The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) extends its sincere appreciation to its Alliance and participants who made this year’s Economic Development Week a resounding success. Recordings are now available to learn from the manufacturing resources discussion with Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) and SUNY Institute for Rural Vitality (IRV), hear status of the last mile broadband build with County Economic Development and guests from MIDTEL and FARR Technologies, in addition to, the state of Schoharie County Agriculture at www.seecny.org. Look for the YouTube logo to visit the SEEC YouTube Channel.

The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) will host its annual meeting, Future Ready Schoharie County, on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 AM. The event will feature keynote speaker Molly Pyle, Director of Tech-Based Economic Development, representing the Center on Rural Innovation and related Rural Innovation Strategies Inc. The SEEC 2024 Annual Report will also be released as a compilation of public-private investments that are preparing Schoharie County for a resilient future.

The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) invites the community to join in celebrating Economic Development Week, taking place May 12–16, 2025. Hosted annually by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week recognizes the work of economic development professionals, the business landscape and their vital role in strengthening communities through innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth.

Some careers start with a big dream. Others start with a bored young girl at a summer job and one very persuasive anthropologist mentor. For Stephanie Shultes, SEEC’s 2024 ENLIGHTEN Award winner and director/anthropologist of the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, the path to becoming one of the region’s most dedicated cultural stewards wasn’t clearly marked. But it was entirely rooted in place. 

“I started as curator here around 1991,” Steph recalls. “Then in 2015, I took over as director — I said I’d do it for a year,” she adds with a laugh. “Ten years later, I’m still here.” 

The Iroquois Museum, shaped like a traditional longhouse, offers more than exhibits—it invites visitors into a living story that connects past and present. Located on the ancestral lands of the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk), the museum honors all six Haudenosaunee nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora—through art, history, and land-based education. At the heart of it all are Stephanie Shultes and Chris Johanssen Hanks, two non-native women committed to preserving and sharing the rich culture of the Haudenosaunee people. 

Whether you’re seeking resources, funding, or guidance for your business or project, SEEC is here to support you every step of the way. For starters, explore the SEEC Business Resource page for business planning, access to capital and Seven Steps to Success guide. The SEEC Curb Appeal Program is designed to co-invest with property owners and businesses to make building improvements meant to bring value to historic Main Streets. The Digital Enlighten Series helps small businesses unlock potential to enhance online business success. 

Have you ever wondered... "Why is store-bought garlic powder not good?" Well, so has Raema Rotindo, founder of Rockerbox Spice Co, a woman-owned garlic, onion and specialty spice and passion project turned profit. Raema is rooted in more than just the additive-free, USA-grown spices, she creates flavor. 

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is excited to announce its first co-investment through the SEEC Impact Fund, the historic district centerpiece known as The Parrott House renovation project in the Village of Schoharie. This project will bring an historically sensitive transformation to the boutique Parrott House hotel, originally built in 1870, and is set to open in Fall 2025. The renovation will include 19 guest rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, coffee bar and flexible event space. SEEC project coordination and a local $1.5 million unconventional loan spurred progress

We’re thrilled to announce that the Village of Schoharie has been awarded the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant by New York State! SEEC is proud to assist the Village in submitting the application over the past three years for this 2025 win.

Sharon Springs, recognized by both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places, in Schoharie County, was awarded $2.25 million in funding as part of the NY Forward initiative. This funding, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will enable the village to undertake several transformative projects, revitalizing its downtown area (from Main Street to the Adler Hotel) while preserving the rich history, mineral springs, creeks, waterfalls and art community culture that has made it a unique destination. 

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) hosted senior program directors from New York State and Mohawk Valley Empire State Development (ESD) for in-depth tours of the industrial sites known as Highbridge Schoharie and Shad Point Commerce Center Cobleskill. Together, the projects were awarded more than $3 million Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) Track B ($390,700) and Track C ($2,790,000) grant funding, respectively. Guest Jeff Janiszewski was recently recognized at the New York State Economic Development Conference as the “Godfather” and architect of key initiatives led by ESD to include the FAST NY program. 

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) in partnership with Schoharie County Arts is excited to welcome another talented local artist to 287 Main gallery and coworking hub. Celebrate the captivating work of Kristen DeFontes at a special gallery reception on Friday, March 14th, from 6-8 PM at 287 Main Street, Schoharie. Her exhibit, EDGE + OVERLAP, showcases a dynamic collection featuring printmaking, collage, cast bronze, and found object assemblage—offering a rich exploration of materials, process, and composition.

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) continues to empower and expand Schoharie County’s economic future. In 2024, SEEC and its alliance took bold steps to cultivate growth, providing resources and lessons learned that will enrich the local business landscape, foster community collaboration, and celebrate the county’s distinctive culture for years to come.

Executive Director, Julie Pacatte, was a key participant in the panel “Building the Future: Deploying Broadband for Equitable Access and Community Resilience” at the 2025 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference in Albany.  

Julie joined experts including Melissa Hartman, Executive Director of ErieNet, Matt Crider, Vice President of Technical Consulting at ECC Technologies, and Robert Murray, Partner at Harris Beach Murtha, to discuss the crucial role broadband infrastructure plays in economic development, public safety, and digital equity. The panel explored the steps needed to assess current networks, collaborate with stakeholders, secure funding, and overcome challenges to ensure reliable, accessible high-speed internet for communities. This session emphasized the importance of broadband as critical infrastructure, especially in a post-pandemic world.  

 

Julie’s insights highlight SEEC’s continued commitment to building digital infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth in Schoharie County.  As we continue to break down barriers and build a stronger, more resilient digital future, stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved in Schoharie County’s Digital Revolution.

In the heart of Cobleskill, NY, the Bull's Head Inn is Cobleskill’s oldest building, dating back to 1801. Originally constructed to face south, the Inn was positioned to accommodate merchant traffic along Central New York’s trade routes. However, in 1810, when Cobleskill’s Main Street was developed, the Inn underwent a transformation—its staircase was repositioned, and front door redesigned, allowing it to face the newly established brick-lined street. Today, the Bull’s Head Inn continues to stand as a source of (haunted) history, authenticity and upscale, yet down-to-earth meat and potatoes spot for locals and visitors alike. 

If you’re not greeted by owner and general manager, Chris Guldner or his partner Mary Sagendorf, you may be greeted by Thomas Jefferson whose portrait hangs directly in the foyer. Why? Thomas Jefferson was President when the Bull's Head was built.  

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC), a not-for-profit fostering economic growth in Schoharie County, is pleased to announce the continuation of an interactive hands-on workshop series known as Digital Power Hour.