Hi all! I'm looking to connect with someone who works at Vassar College👋
my wife and i are alums and she currently works in the chemistry dept. not sure we can help, but what's up?
Hey everyone, I'm looking for a few more local artists/artisans who'd be interested in donating a piece for our Holiday Party giveaway. We've had a big response so far, including several gift cards/experiential gifts, and I want to add a few more tangible items that winners can take home with them at the end of the evening.
If you're interested in participating, please DM me!
(And yes, I'm aware of the ironic tension between "let's start a community that's all about properly valuing local creative work!" and "anyone want to donate their local creative work?")
Hey all – last call for Stockade FC season tickets! Stockade FC is Kingston’s semi pro soccer team that plays May/June/July. We’re back at Dietz Stadium this summer (after being in Poughkeepsie for last 2 seasons during Dietz renovations). 1000 fans/game, food trucks, super fun for kids, and season tix make great holiday gifts too! 🎁 $40 adults, $25 kids: <http://stockadefc.com/store>
ps: if you’ve been to a Stockade match, give us a shout here so other peeps see how rad it is!
👋
Dennis, any pix of the revamped Dietz?
👋 I wasn't a soccer fan until Stockade came along, but I never miss a match if I can help it! (Also I'm the team emcee, but that's beside the point.)
⭐️ A note on sponsorships: Community sponsorships help ConnectHV keep the lights on, paying server fees and other expenses that add up running a software platform + Slack community + in-person events... they're the thing preventing me from being entirely out-of-pocket on this project! All sponsors are members of the ConnectHV community, ensuring that they're people or organizations with "skin in the game" keeping our community an authentic, valuable, non-ad-polluted space for all of us in the Hudson Valley.
Huge thanks to Quantious for sponsoring ConnectHV this week! Quantious (founded by User) is an award-winning marketing agency that works with companies like Meta, Google, Akamai, Adobe, and Microsoft — all while being based in the Hudson Valley 🎉
In their own words:
> A two-time Inc. 5000 honoree, local agency Quantious empowers creative minds—designers, marketers, developers, and more—to deliver their best work with less stress. Whether it’s bridging gaps, managing execution, or tackling big ideas, Quantious has your back. > > Learn more at Quantious.com and see how they help you shine! Thank you!
Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight!!
Hi folks!
I would like to re-introduce myself. My name is Ryan Havers. My background is in audio, music and broadcast radio. I worked at SiriusXM for 22 years, first as a broadcast engineer, working my way up to managing a 24/7 broadcast operation with a team of 8. I wore many hats (PM, tech, systems admin, etc) since I had quite a bit of institutional knowledge. I weathered many changes within the company (merger with XM, onboarding of Howard Stern, streaming, video, acquisitions…)
I made the decision to leave the company in January of 2024 because I needed to cool the engines and spend time with my family (my kids are growing up waaaay too fast lol). Since then, I’ve taken on artistic projects, mixing recorded/live music and theater tech work. It’s made me realize just how much I like A/V multimedia projects.
I’m currently getting certified in Dante and will probably move on to Avixa certs after that. I’d love to be a part of a team who builds immersive multimedia experiences.
If you know of any companies in the Hudson Valley who is looking for a tech or PM in the world of A/V, please send them my way. Thank you!
Ryan
Welcome User. I'm also a former SiriusXM employee. I produced Little Steven's Underground Garage channel and also a bit for Outlaw Country. I'll keep my ears open for you.
Thanks Craig! I appreciate ya.
Tomorrow must be Holiday Part B
Because tonight is HOLIDAY PARTAY
(It’s not too late to RSVP: https://connecthv.com/events)
Hey y’all, I’m Adam Kopec, just joined and happy to be here 👋 My wife and I live in Pine Plains full-time after doing the Brooklyn/Upstate split for the past 5 years. Now that we’re firmly putting our roots down (especially with the birth of our daughter 2 months ago) we’d love to build our community and meet like-minded folks.
A bit about me professionally (formerly design at Instagram, Coinbase, etc) I’m also an avid musician, car and watch enthusiast. Let’s hang out 😊
Watch and music enthusiast over here in Kingston 👋
Hello! Wonderful to meet you! And congrats on the newly growing family! My husband and I (link!) are both product designers here in Germantown. If you ever come out to visit our farms, Ottos, or Universal Cafe, would love to grab a coffee! I'll see if I head to Pine Plains anytime soon too 😄
User is also a PD in Germantown!
Hey Adam, welcome, so glad to have you in here! I'm very familiar with your work — I think I was spending 8+ hours a day in Turntable.fm (RIP) hanging out in Indie Discotheque back around 2012.
Definitely check out the <#C074EGLM5FG|> channel, there are a lot of us with young kids here!
Really cool you were at Hodinkee during those years. Also a watch enthusiast here and I started reading their site around 2015. I’m in Rhinebeck and also have a young daughter (2 1/2).
Welcome!
Welcome Adam! We worked together for a hot sec a Warby!
User turntable! yesss throwback. great room! awesome will def check it out, thanks!
Happy to have more product designers here. Welcome! 🙏
🎅 Thank you so much to everyone who made it to our holiday party in Poughkeepsie last night! I met a ton of people and saw some familiar faces, and we gave out some fantastic raffle prizes. (And I saw Reconnect Foods slinging a ton of tacos in their food truck right outside 🌮 )
The next meetup will be on February 12 in Kingston at the Senate Garage — mark your calendars!
And: if you took any good pictures or videos last night, post them here!
Jordan - thanks so much for all of your hard work putting it together! I told my husband it feels like a really nice house party. You are a great host! Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon. Happy holidays ❤️
Great event. Thanks for setting up this community! Happy holidays!
Good times! User
Planning doesn’t go unnoticed - nice set up with the food/drink options + the raffle. 🌮🎟️
Thanks all! Huge thanks to User from Barnfox, who did a ton of planning & setup for this — can't overstate her role 👏
Nice work! User
This is a great picture, User! Do you mind if I post it on IG?
