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🗓️ August 22, 2025's Business Vibe
Putnam County makes history with unanimous sales tax decision while Ulster County celebrates business leadership - strategic governance meets entrepreneurial achievement in this week's regional momentum.
Local Love (Verified Wins)
Putnam County's Historic Sales Tax Agreement By a vote of 5-0-1, the Putnam County Legislature extended the county's four percent sales tax rate until Nov. 30, 2027, while implementing a historic revenue-sharing agreement that will send one-ninth of one percent of sales tax collections to each of the county's six towns and three villages based on population, with each municipality receiving a minimum of $50,000.
The special session Wednesday evening followed months of political negotiations that included County Executive Kevin Byrne's veto of an earlier legislative attempt to reduce the rate to 3.75 percent. Putnam shoppers will continue to pay 8.375 percent in sales tax, with four percent going to the state, four percent to the county and 0.375 percent to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
What Makes This Historic: Putnam joins 50 of New York's 62 counties that share sales tax revenue with their municipalities. County Executive Byrne has committed to delivering "the largest property tax cut in county history, a minimum of $1 million" in his next budget.
KDD Marketing Takes Ulster County's Top Honor KDD Marketing, based in Kingston, has been named the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year for 2025. The award recognizes a small, Ulster County-based business that demonstrates leadership in its field and commitment to employees, clients, and regional business development.
"It's rare for a business-to-business organization like ours to be recognized with this type of award, which makes this accolade even more special," said Katy Dwyer, founder and creative director of KDD Marketing. With more than 15 years in business, KDD Marketing has served clients across the Hudson Valley and tri-state area.
Culinary Intelligence: Ulster County's Growing Food Scene The region's restaurant momentum continues with new establishments including Well Nice Wine Bar in Rosendale (opened December 2024), founded by husband-and-wife sommeliers Zoe and Joe, offering curated wines with Eastern European flavors and Americana classics, plus Bistrot Le Chat Barbu bringing classic French cuisine to Rosendale, and Lift Café offering expertly crafted coffee and pastries.
Strategic Spotlight: What This Week Means for Valley Businesses
Municipal Collaboration Model: Putnam's bipartisan agreement demonstrates how regional governments can balance fiscal responsibility with strategic revenue sharing. The requirement that municipal funds be used exclusively for infrastructure projects, not payroll or operating expenses, creates accountability while addressing genuine capital needs.
Service Sector Excellence: KDD Marketing's chamber recognition highlights the Hudson Valley's mature business services ecosystem, where local companies successfully serve clients well beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
Investment Climate: Both stories reinforce the region's commitment to sustainable growth, whether through strategic tax policy or business excellence recognition, that strengthens rather than compromises long-term competitive advantage.
Community Voices
"Our towns and villages will benefit from our action tonight. This is historic since after many decades we will be giving money back to our towns and villages." - Legislator Laura Russo, Putnam County
"Kingston – and Ulster County – has been our home for over 15 years, and it's given so much to us. It's an honor to be recognized for all that we give back to the community, our clients and our team." - Katy Dwyer, Founder and Creative Director, KDD Marketing
The Gratitude Corner
Grateful for leaders who choose collaboration over conflict: from Putnam County's unanimous legislative decision that strengthens municipal partnerships, to Ulster County's recognition of business excellence that elevates our entire regional reputation. Strategic thinking wins again.
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Building strategic advantage with every story,
Ed Weeks Jr., MBA - Your Hudson Valley Business Intel Source