North Country Regional Economic Development Council

North Country Regional Economic Development Council is a key economic development organization in New York, focusing on the North Country region, which includes St. Lawrence County, Franklin County, Clinton County, Essex County, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, and Lewis County. The council works closely with Empire State Development, New York State Department of Economic Development, and New York State Legislature to promote economic growth and development in the region. The council's efforts are also supported by SUNY Plattsburgh, Clarkson University, and SUNY Canton.

● Introduction

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council is one of the ten regional economic development councils established by Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, in 2011. The council's primary goal is to create a strategic plan for economic development in the North Country region, leveraging the region's unique assets, such as its natural resources, Fort Drum, and Lake Placid. The council works with various stakeholders, including Local Governments, Business Leaders, and Community Organizations, to identify opportunities for economic growth and development. The council's efforts are also informed by research and data from organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and United States Census Bureau.

● History

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council was established in 2011, as part of a broader effort by the New York State Government to promote regional economic development. The council's first strategic plan, released in 2011, identified key industries and initiatives for economic growth in the region, including Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy. The plan was developed in consultation with stakeholders from across the region, including St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Adirondack Park Agency, and Tug Hill Commission. Since its establishment, the council has worked to implement its strategic plan, securing funding and support from organizations such as the New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and United States Department of Agriculture.

● Membership and Governance

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council is composed of representatives from various sectors, including Business, Education, Government, and Non-Profit Organizations. The council is chaired by Anthony G. Collins, the President of SUNY Canton, and includes members such as Garry Douglas, the President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and Joe Riccio, the President of Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce. The council's governance structure is designed to ensure representation from across the region, with members appointed by the Governor of New York and New York State Legislature. The council also works closely with other regional organizations, such as the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency.

● Initiatives and Projects

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council has launched several initiatives and projects to promote economic growth and development in the region. These include the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which provides funding and support for downtown revitalization projects in communities such as Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, and Ticonderoga. The council has also supported the development of the North Country Trail, a hiking trail that spans the region and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. Other initiatives include the Workforce Development Initiative, which provides training and education programs for workers in industries such as Manufacturing and Healthcare, and the Agricultural Development Initiative, which supports the growth and development of the region's agricultural sector. The council has also partnered with organizations such as the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and United States Department of Labor to support these initiatives.

● Economic Impact

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council's initiatives and projects have had a significant economic impact on the region. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and United States Census Bureau, the region has seen growth in key industries such as Tourism and Agriculture, and an increase in employment and wages. The council's efforts have also attracted new businesses and investments to the region, including the Bombardier Transportation plant in Plattsburgh and the Curran Renewable Energy facility in Massena. The council's initiatives have also supported the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, through programs such as the Small Business Administration's Microloan Program and the New York State Department of Economic Development's Excelsior Jobs Program.

● Regional Profile

The North Country region is a unique and diverse area, with a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage. The region is home to a variety of natural attractions, including the Adirondack Park, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Champlain. The region is also home to a number of educational institutions, including SUNY Plattsburgh, Clarkson University, and SUNY Canton, which provide a skilled and educated workforce. The region's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Tourism, and is supported by a range of organizations, including the North Country Chamber of Commerce, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency. The region has a strong sense of history and culture, with attractions such as the Fort Ticonderoga and Lake Placid Olympic Museum, and is home to a number of festivals and events, including the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games and the Plattsburgh Airborne Speedway. The region is also served by a range of transportation infrastructure, including the Adirondack Northway and the Amtrak rail line.