November 17, 2003

Economic Well-being of Dutchess County to be Discussed

County Executive William R. Steinhaus and Richard Henley, Chairman of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation jointly announce a regional economic forum will be held at the Poughkeepsie Middle School, Thursday, November 20, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. "This is a continuation of a countywide forum held at Marist College in October and provides an opportunity for the public to provide input," said County Executive Steinhaus. The earlier session, attended by business and community leaders throughout the County, produced several recommendations to maintain and strengthen the County's economy.

Results from the October forum will be presented in Poughkeepsie, allowing attendees to comment on earlier suggestions, in advance of soliciting more specific recommendations. "It is important to offer pubic forums to discuss the economy, jobs and development throughout the County. It offers opportunities for input from business leaders north, south east and west," noted County Executive Steinhaus. "Input from past discussions have proved invaluable, and I expect a similar result on Thursday." Following the forum sessions, a report will be prepared and presented to the County Executive and County Legislature, reviewed by the Economic Development Corporation and made available to the public. This is expected to occur early in 2004.

The Poughkeepsie forum will be second of four offered public economic forums. It will be hosted by Poughkeepsie Town Supervisor Joe Davis and held in the Poughkeepsie Middle School Auditorium at 7:30 PM, Thursday, November 20th. Additional upcoming forums will be held in Red Hook at the Red Hook Town Hall on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 PM, and in East Fishkill at John Jay High School on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 PM in the Large Instruction Room.

For more information please contact the Dutchess County Office of Planning & Development at 845/486-3600.
                                       

-end-