News
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Launches Pilot Bridge Loan Initiative to Strengthen Regional Nonprofits
The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) today announced the launch of the Local Impact Fund for Tomorrow (LIFT). LIFT, a new local impact platform, is designed to strengthen the region’s nonprofit and community development ecosystem, beginning with a pilot low-interest bridge loan initiative serving nonprofits in Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam Counties.The LIFT bridge loan pilot is designed to address structural challenges by providing short-term, affordable loans tied to documented grants or
ULSTER SAVINGS BANK ANNOUNCES BRANCH MANAGER PROMOTIONS
(Kingston, NY) Ulster Savings Bank is pleased to announce promotions of three long-standing branch managers: Melissa Carlile, Kathy DeLano, and Briana Purdy. Melissa Carlile has been promoted to Branch Manager/Banking Officer at the bank’s Stone Ridge location. Ms. Carlile’s responsibilities include oversight of all day-to-day branch operations, providing support, guidance, and training to branch staff, as well as achieving the branch’s business development goals throughout the surrounding areas. A
ULSTER SAVINGS BANK ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE PROMOTIONS
(Kingston, NY) Ulster Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of two team members: Rocco J. Pucino III and Jo Dunn. Each of them has been recognized for their outstanding achievements. Rocco J. Pucino IIIhas been promoted to First Vice President/Retail Banking Officer at the bank’s Kingston headquarters. In Mr. Pucino’s new role, he will be responsible for overseeing and directing the retail banking area by providing guidance and support to the bank’s 15 branch locations. A Newburgh, NY
Practical Digital Solutions to Help Ulster County Businesses Work Smarter
Small businesses across Ulster County face an ongoing challenge: doing more with less while keeping operations smooth, customers satisfied, and teams aligned. Fortunately, today’s digital tools allow local organizations to modernize workflows without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. Learn below about: Practical technologies that help small businesses work faster and stay organized. Internal communication tools, financial management platforms, and workflow automation options. How teams can
Outsourcing for Growth: How Business Owners Can Find the Right Marketing Professionals
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, but when it comes to sales and marketing, trying to do everything yourself is like juggling with your eyes closed. Eventually, you drop the ball. That’s where outside professionals come in—consultants, agencies, and freelancers who specialize in helping companies grow. But hiring external talent isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills; it’s about finding the right fit for your business, your industry, and your long-term goals. If you’ve ever
Marist Partners with Miles of Hope for Breast Cancer Awareness on February 7
Marist Athletics, Miles of Hope to Honor Breast Cancer Survivors at Halftime POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Marist Athletics Department will host its annual Pink Game on Saturday, Feb. 7, when the women’s basketball team faces Saint Peter’s at 2:00 p.m. in McCann Arena. https://goredfoxes.com/sports/womens-basketball/scheduleAt the annual Pink game for breast cancer awareness, fans are encouraged to wear pink to support the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. The first 500 fans to enter the arena
A SWEET ARRIVAL: FRUITION CHOCOLATE WORKS TO OPEN AT EASTDALE VILLAGE IN POUGHKEEPSIE
Award-Winning, Ethically Sourced Chocolatier Expands with Second Location Poughkeepsie, NY (January 14, 2026) –Fruition Chocolate Works (Fruition), the region’s premier specialty chocolate maker, will bring its award-winning product to the east side of the Hudson River with a second location at Eastdale Village Town Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The new location will offer an immersive experience for learning and tasting the world of high-quality chocolate, featuring confections crafted at its flagship
Buying a Struggling Business? Here’s What You Really Need to Know
Buying a failing business can look like a shortcut to success. It’s already built. It has customers. There’s a story. But behind that veneer is a tangle of risks and decisions that demand precision, guts, and strategy. This isn’t about savior complexes or turnaround fantasies. It’s about reading the room, rebuilding trust, and adapting fast to the market you’re actually in—not the one that existed when the business was founded.Know What You’re Walking Into If a business is on the table because it’s
New Chairman Announced for Ulster Savings Bank Board of Trustees
(Kingston, NY) The Board of Trustees of Ulster Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Ely as its new chairman beginning in 2026. Mr. Ely, who has chaired the Risk committee, the Audit committee, and served as a former chair of the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation during his 14 years as a bank trustee, recently retired after serving in numerous engineering, program management, and executive roles in a wide range of other intensive technology businesses. He earned a Bachelor of
Picture-Perfect Listings: How to Capture Product Photos That Sell in Ulster County
When a potential buyer scrolls through your online store, their first impression happens in seconds — and it almost always starts with your product photos. For members of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, showcasing local goods with clear, engaging images can make the difference between “just browsing” and “add to cart.”TL;DR Use natural light and a steady hand (or tripod). Keep your background consistent and clutter-free. Highlight textures, details, and real-life use. Save
Making Change Stick: How Small Business Owners Can Actually Pull It Off
The hard part isn’t always deciding to change—it’s making sure the people around you don’t quietly kill the idea before it’s even off the ground. Small business owners often underestimate just how deeply habits run inside a team, even a small one. One new system, one new hire, one rebrand—none of it happens in a vacuum. And the smaller the company, the more magnified each shift becomes. Managing organizational change isn’t just about what’s written on the plan. It’s about how that plan collides with real
The Blueprint for Thriving as a Consumer Electronics Entrepreneur in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Consumer electronics has never been for the faint-hearted. Between the relentless pace of innovation and the fickle preferences of global customers, stepping into this arena demands more than just an appetite for risk. If you’re determined to make your mark in this space, you need more than a great idea or a clever prototype — you need a full arsenal of strategies to not just survive, but thrive. In an industry where yesterday’s breakthrough becomes tomorrow’s afterthought, your mindset, methodology, and