Sure feel free to share!
Thanks again for organizing Jordan!
Very nice evening yesterday! Thank you 😊
I just launched my business page on Instagram and Facebook @deztinydesignco Does anyone have any tips for building the right following to get leads? I’ve followed a bunch of local businesses and larger brands in my niche and starting to interact with them, I plan to post more examples of my branding work but don’t want to post too much too close together.
I’d be happy have a consultation call with you, Deztiny! I do marketing and business strategy as part of my design practice, which I built to 6-figures of revenue in 2 years. Happy to talk through design advice, best business practices as a branding specialists, and lead generation and conversion strategies. Feel free to DM me or email.
Quick shoutout to User at Augie for helping us cut a sweet promo video for our new game, which we never would have been able to do on our own. Full details here
And here's more about the game itself, as long as I'm announcing stuff 🙂 Come play along any weeknight!
⭐️ A note on sponsorships: Community sponsorships help ConnectHV keep the lights on, paying server fees and other expenses that add up running a software platform + Slack community + in-person events... they're the thing preventing me from being entirely out-of-pocket on this project! All sponsors are members of the ConnectHV community, ensuring that they're people or organizations with "skin in the game" keeping our community an authentic, valuable, non-ad-polluted space for all of us in the Hudson Valley.
Another big thanks to Quantious for sponsoring ConnectHV this week! Quantious (founded by User) is an award-winning marketing agency that works with companies like Meta, Google, Akamai, Adobe, and Microsoft — all while being based in the Hudson Valley 🎉
In their own words:
> A two-time Inc. 5000 honoree, local agency Quantious empowers creative minds—designers, marketers, developers, and more—to deliver their best work with less stress. Whether it’s bridging gaps, managing execution, or tackling big ideas, Quantious has your back. > > Learn more at Quantious.com and see how they help you shine! Thank you!
Happy holidays everyone! I’m in the market for tax accountant referrals 💻 🙏
Royalty-free 4K drone footage of the Hudson Valley I've built an Unsplash-like interface so anyone can browse, search, and filter the drone footage I've been shooting for ConnectHV marketing & b-roll. It's all licensed under CC0, so use it for whatever you like, no permission or attribution required. Have at it!
<https://connecthv.com/drone-footage>
Hi folks! Just wanted to share the project we just wrapped before the New Year! https://deadline.com/2024/12/spencer-grammer-ajay-naidu-pilot-books-1236241012/
Hey everyone, if you’re looking for speed dating and other social events, check out my IG page: @letsmeetny
Happy New Year all! The culmination of many external chats and internal vibes is the kick-off of market research into a bathhouse in Kingston 🧖:skin-tone-2:. The community building bug has really gotten around the last couple of years, and the top insight here among many is the lack of an affordable and accessible service designed for gathering and HV residents.
This is in very early stages and we're excited to have a resource like HV for support! We have a loose (and small) but strong network already of designers, real estate developers, operators, enthusiasts, investors, and 100+ responses to our interest survey already. Help us grow all of it!
Please reach out to join the network and/or fill out the survey below: <https://tinyurl.com/3n76hktx>
Hi all -- Happy New Year! I'm Matthew Iles, a 4x founder including 2 marketing agencies and 2 venture-backed software companies. I'm mission-oriented and hard-charging, and this year, I want to focus as much of my energy on the Hudson Valley business scene as possible. (That, and learning enough about robotics and advanced manufacturing to be dangerous.)
My wife Katie (Chief Growth Officer at The Farmer's Dog) and I have lived in Newburgh since 2019, Brooklyn/Manhattan for 15+ years before that. We ran a marketing agency together from 2010-2015, and created the Digital Marketing course for General Assembly along the way. We have a 4yo son Forest and a 1.5yo daughter Genevieve. ❤️
My strengths are Growth, Product & Ops, in that order. I'd say I'm 60/40 B2C > B2B, but I've done it all including many deals with large enterprises. I love helping entrepreneurs grow, and I especially enjoy helping people avoid the same mistakes I've made (there are many).
More details on what I'm working on soon, as my hope is to be useful to as many of you as possible. Until then, thanks so much to User, User and User for the warm welcome to the community so far, and I look forward to connecting with more of you soon and throughout the year.
If interested in chatting about anything at all, please just DM me to discuss.
Wishing you all the best 2025. :)
Take care, Matthew
Hey Matt, would love to connect especially about robotics and your planned dangerousness. you can see my career path on LinkedIn LinkedIn.com/in/jwlehane
one bootstrap > grow > exit to partners, a HV focused angel fund, several lesson learning exercises, one still in the midst and coaching and consulting thrown in there.
we can schedule time to connect here 45 min Meet with Johnny or just reach out.
Hi folks, I run AI at UserTesting. I am hosting a monthly AI focused installment of our Insights Unlocked podcast where I chat with folks from the UX/CX space. Typically our conversations center around an interesting story or general thoughts our guests have to share about how AI is impacting their work or CX/UX in general. If you or anyone you know fit that description and might be interested in joining the conversation, please feel free to reach out to me via DM. Thank you!
Hi everyone, and happy new year! I’m Trevor, a photog/videographer and licensed drone operator. Excited to start the new year and meet more creatives and clients in the area! I’ve done some work for restaurants, vineyards, event spaces, weddings, real estate, personal shoots and more! You can check out my website here nyaerialmedia.com
Best of luck to all of you growing your business and network in the new year!
Hi Trevor!! 👋 Great to meet you at the holiday party!! 🎉
<https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/makers/article/coworking-hudson-valley-remote-work-20018343.php>
Great article User, and awesome to see a ConnectHV shoutout!!
