In an effort to talk one-on-one with local employers and find new job opportunities for Mid-Hudson Valley families, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Mid Hudson) announced the start of her “Where the Jobs Are Tour.” The tour’s kickoff coincides with Assemblymember Barrett’s appointment to the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry.

“Finding ways to grow jobs and support businesses in the Mid-Hudson Valley has always been a top priority for me,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “As a member of the Assembly’s economic development committee, I’ll make sure the needs of our residents and business owners are being met and that our region has a strong voice in Albany when it comes to creating a sustainable economy. ”

Assemblymember Barrett’s “Where the Jobs Are Tour” kicked off this past Friday at IBM in Poughkeepsie. IBM is one of the largest employers in the Hudson Valley, employing almost 7,900 local workers. By touring the facility and talking one-on-one with IBM officials, the jobs tour provides a deeper understanding of local employers and builds a relationship for growing new opportunities in the future, Assemblymember Barrett added.

“The Mid-Hudson Valley has an incredible workforce and a wealth of small businesses that drive our local economy,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “I’ll continue to work with local employers and promote initiatives that support our local businesses so we can continue strengthening our economy and creating local jobs.”

In addition to organizing the jobs tour, Assemblymember Barrett attended the most recent meetings of both the Hudson Valley Regional Economic Development Council and the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council, on which she serves as an ex-officio member. Assemblymember Barrett also spoke at the launch of the new satellite office for the Women's Enterprise Development Center at Marist College's Hancock Center which will help all small businesses and entrepreneurs in the mid-Hudson region. The center will offer particular support for minority and women owned businesses.

“It’s all about making sure families can build successful futures here and with the jobs tour, I am hoping we can continue strengthening our economy to promote job growth,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “I’ll keep working to create good-paying, private sector jobs that stay right here in the Mid-Hudson Valley.”

In addition to her appointment on the Assembly’s economic development committee, Assemblymember Barrett also serves as a member on the Assembly’s Aging Committee, Agriculture Committee, Mental Health Committee and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.