Effort to Position Schoharie County as Premier Destination for Remote Workers, Creative Entrepreneurs, and Next-Gen Ruralists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCHOHARIE COUNTY, NY – December 5, 2025 – Root Access, an innovative digital platform powered by the Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) considered a strategic economic development tool, officially launched at SEEC’s Toast to the Town – Behind the Build at The Parrott House this week. Designed to attract and engage new audiences, the digital hub showcases Upstate New York's land of opportunity through authentic storytelling, Revolutionary history, and cutting-edge broadband infrastructure investments positioning Schoharie County in the top 3% of the country.

“We’ve been resilient since 1777,” the Root Access platform reads. “That spirit lives on in our entrepreneurs, artists, small business owners, and community leaders. From barn raisings to business launches, we’ve always carved out our own way—with grit, creativity, and a little legendary stubbornness.”

More than a website, Root Access serves as the county's new digital front door, presenting Schoharie County as a destination for affordability, accessibility, connectivity, natural beauty, and deep community roots. The platform targets remote workers, creative entrepreneurs, and next-gen ruralists actively seeking high-quality, connected, and affordable places to build their futures.

A Story-Driven Approach to Rural Economic Development

Root Access distinguishes itself through authentic, locally-sourced storytelling organized around five content pillars that capture what makes Schoharie County unique:

Roots – Personal narratives of connection, family legacies, and the founding stories that define the community, including entrepreneurs like Raema Frost, who transformed her Rockerbox Spice Co. from a Queens apartment to Williams Sonoma after discovering Schoharie County's agricultural and manufacturing potential.

Community – Village life, award-winning schools, outdoor recreation at places like Settles Mountain Nature Preserve and Vroman's Nose, and beloved traditions including the 150-year-old Cobleskill Sunshine Fair and Sharon Springs Poetry Festival.

Legacy – Revolutionary War history (the county was "Revolutionary before the Revolution"), including the Battle of the Flockey in 1777, hidden stories like the drowning of Gilboa by New York City, and connections to Teddy Roosevelt that most have never heard.

Access – Schoharie County's $33.6 million ConnectALL broadband expansion that will deliver 100% high-speed internet access by 2027, placing the county in the top 3% of connected rural areas nationwide. This infrastructure supports remote work, digital entrepreneurship, and modern agriculture while maintaining the peace and beauty of rural living.

Vibes – A thriving arts and culture scene featuring galleries, poetry, music, award-winning craft breweries like Wayward Lane Brewing (two-time Brewery of the Year), artisans, line dancing, community theater, and yes, even outhouse races.

Strategic Location: Rural Peace, Major-City Access

Located between the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Hudson Valley—and just 40 minutes from Albany—Schoharie County is within three hours of New York City, Boston, Buffalo, and Montreal. Albany International Airport and nearby Amtrak stations make business and leisure travel seamless.

“Root Access isn’t about promotion—it’s about possibility.”

“Schoharie County offers something increasingly rare: the space to grow on your own terms,” said Patsy Nicosia, Root Access writer and award-winning journalist with more than 40 years covering local communities. “Root Access isn’t about promoting a place—it’s about sharing authentic stories that help people envision their own future here. These are real people, real businesses, real transformations.”

SEEC Senior Program Administrator Afolabi Salami added, “Root Access elevates the voices and assets that make Schoharie County special. It’s a critical step in building a resilient, connected rural economy that builds pride among existing residents and welcomes others honoring the community that’s always been here.”

287 Main: A Physical Hub for Connection

Supporting the digital platform is 287 Main, a renovated 1920s former bank building in the heart of Schoharie. It now operates as a modern coworking space and innovation hub offering flexible workspace, conference rooms, event space, rotating gallery exhibits, technology training, and business support services —providing crucial infrastructure for remote workers and entrepreneurs choosing rural locations.

Free coworking day passes are available through Root Access for visitors, prospective residents and newcomers trying to connect with the community.

