Ulster Strong, an Ulster County-based nonprofit that advocates for sustainable economic growth through local investment and smart development, held a gathering in Ellenville on September 30 at Shadowland Stages on Market Street.

The "listening session" was intended to take the temperature of the local business community and solicit suggestions about what might improve the business climate.

As is often the case, Tim Weidemann served as emcee. The group also included Leslie Wellington, the newly confirmed Director of Economic Development for Ulster County; Peter Criswell, Chair of the Ulster County Legislature; and Raleigh Green, Communications Director for Ulster Strong.

Snappy white sheets of paper were handed out, along with the inevitable Sharpies, and participants settled into groups around tables spread across the theater space.

Among the topics discussed were the shortage of skilled and reliable labor and the challenges of starting and maintaining a business in a geographically isolated area — issues particularly evident in Ellenville and Wawarsing.

That led to transportation, which came up at many of the tables. Several participants said that a bus connection to New York City would provide a major economic boost to southern Ulster County. Currently, the only bus service is Short Line, which has a weekday bus leaving Ellenville at about 8 a.m. The only return bus arrives in Ellenville around 8 p.m. There is no weekend service.

Another recurring concern was the downbeat perception of Ellenville and the surrounding area. Some local employers said they struggle to retain good workers who would rather work in Kingston or New Paltz, while other attendees like Barbara Hoff made the point that the village sits in a remarkably beautiful area. Natural charm is abundant in this corner of Ulster County.

Lodging and short-term rentals were also discussed. The issue is a perennial one, pitting the desire to provide places for visitors to stay against the need to preserve housing for local workers.

Cellphone service and dead zones were yet another perennial source of discontent, coming up several times during the discussion.

Some of the businesspeople present also raised concerns about the Ulster County Fair Taxes Act, a proposed “wealth tax” that county legislators say is needed to compensate for impending cuts to federal aid to the county later this year. The impact is expected to fall on about 1% of county households. Some participants argued that the measure could prompt wealthy residents to leave the county or discourage affluent people from purchasing property here.

The idea of competition with other counties was also raised in this context.

T.J. Briggs, who represents the village and part of the town in the County Legislature, asked participants to remember that the measure is a request being made to the state. The next step must be taken by the state Legislature, which is scheduled to go into session in January. If both houses approve the request, the county can begin the process of turning the surcharge into a local law.

Another participant questioned aspects of the county budget and pointed to increases in pay for county employees. Criswell responded that Ulster County has been training employees only to see them leave for jobs in places such as Dutchess County, where they could earn $20,000 more. He said salary increases were necessary to retain staff who had received expensive training.

That response did not generate any additional ideas from the group.

Another suggestion was an abandoned-building tax, which proponents said could benefit the Village of Ellenville.

A further complaint was directed at Social Services and county government over efforts to have “low-income housing” built locally and the practice of placing homeless people in motels in the area.

With all the comments gathered, Tim Weidemann wrapped things up and remarked that “Topophilia” was on display at the meeting. That is a deep love for the topography of an area. He also urged participants to keep an eye on the County Legislature and attend local government meetings.

Victoria Messner, a Trustee on the Village Board, said after the meeting, “It was very productive and brought new and familiar faces together. Ultimately, it signaled the shared goal to make business easier in our area and even have it proliferate.”