57th Edition: June 23 - June 27, 2025

Stronger Together - Shaping Orange County's Economic Future

The work of economic development has never been more essential—or more promising. As we face a rapidly evolving economic landscape, now is the time to take our aggressive approach to the next level in our commitment to building a stronger, more diverse, and resilient economy in Orange County.

Opportunities in this field are often fleeting. Success depends on our ability to act with urgency, predictability, and intention. Fortunately, Orange County is well-positioned to meet the moment defined by amazing opportunities in an evolving economic development climate, driven by access to skilled talent, shovel-ready sites and speculative buildings, and a clear strategy for reducing risk—all of which are critical in today’s competitive environment.

As the economic landscape shifts, so too does the nature of the projects we attract. Today, our pipeline is more diverse than ever. We’re seeing meaningful activity in sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, food & beverage processing, cannabis processing, and tech-driven logistics—a sign of our markets' growing strength across multiple industries. In the coming weeks, we anticipate announcing several build-to-suit projects that have made preliminary site selection decisions in Orange County —an encouraging signal of continued momentum.

In addition to our site selection portfolio, we expect to see an uptick in industrial development this quarter, including:

Crow Industrial is heading toward delivery on a 535,000 square foot speculative building on the Golden Triangle site in the Town of Wallkill
Ridgecut Road has broken ground on a 146,000 square foot speculative project on Route 208 in the Town of Montgomery, adjacent to I-84
Brookfield Properties is projected to break ground on a 416,000 square foot speculative development at 700 South Street in the City of Newburgh

As we look ahead, our strategy remains clear and consistent. We're taking a data-driven, relationship-based approach to development and site selection. By leveraging our real estate and talent assets, alongside valued regional, statewide, national, and international partnerships, we are positioning Orange County as a strategic economic hub of the Northeast—linking key innovation centers like Quebec, NYC, Albany, Binghamton, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and New Jersey. However, the work of economic development cannot be siloed – we must take a holistic approach to vibrant market growth, one that includes an emphasis on developing a talent pipeline, supporting quality of life and a mix of infill housing opportunities, with a sincere collaboration across county-lines to build a more cohesive and powerful ecosystem.

Our ethos as an economic development organization is rooted in the spirit of diverse collaboration and shared impact. We are proud of the confluence of opportunity and impact, and together, we will continue to shape a stronger economic future. Our door is always open, and we look forward to building what’s next in delivering success.

Together in partnership,

Conor Eckert

President & CEO

Conor Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership

Orange County Partnership's Conor Eckert Appointed to Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council

The Orange County Partnership proudly announces that Conor Eckert, the organization's new President & CEO, has been appointed to the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC). In this influential role, Eckert will contribute to shaping economic policies and initiatives that drive growth and investment across the Mid-Hudson region. The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council is the strategic economic advisory board representing the seven counties (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester) that border NYC as well as major Northeast markets. The council works to attract and retain investment in key industries, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, IT, and tourism. They also focus on enhancing quality of life, strengthening regional identity, and supporting downtown revitalization efforts. The MHREDC plays a role in initiatives like the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

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Former CEO Halahan and CCA Executive Director Seidman Honored as Most Valuable Partners

Longtime business and economic development executives Alan Seidman and Maureen Halahan were honored by the Orange County Partnership on June 3 as the organization’s 2025 Most Valued Partners event.

Halahan retired as President and CEO of the Orange County Partnership earlier this month while Seidman, the executive director of the Construction Contractors Association, will be retiring from his post at the end of this year.

A host of business dignitaries praised Halahan and Seidman at the event held at the Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown for their contributions over more than two decades in advancing business growth and economic development in Orange County. The program included a tribute to both executives by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Board Chair of the Orange County Partnership, Melissa Cobuzzi and newly appointed Orange County President & CEO Conor Eckert. More than 500 business executives, civic leaders and guests attended the MVP dinner.

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Newly appointed President & CEO, Conor Eckert; Former President & CEO, Maureen Halahan & OCP Board Chair, Melissa Cobuzzi

A packed house at the MVP Dinner

OCP Board Chair, Melissa Cobuzzi; Longest-serving OCP Board Member, Alan Seidman & Newly appointed President & CEO, Conor Eckert

Conor Eckert, Orange County Partnership's newly appointed President & CEO

EXCLUSIVE: Five Questions with Orange County Partnership President & CEO Conor Eckert

By John Jordan

GOSHEN—Earlier this month, Conor Eckert took the reins of the Orange County Partnership that for nearly a quarter century was led by the affable and well-respected Maureen Halahan. The young executive and Orange County native has grand plans for the organization and has made no secret that he is thinking “big.”

The business community came out in force on June 3 to wish Halahan a fond farewell as she entered retirement, at the Partnership’s MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Award dinner that also honored Construction Contractors Association Executive Director Alan Seidman. However, the event was not exactly a coming-out for Eckert. Most observers knew that this rising star in the field of economic development was being groomed as Halahan’s replacement from his first day on the job and earlier this year the Partnership announced Eckert had been named Interim CEO.

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Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 Outlook: Cautious Optimism as Uncertainty Looms

CHICAGO—Commercial brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield released its Midpoint 2025 Outlook on June 10, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the U.S. economy and commercial real estate markets as they navigate a complex post-inflationary landscape.

The report offers at least of glimmer of optimism, noting that although there are challenges presented by higher tariffs and policy uncertainty, property markets are expected to be resilient before gaining more momentum in 2026 as a stronger growth backdrop emerges.

“The commercial real estate (CRE) sector entered 2025 on relatively solid ground, with certain segments even gaining momentum”, said Rebecca Rockey, Deputy Chief Economist and Global Head of Forecasting at Cushman & Wakefield. “Even now, amidst the uncertainty, the capital markets are continuing to thaw, capital is plowing back into the property sector, and leasing fundamentals are largely holding up well. With property, the devil is always in the details, and of course, risks have shifted to the downside given the macro uncertainty, but we are still seeing healthy trends in the data.”

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Tuxedo Reserve's The Village and Market Square in Tuxedo is designed by Aufgang Architects. Source: The Related Companies.

Tuxedo Reserve Ground Breaking Ceremony

Construction Begins on Massive Tuxedo Reserve Project in Lower Orange County

TUXEDO—Homebuilder Lennar and Related Companies broke ground earlier this month on the expansive and long anticipated Tuxedo Reserve project here in Orange County.

The expansive, more than 1,600-unit community will bring new single-family homes and town homes built by Lennar, alongside a brand-new town center, The Village at Tuxedo Reserve, developed by Related Companies that will serve as a hub with shopping, dining, year-round curated events, and essential conveniences for residents and the surrounding region.

Tuxedo Reserve is nestled between Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest with extensive trail networks and outlooks. The collaboration between Lennar and Related marks a major milestone in shaping one of the region's most significant new communities, formerly known as Tuxedo Farms, spanning 1,200 acres.

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