Advancing Economic Opportunity In The North Country | |
Virtual “Business Bootcamp” Fall Course Underway!
October 15th began AEDC’s fall “Business Basics” bootcamp course for entrepreneurs. The course has a diverse group of students from across the region who are interested in starting their own business or learning more about how to serve small businesses. We are delighted that regional experts Jamey Hoose (of Clarkson University’s Shipley Center) and David Thurlow (of Thurus Consulting) are lead instructors and that we are offering 5 exciting guest speaker experts. While the course is already underway, we welcome new students to join in progress, or to pre-register for the spring course.
For more information and to register for either this course or for spring, please contact Stephanie Donaldson at sdonaldson@aedconline.com.
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Jamie Cecilia participates on TD Bank/Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) Panel
AEDC’s Lending Director, Jamie Cecilia, was a featured speaker at the recent ARCC event at the Hotel Queensbury , “Access to Capital and Strategies for Growth” sponsored by TD Bank. The morning started off with an enlightening economic update by TD Bank Economist Thomas Feltmate and was followed by two excellent panel discussions on access to capital and growth strategies for small business.
Jamie co-presented with AEDC’s close partners Nicole Deyo of Pursuit and Joseph Bailey of TD Bank. The following panel was a lively discussion featuring Jeff Boyce of the Small Business Administration, Greg Chanese of the UAlbany Small Business Development Center and Brian Rollo of Rollo Consulting. Thank you to our friends at TD Bank and ARCC for setting up such an informative and well-connected event!
Pictured: Jamie Cecilia, Nicole Deyo, Joe Bailey, Eric Ryan at “Access to Capital and Strategies for Growth” event in Glens Falls and: Joe Bailey, Jamie Cecilia, Cedric Carter (AEDC Board member) and Jeff Boyce at event.
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Promotions Announced For AEDC Team Members
AEDC is happy to announce the promotions of two team members this fall. Stephanie Donaldson, on the team since 2016, is now the organization’s Entpreneurship Programs Director. Stephanie oversees AEDC’s technical assistance and training programs, including its Entpreneurship Assistance Center program, its twice annually business skills “bootcamp” course, general business counseling and its financial literacy program. Stephanie holds a MBA from Clarkson University and enjoys the many outdoor and cultural activities of her 1000 Islands hometown in Ogdensburg.
Jamie Cecilia, who joined the team in 2023, is AEDC’ s Lending Director. Jamie oversees the small business lending operations of AEDC, including its deployment of 10 state and federal loan fund sources, 1 private dollar fund and a portfolio of nearly 100 loans. Jamie holds an MBA from Union College and an MPA from Syracuse University. He is an officer of the Ausable River Business Association and enjoys his free time exploring far-off-the-map locations for the best native fish.
Executive Director Victoria Duley commented: “Our organization is so fortunate to have these talented individuals on our team. Stephanie has grown our technical assistance programs steadily during her tenure and brings incredible organization and metrics-tracking to this work. Jamie brings an impressive background in finance and economic development to our team, and with his energy and focus, has already boosted our small business lending during his first year. We look forward to much more of their talented service for our business community”.
Pictured: Stephanie Donaldson and Jamie Cecilia.
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Lil’ Tykes Daycare Hosts Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
AEDC staff enjoyed spending time with the amazing Lindsey Murray, founder of Lil’ Tykes Daycare and her team on site at a recent Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce business event. Lindsey is a proud AEDC client and our team continues to be so excited that we were able to help bring this pivotal community based daycare to Bloomingdale in Essex County. The Lil’ Tykes teachers and staff are first rate and this establishment is an incredible investment in the community, its children, and their futures. Hats off as always to Lindsey and the team!
Pictured: Lil’ Tykes Daycare.
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St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
AEDC highly values it's partnership with the the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director, Victoria Duley was pleased to attend their annual dinner held at the beautiful Windy Hill Stables in Potsdam, connecting with so many partners from across the county. Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce on another fantastic event!
Pictured: St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, Potsdam.
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Akwesasne Tourism Summit Showcases Spirited Success
Victoria Duley experienced the amazing fall tourism summit in Akwesasne, enjoying hearing about the many successes of AEDC’s close economic development partners of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. The summit was inspiring and featured crafts people with their beautiful wares to further the learning of offerings at Akwesasne. The event, held at the Akwesasne Casino Resort, was a great day meeting new and old friends and partners of this community.
Pictured: Akwesane Tourism Summit at the Akewsasne Casino.
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International Economic Development Council Annual Conference
Victoria Duley attended the national IEDC conference in Denver this fall, where thousands of economic developers from across the nation and beyond gathered to focus on current topics, including sustainability and small business/entrepreneurship. While at the conference Victoria convened with fellow New Yorkers and including partners from the North Country Chamber of Commerce (pictured) and the Adirondack North Country Association. The sessions provided new contacts, resources and ideas to bring back home to invest in our region.
Pictured: Victoria Duley with Susan Matton and Abby Praetorius of the North Country Chamber of Commerce at IEDC National Conference.
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AEDC Attends North Country Alliance Fall Forum at the Seaway Visitor Center in Massena
AEDC team members Jamie Cecilia and Russ Kinyon enjoyed the North Country Alliance Fall Forum at the Seaway Visitor Center. This “sold out” event featured a fascinating presentation by the Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (on the economic impact of the Seaway. This bustling event provided opportunities for “powerful” connections and conversations!
Pictured: Seaway Visitor Center.
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St. Lawrence County IDA Leadership
AEDC was delighted to attend a gathering in recognition of the excellent work at St. Lawrence County IDA and to commemorate the recent award by Patrick Kelly, the IDA’s Executive Director, as “Economic Developer of the Year” by the New York State Economic Development Council. The IDA plays such an important role in the county’s economic development and Patrick and the team are notable leaders for their efforts. It was gratifying to see this recognition at the state level and AEDC salutes Patrick and this great team!
Pictured: Patrick Kelly, Executive Director St. Lawrence County IDA and Victoria Duley, Executive Director AEDC in Canton at St. Lawrence County IDA recognition event.
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Saranac Lake Business Expo
AEDC enjoyed spending time with the community and with dozens of fellow area businesses as an exhibitor at the Saranac Lake Business Expo at the civic center this fall. Tasty treats were enjoyed compliments of area restaurants and Russ, Victoria and Jamie enjoyed meeting new friends and established partners at this great annual event.
Pictured: Saranac Area Chamber of Commerce logo.
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AEDC Day Held Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) welcomed the AEDC Team on Friday, October 11th, 2024 from 10 AM - 3 PM for a special AEDC Day in the Ticonderoga Area. Ticonderoga Area businesses were able be able to stop into the Chamber office to meet with AEDC staff members to learn about their programs, services, trainings, funding opportunities, gap lending, and future collaborations with TACC. TACC is an AEDC partner agency.
Pictured: Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce staff.
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Serving 14 counties of Northern New York State, the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a 501c3 non-profit economic development organization and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Saranac Lake, NY. Since 1976, AEDC has been providing business training, lending, and technical assistance, to underserved populations and to new and existing businesses throughout Northern New York. | | | | |
