Ulster County’s Green New Deal commits the County to ongoing climate action that translates into economic benefits for businesses as well as residents. A major program strategy is UGREEN, the Ulster County Green Economy Network. By joining this dynamic network, businesses can get help to improve their environmental performance and marketing support to tell their success stories. They will also be preferred advisors to Ulster County as its staff designs the next generation of green business programming. The Network is a one-stop connection for peer support, funding opportunities, recognition, and the friendly competition of the Ulster County Green Business Champions Program.
Sustainable Hudson Valley is the County’s outreach partner. Throughout the year, we will be connecting with businesses to learn and celebrate what they are already doing and help them take the next steps. You will be invited to monthly gatherings with Ulster County’s economic development staff and fellow business leaders. You’ll have an open channel of communication with the County to make sure they understand what you need to go greener, faster.
The Network can also connect you with the services of Sustaine, Inc. an innovative company that provides no-cost, customized energy assessments to businesses.
Any for-profit or non-profit business based in Ulster County can join the Network.
Please help us learn more about the businesses in our growing green economy by taking our survey.
Upcoming Events
The Green Business Innovators of Ulster County Awards Celebration
Join us for the Green Business Innovators of Ulster County Awards Celebration hosted by the Ulster County Green Economy Network. This event will celebrate the efforts of businesses in Ulster County that have made significant contributions to the environment through their sustainable practices.
As a member of the community, you are invited to attend this prestigious event. The ceremony will take place on May 26th, 2023, at the Stone Dock Golf Course, located at 12 Stone Dock Road, High Falls, NY 12440.
The awards ceremony will bring together members of the Ulster County community, including government officials, community leaders, and local business owners, to celebrate the achievements of Ulster County’s Certified Green Businesses. It promises to be an evening of recognition, celebration, and inspiration.
Please RSVP by May 22, 2023 to confirm your attendance. We hope you can join us and be part of this exciting celebration of sustainability.
To RSVP, click here.
Recordings and Webinars
UGREEN Quarterly Webinar: JobsFirstNYC: Identifying, Building and Advancing What Works
April 18th, 2023
Keri Faulhaber, Vice President, and Megan Marshall, Work Solutions Manager, present on the strategy and impact of JobsFirstNYC, a model that we are excited to learn from.
The presentation will include:
JobsFirstNYC and its impact.
About the GEN, the Green Economy Network – Who, what, why, and how.
Skills Mapping – Using Skills Intelligence to advance workforce development: map talent to jobs, upskill and reskill.
UGREEN Quarterly Webinar: EV Charging: Opportunities and Resources
March 2nd, 2023
Join Sustainable Hudson Valley and Adam Bosch, CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, for an informative webinar on electric vehicle charging.
This comprehensive look at the distribution, quality, costs, and accessibility of EV charging throughout the Hudson Valley is valuable for business and property owners considering installing a charger.
Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the EV study created by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, which provides valuable insights and recommendations on how to support the growth of EV charging in the County.
UGREEN Quarterly Webinar: Funding Clean Energy Projects and Building the Workforce, Part 2: Funding Local Clean Energy Projects with the Inflation Reduction Act
February 8th, 2023
This webinar will cover beneficial tax incentives for small business through the IRA, with a focus on resources that small businesses can use to increase energy efficiency. BIL grants that small business can take advantage of will be covered as well. These grants can be used for upgrades, energy audits, and more. BIL opportunities can also be beneficial for local governments and school districts. The presentation will cover applications that are open right now, ideas on what to spend the money on, and guidance on collaborating with others if bandwidth is an issue.
UGREEN Quarterly Webinar: Funding Clean Energy Projects and Building the Workforce, Part 1: New York State Programs
January 26th, 2023
What programs and initiatives are available to support clean energy projects in New York State? What opportunities do we have to continue building a skilled workforce in the clean energy industry? We will hear from our expert panelists on their experiences working with these programs and the impact they have had on the clean energy industry in New York.
This webinar is a great opportunity for municipalities, businesses, and organizations to learn about the funding and workforce development resources available to them in New York State and how to take advantage of them.
UGREEN Quarterly Webinar: Talking Workforce
November 29th, 2022
What are the challenges in attracting, training, managing and advancing the workforce in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, electric vehicle sales and other fields that are poised for dramatic growth? What programs are available from the County and NYS, and what more is needed?
“I remember when green businesses were a novelty. Now it’s taken seriously by major companies like Ulster Savings and Hannaford. It’s taken for granted in the MBA programs at Bard and SUNY New Paltz. We have zero waste shopping options like Accord Market. We have cutting edge architects like Rick Alfandre and so many others. A network like this is the next stage in evolution of our green economy, and we couldn’t be prouder to start it in Ulster County.”
“I have been teaching MBA students about these emerging sectors for ten years and it is so great to see it catching on.”
Chrisso Babcock
“I grew up in Hudson Valley, playing in the woods and running around barefoot. I became a small organic farmer for 5 years in my early 20’s, and I have since worked as a licensed massage therapist and bartender. I have been teaching traditional cooking and fermentation skills for 10 years through my business Coyote Kitchen Workshops. I enjoy work that creates and supports community and the health of the natural world.”
