CEDC annual meeting focuses on building county's biz outlook

The event focused on the economy and the state of small businesses locally and nationally.

The Columbia County Economic Development Corporation has been at the forefront of helping build and strengthen the county’s local economy for over 30 years, said Matt Murell, chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors.

“They certainly have stepped up over the past several years supporting our businesses and not for profit organizations in so many ways,” he said.

The organization has helped the local economy improve since the pandemic, through the programs it provides for small businesses, Murell said.

Columbia County is advancing, he added.

“I am pleased to say that Columbia County is moving forward, focused on helping businesses create and retain jobs, increasing our tax base and serving the needs of all our residents, while preserving our natural beauty and overall quality of life,” he said.

The organization has helped Hudson achieve many things, said Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson.

“In the past five years being mayor, we’ve been able to do some incredible things, especially in regards to housing, which is the highest priority in our county right now,” he said. “We’ve been able to give grants to women- and minority-owned businesses, and we broke ground on a housing project this year, which wouldn’t have been possible without Mike Tucker.”

Daniel T. Rickman, Upstate New York District director with the U.S. Small Business Administration, was the keynote speaker at the event.

Rickman spoke on the issues surrounding small business, and the supporting role of the SBA.

The agency’s job is to ensure that small businesses have the resources they need to pursue the American dream, Rickman said.

“Everything we do is consistent with that,” he said.

The pandemic challenged the resilience of everyone, including small businesses, Rickman said.

Through the U.S. Congress, the SBA secured $1.2 billion in funding, which was distributed to small businesses throughout the pandemic, Rickman said.

“We got the funding out the doors, that included over $120 billion in New York state, alone, $10 billion just in my mostly rural 34 upstate countys,” he said. “Right here in Columbia County, there was $225 million in COVID relief that went directly to small businesses during the pandemic, and it was due to relationships and partnerships with organizations like the CEDC.”

It’s not all sunshine and roses, Rickman said.

“Unemployment is low, which is fantastic,” he said. “It’s great for the economy, but on the other hand, a tight labor market can be challenging for small businesses. It makes it challenging for them to compete for talent with those large companies. Many industries have skilled labor shortages, and certain industries, like hospitality, are in a particularly difficult time attracting and retaining employees for a number of reasons.”

The rate of inflation is affecting everyone, including small businesses, Rickman said.

“This decreases the buying power of small businesses and it also has an effect on housing,” he said. “It can be difficult for folks in low- to moderate-income households to afford housing in some communities, which can, in turn, make it harder for small businesses to hire people in their communities.”

Continuing to work with community partners, such as the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation, will help small businesses in the long run, Rickman said.

“Share what’s out there with the small businesses in your community, how they can benefit and grow their businesses,” he said. “Remember what’s available for the businesses in your community that you meet with, that you talk to.”

During the meeting, Tarah Gay, of Public Sale Auction; Derek Grout, of Harvest Spirits; Christian Lopez, of Coyote Flaco; Richard Nesbitt, of Johnny Walker Insurance; and Sean Sawyer, president of The Olana Partnership, were each elected to a three-year term on the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation expiring May 1, 2027.

Rachel Puckett, of Mid-Hudson Cablevision, and Justin Goldman of the Bank of Greene County, were each elected to a two-year partial term ending May 1, 2026. Kenneth Leggett, of Ken Leggett Contracting, was elected to a one-year partial term ending on May 1, 2025.

The support of local elected officials helps the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation accomplish things, said F. Michael Tucker, president and CEO of the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation.

“Without the support of our local government officials we would not be able to accomplish what we are able to do here in the county,” he said.