UTICA, N.Y. (WUTR-TV) — A new initiative in Oneida County aims to stimulate economic growth in our community.

“We have to learn from this pandemic and prepare to create opportunities for our community to grow int he business world and economically.” – Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive

Reconnect Oneida County aims to bring back individuals who were born and raised in the region and create opportunities for them to work remotely.

Through a partnership with MVCC’s ThinkUbator, the AFRL Information Directorate and the Griffiss Institute, this program will create a marketing campaign with a website. There will also be resources available to help those relocating back into the county.

“We will establish hand-picked hometown ambassadors who will work with potential applicants to reconnect them. Again. . . we have to offer on a wide variety of fronts, we will attract this success through inquiries and completion of an intake form. Responding follow-up from one of those ambassadors that i mentioned. Engaging in relocation services and engaging in co-working space.” – Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive

Picente says high tech research and development companies, such as Cree, Danfoss and Masonic Medical Research Institute offer great career opportunities for those returning to the region. Picente also says the housing market is affordable.

“Our mortgages on average are 42% cheaper than the rest of New York and 22% cheaper the United States as a whole.” – Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive

Picente says Reconnect Oneida County will help the area push through the pandemic and improve the future of its economy.