THANK YOU TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER SPONSOR: |
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2021 24th Edition: June 21 - June 25 |
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Prevailing Investment Trends and Deal Breakers Post COVID
I recently returned from the 2021 Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference and without question, it was refreshing to witness a sell-out crowd of mask-less, motivated and focused site-selectors and economic development professionals from across the country. The last time we met was in March of 2020, just seven days prior to the COVID-19 shut-down and while we met virtually throughout the pause, this was markedly different.
There was a feeling of appreciation and commitment to the industry, and in all the years I have represented Orange County and New York State at these conferences, by far, this experience was the most important. We were hungry for direction and information from the world’s leading experts in site-relocation, and they delivered.
Key Conference Takeaways Specific to Orange County:
Supply Chain Shake-Up: A reshoring wave is coming. There was a time that cheap labor drove manufacturing off-shore, but that’s not necessarily the case now. We began to see a reshoring wave pre-COVID. During the pause, manufacturing in America was accelerated. Our desire to decrease the importation of certain product and get the product to consumers quicker became a priority, especially as our ports clogged, supplies were low and expensive, and consumer demand was high.
All of these trends impact the future of manufacturing products and getting them to consumers quickly. And where cheap labor once drove manufacturing off shore, innovation and energy cost will bring manufacturing back home. Medical and defense products and food manufacturing are among America’s highest priorities.
How We Can Compete:
We must invest in our grid and telecommunications: We have to be prepared not only with answers to energy and technology questions, we have to deliver consumer energy and telecommunication demands.
Certified sites are the expectation of all Site-Selectors: A 12-month to 18-month wait to get approvals-to-construct is a deal breaker. That’s why we are trending toward a “land-grab” throughout the state by national developers who are willing to purchase large tracts of land, get them pre-approved for their clients and launch. Locations that have sites ready-to-go are the locations that will likely win the projects. The time is now to invest in the pre-certification of sites.
Workforce availability is a national issue. There aren’t enough workers to satisfy the demand, which will increase investment in innovation and technology in all industries from industrial to tourism to retail and everything in-between.
Timing is everything and those who prepare will be rewarded. We must rally together to optimize this moment in history in order to reap the rewards that will sustain our economy and enrich our communities for years to come.
My very best,
Maureen Halahan
President & CEO
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Megan Matthews Promoted to Vice President of Orange County Partnership
GOSHEN—Maureen Halahan, CEO of the Orange County Partnership of Goshen, NY, announced today that valued employee Megan Matthews has been promoted to Vice President.
The newly created post is the number two position at the organization and she will report directly to President and CEO Halahan.
Matthews joined the Partnership three-and-a-half years ago and her role at the economic development organization has expanded considerably since then.
Prior to joining the Partnership, Matthews had an extensive background in event planning and sales management for tourist destination organizations.
Matthews is a resident of Goshen, where she resides with her husband and two children.
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Orange County Partnership Fetes its 2021 MVP Richard Golden |
More than 300 political, business and civic leaders gathered at the West Hills Country Club in Middletown on June 8 to honor the Orange County Partnership’s 2021 Most Valuable Partner (MVP) veteran attorney Richard Golden.
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Film Production Industry is ‘Big Business’ in Orange County |
The old adage “Numbers don’t lie” definitely applies to the fact that the film/production industry is a burgeoning sector in Orange County and the Hudson Valley region.
Amanda Dana, director of Orange County Tourism & Film in Goshen, tells Resources & Results, “Filming is big business. There has been a significant uptick in filming in Orange County over the last six months.”
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Rendering of the Medline building in Montgomery, NY |
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In Mega-Deal, Private Equity Investors to Pump
$30 Billion into Medline Industries
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Medline Industries, Inc., which is investing approximately $120 million in its 1.3-million-square-foot distribution facility currently under construction in Montgomery, is poised to receive $30 billion in investment from a partnership of funds managed by major private equity firms Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman.
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NYSDOT Study Estimates Route 17 Expansion Cost Between $245 Million to $1 Billion |
An ongoing study on the costs of improvements to Route 17, including the possible construction of a third lane in both the eastbound and westbound directions could cost anywhere from as little as $245 million to as much as $1 billion, depending upon the scope of the project.
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A study on the possible construction of a third lane on Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties should be finalized by this October. |
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Smoking Out the Medical Marijuana Projects in Orange County |
With the legalization of recreational marijuana now on the books in New York State, the Orange County Partnership fully expects the marijuana industry to grow here in the years to come.
A growing sector (pardon the pun) is the medical marijuana industry, both in terms of dispensaries and manufacturing and distribution facilities.
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Construction Commences on Ambitious Craft-Artisan Village Project in Newburgh |
The first dirt has been turned on a project that will create a unique craft and artisan village in Newburgh’s East End Historic District.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the $1.6-million Thornwillow Makers Village venture was staged on June 17 by The Thornwillow Institute, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to promoting and perpetuating the art of craft. The Thornwillow Makers Village is envisioned as an iconic destination for craft and artisanal production that will eventually encompass 100,000 square feet in and around five adjacent properties. Together with its anchor neighbors that include Atlas Studios, Habitat for Humanity and Wireworks, the area in the East End of Newburgh will continue to bolster economic development and creative programming for the City of Newburgh.
