Resolution 239
Ulster County Approves New Effort to Connect More Local Businesses With County Contract Opportunities
KINGSTON, NY — The Ulster County Legislature has approved updates to the County’s purchasing policies aimed at making it easier for local businesses to learn about and compete for County work.
Resolution No. 239, sponsored by Legislator Amy Dooley and co-sponsored by Legislators Clinton, Donovan, Grossman, Marino, Murray, Sperry, and Walls, updates the County’s Procurement Manual while adding new outreach and business support efforts designed to strengthen participation from local businesses and service providers.
The changes include:
A new vendor guide on the Department of General Services website
Training sessions to help businesses understand how to work with the County
Increased outreach and promotion of opportunities through social media and community networks
A pilot local business registration program in collaboration with the Office of Economic Development
“These opportunities already exist, but many businesses simply don’t know about them or feel intimidated by the process,” said Legislator Amy Dooley. “As a longtime small business owner myself, I’ve heard repeatedly from people who want to participate but aren’t sure where to start. This effort is about lowering barriers, improving communication, and helping local businesses feel invited into the process.”
Dooley emphasized that helping local businesses access additional revenue streams can strengthen the County’s economy during uncertain economic times.
“When local businesses have more opportunities to grow and diversify their income, they become more resilient,” Dooley said. “Strong local businesses help keep people employed, support Main Streets, and help communities weather economic challenges together.”
The resolution also encourages legislators and community leaders to help spread awareness about County purchasing opportunities through Chambers of Commerce, business associations, Main Streets, and local community organizations.
Dooley thanked County Executive Jen Metzger, the Department of General Services, Legislative staff, and her fellow co-sponsors for their collaboration on the updates.
“This may sound like an administrative update, but the impact could be very meaningful,” Dooley said. “We have incredible talent and expertise right here in Ulster County, and I’m excited to see these changes implemented and more local businesses connected to these opportunities moving forward.”
“Supporting our local businesses is one of the most effective ways we can strengthen Ulster County’s economy, and these updates to the County’s Procurement Policy make it easier for more of our businesses to participate in County contracting,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I want to thank Legislator Dooley for her leadership and collaboration in this effort, as well as the Ulster County Department of General Services team for lending their time and expertise to this initiative. These updates will make the process more accessible for our small business community and ensure that a wider range of local businesses can compete for County work.”
For more information about doing business with Ulster County, businesses will soon be able to access updated resources through the Ulster County Department of General Services website.