The ‘Buy Local’ Program Promotes Area Businesses, Saves Consumers Money 
Kingston, NY- Get ready to save money. Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein is pleased to announce the rollout of the Ulster County Advantage Program. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the program aims to encourage Ulster County residents to “buy local.”
“Buying local helps our residents, our businesses and our regional economy,” said County Executive Hein. “When consumers patronize Ulster County businesses there is a multiplier effect that strengthens our local economy. The money spent here generates sales taxes, which in turn offsets our property taxes. Moreover, these businesses sustain local jobs. Consumers who participate in the Ulster County Advantage Program receive valuable promotions from participating local merchants and that means more money in our pockets and in our bank accounts.”
To take advantage of this valuable opportunity, consumers should visit a local participating bank branch and have the Ulster County Advantage Program sticker logo applied to their debit card. Participating banks can be found on the program website: www.ulstercountyadvantage.com. There is no cost to the shopper to enroll or the merchant to participate. Shoppers can then use the merchant directory on the program website to find savings and promotions at local businesses.
Once at the store, consumers show their Ulster County Advantage debit card with the sticker to unlock the savings or promotion. These are exclusive promotions available only to Ulster County Advantage members. The deals includes discounts on purchases of gifts, jewelry, beauty supplies, women’s apparel, baby clothes, pet food and yoga classes – and much, much more. Participating shoppers can use any form of payment (cash, credit card, check or debit card) to receive the deal or discount.
Merchants wishing to offer Ulster Advantage discounts or promotions can sign up on the program website: www.ulstercountyadvantage.com. Participating banks currently include Ulster Savings Bank, Rondout Savings, Sawyer Savings, Catskill Hudson Bank, Ulster Federal Credit Union and Wallkill Savings Bank. Businesses and local banks interested in participating in the program should contact the Ulster County Office of Economic Development at (845) 340-3556 or via email at: oed[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us.
“Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to participate in Ulster County’s Advantage Program,” said Gabriel Sottile, President and CEO of Sawyer Savings Bank. “We appreciate County Executive Hein’s leadership and initiative in supporting our local businesses which in turn benefits the community.”
"At Ulster Savings we realize how important supporting our small businesses can be to the local economy. That's why we're proud to partner with County Executive Hein as part of this exciting new program," stated Joan Eck, Chief Credit and Service Officer at Ulster Savings.
Pictured below:Photo of County Executive Mike Hein; James Davenport, President Rondout Savings Bank; Lisa Cathie, President of Ulster Savings Bank; Mary Ann Popek, Sr. Vice President Catskill Hudson Bank; and Richard Mantey, President of Ulster Federal Credit Union who were present for the initial announcement of the Ulster County Advantage Program.
