The opportunity to attract substantial investment in advanced manufacturing and technology has never been stronger. Orange County is actively preparing for dynamic opportunities in emerging sectors, particularly in the semiconductor supply chain and Life Sciences industries.

To advance this effort, Orange County officials, including County Executive Steve Neuhaus; County Attorney Rick Golden; County Planner Alan Sorensen; Incoming President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership, Conor Eckert; and Principal of Pine Bush High School Aaron Hopmeyer, will be traveling to the Smart Cities Summit in Taipei, Taiwan. Their mission is clear: build key relationships with leaders in the semiconductor supply chain and biotechnology sectors to position Orange County as a competitive destination for foreign direct investment.

Taiwan holds a pivotal role in global technology, producing approximately 37% of the world's semiconductor chips and driving significant advancements in Life Sciences and biotech R&D. By engaging directly with Taiwanese industry leaders, this trip aims to showcase Orange County as a strategic hub for companies looking to expand in the U.S. market.

Why Orange County? Our strategic location is a major selling point. Positioned between New York City and Albany, Orange County serves as the ideal bridge connecting major innovation hubs. Within 200 miles of our county are some of the world’s most prominent semiconductor manufacturing facilities, including IBM, GlobalFoundries, ASML, Onsemi, and the forthcoming Micron fab.

Additionally, proximity to the Albany Nanotech Center — a globally recognized semiconductor R&D hub — and New York City's thriving innovation ecosystem offers unmatched access to top-tier talent, training resources, and industry partnerships.

Our competitive advantages extend beyond location:

• Shovel-Ready Sites with Heavy Infrastructure: Orange County has proactively invested in site development to provide manufacturing-ready properties that can support the unique infrastructure demands of semiconductor and biotech facilities.
• Talent Pipeline: With leading educational institutions in close proximity and access to a robust regional workforce, Orange County is well-positioned to meet the needs of high-tech employers.
• Pro-Business Leadership: The county's leadership is committed to facilitating impactful economic development projects, ensuring streamlined approvals and support for transformative investments.

By participating in the Smart Cities Summit and engaging with global industry leaders, Orange County is demonstrating its readiness to attract innovative businesses and strengthen its position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. With strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and relationship-building, our community is well-equipped to seize this extraordinary opportunity.