Center for Discovery says operations drive hundreds of jobs and millions in local spending

Dr. Terry Hamlin, president of the Center for Discovery, told the Sullivan County Legislature that the center is the county’s largest employer in its sector and produces substantial local economic activity.

"We are poised for growth, which is really good, again, for this county," Hamlin said, describing current staffing and near-term hiring plans. He said the center had 1,735 staff in 2024, currently employs about 1,800 people and expects to reach about 2,000 employees by early 2027.

Hamlin cited figures from an economic impact study showing the center generated almost $226 million in economic output for Sullivan County in 2024 and more than $1 billion in the previous five years combined. He said roughly 75% of the center’s staff live in Sullivan County.

The presentation emphasized pay and tax impacts. "On average, our annual salary is $69,000, which is 34% higher than the county average wage," Hamlin said, adding that center employees generated over $5 million in state and local taxes in 2024. He also said the center paid $330,000 in property taxes this year on leased facilities.

Jennifer Frank, who leads the center’s "nourishing arts" program, described the organization’s food and wellness approach and credited it with improved health outcomes for center residents. "Food has amazing power. It has the power to completely support your health or to totally undermine it," Frank said. Hamlin told the legislators that the center reports "virtually 0" chronic disease among its population compared with national averages for similar groups.

Hamlin noted recent and planned facilities on the campus: a children's specialty hospital that opened last year and a planned 40‑bed transitional living demonstration project the center expects to open in 2027. He said the transitional living project was championed by Governor Kathy Hochul and said the center’s "synergy 6" care model draws visitors and policy interest from around the country.

The presentation materials, Hamlin said, attribute economic effects beyond the organization itself to contractors, landlords, restaurants and other local businesses that serve center employees and visitors. He urged the legislature to consider the center’s local economic role while noting the organization’s tax‑exempt status and that many staff and programs are locally based.

Hamlin thanked the Legislature for its past support and said the center hopes to expand while continuing what he described as strong local employment and health outcomes.

Ending: The center left printed copies of the 2024 economic impact study with legislators and offered to provide more data on request.