County Executive Hein Addresses Chamber Feb. 23

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, who addresses the Chamber’s next breakfast meeting on Feb. 23, believes the county could be looking at the “creation of an entirely new industry” thanks to the state extending a film production tax credit to Ulster County.
Hein said he will share his thoughts on the tax credit at the breakfast, scheduled from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Best Western Plus in Kingston. Gateway Community Industries, celebrating their 60th Anniversary, is the breakfast sponsor.
Productions that film in Ulster County were already eligible for a 30-percent tax credit for certain expenses. But last year, state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended an additional 10-percent credit to Ulster and 11 other upstate counties.
Hein said he also will discuss many of the themes from his annual State of the County address. One of those topics is a major success of his administration—controlling property taxes. “The real hardcore measure is the tax levy. The tax levy in Ulster County today is actually less than the very first budget I wrote as county executive all the way back in 2010.”
Hein said he also plans to discuss economic development initiatives with the Chamber, including the opportunities for local businesses through Cuomo’s regional economic development councils. Ulster recently received $9.3 million in state economic development funding.
“The Hudson Valley was the big winner and we were the big winner within the Hudson Valley,” Hein said. “Over $5.5 million of that went to Ulster County projects. I’m proud of the work my team did to be able to secure those dollars and bring them into our community.”

Chamber breakfast programs are a great way to network with other local business leaders and stay on top of current events. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. For more information or to register, call the Chamber at (845) 338-5100 or go online at www.ulsterchamber.org.