Featured News Articles
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Rooted
A storytelling series created by SEEC to feature and highlight local entrepreneurs, and how they became Rooted in Schoharie County.
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Schoharie County Eagle Trail: "Tales from the Trail"
A series of newsletters containing important Schoharie County Eagle Trail updates and news, environmental fast-facts, local maps, and other interesting content.
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SEEC News & Updates
A collection of news, blogs, and articles to keep all of SEEC’s stakeholders informed and up-to-date on community information, updates, events, and developments.
Peeling Back the Layers: Raema’s Route from Garlic to Gold
Have you ever wondered... "Why is store-bought garlic powder not good?" Well, so has Raema Rotindo, founder of Rockerbox Spice Co, a woman-owned garlic, onion and specialty spice and passion project turned profit. Raema is rooted in more than just the additive-free, USA-grown spices, she creates flavor.
The Parrott House Transformation: SEEC’s First Impact Fund Initiative
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is excited to announce its first co-investment through the SEEC Impact Fund, the historic district centerpiece known as The Parrott House renovation project in the Village of Schoharie. This project will bring an historically sensitive transformation to the boutique Parrott House hotel, originally built in 1870, and is set to open in Fall 2025. The renovation will include 19 guest rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, coffee bar and flexible event space. SEEC project coordination and a local $1.5 million unconventional loan spurred progress
Village of Schoharie Awarded $10 Million NYS DRI Grant!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Village of Schoharie has been awarded the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant by New York State! SEEC is proud to assist the Village in submitting the application over the past three years for this 2025 win.
Call for Commercial Property Improvement Grant Applications in Sharon Springs, NY
Sharon Springs, recognized by both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places, in Schoharie County, was awarded $2.25 million in funding as part of the NY Forward initiative. This funding, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will enable the village to undertake several transformative projects, revitalizing its downtown area (from Main Street to the Adler Hotel) while preserving the rich history, mineral springs, creeks, waterfalls and art community culture that has made it a unique destination.
SEEC Welcomed New York State “Godfather” of Economic Development
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) hosted senior program directors from New York State and Mohawk Valley Empire State Development (ESD) for in-depth tours of the industrial sites known as Highbridge Schoharie and Shad Point Commerce Center Cobleskill. Together, the projects were awarded more than $3 million Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) Track B ($390,700) and Track C ($2,790,000) grant funding, respectively. Guest Jeff Janiszewski was recently recognized at the New York State Economic Development Conference as the “Godfather” and architect of key initiatives led by ESD to include the FAST NY program.
Schoharie County Arts Presents EDGE + OVERLAP: A Solo Exhibition by Kristen DeFontes
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) in partnership with Schoharie County Arts is excited to welcome another talented local artist to 287 Main gallery and coworking hub. Celebrate the captivating work of Kristen DeFontes at a special gallery reception on Friday, March 14th, from 6-8 PM at 287 Main Street, Schoharie. Her exhibit, EDGE + OVERLAP, showcases a dynamic collection featuring printmaking, collage, cast bronze, and found object assemblage—offering a rich exploration of materials, process, and composition.
SEEC an Engine for County Growth
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) continues to empower and expand Schoharie County’s economic future. In 2024, SEEC and its alliance took bold steps to cultivate growth, providing resources and lessons learned that will enrich the local business landscape, foster community collaboration, and celebrate the county’s distinctive culture for years to come.
Julie Pacatte Represents SEEC at the 2025 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference
Executive Director, Julie Pacatte, was a key participant in the panel “Building the Future: Deploying Broadband for Equitable Access and Community Resilience” at the 2025 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference in Albany.
Julie joined experts including Melissa Hartman, Executive Director of ErieNet, Matt Crider, Vice President of Technical Consulting at ECC Technologies, and Robert Murray, Partner at Harris Beach Murtha, to discuss the crucial role broadband infrastructure plays in economic development, public safety, and digital equity. The panel explored the steps needed to assess current networks, collaborate with stakeholders, secure funding, and overcome challenges to ensure reliable, accessible high-speed internet for communities. This session emphasized the importance of broadband as critical infrastructure, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Julie’s insights highlight SEEC’s continued commitment to building digital infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth in Schoharie County. As we continue to break down barriers and build a stronger, more resilient digital future, stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved in Schoharie County’s Digital Revolution.
