Blog – Putnam County Business Council

Putnam County Marks Historic Public Works Agreement

Jennifer Maher — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:45:41 +0000

Date: August 21, 2025
For more information:
Christopher Formisano, Communications Director
(845) 808-1001
Putnam County Marks Historic Public Works Agreement

Watch the full event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw-T5cVuv3A

CARMEL, NY – At a press conference yesterday, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that
all nine towns and villages across the county have signed on to a groundbreaking countywide Shared
Services Agreement for highway services. Byrne stood alongside Kent Highway Superintendent Richard
Othmer at the Town of Kent Highway Department and representatives from every town and village in the
county.
The historic agreement formally allows all municipalities for the first time to share resources, equipment,
and services in order to cut down on waste and inefficiencies while delivering meaningful savings for
taxpayers. Earlier this year, Byrne also championed a first-ever sales-tax-sharing agreement earlier with
all towns and villages which was signed into law by Governor Hochul on August 7, simultaneously
clearing the way for the largest property tax cut in Putnam’s history in next year’s county budget.
“This is a tremendous win-win for local highway departments and the taxpayers of Putnam County,” said
County Executive Kevin Byrne. “For years, our local municipalities have shouldered the same rising costs
as county and state governments without the flexibility of additional revenue streams. By working
together, we are now creating a smarter, more responsible and efficient way to share services among
towns and villages, keep local tax dollars closer to home, and strengthen the critical infrastructure our
residents rely on.”

Superintendent Othmer praised the agreement saying, “For years, Highway Superintendents across
Putnam have collaborated informally, lending equipment and manpower when needed. This agreement
formalizes that cooperation and ensures that all towns and villages can benefit. It’s a fair plan, it’s fiscally
responsible, and it will help us provide better service for our residents. I’m proud to stand alongside all my
fellow Highway Superintendents and County Executive Byrne to make this a reality.”
The agreement has already been unanimously supported and signed by all nine municipal leaders: six
town supervisors and three village mayors. In order for this agreement to be effectuated, enabling
resolutions were first introduced and passed by the respective governing boards including the County
Legislature.
To conclude the press conference, County Executive Byrne and all of Putnam County’s Highway
Superintendents formally signed the Intermunicipal Agreement together, marking the official start of this
historic partnership. The ceremonial signing underscored the unity and cooperation behind the initiative,
as every municipality pledged its commitment to sharing resources and working collaboratively for the
benefit of all residents.
“This is the kind of collaboration that residents expect from their leaders,” Byrne concluded. “Together, we
are building a stronger, more resilient and more affordable future for Putnam County.”

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How Tariffs Can Impact Your Business and How to Prepare

Jennifer Maher — Fri, 16 May 2025 21:00:13 +0000

Dear Putnam County Business Community,

Here’s your weekly update from the Putnam County Business Council! Packed with local trends, statewide developments, and opportunities to help your business thrive, this is your go-to resource for growth and success.

Together, we’re fostering a dynamic and prosperous community. Let’s keep driving forward!

Warm regards,

Nick D’Andrea

Chairman, Putnam County Business Council

How Tariffs Can Impact Your Business and How to Prepare

Learn how to prepare for Tariffs, such as diversifying your supply chains, considering domestic sourcing, improving operational efficiency, or adjusting your pricing.

A just fight for SALT fairness: New Yorkers Lawler, Stefanik, Garbarino and LaLota must keep pushing

New York Republican Reps. Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik, Andrew Garbarino, and Nick LaLota back President Trump and his One Big Beautiful Bill on taxes and spending, but they put their home state above party loyalty and are absolutely right to insist that the unfair and punishing $10,000 cap on deductions of state and local taxes (called SALT) in place for the past few years be increased.

An upstate New York county has become home to the hottest real estate market – and it’s a world apart from NYC

The National Association of Realtors is out with its “hotness” index, analyzing buyer demand with housing supply indicators – and this New York area tops it.

NY ‘inflation refund’ checks: Here’s when you’ll get yours (update)

More than 8 million people will be eligible for the direct payments.

