Choose Columbia - Columbia Economic Development Corporation

11/26/2025

11/05/2025

F. Michael Tucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, will step down from his role effective June 30, 2026.

Full article: https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2025/10/29/tucker-columbia-county-edc.html

More information on our website, columbiaedc.com.

A longtime economic development leader has announced he's moving on and the search for his successor will soon begin.

07/30/2025

FREE Webinar for Businesses!
Inventory Planning: How to Make Your Holiday Season More Profitable

📅 Date: August 4
🕒 Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
💻 Location: Online (Virtual Event)

Register for the upcoming webinar brought to you by Pursuit to start your holiday inventory planning.

Learn more and register at: https://pursuitlending.com/resources/inventory-planning-holiday-season-more-profitable/?utm_medium=Email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-822xdVt4ghIwHNLV4IBv3x61HR1GtY3hU8jRNyz4_ccPK5If4-WDV9lQjJe7I6KlL4VB_XhnBERodJE7IDJfGSz6NMLQ&_hsmi=372795983&utm_source=WebinarEmail&fbclid=IwY2xjawL4VEVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuhYKSt4Bs-LWlQeiCQAMrTIqvT4mUvo5fk7wMbG2726rKN-7qg2CnNjCD9D_aem_yIf4eTFywZ0IyZFvXEMdKA

05/08/2025

CEDC held its Annual Meeting on April 29, to showcase our efforts to strengthen small businesses and advance economic development in Columbia County. Keynote speaker Mike Yevoli from Empire State Development delivered an inspiring address on ESD’s mission to drive economic growth through strategic investments in placemaking, workforce development, and innovation. He shared the Capital Region’s bold vision for inclusive prosperity and spotlighted transformational local projects that are shaping the future of our communities.

The annual report, updated 2025 strategic plan, event sponsors, event photos and the event summary are linked below. Thank you to all who were able to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting!

2024 Annual Report-https://columbiaedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Annual-Report-for-website.pdf
2025 Strategic Plan-https://columbiaedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CEDC-2025-Strategic-Plan-20250422.pdf
Annual Meeting Sponsors-https://columbiaedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sponsors-2025-Annual-Meeting.pdf
Annual Meeting Photos- https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1KtfjtcWq84XYMgZeZ4WtCtvt0fGzTeuh
Event Summary-https://columbiaedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Event-Summary-2025-Revised-w-edits.pdf
Article: https://www.dailygazette.com/cedc-annual-meeting-focuses-on-economic-development/article_6f7553d7-36ab-4980-85dd-4edeb5e554e6.html

04/09/2025

FREE Webinar for Businesses!

📅 Date: April 24
🕒 Time: 1:00-1:45PM
💻 Location: Online (Virtual Event)

Register for the upcoming webinar brought to you by Pursuit to go over important business document requirements.

Learn more and register at: https://pursuitlending.com/resources/keep-your-business-in-compliance/?utm_medium=Email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_RsBUghkE7VG5ztLWo3aapmyHktjuIqzXQGBpRABoGz8hFR3Xxwvj-jke2UufRJ2lGkJ-sjctJyb5RkGsuHTeT5bqP581gmTSd-Oi5btt818wp32M&_hsmi=355750005&utm_source=WebinarEmail

02/21/2025

FREE Webinar for Startups!

Learn how to leverage free secondary research data to make informed decisions, refine strategies, and gain a competitive edge. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to access and apply valuable market data tailored to your business needs.

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26
🕒 Time: 12:00PM
💻 Location: Online (Virtual Event)

More information: https://mailchi.mp/044027ca7aa1/free-marketing-workshop-for-startups-virtual-event?e=d4f2086314

Register here: https://albany.zoom.us/meeting/register/9c-pbWfeTGSlf6exLb24Dw?_x_zm_rtaid=8beC9uFCRDKa0nXnBwOTiA.1738961555633.0ac7036264858b1a68e19887ac249d83&_x_zm_rhtaid=751 #/registration

Tag a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from this!

08/20/2024

Kinderhook Books’ wine garden is open! Not only does Kinderhook have its very own bookstore, it now has a wine garden located behind the bookstore where you can sip wine and enjoy a yummy meal prepared by Hudson Meal Co.

CEDC supported Kinderhook Books with technical assistance and a small business loan. Owner Mindy Kay Bricker credited CEDC with helping get the shop up and running. “Starting a business is challenging,” said Bricker, “but CEDC’s consultants helped smooth the way.”

Visit Kinderhook Books’ website to learn about upcoming events, order books and view their menu. Books, wine and food in a garden setting. What could be nicer?
https://www.kinderhookbooks.com/

03/25/2024

Join Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), local businesses, and government & community leaders on Tuesday, April 30 from 7:30am - 9:30am, at The Greenport, as CEDC reviews local economic development accomplishments.

Register today:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cedccolumbiaeconomicdevelopmentcorporation/1185084

Daniel Rickman, District Director of the Syracuse-Upstate New York district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will join us as our Keynote Speaker to share his perspective on the regional business climate with a focus on our longstanding partnership with the SBA and the Microloan program.

We hope to see you there!

Sponsorship Opportunities: https://columbiaedc.com/2024-annual-meeting-sponsorship/

CEDC reviews 2023/2024 local economic development accomplishments and goals. Join Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CE...

01/02/2024

Aaron Maas and Montgomery Bopp co-own Upper Depot Brewing Company, a farm brewery located in a historic train station in Hudson. The partners have created a taproom experience that combines their passion for craftsmanship and community.

Upper Depot offers a variety of beers on tap, each crafted with passion and precision, from hop-forward IPAs to smooth stouts. Enjoy your brews alongside simple fare from their onsite food truck. Upper Depot also offers private events in their beautifully renovated space.

CEDC supported Upper Depot Brewing Company with a small business loan. Visit their website to explore their beer lineup, learn about upcoming events, and plan your visit! https://www.upperdepot.com/

12/15/2023

Did you know that small businesses employ nearly half of the private workforce in the United States? This holiday season, let’s show our appreciation by shopping local. Small businesses are the heart of our community and the U.S. Small Business Administration is celebrating the Season of Small Business throughout the month of December. Join us in supporting America’s small businesses by shopping local and using the hashtag . Let’s make this final week of shopping for the holidays count!

For more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/seasonofsmallbusiness

11/29/2023

CEDC congratulates and extends gratitude to Helen and Gus Kozel along with their family for their incredible hospitality over so many years!

Read about the legacy of Kozel's Restaurant in this captivating article: 'Better than Disneyland': The last days of an upstate supper club.

Kozel’s Restaurant, a family-run supper club in Ghent, closed its doors this month after 87 years. But its stories will live on in the community it fostered.

11/27/2023

Columbia County residents are invited to explore updates related to New York State’s Climate Act and interact with panelists to ask questions and hear potential solutions that are relevant to our county. The Forum will be held December 2 at the Arts Center Theatre at Columbia-Greene Community College from 1:00-3:00PM. Please register with the link below.

Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CB6DT2H