The Bull’s Head Inn: Chris & Mary’s Cornerstone of Cobleskill
In the heart of Cobleskill, NY, the Bull's Head Inn is Cobleskill’s oldest building, dating back to 1801. Originally constructed to face south, the Inn was positioned to accommodate merchant traffic along Central New York’s trade routes. However, in 1810, when Cobleskill’s Main Street was developed, the Inn underwent a transformation—its staircase was repositioned, and front door redesigned, allowing it to face the newly established brick-lined street. Today, the Bull’s Head Inn continues to stand as a source of (haunted) history, authenticity and upscale, yet down-to-earth meat and potatoes spot for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re not greeted by owner and general manager, Chris Guldner or his partner Mary Sagendorf, you may be greeted by Thomas Jefferson whose portrait hangs directly in the foyer. Why? Thomas Jefferson was President when the Bull's Head was built.
SEEC To Host Free Digital Power Hours
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC), a not-for-profit fostering economic growth in Schoharie County, is pleased to announce the continuation of an interactive hands-on workshop series known as Digital Power Hour.
A Paw Print on Schoharie Valley: Maggie Pryor’s Path of Giving Back
A Times Journal Star, Maggie Pryor, Executive Director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley and co-owner of Carpets & Then Some, has deep roots in Schoharie County, though her path back home wasn’t always straightforward. Well-known for her involvement in the community, Maggie serves on the Head Start Board, Schoharie County Animal Shelter Board, CRCS Sports Booster Club, works with FBLA, Cobleskill Partnership, Inc., helped start the Prom Project, organizes Cobleskill parades, town Easter egg hunts, holiday food drives and “anything involving kids really.”
SEEC To Continue Main Street Curb Appeal Program In 2025
The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its locally-funded grant initiative, the SEEC Placemaking: Curb Appeal Program, into 2025. Building on the outstanding success of the 2024 program, SEEC tracked more than $175,329 total investment across 11 projects in 7 communities.
2024 Enlighten and Aspire Award Winners Announced: SEEC Celebrates Third Annual Toast to the Town
Nearly 100 people attended Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC) third annual Toast to the Town celebration Wednesday, December 4th at 287 Main, Schoharie. SEEC benefactors, Dusty and Tom Putnam, welcomed small business owners, not-for-profit leaders and elected officials to celebrate and honor the work of individuals and organizations from every corner of the County. The Putnam’s, as honorary chairs, pinned the 2024 ASPIRE and ENLIGHTEN awardees from a pool of more than a dozen nominations received. Assemblyman Tague offered an official Citation to each winner.
Rooted in Schoharie County: Steve Palmer’s Hometown Journey from Farming and Baseball to Finance and Banking
Farm to finance, a story of hometown success. Steve Palmer’s story begins in the mountainous countryside of Richmondville and leads him to the boardroom of the Bank of Richmondville. Steve, President & CEO of the Bank of Richmondville, was raised on a dairy farm where he learned the value of hard work early. “Growing up on the family farm, for as early as I can remember, instilled in me a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills,” Steve shares. These lessons shaped his character and laid the foundation for his success in Schoharie County.
Schoharie County Awarded $30M MIP Grant to Achieve 100% Broadband Coverage Across Rural Communities
The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC), in collaboration with Schoharie County, proudly announces the successful award of a $30 million Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP) grant. This grant marks a major milestone in establishing 100% broadband coverage across over 5,000 rural locations in Schoharie County. This MIP-funded initiative, independent of the state’s ConnectALL program, builds on SEEC's Digital Revolution strategy to create a sustainable tech ecosystem and align modern technology with the county’s unique agricultural heritage.