Restaurant sales at NYS Thruway service areas surge by $44M after multi-year makeover

The New Baltimore and Plattekill service areas led the way in restaurant sales on the NYS Thruway last year, combining for $35M in sales.

The Cost of Raising Kids in the 10 Nicest New York Suburbs

When we embark on the biggest and most fulfilling risk of life — having kids — we want the best for them. And the onus is not only on us to provide the best, but also on our local communities….

Nick D’Andrea of Park Ford Steps Into the Chairman Role of the Putnam County Business Council.

Jennifer Maher — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:16:24 +0000

Kate Tracy of Tompkins Bank and Allison Palais of Medina Surety Agency join the board and John Kraus returns; PCBC Thanks Nat Prentice for Serving as President for the Past Three Years.

Putnam County, NY — The Putnam County Business Council (PCBC) proudly announces a leadership transition and the expansion of its board, reinforcing its commitment to advocacy, economic growth, and business development in the region.

As the new Chairman of the Board, Nick D’Andrea of Park Ford will bring fresh leadership to PCBC. The organization expresses deep gratitude to Nat Prentice of Prentice Investment Management, LLC, for his dedicated service as President for the past three years. Nat will now focus his leadership as President of Government Affairs, spearheading PCBC’s advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

Additionally, PCBC welcomes the return of John Kraus of Premier Credit Solutions Insights and Solutions LLC as a board member. Joining him as new board members are Kate Tracy of Tompkins Bank and Allison Pallais of Allison’s Bail Bonds. They join existing board members Candice Sciarrillo of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and Zachary Cosentino of Avedata IT Solutions.

The organization also acknowledges its founding leaders: Bill Nulk of the Putnam County IDA, serving as Past President, and Jenn Maher of Prosperous Jenn Coaching, recognized as the Founding Chairwoman of PCBC.

Voices of Leadership

“As Chairman, I am honored to help drive PCBC’s vision forward,” said Nick D’Andrea. “Putnam County is full of businesses ready to thrive, and I’m committed to ensuring we provide the support, advocacy, and connections they need to succeed.”

Nat Prentice reflected on his time as President: “It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity for the past three years, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue advocating for Putnam County businesses in this new role. We are at a critical time for business advocacy, and I look forward to amplifying the voices of our local businesses.”

Returning board member John Kraus shared his enthusiasm: “PCBC has always been an organization that fights for the success of our local businesses. I’m excited to rejoin the board and continue that important work.”

New board member Kate Tracy emphasized financial leadership: “Financial stability is key to business success. I look forward to bringing my expertise to PCBC and helping local businesses navigate financial opportunities that will enable them to grow and sustain long-term success.”

Allison Pallais added, “Small businesses are the heart of our community. I’m honored to join PCBC’s leadership and help build stronger support systems for entrepreneurs across the county.”

Jenn Maher, Founding Chairwoman of PCBC, reflected on the organization’s growth: “When we launched the PCBC, we envisioned an organization that would be a powerhouse for business advocacy. Seeing leaders like Nick, Nat, John, Kate, and Allison step up reinforces our mission. Putnam County businesses have champions in their corner, and this board is ready to take our impact to the next level.”

PCBC is actively seeking leaders who are ready to make a difference and contribute to the county’s business success.

For more information about PCBC and its initiatives, visit putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com.

About PCBC

The Putnam County Business Council is dedicated to advancing business interests in Putnam County through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships. PCBC provides resources, networking, and support to help businesses thrive in today’s economy.

Nick D’Andrea

Allison Palais

Kate Tracy

Media Contact:
Jenn Maher
Jenn@prsoperousjenn.com/914-330-7222
Putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com

Putnam County Seeks Vendors

Jennifer Maher — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 21:00:53 +0000

Dear Putnam County Business Community,

Together, we’re fostering a dynamic and prosperous community. Let’s keep driving forward!

