UTICA, N.Y. – Oneida County has launched a new initiative, aiming to draw remote workers to the region by promoting jobs at places like Cree, Griffiss Business Park and SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
County Executive Anthony Picente says one of the goals of Reconnect Oneida County, is to bring people back to the area who have moved other places for similar opportunities.
“I believe that many of the people who left our area over the past decade for education or opportunity, will be excited by our tremendous progress and the chance to reconnect – proving you can come home again,” said Picente.
Today, I unveiled my #ReconnectOneidaCounty initiative to attract remote workers to live & work in our area. We’re partnering with @AFResearchLab, @GriffissInst & @thethincubator & starting by recruiting those who were raised here & left. For more info:https://t.co/cA3sghZWb1 pic.twitter.com/KpBaVO5h5h
— Anthony J. Picente Jr. (@AJPicenteJr) August 24, 2020
The county plans to highlight the high-tech businesses, and affordability of living, in the region.
The drone test site in Rome, as well as the Air Force Research Laboratory, are just a couple of locations that offer various opportunities for remote work in developing industries.
“Rome Lab has long been recognized as the centerpiece of the growing high-tech ecosystem in the Mohawk Valley. The Lab has hired over 150 scientists, engineers and skilled support staff over the course of just the last three years in support of our mission in information technology including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence and cyber and is always looking for new talent to add to our workforce,” said Michael Hayduk, deputy director.
As part of the program, hometown ambassadors will be selected to work with applicants to connect them with local resources, assist with relocation, and help identify possible financial incentives and co-working spaces.
The next phase of Reconnect Oneida County will focus on recruiting out-of-state remote employees who work in industries that are growing within the region.
The county is partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College, the thINCubator, the Air Force Research Laboratory, SUNY Poly and other local businesses on this effort.