Hudson Valley Business News + Front Page

As Congress prepares to debate the 2007 Farm Bill, U.S. Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, sought to reassure Hudson Valley farmers during a town hall-style meeting July 20 that the federal bill would not be detrimental to them.

Mostly good reviews greet workers' comp reform bill
By LYNN WOODS

For many years, workers' compensation premiums in New York have been among the highest in the nation, contributing substantially to the overall high cost of doing business in the state. However, the recent passage of the Workers' Compensation Reform Bill, which went into effect July 15, is finally giving businesses some relief. The bill also aids injured employees by increasing the weekly benefits, satisfying labor as well as business.

Two small-business gurus start blog
By LYNN WOODS

David Dirks, a sales and marketing man based in Orange County, and Rick Bronder, a business consultant who lives in Ulster County, are collaborating on a book that would outline and explore effective strategies in sales, marketing and communications, based on the best practices of profitable companies. To help glean insight into the topic, get feedback and meanwhile provide a valuable service to the business community, they've started a blog, Running with the Big Dogz.

Dutchess economy on solid footing
Unemployment numbers lower than state, national stats
By LYNN WOODS

Wages in Dutchess County grew 4.1 percent in May 2007 compared with the year before, ranking the county among the top 10 percent of large counties in the nation, according to the Dutchess County executive's office. Dutchess County also ranked among the state's 12 largest counties: those with 75,000 or more jobs.

Walls solid as a rock
And environmentally firendly
BY KATHY KAHN

Art Ackert's grandfather started his cement-block business in the town of Poughkeepsie during the Great Depression. "That was the way people built foundations and many still do," said Ackert. "My grandfather made cement blocks by hand. I'm glad to say we've found a better, more efficient way of doing things."