Hello @everyone ! I just wanted to drop a plug for the annual CRAF American Advertising Awards Show. The deadline to enter is this Friday, but will likely be extended into next week. There are categories for all kinds of creative work. And if you’re in the Hudson Valley, you’re definitely welcome to enter up here in the capital region.
If you have any questions please let me know! Capitalregionadfed.com/addys
In my constant scramble to assemble a cogent social strategy for the ConnectHV Instagram, I want to start posting more about what people in here are working on.
If you're interested in showing off your project or company on social media, fill out this Google Form! <https://forms.gle/QveFx2BSnRMfYvbf7>
This reminded me to invite a local founder to the group!
WORK/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: IP, COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK CONSULTANT
Hello everyone,
My HV-based startup is growing, and we are in need of assistance trademarking and copyrighting our various IP property in preparation for the expansion of our brand. Our operating team currently consists solely of myself and my partner (we are the founders and owner-operators) and we don’t currently have the time to take this project on ourselves. We are looking for someone who would be interested in a full or partial equity trade. Our business has been operational for 6 months and we are post-revenue. We operate in a very demanding industry, and I’ll be happy to give all relevant details to those who may be interested and suited to the opportunity.
To learn more, please reach out to me directly via DM with a little bit of info about yourself and we’ll start the conversation & talk more details!
Thank you! Skyla Schreter
[Research opportunity - chat with me about banking and payments for an hour; $150 research compensation]
Hi Hudson Valley Connect crew:
🙏 An ask to my network: I’m conducting some very interesting customer research for one of my clients in the banking / payments industry and need help finding research participants.
🔎 I’m looking to conduct 1-hr 1:1 virtual interviews with startups and small business leaders who are either the decision maker, or closely influence the decision, on which bank your company uses. These folks should be close to the money management of your business, what tools the company uses, etc. The respondents must be from startups and small businesses operating in the US. 🇺🇸
😃 🫢 :face_with_symbols_on_mouth: We will discuss:
- which bank/s you chose, and why;
- your experiences using that bank - the good, the bad, the ugly;
- what’s important to you on integration with other financial, accounting and payments tools you use.
🤐 The interview will be kept confidential inside the company and only used to help inform roadmap and product decisions.
💲 ⏱️ You will be compensated $150 for your time.
If you’re interested, or know others who might be, please get in touch! You can DM me here on Slack and we'll move it to email if there is a good fit! 🙏
💕 Hey everyone, the next ConnectHV meetup will be Wednesday, February 12 at the Senate Garage in Kingston, with a very Valentine's Week theme of "Love Your Community"
Make sure you RSVP!
<https://connecthv.com/events>
I've been thinking about this a lot lately but with Meta's abhorrent policy shift last week, there seems to be some genuine momentum for normal people looking to break out of Zuck's walled garden(s).
I think one of the biggest hurdles is that for all of Meta's faults, which are innumerable, their platforms are still pretty good for local discovery. Groups and Marketplace are the only good things about Facebook, and Instagram has sort of become the de facto public bulletin board.
Is there anyone here who would be interested in working on spinning up a Hudson Valley Pixelfed server (essentially a federated Instagram clone) and coming up with a strategy to recruit local businesses and municipalities to begin using it?
We're talking about it over in the Hudson Valley Meet Discord, and I think it really has legs, but would require a concerted effort to get it off the ground.
Don’t have too much time but I’m willing to hear more about it before I say yes or no to contributing.
User it's basically if Mastadon was Instagram instead of Twitter, and it uses ActivityPub so it's already fediverse ready.
Apparently they launched their official mobile apps yesterday: https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/14/decentralized-instagram-alternative-pixelfed-launches-mobile-apps/
Looks interesting! 👍
I might be able to help out. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat about it.
A bit of work to set up, but not terrible: <https://docs.pixelfed.org/running-pixelfed/prerequisites.html>
Hey, just wondering if anyone here was getting deep into AI content creation, especially videos. I’m a video producer and scriptwriter/copywriter (the Onion, Blavity, Scribd) and would love to compare notes with anyone making stuff. I’m currently using AI to animate NFTs and making social media vids, but the hope is to do some real commercials and short films now that the tech is turning the corner finally...
Cheers!
Matthew
Hey folks. Yeah, we have covered AI video and audio in a few of the HV Post meetups. I’m pretty up to speed on most of the commercial AI video services as well as AI powered tools in Adobe, Resolve, Mocha, Nuke, etc
ComfyUI is way to train and generate your own process w/out using services like Runway or Sora. You can generate consistently, but higher learning curve.
Personally I am less interested in the more typical sci-fi/fantasy use cases and focus on using the tools to augment compositing and vfx OR to do something more experimental. This was a MJ + Runway from last year: https://youtu.be/JvtNs_xq6A0?si=QWRDnP9lZSFXAiV5
FYI I've started the much-asked-for <#C089C3BQEBB|> channel to collect discussions around this topic!
You should talk to User, who runs Augie!
