Think Dutchess Alliance for Business

10/09/2026

Discover one of Dutchess County's hidden experiences this fall. On Saturday, 10/24, and Sunday, 10/25, The Brine Garden in Pawling will open its gates as part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program, giving visitors rare access to a six-acre, naturalistic landscape that showcases the creativity, stewardship, and investment that make our region so special.

Events like this strengthen Dutchess County's economic ecosystem by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, highlighting our cultural and environmental assets, and reinforcing why Dutchess is a premier destination for long-term investment.

Don't miss the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind garden! Registration is required:

Garden Conservancy

10/02/2026

Dutchess County has been award $922k through New York State's Youth Employment program, an investment that will expand year-round job and training opportunities for local young people.

This funding strengthens a core economic development priority in Dutchess: to build a skilled, resilient workforce. By creating paid pathways for at-risk youth to gain experience, develop in-demand skills, and connect with employers, the county is helping more residents participate in the region's growing economy.

We're proud to see this continued investment in programs that will prepare the next generation of residents for success. Read more in The Daily Freeman:

Ulster and Dutchess counties each received hundreds of thousands of dollars for youth employment programs, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Wednesday, Sept. 23.

09/30/2026

🚨 Last call for 2026 Business Excellence Awards sponsorships! The deadline to sponsor or advertise is this Friday, 10/2.

Sponsorship places your business at the center of Dutchess County's economic momentum and aligns you with the region's top leaders in business, government, and community. Don’t miss your chance to stand out!

Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].

09/29/2026

📣 RFP: Marketing and Public Relations

We’re seeking an experienced marketing and public relations partner to help Think Dutchess accelerate the effort to brand and market Dutchess County as a premier business location.

We’re inviting qualified agencies and firms with expertise in marketing strategy, public relations, media relations, content, social media, and integrated communications to submit proposals.

📄 Interested? Review the RFP and submission requirements here:https://www.thinkdutchess.com/clientuploads/2026_RFP-Marketing_Think_Dutchess_for_2027_-_2029_Final.pdf

📅 Proposal deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
📩 Questions: [email protected]

Please share with agencies or communications professionals who may be a great fit.

09/25/2026

Think Dutchess is excited to announce three of our outstanding winners of the 2026 Business Excellence Awards! Each recipient embodies leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to strengthening the Dutchess County community. Keep an eye out for part two where we will announce our additional winners!

Congratulations to the first half of our 2026 winners:
🎉 Agribusiness of the Year: Tiny Greens Farm
🎉 Tastemaker of the Year: Cafe Spice
🎉 Nonprofit of the Year: The Art Effect

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still open until October 2, and tickets to attend this year's Business Excellence Awards are live! Learn more about this year's awards here: https://bit.ly/4dJen6M

09/24/2026

Next Friday, October 2, is the deadline to submit projects, proposals, and more for inclusion in the October 14 DCLDC Board Meeting Agenda. Please email all materials and project requests to [email protected].

09/24/2026

The Mid-Hudson Regional Business Lending Expo, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. If your business is looking for financing, our office can connect you with lending partners and resources. Contact us at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at www.thinkdutchess.com to learn about future events.

09/23/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY! Join us next Wednesday for the Mid-Hudson Regional Business Lending Expo. The event is free to attend and registration is required. Don't miss out: https://bit.ly/4r2uKBL

Meet lenders and financial experts who can help prepare you for your next phase of business growth.

09/22/2026

Have you registered for the Mid-Hudson Regional Business Lending Expo yet? On 9/30, all business leaders in Dutchess County will have the opportunity to learn everything you need to know about securing the financing that matches your goals. Register today: https://bit.ly/4r2uKBL

Meet lenders and financial experts who can help prepare you for your next phase of business growth.

09/21/2026

September is National Recovery Month, a time to recognize the people and organizations that are turning recovery into lasting opportunity across our community. This year, we're excited to highlight Kelly Lyndaard, founder and CEO of Unshattered, a Dutchess County nonprofit proving that recovery and economic opportunity go hand in hand.

For ten years, Unshattered has created a healing-focused workplace where women earn wages, build skills, and move into long-term stability. With a 94% long-term sobriety rate among employees and a model rooted in community partnerships, Unshattered shows how recovery strengthens families, the local workforce, and the regional economy.

Read more about Unshattered's incredible work in our Q&A with Kelly: https://www.thinkdutchess.com/blog/2026/09/18/business-voices-of-dutchess-county/q-a-with-kelly-lyndgaard-founder-and-ceo-of-unshattered/