Warm regards,

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

Youth Business Market – Putnam County, New York

Putnam County is excited to announce that registration is now open for youth vendors interested in participating in the 2nd Annual Youth Business Market (YBM) on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Young entrepreneurs looking to showcase and sell their products or services can now sign up at PutnamCountyNY.gov/ybm

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which saw over 600 visitors and 70 youth vendors, the Youth Business Market provides a one-of-a-kind retail opportunity for young entrepreneurs to gain real-world business experience. Vendors will have the chance to sell handmade goods, food, collectibles, services, and more, all while engaging with the local community.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event, saying, “Last year, we were blown away by the creativity and determination of our young entrepreneurs. The Youth Business Market is an opportunity for them to hone their skills, build real businesses, and learn valuable lessons in commerce. We want these hardworking young entrepreneurs to stay in Putnam County where they and their businesses will grow and thrive.”

2025 Yankees and Mets home games expected to generate over $900M in economic impact for NYC – Bronx Times

On the eve of the Yankees’ 2025 home opener, Mayor Eric Adams announced that this year’s Yankees and Mets home games are projected to generate $909 million in

‘Uptick in listings’: Canadians selling vacation properties in Ellicottville

You don’t have to go far in Ellicottville to see what appears to be the start of a trend: Canadian homeowners are putting their vacation properties up for sale.

Housing prices surge as inventory hits historic lows

Housing market update in New York sees inventory fall statewide while home prices climbed, fueling competition in the Capital Region and beyond.

Heastie warns state may need to raise taxes to fund MTA

The Assembly speaker said the state needs to figure out new sources of revenue to fund mass transit, especially given the uncertainty of future federal funding.

Despite funding cut threats, Hochul says no spending changes

Two lawmakers think Hochul should go on offense and withhold New York’s federal tax payments while they wait for Washington to blink.

🌸 Spring into Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – Register Now!

Jennifer Maher — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:18:03 +0000

Dear Putnam County Business Community,

Together, we’re fostering a dynamic and prosperous community. Let’s keep driving forward!

Warm regards,

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

Spring into Hudson Valley Restaurant Week

Spring is in the air, and that means one thing—Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is just around the corner! Some of the region’s finest restaurants are already on board, ready to showcase their best dishes to food lovers from near and far.

Is your restaurant ready to take center stage? There’s still time to register and be part of this highly anticipated culinary event! Don’t miss this chance to attract new customers, increase visibility, and be part of the Hudson Valley’s thriving dining scene.

Secure your spot today! Register now to be featured in this year’s Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.

NY ‘inflation refund’ checks: How much will you get? When?

About 8.6 million taxpayers are expected to be eligible.

Should NY give tax breaks to start-ups? Legislature resists Gov. Hochul’s tax-free plan

Skeptics have compared the plan to an ill-fated program started under former Gov. Cuomo.

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, but trims economic growth outlook

Fed Chair Jerome Powell cites “high uncertainty” around the impact of Trump administration tariffs on key trading partners.

Wine in grocery stores gets strong push from supermarkets

Wine in grocery stores gets strong push from supermarkets as new coalition places advocacy in hundreds of supermarkets across New York

Trump Official Pushes Congestion Pricing Deadline Back a Month

New York was defiant in the face of the Trump administration’s demand that the tolling program end by Friday. Now, Washington is willing to wait a month.

Blog March 2025

Olivia Diaz — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:11:57 +0000

Thanks For Your Leadership, Jacqueline

Jacqueline Annabi, Supervisor of the Town of Putnam Valley, was an honored guest on the “Voice of Putnam Business” podcast on February 27th and my co-host Nick D’Andrea, producer Jenn Maher and I want to thank her for the time she took to be with us. We learned a lot about Jacqueline’s career in public service and our admiration for her and her life’s work grew over the course of our time together.

Our conversation covered a wide range of topics from Jacqueline’s early days working behind the counter as a young girl in the family business to her recent effort on behalf of our towns and villages to secure a portion of Putnam County’s sales tax revenue to support their infrastructure projects. Supervisor Annabi’s leadership in arguing passionately for a new and much needed source of revenue for the local municipalities deserves our attention.

