For those new to Schenectady County, or considering moving to the area, the Chamber of Schenectady County, General Electric and Schenectady County have created Schenectady County: Life in Upstate New York, a multimedia guide to living and working in the area.
`It’s specifically designed to showcase Schenectady County, its terrific school districts, its terrific cultural resources, its neighborhoods and communities to people who would potentially be looking to move here,` said Robin Granger, vice president of communications and member relations for the Chamber of Schenectady County.
GE’s announcement of the creation of new jobs in the area was the inspiration for the packet.
`GE is bringing in over 500 white-collar jobs for its Wind Energy Program,` said Granger. `GE made this announcement over a year ago, and they’re moving their Wind Energy division here to Schenectady and are in the midst of renovating a building that will house those employees.`
However, the guide is not only for GE employees; it is meant to benefit everyone.
`We have a number of sponsors in addition to GE, and all of those sponsors are in the midst of recruiting employees on some level,` said Granger.
`The kits are also going to places like Ellis Hospital, Key Bank, Sunmark Federal Credit Union ` any place that’s looking to hire,` said Granger.
This guide is packaged with an interactive CD and is complemented by a Web site, www.discoverschenectady.com. Information is provided in sections covering `Tech Valley,` business and employment, communities, education, arts and culture, recreation, and health and family.
`The ability to attract and retain good talent is the backbone of all business,` said Jan Smith, manager of public affairs at GE Energy, in a written statement. `Our partnership with Schenectady County and the Chamber produced an exciting package on the value of the entire area that can be used both locally and worldwide to capture interest in making this community a new place to call home.`
Other features of the Web site include an online `concierge service,` where visitors can ask questions about life in Schenectady County. There is also news and an events calendar.
`We’re extremely proud of the finished product. It’s absolutely gorgeous,` said Granger.
Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature Susan Savage, D-Niskayuna, said in a written statement that she was pleased with the way the guide promotes the county.
`In October 2007, I asked the Chamber of Schenectady County and GE to partner with Schenectady County in an effort to show employees who would be coming to the area all that Schenectady County has to offer,` Savage said. `We hope that those who choose to work here will also choose to live and raise their families here.`
To visit the Web site, go to www.discoverschenectady.com. To receive a copy of `Schenectady County: Life in Upstate New York,` contact the Chamber of Schenectady County at 372-5656.
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