Established by the private sector, Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation, commonly known as “SEEC,” was organized as a not-for-profit to strengthen Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison to local municipalities and institutional leaders with the common goal of highlighting distinctive points of light within the community, cultivating entrepreneurial endeavors and enhancing the ability of local businesses to add value to their enterprises. SEEC is guided by social, environmental and financial principles that will accelerate growth and help provide sustainability through a collaborative and thriving business community.
Nestled in picturesque upstate New York, Schoharie County is located about 30 miles west of the Empire State’s capital of Albany and just 150 miles north of New York City.
Schoharie County is an agricultural-based rural community in Central New York with just over 30,000 residents, spread out over 16 towns and six separate villages (Cobleskill, Esperance, Middleburgh, Schoharie, Sharon Springs, and Richmondville), featuring pedestrian-friendly, walkable historic downtown areas, flanked by retail stores and restaurants.
The county overlaps with three unique regional economies: the Albany/Capital District area to the east, the Mohawk Valley Region to the west, and the Catskills/Appalachian region to the south.
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Just like a mosaic, creative expression comes in many shapes and forms. The launch of Mosaic Mountain Media, the brainchild of graphic designer Katerina Weingarten, came about through a student start-up initiative created in collaboration with SEEC and the Institute of Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill.
Specializing in agricultural related businesses, Mosaic Mountain Media offers a wide range services including, but not limited to, social media marketing, content creation and strategy, search engine optimization and pay-per click (PPC) ads. Future plans include an expansion into photography and videography. For more information, please reach out to Kat at katerina.weingarten@okstate.edu.
Schoharie County has long been known for its community resiliency. Due to the COVID-19 health crises, our local businesses have, once again, been put to the test. The stakes are high, and livelihoods are on the line.
Over the next several months SEEC will shine our “business spotlight” on those entrepreneurs, who through it all, have risen to the occasion and have found fun and innovative ways to keep their doors open.
The first business feature of the “Resiliency Spotlight” series is the Apple Barrel, Town of Schoharie, NY. The Apple Barrel began its life as a post-World War II farm stand and was later purchased by the Loden family in 1983.
What was once a humble farm stand has become a popular destination for those shopping for high-end quality home décor, fashion, and gourmet food. The Store also boasts an award-winning café.
During the past 38 years, the Lodens have overcome their share of ups and downs – reopening after the retail shut-down due to the COVID-crisis is the most recent. The side garden was the unfortunate crash site of a tragic limousine accident where 20 souls were lost in 2018 and now memorialized next to the Apple Barrel Store. Not long ago, the Apple Barrel also suffered flood damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Each of these adversities has resulted in the Loden family rebounding stronger.
At the beginning of the COVID crisis, Josh and Jess, second generation Loden owners, launched “Saturday Nights with Josh”. Using Facebook, they created an engaging virtual online shopping experience. Food deliveries within the Village of Schoharie and pick-up service enabled the Café to remain open. They also took the time to make building renovations and were able to re-merchandise spaces. They turned to the power of the web with a relaunch of their website and introduced a dynamic e-commerce platform.
The Store and Café are now open for inhouse dining and shopping. For more information please visit the Apple Barrel website at https://shopapplebarrel.com/
SEEC and local wildlife photographer and Eagle expert Bill Combs Jr. will guide wildlife and eagle viewing as he introduces the Schoharie County Eagle Trail concept at the Franklinton Vlaie, Town of Broome, Schoharie County, NY. The event is intended for beginner to avid birders or photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and others interested in the developing…
By Patsy Nicosia Times Journal, September 16, 2020 Nine years ago, Schoharie County’s jail became a casualty of Hurricane Irene. Now, it could become a catalyst for the future. SEEC, Village of Schoharie Mayor Larry Caza and Trustee Peter Johnson, planner Nan Stolzenburg and Broome Supervisor Steve Weinhofer, who chairs the county’s Buildings and Purchases…
Since its launch in May, SEEC’s Resiliency Fund has awarded $54,000 in loans or grants to 18 Schoharie County businesses impacted by COVID19. Awards have been earmarked to implement unique business improvements or adaptations that will help sustain enterprises through the seasons ahead. A variety of small businesses and organizations have been awarded from cider-making…
By Patsy Nicosia Times Journal, September 16, 2020 2020 was the year SEEC learned to pivot, not so much reinventing itself, but finding ways and partnerships to help keep the economy going and even growing. It’s a tall order during COVID, admits Executive Director, Julie Pacatte and Steve Harris and Peter Johnson, two of the…
A video recording of the August 24th Roundtable discussion is available for viewing – please click HERE and enter Passcode wWf5+9C& On Monday, August 24, 2020 members of the SchoCo Forward Business Reopening & Recovery Task Force hosted their first in a series of COVID-19 related Recovery Roundtable discussions. Entitled Enforcement of New Public Health…
By Patsy Nicosia Times Journal, August 19, 2020 Schoharie County, SEEC,and the Village of Schoharie are all working to reimagine the jail. A Courtyard Marriott maybe? Peter Johnson, who’s secretary for the Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation, said Executive Director Julie Pacatte has been working on possible uses for the old county jail, a valuable piece…
