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Rich History. Bright Future.
Think Dutchess
Left: Replica of Henry Hudson's Half Moon. Above: Main Street, Poughkeepsie, early 1900s. Colorized photo by Mike Savad.
Four Hundred years ago, when Henry Hudson sailed his ship up the mighty river that now bears his name, he discovered land rich in natural resources and beauty. Dutchess County, which lies at the midpoint between New York City and Albany, would prove to be particularly fertile ground for business, industry, and innovation over the next four centuries.
Presidentsandpoets,industrialists and inventors, farmers and philanthro- pists have all been drawn to Dutchess County through the years for its enviable location nestled between the Hudson River and the Southern Berk- shires; proximity to the world’s largest market; smart, industrious people; and bucolic charms.
Today, Dutchess e ortlessly mixes big names in corporate America like IBM, GlobalFoundries, and Gap Inc. with untouched landscapes that provide both a retreat from and a foodshed for New York City. Small businesses of all kinds are also prospering in the county,
which now boasts nearly 300,000 residents.
The waterfront cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie are being revitalizing, with an in ux of small businesses attracted by the scenic beauty, culture, a ordability, and opportunity for growth. Quaint towns and villages like Pawling, Rhinebeck, Millbrook, Millerton, Fishkill, and Wappinger are thriving too—attracting residents, businesses, tourists, and second-home owners.
“Dutchess County is New York City’s northernmost suburb,” says Ron Hicks, assistant county executive for Dutchess County, who also spearheads the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business. “This proximity contributes to our strong appeal as one of the best places to live, work, and play.”
It’s little wonder that Dutchess County’s economy is growing, with nearly $1 billion in major projects under construction and more than $2 billion in developments in the planning or permit
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