<https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/10/23827676/ai-augx-voice-cloning-video-creator>
I've used their tech (they were gracious enough to hook me up with a subscription so I could generate some ConnectHV content) and can vouch for its quality
I have been actively creating images and more recently video as an early adopter of AI. Happy to talk about it. I try out all of the services and have worked most with Runway, Sora and Krea. Here are some samples of my work: Some nice atmosphere - [Gen-3 Alpha 3643542807, slow dolly in to an , omddeth_Close_up_of_, M 5.mp4](https://app.runwayml.com/creation/38a73cd2-7fc8-432b-85ff-1b85f2b95506> An AI Georges Méliès clip - <https://sora.com/g/gen_01jf2nmgcve20sp4mt04ggny6n> Probably 9 months old and woud be even better now - <https://youtu.be/CrOyUpOlEuE> (edited)
Runway <https://app.runwayml.com/creation/38a73cd2-7fc8-432b-85ff-1b85f2b95506) Creation by Bairnt [patrickdonoghue on Sora](https://app.runwayml.com/creation/38a73cd2-7fc8-432b-85ff-1b85f2b95506>
Sora <https://sora.com/g/gen_01jf2nmgcve20sp4mt04ggny6n) Vintage Moon Monkey Dance · Prompt · A vintage, 1900s film In the style of a grainy, black and white Georges Méliès film made in 1900. A man in a monkey suit appears in a puff of smoke and dances on a moonscape set. Dust and scratches on the film [YouTube](https://sora.com/g/gen_01jf2nmgcve20sp4mt04ggny6n>
<https://www.youtube.com/) | Patrick Donoghue LifeHutch VR AI Trailer Test
Lots of AI haters out there but the genie is out of the bottle. George Lucas, James Cameron & Zack Snyder are embracing it. <https://boldentrance.com/george-lucas-thinks-filmmakers-need-to-embrace-artificial-intelligence/>
Nice Méliès clip, User! That’s the kind of thing I’ve been into. I feel a bit saturated with all the fantasy and sci-fi content but I’m not really a fantasy/sci-fi consumer so my opinion doesn’t count there, ha. I like the consistency you got in your previz. Previz’s have always been made from stolen IP, so I laugh out loud when people say these are some new kind of theft.
Agree with you re: the genie being out of the bottle. I’m all for training AI ethically, and it absolutely can be used ethically in creative applications, but yeah, at this point I’m more focused on making things that have a spark to them than having the same 101-level convo about ethics over and over. It’s like the recycling paradigm all over again — we’re not pressuring the big players to be ethical, we’re pressuring individuals. It’s backwards.
Matthew- I'm a filmmaker/colorist (kyotocolor.com). Just recently moved to Kingston from New Orleans. I've dabbled with AI just a smidge but certainly interested in digging in deeper with the tech. Would love to stay informed around your "experiments." Or perhaps if there are a few of us on this feed interested in this subject- may be worth all getting together and chatting. Was talking to a film director client of mine this week and he is diving hardcore into comfy? with the hopes of crafting short films etc. It was the first I had head of that one.
User gave a super interesting talk on AI for Video several months back at an AI meetup in Kingston. Some examples on his YT channel: <https://www.youtube.com/@RshainVFX>
Hi User! Totally in the same boat re: sci-fi/fantasy. As a filmmaker/screenwriter I’m more interested in how we can use these tools to create cohesive shots and scenes, and ideally use them in creative ways that aren’t just aping another artist. This was a silly video for a memecoin I did recently with Udio and Pika, which is what made me want to push further in this direction: <https://youtu.be/Tl0Cb_TGnDs>. At the moment I’m creating animated heads with various platforms and using Pika and Runway to do AI motion tracking and compositing. I was also able to use Pika to generate greenscreen assets which I’m hoping to play further with. I’m mostly a screenwriter though. If you ever need a narrative opinion on anything you’re putting together happy to help out!
Hi User! Welcome to the area, if I can say that as a person who’s only been here 4 years myself. I actually know Kelly from Daruma a little — small world. Definitely happy to keep chatting on here or have some kind of meet up when there’s enough interest! I’m totally uninformed about how AI is impacting your world as a colorist but it must be pretty profound.
And here’s another one using Hedra to animate NFT characters, my lyrics, music by Udio. As a content creator, the idea of buying affordable IP elements with a built-in (albeit small) audience is pretty extraordinary. <https://youtu.be/tClRExpttwQ>
User Real estate vid is pretty funny... Since I come from vfx, I've done a lot of explorations that combine traditional tools with AI. This was a simple 3D animation I created in Unreal Engine and then processed it with an Ai plugin called DiffusAE in After Effects. Was going for a stop-motion look.
Thanks User! That’s a super fun take on a product video. I love this idea of combining layers so that what’s AI and what isn’t is less important than the vision behind it. Have you used stuff like this for marketing clients yet? I don’t really have ecommerce clients but if I did this would be so rad.
User the stop motion vibe is dead on and super cool. Definitely takes it all to a whole new level. Well done.
User The Real Estate video really takes that weird AI turn. The NFT song had me peeing my pants. Hysterical. As for AI in color grading; it's got a long way to go. Honestly not too weird about it in my world, though I suppose time would tell if that ends up being naive or not. There are a couple great tools to aid in Rotoscoping in Davinci and face tracking along with some simulated 3d lighting & sky replacement that when they work are pretty awesome. Though I find at this current stage they really only work well about 30% of the time. I'd be curious to hear more about your screenwriting and the type of work you do in that world.
User I've been trying to incorporate gen AI into most of the client work I do... for marketing and branding its super useful, even in the concept phase.
User Thanks Bradley! 30% sounds like a high batting average to me, but I’d imagine there’s some high render times in your line of work that could make that excruciating. My screenwriting has had a lot of ups and downs — mostly due to my ADHD — but I co-wrote a horror movie for Warner Bros that was made with Alycia Debnam Carey and wrote an unproduced script for a very eccentric Swiss producer Arthur Cohn who won a handful of Oscars. I myself have been in no danger of winning an Oscar though.
At the moment I’m focusing more on low budget projects, including co-writing the story for a colleague’s indie psychedelic comedy that will hopefully shoot upstate in the Spring (we’ve attached the lovely Brooklyn comedian Cat Cohen). I’ve also started some fiction writing, focusing on horror novellas, and the first should be self-published in another month or two hopefully. Sorry for the novel, but you never know what resonates with people : )
User That’s great to hear. I’ve mostly used it in the background with clients (writing research, polishing proposals, etc.) but hope to bring AI video assets into the fold soon. I really look forward to seeing more of your work on here!
