Let’s hope the momentum lasts

Tourism, culture and history have become abstract economic objectives stretching over the landscape of Greene County. It’s not that they have lost their vitality. Abstractions are vague, but they offer hope that new and lucrative revenue streams will wash over that landscape. And who’s to say they won’t pay off at some point?

As it turns out, though, there is encouraging news of a more concrete form. A recent report from the state Department of Labor revealed that the number of jobs in Greene County is at an all-time high.

The county experienced a 1.9% increase in nonfarm jobs from December 2018 to December 2019, according to the report, going from 15,700 jobs to 16,000. Greene County is one of seven areas that are gaining jobs faster than the state rate. The others include the counties of Allegany, Seneca, Cortland, Sullivan and New York City, and the Ithaca Metro region.

“We are doing well in a variety of sectors,” Greene County Department of Economic Development and Planning Director Karl Heck said by way of understatement. The county is experiencing growth in a few sectors, such as manufacturing and hospitality, which means Greene County is producing as well as entertaining, and none of the sectors are declining.

“Travel and tourism are continuing to generate jobs,” Heck added.

Greene County had the third-highest percentage for job growth in rural areas in the state and the fourth-highest overall, according to Greene County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Friedman.

Greene County is stealthily building a strong economy. Sales tax revenue, a reliable barometer for economic growth, stands at a record high and exceeded last year’s budget projections. In addition, many new businesses have entered the area, and that number is growing.

Not to jinx this exceptional news or rain on anyone’s parade, but the trick now is to keep the momentum going for Greene County as a fine place to work and a great place to live.