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Renderings of the Thornwillow Makers Village |
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Michael Oates
President and CEO
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Guest Opinion: Connect New York State’s Two Power Grids to Drive Economic Development in NYC and Statewide
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By Michael Oates
The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) faces a major decision that could greatly impact all of New York’s economic recovery from COVID. Several energy and transmission developers are competing for a NYSERDA energy program with varying amounts of in-state investment. The choice is clear: Go big and choose New York jobs.
In his 2020 State of the State, Gov. Andrew Cuomo laid out an ambitious vision: expanding New York’s renewable energy to reduce the state’s carbon emissions to zero by 2040. This nation-leading goal would fundamentally transform the state’s energy system and its underlying economy.
But the governor’s vision faces an old problem: the tale of two energy grids. The Hudson Valley and upstate New York have abundant sources of renewable energy and the real estate needed to build new clean energy facilities. Yet it lacks the demand to meet its supply. Simultaneously, downstate has a vast energy demand, but neither the room nor transmission to deliver enough renewable energy to meet needs. Thus, it relies almost entirely on fossil-based power generators.
The result: Hudson Valley and upstate economic development and job creation have been stifled, and environmental justice in New York City has been ignored. Families across New York City continue to live next to dirty, outdated power plants, and face higher rates of asthma than surrounding areas.
That’s why Gov. Cuomo initiated the process of delivering renewable energy into New York City. If done right, the program could harness clean energy from across New York State for delivery in New York City. In so doing, the state can boost the entire state’s economy while advancing environmental justice.
The state program calls for 3,000 megawatts (MW) of new, clean, renewable energy transmission. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also has stated that the city is prepared to purchase its entire municipal load from this program—an additional 600 MW. And real estate leaders face requirements to significantly reduce building emissions by 2030.
That’s why state decision makers should use this moment to go big and invest in the entire 3,000 MW of renewable transmission. What’s more, they should prioritize homegrown, New York renewables.
From groundbreaking to operation, communities across the Hudson Valley and upstate New York could gain thousands of private-sector clean-energy jobs thanks to this program. These include high-tech construction and operation jobs at new transmission, wind and solar facilities. New York could see billions of dollars in local economic investment and tax revenue, especially in regions that have long experienced significant economic need.
Unlike most issues that dominate Albany, connecting the two grids isn’t a zero-sum game. In fact, upstate will only win when downstate wins.
As New York works to build back better from the fallout of COVID, NYSERDA must use this program to revitalize local communities. Republicans and Democrats alike can support it, while upstate and downstate communities will benefit from it.
Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Orange County Partnership.
Michael Oates is President and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. of Poughkeepsie.
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This summer, Goshen welcomes the opening of LEGOLAND New York, a combined theme park and resort where you can construct, climb, ride and splash, and then bed down in a LEGO-themed hotel. However, the town itself has a much larger history.
Goshen is home to a charming Main Street where you’ll find family-owned businesses like Joe Fix Its, a bicycle and ice skating shop that's been a fixture since 1946. The downtown area also has ample spots to snack and eat, including the casual Howell's Sunflower Cafe, Cafe Yen (where cups of iced caramel macchiatos are the norm), and Catherine's Restaurant, an American eatery that offers both a more formal white-cloth dining experience and a low-key, brick-walled pub. Stagecoach Inn, —a former 18th century stagecoach stop that’s been fully renovated into a five-star inn and tavern-style restaurant—is Goshen’s de facto place for special occasions.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MEDIA SPONSOR: |
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Looking for a new career opportunity? A few of our Investors have positions available starting immediately: |
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Ulster Savings - Become part of an enthusiastic team of people where they believe in working closely together for the benefit of their customers, communities, and each other. When you add this to an environment that allows skills and experience to bring forth growth and change, you’ll find plenty of room to grow professionally.
They offer an excellent benefit package, including paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, matching 401k plan, and educational assistance.
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Trade Trans Corporation - A well-established and growing international supply chain management company seeks an ambitious, conscientious and hardworking individual to fill the role of accounting manager\bookkeeper.
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Resorts World Catskills - Committed to the growth of New York State & the Catskills, providing not just wonderful places of leisure, but also terrific partnership, employment, and the opportunity for business relationships. As a company that has already invested heavily into the community, they look forward to continuing their commitment to the region.
They are looking for candidates to join their team who also believe that all dreams are achievable, no matter how big, through hard work and perseverance.
**Must be 21 years or older and be eligible to obtain a New York State gaming license.*
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President Container Group - The manufacturing arm of PCG, is one of the largest corrugated plants (over 500,000 square feet) in North America. Our state-of-the-art facility has some of the most up-to-date machinery in the industry, and with it we produce in excess of 2.3 billion square feet of corrugated each year.
They are hiring for all positions, including entry-level and skilled technician job opportunities such as Electrical-PLC, Maintenance Mechanic, Mechatronics and Multi-Skilled.
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Congratulations to Deputy Orange County Executive Harry Porr on being appointed to the Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) serving as the county’s representative.
“Harry continues to play an important role in my administration and this appointment is well-deserved,” said County Executive Steven Neuhaus, who appointed Porr to the MTA Board. “Harry has a track record of accomplishing projects in an efficient manner. I know that he will be an asset to the MTA Board and will continue to work effectively for Orange County residents.”
About the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
The Metro-North Railroad system, which operates in Orange County is part of the MTA system.
The MTA Board is comprised of 21 members with one each from the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Putnam. Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Putnam are known as “Quarter Pounders” because each county representative has one-quarter vote.
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2021 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
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Contact Megan Matthews with any questions:
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