Measuring Impact: From Awareness to Action

Root Access integrates a comprehensive measurement framework that tracks both digital engagement and real-world outcomes, including:

Local community engagement
New resident attraction and relocation support
Entrepreneurial inquiries and small-business leads
Volunteer inquiries and engagement
Partnerships with coworking spaces, housing providers, farmers, and broadband partners
Increased visibility positioning Schoharie County as a national rural innovation leader

The framework demonstrates Root Access's role as a strategic economic development investment that will compound over time through population growth, tax base expansion, economic diversification, and enhanced digital equity.

About SEEC and the Vision Behind Root Access

Founded in 2019, SEEC works across three pillars Digital Revolution, Main Street Vitality, and Industry Diversity to increase economic opportunity and quality of life for all residents. Root Access represents SEEC’s evolution, honoring the county’s Revolutionary-era resilience and rural ingenuity.

The Root Access editorial board includes journalist Patsy Nicosia; SEEC collaborator and freelance marketing strategist Gabrielle Pacatte and SEEC Senior Program Administrator Afolabi Salami.

The county’s top-ranked schools, SUNY Cobleskill’s Institute of Rural Vitality, the Bassett Healthcare Network, vibrant libraries, and abundant outdoor recreation contribute to a lifestyle where newcomers don’t just relocate—they put down roots.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this,” Nicosia said. “I’ve believed in SEEC’s mission since day one and I see Root Access as a great way to showcase Schoharie County’s stories. I tell everyone ‘We’re not who you think we are. We’re so much more.’ Root Access will highlight that.”

Get Involved

Visit www.root-access.org to explore stories, download resources, schedule a visit, or sign up for a free coworking pass.

Share your best photos of Schoharie County by tagging #RootAccess or emailing Patsy to be featured.

Media Contacts

Story Ideas:
Patsy Nicosia, Root Access Writer
Email: patsynicosia@gmail.com

Media Contact:
Email: rootaccess@seecny.org
Website: www.root-access.org
287 Main Street | P.O. Box 1099 | Schoharie, NY 12157

High-resolution images, story excerpts, interviews with entrepreneurs, and b-roll footage are available upon request.

Read the stories now.

Roots

"From City Grind to Garlic Gold: How Schoharie County Helped Raema Build a Garlic Empire"
"From Martha Stewart's Kitchen To Schoharie County: How Anthony Leberto Found His Creative Home"

Community

"Celebrate 150 Years at Cobleskill Sunshine Fair: A Must-See Summer Tradition in Upstate New York"
"Why Schoharie County Libraries Are the Smartest Place to Start Your Next Chapter"
"How Settles Mountain Became A Public Nature Preserve With Hiking Trails"

Legacy

"Upstate NY Hidden History You Need To Know: Revolutionary War Battles, Gallows on Main Street, Teddy Roosevelt & What's a Flockey?"
"Goodbye Gilboa: How NYC Drowned An Upstate Town (And Why The Scars Still Run Deep)"
"Discover Carlisle, NY: The Upstate Small Town Spilling Revolutionary Tea"
"How Did Schoharie Get Its Name? Upstate NY's Small Town Timeline Of Historic Names"

Access

"High-Speed Internet For Everyone: Schoharie County's Leading The Digital Revolution"
"Building Smarter Rural Communities: How Schoharie County is Shaping Its Tech Future"
"How Artists Are Powering Schoharie County's Creative Economy"
"Gas Up the Car, Pack The Snacks: In Schoharie County, Everything Else Is Just A Quick Drive Away"
"Ditch Your Phone And Get Out(side). No Matter The Weather, There's Plenty To Do Outdoors In Upstate NY"

Vibes

"How Four Colorado Brewers Found Their Way to Schoharie County (And Won Brewery of the Year—Twice)"
"The Upstate Poetry Festival You Didn't Know You Needed: Why Sharon Springs Is Stealing the Spotlight"
"We've Got The Vibes: Line Dancing, Trivia, Community Theater And Outhouse Races"