Learn more about Dutchess County economic development and major employers, Think Dutchess events, workshops from our partners, and more!
New York's Dutchess County is within a 6-hour drive of 68 million U.S. and Canadian customers, 21% of American manufacturers and a $227B retail sales market via major transit hubs I-84 and I-87. With award-winning higher education, a skilled workforce, competitive real estate, attractive incentive packages and utility rates, it's no wonder why major companies such as Gap, onsemi and IBM collectively employ more than 10,000 people in the Hudson Valley.
Think Dutchess Alliance for Business is a small nonprofit agency with big goals. We wear many hats and can assist organizations with their business development needs in many different ways. We help establish relationships, build networks and generate resources to meet the needs of businesses and increase the economic viability of Dutchess County. From commercial real estate listings to job creation and business retention, our efforts strive to better the overall quality of life in the community.
Our manufacturing sector employs over 6,800 Hudson Valley workers with 75% of advanced manufacturers holding defense contracts.
Just a 20-minute helicopter ride from NYC, Dutchess is home to the first FFA-certified aviation program in decades and a regional airport, making the county a hub of aviation activity in the Tri-State area.
Craft Food Manufacturing and Agri-business is one of Dutchess’s fastest-growing industries, combining American innovation, farming, and agri-tourism.
New York State has received more than $120 billion in investment toward the future of semiconductors and continues to fuel the economic growth of the region.
Dutchess combines a strategic location and nearly six million square feet of real estate primed for information technology & business services. See why industry giants like IBM and DocuWare choose Dutchess.
Our regional logistics workforce is more than 3,000 strong, combined with a strategic location outside New York City, which makes Dutchess County a robust transportation infrastructure hub.
Grand Award | The Stefanopoulos Group
Community Impact Award | The Council of Industry
Legacy Business of the Year | Marshall+Sterling
Tastemaker of the Year | Hudson Valley Open Kitchen at Hudson River Housing
Nonprofit of the Year | Women's Enterprise Development Center
Small Business of the Year | JanCare Private Health Services
Secure your place as a business leader in Dutchess County!
Show your support for the growing Dutchess County economy and celebrate top businesses in our region by sponsoring, advertising, and attending the 2025 Business Excellence Awards.
Submit the form and payment by the extended deadline of September 22, 2025.
Think Dutchess helps existing and new businesses achieve success. As a premier business-led organization, Think Dutchess Alliance for Business brings together agency partners creating a one-stop shop for your site selection, financing, incentives, permitting and advocacy, strategic planning and counseling, marketing and networking needs