This does not mean we should have separate channels for every area of interest, just... this is one where sub-meetups and other Hudson Valley activity is becoming plentiful, so it seems like a good idea to have a dedicated space
Speaking of AI, if anyone has or knows of a small local business in need of a commercial, I’m happy to do one with AI for free (well, you’re welcome to tip me, but not required). I’m a scriptwriter and producer with experience making content for the Onion, Warner Brothers, Google and a lot of SMBs and want to further develop my skills with AI video. Ideally it would be a business that can’t really afford an ad on their own, or something that does something good for the community, but I’m open to whoever responds. Cheers!
I saw this and it looks very cool! But imo, if it is such a rare superpower, people should get paid for the work!
Job, anyone? 😉
There's no category in the Chronogrammies that ConnectHV would qualify for, but I'm deeply honored to share that I've been shortlisted as Maker of the Year!
If you're so inclined, I would looooove to be nominated, for I am vain and think that winning a Chronogrammie would be amazing. Add your vote here! <https://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/awards/Page#/gallery/473367876>
Totally voting for you. Not for vanity but because you DESERVE it!!! 🏆
DONE! Good luck :crossed_fingers:
Done! Glad you said something since I had t seen that. Voting every day.
Cidiot is up for Regional Podcast in Arts & Entertainment (along with other friends you know). And Barnfox Kingston is up for Remote Working in Retail (also with some other favorites) https://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/awards/Page
Hey everyone! It’s incredibly important for women to stay connected and in community now more than ever. I’ve started a discord server to help us do just that. Please lmk if you’d like to join 🫶 DMs are open!
Yeah! Is the group for just women in HV or NY? There a few other groups,so just want to understand what makes this group different or similar.
For women everywhere!
I’d be interested in something HV specific
They’re easy to start!
⭐️ A note on sponsorships: Community sponsorships help ConnectHV keep the lights on, paying server fees and other expenses that add up running a software platform + Slack community + in-person events... they're the thing preventing me from being entirely out-of-pocket on this project! All sponsors are members of the ConnectHV community, ensuring that they're people or organizations with "skin in the game" keeping our community an authentic, valuable, non-ad-polluted space for all of us in the Hudson Valley.
Big thanks to ProProject Bookkeeping (User) for sponsoring ConnectHV this week! In her own words:
Hey! I’m Darell—Brooklyn born, Yonkers-based, and passionate about helping businesses thrive. 8 years ago, I launched ProProject Bookkeeping to bring clarity and confidence to entrepreneurs like you.
I know that juggling creative projects and financial tasks can feel overwhelming. That’s why I focus on making bookkeeping simple and stress-free. Whether you’re a creative director or small business owner, I’m here to handle the numbers so you can focus on your passion and build the business of your dreams. Learn more www.proprojectbooks.com & @proprojectbooks
Does anyone remember those local business discount/coupon books that kids would sell in school to raise money for band trips and sports uniforms and such?
We want to do something similar for the February meetup! I'm looking for a handful of businesses who'd be interested in providing some kind of discount or offer that we could include for the first 100-150 people who come... things like "10% off your first [insert service here]" or "buy 3, get 1 free". Something that'll help get people to your business, while also making everyone who attends the event feel like they got something valuable and tangible there.
If you're interested in participating, or have something else you'd like to offer, DM me. It'll be a good opportunity to get your business in front of a wide cross-section of the community while also helping us provide something nice for everyone who attends.
Hey folks, this is a bit of a shot in the dark, but wondering if anyone in this group uses Glean (or maybe another tool like this) to connect large volumes of enterprise data to AI. If so and you have feedback about the product, please DM me. Thank you!
I haven't used it myself, but just today listened to an episode of Lenny's Podcast with Shaun Clowes who recommended Glean.
There's a fair bit of overlap between Glean and Cape (which is where I work). Not sure what you're looking for exactly but happy to chat.
Your restaurant looks amazing! Can’t wait to get out there
Ohhhh, Pete, just read about you in Chronogram and jotted the restaurant name in my notebook. I’m down in Poughkeepsie, but do a yearly Mothers Day girls trip to Livingston Manor so you’ll see me then!
If anyone else would like to see Central Hudson replaced by a publicly-owned utility, please support the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act! <https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hvpa/>
Info here: <https://hudsonvalleypowerauthority.com/>
This is amazing. I remember the Central Hudson CEO talking about how they had to raise prices because the economy was so bad, then clicking on their parent company’s website and seeing them brag about record profits.
Awesome thanks for sharing this. It's timely. The high electric prices just came up in a conversation last night will all my neighbors.
Yeah and there are people with $12k bills right now it’s nuts
This is great, I didn't realize this initiative existed!
Does anyone have an actual copy of a $12,000 bill or bills in the $1000s? I’d love to run this by a NYSERTA expert / local town representative. If you’re willing to share, please DM me. Happy to share anonymously, curious what’s really going on and that’s the only way to dive deeper.
I don't personally but I have seen people talking about it on social media - on reddit and there is a facebook group about it. I think there are people who had huge bills they couldn't pay during covid and they just kept piling up so now they are just not able to pay them.
NextDoor is also a repository for 73 million complaints about Central Hudson. It’s crazy how many lives they’ve made worse.
I work at 350.org and we do utility campaigns. I heard about this campaign through my comrades at Sane Energy Project. I’m based in Athens. Would love to connect.
⭐️ A note on sponsorships: Community sponsorships help ConnectHV keep the lights on, paying server fees and other expenses that add up running a software platform + Slack community + in-person events... they're the thing preventing me from being entirely out-of-pocket on this project! All sponsors are members of the ConnectHV community, ensuring that they're people or organizations with "skin in the game" keeping our community an authentic, valuable, non-ad-polluted space for all of us in the Hudson Valley.
Another big thanks to ProProject Bookkeeping (User) for sponsoring ConnectHV this week! Check out this message including a generous offer for our community:
Hi again, it’s Darell! I know how hard it can be to juggle your creative work with managing the numbers. As a bookkeeper specializing in creative businesses, I’ve seen how much easier things get when you have a little guidance.
