technology firms of all sizes and in all stages of development – from service, retail, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors, among others.

Our hope is that Ulster County's historic performance and future economic development plans will be the cornerstone for your business development strategy.

Here are a few reasons:

	Ulster, as part of the fast growing Hudson Valley economy, has assisted projects resulting in over $167 million in new private-sector capital investment since 2000.
	Financial and tax incentives, including the Empire Zone, Industrial Development Bonds, Revolving Loan Funds, Telecommunications and Infrastructure Initiatives, foster growth.
	Our workforce ranks among the highest value-added in the nation generating $6.00 for every wage dollar earned. Attracting and retaining good employees is also enhanced by a low cost of living and an array of leisure-time activities.
	Lower business cost structures include: utility costs the lowest in New York State, 40-70 percent lower office space costs, and 15-20% lower industrial building costs than the New York City metropolitan region.
	Our workforce is 20% more productive and 20-30% less costly than New York City.
	80,000 highly productive workers in Ulster County with an additional 1.7 million workers from Albany to Westchester.
	178,000 County residents enjoy a high quality of living with 65% lower housing costs than New York City.
	Expanding physical and telecommunications infrastructure and improving transportation networks.

We like to think that Ulster County is...growing better every way.