Jacqueline was the driving force in sending a letter (dated 2/3/2025) to the Putnam County Legislature, which outlined the benefits of direct municipal distribution. It was signed by the County’s six supervisors and three mayors.The letter cited a “highly successful precedent for this type of sharing from 2022 when surplus sales tax dollars were shared to the Towns and Villages” and provided examples of how the money was used for capital projects in Putnam Valley and Cold Spring. Legislator Erin Crowley, Audit Committee Member, read the letter into the record at a meeting of the Committee on February 19, which opened a discussion among the legislators about sales tax revenue in general and the possibility of sharing some of that revenue. While there was little debate about the positive fund balance that the County enjoys and the overall health of its financial position, the legislators argued about the merits of sharing surplus sales tax with another layer of local government rather than returning it directly to the taxpayers in the form of a rate reduction. Once the legislators finished their discussion, Chairwoman Sayegh invited members of the public to speak.

While every member of the Putnam Valley Town Board was in attendance, Jacqueline and Deputy Supervisor Christian Russo were the ones that spoke. She highlighted several specific infrastructure projects and the lack of property tax revenue to support them (a point also made by Patterson Supervisor Williams in his remarks), while Christian reminded the legislators about the extent to which the surrounding counties support their local municipalities by sharing sales tax revenues. Encouraged by the Supervisors, Brett Yarris, a resident of Carmel Hamlet who posts often on social media about sharing the sales tax, called the Legislature “our last hope” for identifying a source of revenues to support spending on infrastructure. Needing to move on to several other agenda items, Chairwoman Sayegh told the group that this discussion would continue at the March meeting of the Audit Committee.

Thank you and your team, Jacqueline, for educating the rest of us on the current sales tax situation in the County and for presenting the case for sharing some of those revenues with the local governments.

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

Regular Newsletter 02-12

Olivia Diaz — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:58:13 +0000

Dear Putnam County Business Community,

Together, we’re fostering a dynamic and prosperous community. Let’s keep driving forward!

Warm regards,

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

Small Business Content Marketing – Planning and Creating Engaging Content

Content marketing is a powerful tool for attracting and engaging your ideal audience, but success requires a clear strategy. From planning and creation to distribution and measurement, every step plays a role in driving results.

In this webinar, digital marketing expert Nicole McCullum will walk you through the key elements of an effective content marketing strategy, how to produce engaging content and how to measure performance to enhance your tactics.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the role of content marketing in your digital marketing strategy
Learn how to develop a content marketing plan
Explore key content formats and how to leverage them effectively
Discover how to measure content performance

Live attendees will receive the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording.

Report details ’emerging financial security crisis’ facing New York seniors

A report released Monday shows a 50% increase in the number of older New Yorkers living in poverty.

Trump readies matching tariffs on trade partners, possibly setting up a major economic showdown

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is taking additional action to upset the world trade system, with plans to sign an order as soon as Wednesday that would require that U.S. tariffs on imports match the tax rates charged by other countries.

New numbers show a million less cars in NYC, as opinion on congestion pricing climbs

In the 36 days congestion pricing has been in effect, there’s been something looming over the nation’s first congestion toll: President Donald Trump. Over the weekend, the president reportedly gave exclusive comments to the New York Post in which he referenced recent conversations with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Trump once again slaps taxes on foreign steel, aluminum, a move that proved costly in his first term

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is hitting foreign steel and aluminum with a 25% tax. If that sounds familiar, it’s because he did pretty much the same thing during his first term. Trump’s…

Can $400 Million Rescue New York’s Run-Down Capital City?

Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed to earmark $400 million to revitalize the capital of New York, where poverty rates are high and the downtown is moribund.

Regular Newsletter 01-22

Olivia Diaz — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:37:46 +0000

Dear Putnam County Business Community,

Together, we’re fostering a dynamic and prosperous community. Let’s keep driving forward!