That’s why I’m excited to share 5 Golden Rules to Get Your Books Ready for a Pro. This guide breaks down simple, actionable steps to help you organize your info and prepare to work with a bookkeeper. — Hand off the stress and focus on what you love. Download @ <https://proprojectbooks.com/connect>
Let’s connect!
Hi Adam, do you have a link to any of your work? Would love to see it!
a living legend!!! :star-struck:
Welcome, Emma 👋
Hello! Welcome to the group 🙂 I'm Kayiu and I'm an experience designer. My husband and I are in Pleasant Valley with our 8mo baby. There's a <#C074EGLM5FG|> channel you can check out!
We're hoping to attend one of the meetups soon too! (baby bedtime and sleeping schedule makes going out challenging!)
Hey Emma, great to see you in here!!
I second what User said, definitely check out the <#C074EGLM5FG|> channel
Hey Emma! I’m in Kingston doing software development and consulting. We have 4-year-old twins and a 6 yo. It feels like I pretty much did nothing but work and parent since the twins were born and I’m finally coming up for air a little bit--went to my first ConnectHV meetup this fall and planning to go to the next one. Hope we can say hi!
Hi all! I've had a lot of conversations with entrepreneurs and business owners over the past few months who could use some marketing help, education, etc. I'm excited to share that I've rolled out a series of classes over the next eight weeks.
First up is, Marketing Plan Essentials if you don't have a marketing plan or are overwhelmed with putting one together this class is for you! It will get you started with an easy-to-complete marketing plan. Not only am I offering classes, but I’m also offering intensives (the week after the class) to workshop your marketing plan for your business.
All classes are online (it's cold out there!) and are held Thursdays, 6pm -8pm
Current Class Offerings: *Marketing Plan Essentials, 2/6 *Branding Basics, 2/20 *Stress-Less Social Media, 3/6 *Marketing Beyond Social Media, 2/20
Best part- they’re only $34 each!
Head over to [[email protected]](https://mapsolutionsgroup.com/classes> to learn more and to register. Questions: <mailto:[email protected])
Hi everyone!
We’re excited to announce the opening of Beacon’s newest Wellness Center, Alchemy! Check out all the amazing offerings at <alchemy.life|Alchemy.life> 🌟
We hope to see you soon!
I got a wellness pass and did my first sauna-steam room session yesterday. Gorgeous space, gorgeous people!
Hey Scott,
That’s wonderful to hear! I took a class with Amy the other day. She’s amazing. We danced and had a little Photoshoot at the end.
Hopefully I’ll see you around ✨
Hi User look forward to meeting you sometime soon! 💖
Welcome User! Product designer here in Poughkeepsie. My wife and I are expecting our first child in just a few short weeks. So also not sure I’ll be at many meetups for a good bit. 😅
Congrats User ! Wow! A fellow designer in PK!
Thank you! Are you around PK? Designers are popping up everywhere around here! 🥳
Hi there! Nice to see you here. I suggested to Malisa that you should join this group so welcome!
Hey Taylor, welcome. I’m in your world as well: Cinematographer, run a small production company and podcast studio, etc.
You’re in good company and lots of creative folks in the area. When you land here let’s connect.
Anytime! Feel free to DM me too
Hi User. Feel free to check out www.hvpost.org. We have a collective of local film/video people that get together every few months in Kingston. It’s very specific to post-production topics and networking. There is a Slack link on the website and also a directory if you want to list services.
Hey Taylor, welcome! Make sure you join the <#C074EGLM5FG|> channel too (I also have a 3yo and a 5yo)
welcome Taylor! I’m a former cameraperson turned graphic designer (though I still keep my Local 600 card up to date) who moved up and out of the city when my son was 2, so I feel your family’s desire to stretch out and enjoy the beauty and space in HV! You’ll find things quiet down a bit compared to the city, but the quality of life is amazing, and there are plenty of fellow creatives to be found in the woodwork.
Best of luck in your new home search, and you might think of adding local colleges/universities with media and comms production programs to your network as you meet new people!
Hey Taylor! Welcome to the group. I'm a colorist by trade. Filmmaker by night. Just a few months back we opened up a 2nd office for our DI Boutique in Kingston. ( Kyotocolor.com ) We started the company 10 years ago in New Orleans- so this migration is a big change for us. Always happy to see more artists flocking to the neighborhood.
Small businesses with a marketing plan are 6.7 times (that's 570%!!) more likely to report successful marketing outcomes compared to those without a plan. Implementing a structured marketing plan significantly enhances a small business's likelihood of success.
Join me this Thursday, 2/6, for "Marketing Plan Essentials," an online class that will simplify the marketing plan process and set your business up for success! It's designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Register today at [[email protected]](https://mapsolutionsgroup.com/classes> Questions: <mailto:[email protected])
Current Class Offerings: *Marketing Plan Essentials, 2/6 - Registration Closes 2/5 *Branding Basics, 2/20 *Stress-Less Social Media, 3/6 *Marketing Beyond Social Media, 2/20
Hey friends! Okta just had a round of layoffs and I am now looking for a job!
I'm a seasoned product designer who was most recently a Principal Product Designer working on the design systems team at Okta. I've previously been: • Lead designer at an AI startup (Spoke) • Senior designer/engineer at a consumer audio startup (Dwell) • Lead designer at an AgTech startup (Artemis) • Director of UX at a design agency My main calling card is ConnectHV — if you need someone who can take a software project from idea to reality, please reach out!
So sorry to hear Jordan! Will of course, keep my ears peeled.
Thanks User!
Hoping I become another ConnectHV success story 😂
Huge loss for Okta
Man, so sorry to hear this Jordan! Let’s meet and catch up. Will reach out soon.
I'm so sorry to hear this 😢 it's their loss and whoever hiring you next will be very lucky!! I'll look out for opportunities I see from my circle!
Oh man, so sorry User if any of my connections are looking, I'll be sure to make an intro
You might consider posting in the <#C06S63H4LF9|> channel. Whoever created this slack community thought of everything. 😉
Hey User I know Square, Figma, Shopify and Coinbase are hiring remote still. There’s also a handful of remote work still at Meta!
Also if you want to go the startup route, would recommend reaching out to any of your VC network. They’re typically quite plugged into their portfolio companies and dying to make intros
just wanted to check in on you!
Hey, thanks so much everyone, really feeling the love today!
May be able to help with contract opportunities, will keep you in mind.
I got laid off in October from Warby Parker and now I’m starting on Monday at Whatnot, who is hiring for a lot of roles including Staff Product Designers.
User WN caught some heat this week. Good luck!
So sorry to hear this man - will def keep my ear to the ground
Hi User welcome! You might be interested in joining our Wednesday gathering - game and tech related, plus networking. Game Development Meetup - this Wednesday, Feb 5th, 6-8 pm at Contender eSports Gaming Center Hudson Valley, 1557 U.S. 9, Wappingers Falls, 12590 RSVP using GDG Hudson or Meetup platform. Join us for a night of relevant talks, gaming and networking.
Hi folks - I’m in search of a senior designer / art director type who can create a logo + visual identity / brand kit for a brand new Hudson Valley music & arts venue 💫
Please drop your portfolio (or name of professional you’d recommend) as a comment on this thread!
ooouuu would love to throw my hat in the ring! yourfavoritenotification.com User
Hi! I do this! Gitsulgroup.com
Ohhh, User! Are your hands too full?
Hey User would love to chat! laylagulergun.com
Hi there User, my colleague and I do branding for small business and non-profits!
Me: Corgan Design Her: Jen Lopardo Designer
We are a great team!
User - not just an excellent designer, but a local musician and fiber artist too 🙂
Oh my goodness hi!! Local designer & musician here, this would be a dream project !! 😍 www.marissacarroll.com
User I have some other branding related projects that aren’t on my site yet, if you’re interested please let me know I can I send them to you directly :)
We’d love to be considered User! www.oluwatosin.net
Hi Jacqui! My partner Thomas Brodin and I are active members of ConnectHV, and are based in New Paltz. We started https://annex.agency about two years ago and it's exciting to see new venues launch up here! We can help with your brand kit, logos, website creation and updates, signage/flyers, and more. Happy to use discuss further, my email: <mailto:[email protected]|[email protected]>
User
HI User! I've been building brands in the Hudson Valley for over 12 years. 🙂 I'd love to chat and see if we'd be a good fit for this project. You can see some examples of work at sophiewedd.com and reach at <mailto:[email protected]|[email protected]>
Hello all. Wanted to intro myself real quick as I’m new here at HV Connect. I live in Northern Westchester. My main gig is photo retouching for the fashion/advertising kind of world and I also have a preceding background in painting and art installation for the major NYC galleries and museums (Zwirner, Matthew Marks, MOMA and The Guggenheim). If you’d like to get your artwork installed quickly and safely by a pro, please let me know. OR if you need some photography retouched to look it’s best, don’t hesitate to reach out. And thanks! - JJ <https://www.setandsetting.xyz/>
Hi everyone! Wanted to plug my very talented partner, Barclay Tabor, and his spatial and organizational design business, Idyllc Spaces. He works with people to consciously declutter, organize, and create a flow to home and professional spaces, meeting your unique needs and allowing for ease and efficiency. From personal home made retreat center, to an herbalist school's kitchen, he's tackled a lot of diverse organizational challenges! Check him out if you or anyone you know is in need of these services. He's so talented, just getting some air under his wings, and has some space for new clients.
Hey folks, I'm looking for one more company to sponsor next week's ConnectHV meetup for $250. You'd get promotion on the ConnectHV Instagram, the next event email, and have your logo on the screen at the event itself. DM me if you're interested!
Hey All, it’s been a while since I’ve chimed in here.
I own and run Upstate Podcast Studio in uptown Kingston where we do full-scope podcast production (including video) and would love to be doing more with that this year.
I also run a video production company called Lights & Years Media where I work with businesses and brands across all their content needs (website rework pending).
If I can help you or anyone you know, I’d love to chat! You can learn more about me on My Website as well. Thanks!
Hey all! The Hudson Valley Venture Hub is looking to hire and source marketing and content writing folks to help our organization as well as to work within our portfolio companies. Really looking for people who can help us write stories, articles, and highlight the work we're doing. We would love to get any and all portfolios and resumes via email - <mailto:[email protected]|[email protected]>
Hey everyone! Been a while since I’ve popped in, can’t believe we’re nearly at 1,000 members!
Wanted to share a new mentorship program I launched. This is not only great for photographers, videographers, and content creators, but I think it can also be helpful for small business owners who would like to produce better social media content in-house. Feel free to click the link below for more info or shoot me a message if you have questions!
As User builds ConnectHV I started up a local foodie group in Montgomery/Walden/Maybrook: feel free to join us: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15ALvgj3Az/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Already secured two sponsorships!
Whats up User! I met you at an O+ happy hour a few years back. Nice to see your name pop up here.
Hey Jess! I was asking Carl about you on Saturday. Hope you’re well, and let’s catch up soon!
I am putting together the HV Women in Tech panel for March 6th eve. User is one of the confirmed speakers. Please DM if you'd like to present, host or support. Current placeholder is here: - it is going to be awesome and very inclusive (means everyone welcome)!
ya'll I remade a waitlist sign-up for Towns Of, as of right now the MVP isn't available outside of NJ but if you want I can email you when it's out! :)
<https://townsof.myflodesk.com/local>
Strawberry place!
I hope to see lots of you at the meetup tonight in Kingston!
Heads-up that doors open now at 5pm (instead of the original 6pm) in case anyone wants to beat the weather.
See you there!