Warm regards,

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

Goal Setting – Planning for the Year Ahead

Start your year off right with a focused plan! This webinar will guide small business owners and startups through setting achievable goals for growth and success. Learn how to prioritize tasks, break down long-term objectives into actionable steps, and create a roadmap for the year ahead.

NOTE: this webinar is designed for start-ups.

Gov. Kathy Hochul to propose $252 billion state budget

If Gov. Kathy Hochul gets it her way, she plans to increase state spending by nearly $10 billion next year.

When the Retirement Community Goes Bankrupt

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New York City Seeks Jolt for Midtown With Plan to Build 10,000 Homes

The plan, which rezones parts of the Manhattan neighborhood, aims to address the city’s housing shortage and the area’s beleaguered commercial sector.

What Doom Loop? Healthy Office Rentals and Tax Assessments Show Manhattan’s Strength.

High-end commercial towers drive a post-pandemic recovery for the nation’s leading business district.

40 Big Ideas to Make New York City More Affordable

As the cost of living dominates politics, dozens of residents offered plans to bring down the price of housing, child care, transportation, cultural life and more.

Blog January 2025

Olivia Diaz — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:00:36 +0000

In 2025, the Putnam County Business Council (PCBC) will strengthen its commitment to closely monitor the activities of the New York State Legislature. Amid mixed national election results this past November, our state legislature returns with a mandate to continue the work it set out to do in 2019. But with a new administration coming into Washington, uncertainty will be a challenge to our local economy. However, New York has proven that it can and will protect its businesses and residents.

In an Op-Ed entitled New York Has Never Been A State To Back Down in the “Empire Report” dated January 8th, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins set the tone for the new year when she said: “When others seek to divide, we stand united and tall. We do not just endure challenges; we meet them head-on and lead the way for the nation.”

She listed several initiatives as priorities for 2025 that are important to us locally:

1. Expanding universal pre-kindergarten and taking it one step further by moving towards universal childcare.

2. Continuing to fully fund our public schools.

3. Continuing to stand up for our farmers.

4. Making investments in affordable, working-class, and middle-income housing.

But it is the following statement by the Senate Majority Leader that is perhaps the most relevant to the health of the economy in Putnam County in 2025:

“Our conference has proudly fought for Main Street by injecting billions of dollars into small businesses and cultural institutions. This year, we will recommit our efforts to these economic drivers to ensure that the cost of doing business in New York doesn’t shutter our mom and pops.”

We will keep this last statement in particular in mind as we report on developments coming out of the NYS Legislature this year. Fortunately we enjoy good relationships with our state representatives, Senators Pete Harckham and Rob Rolison, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and Assemblyman Matt Slater and their staff members, who can help us keep up to date on legislative developments. Access to these officials is an important part of the service the PCBC provides to the local community. So please look for our regular emails and blog posts and listen to our podcasts (“The Voice of Putnam County Business”) as we seek to keep you informed and advocate for your best interests over the course of 2025.

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

Regular Newsle tter 10-09

Olivia Diaz — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 21:00:28 +0000

Dear Esteemed Members of the Putnam County Business Community,

Welcome to your constant source of empowerment and insight – the Putnam County Business Council’s weekly Putnam County News and New York State Business Update. Every week, we strive to bring you the most relevant and impactful information, keeping you abreast of the latest developments, opportunities, and trends in our business landscape. Together, let’s navigate the path to success and prosperity in our vibrant community and beyond.

Here’s to another week of growth and excellence!

Warm regards,

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council

CLIENT NETWORKING EVENT

Details

Who : Score clients and their guests

Where: Southeast Museum, 67 Main St. Brewster, NY

Why: You asked for it and it’s SCORE’s 60th anniversary

Price: A great value!!! It’s free

Refreshments & Beverages will be served, Bring biz cards etc for exchange table Meet other entrepreneurs, make friends, have a great time

PLEASE RSVP if you plan on attending to ch.admin0678@scorevolunteer.org

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The Business Council of New York State Embarks on 900 Mile Manufacturing Week Statewide Bus Tour Across New York State

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