Out of town. Sorry to miss this one!
Does that mean it’s ending around 8 instead of 9? User Curious because I could get there by 7:30 at the earliest.
It's a little iffy now... it's flurrying here, so probably will end earlier
(earlier = 8ish instead of 9ish)
Probably won’t make it then but will definitely be at the next one!
Entrepreneurs, if your brand feels a little all over the place (or you’re not sure where to start), join me for the online class Branding Basics this Thursday, February 20th!
We’ll break down how to: *Define your brand identity & voice *Attract your ideal customers *Create consistency -from your website to your social media & beyond-
Registration closes Wednesday, February 19th, so don’t wait! Register at <https://mapsolutionsgroup.com/classes>.
Hey all---I started a thing!
It’s called Epistemic Technology, and it’s a consultancy focused on “a thoughtful approach” to <#C089C3BQEBB|>. The goal is to help people and organizations plan and implement AI-based products and practices while taking into account all of the ethical, environmental, intellectual property and safety concerns that come with it.
Anyways, check it out at <https://epistemic.technology/> if that sounds interesting!
Hey User ! DP / production co owner / occasional director in Kingston here
Hey Kait, welcome! Lots of media folks here. I'm a composer, also in Kingston (hey User!) Looking forward to meeting you.
Hey Kait. Welcome to the neighborhood. Colorist and filmmaker here in Kingston. Kyotocolor.com
If social media has you stressed out- this is the class for you! Join me- Thursday, March 6th, 6pm - 8pm for the online Stress-Less Social Media class.
We’ll break down social media marketing in a way that feels doable—platforms, content, schedules, and hashtags and keywords without the overwhelm.
Because let’s be real- You don’t have time to be stuck in the social media spiral. 😳
In addition to the class on Thursday, 3/6 an intensive is offered the week after Thursday, 3/13 to review how you applied what you learned to your unique social media needs (think group coaching).
For more info and to register visit: [[email protected]](https://mapsolutionsgroup.com/classes/>
Advance registration is required. I hope to see you there! Questions? <mailto:[email protected])
👋:skin-tone-2:Hey all! I’m Cat and i’m a Creative Director | Video Editor in Wappingers Falls who is looking to make a job move. I am currently remote and exploring both staff and freelance work.
I’ve been in the media and entertainment industry for over 15 years can do anything from writing, scripting, producing , editing and creative directing! I’ve created and produced work for all sorts of clients and networks on various platforms and within all genres. I’m an expert in Avid, but also use Premiere and can successfully drive my way around After Effects and Photoshop though I would not call myself an animator or illustrator. 😉
Check out some of my work here and feel free to hit me up if you need any set of extra hands or want to know more about what i do! 🫶:skin-tone-2:
I cannot stress the enough. If you send any type of mail (MailChimp, Active Campaign, etc) please make sure your DKIM, SPF, DMARC are up to date!
tip! - you can use MXToolbox to check on your domain's MX, DKIM, SPF and DMARC records are valid
<https://mxtoolbox.com/>
I really like dmarcian.com
oooh, yeah this looks much nicer
I've decided to start writing regularly again! I've been disappointed in the lack of high-quality writing for "mature" product designers (read: senior/staff/principal/lead level, or "player-coach" managers), so rather than complain I've decided to start a regular blog aimed at that audience... but good for anyone in a creative field, probably.
I'd be thrilled if you checked it out! <https://digitalterroir.org/>
Thanks so much, User! I found the error — it should be working now 🙏
this is awesome. there's a similar dearth for mature mobile developers. everything is a beginner tutorial.
1 reiki energy healing session opening this Saturday at 11:30am at the Ascend Center in Cold Spring 😌✨ 🤍 Calm your nervous system to a more relaxed baseline so you naturally start to release tension and stress 🤍 Slow down the pace of your thoughts and create space within your mind, so you can approach life with more clarity and possibility Book your session here: http://bit.ly/AnchorInPeace Use code CONNECTHV to receive 10% off!
!Hola! Welcome... lucumadesignstudio.com 🙂 ... DM and I'll send you a link to my work. Would love to collaborate!
Hey Paulina, I’m a software / web developer, mostly backend. (And I do AI stuff.) Happy to talk about collaborations!
Hello folks, I thought to check here before posting on Upwork:
I have a small project that I am consulting on and am looking for a WordPress dev to help put together a very simple site. The site has already been designed and only has a few pages, We just need someone to take the design and implement it into an editable WYSIWYG WP site. We have a small budget ($500), but I do not estimate it would take much time.
Possibly a good project for a junior dev, or someone that would like to have a new project on their portfolio?
Please feel free to DM me if you are interested OR if you have a referral. Thanks!
Sent you a DM
We're starting a small business mastermind for folks in the region! My company is hudsonincubator.com ~ Here's a form to fill out if you're interested and I'll be following up 🙂 <https://forms.gle/Kzf4khsGsBeDuw2u5>
Hi everyone. Please consider signing this petition if you are unhappy with Central Hudson’s billing. https://www.change.org/p/formal-complaint-regarding-excessive-delivery-charges-by-central-hudson-gas-electric?recruiter=1097819778&recruited_by_id=a0004fc0-a1bc-11ea-be7e-1b0e4d4e23f3&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_490433925_en-US%3A4
Folks, we have some cool and free community meetups coming up if you'd like to join: • Get Together online and talk about things we’re working on - March 17th at 6 pm • HVTechFest Hackathon - Open Data & AI Hackathon for students - March 26th at 11 AM in Troy - looking for volunteers, lots of networking opportunities, skills level not so critical while AI experts welcome [Women in Tech](https://hvtechfest.com/2025/03/hackathon> • <https://openhubproject.com/meet-ups/women-tech-leading-and-nurturing) - April 5th at 4 PM, at the Velocipede Museum, Newburgh - all are welcome to network and get some insights and guidance
