Advancing Economic Opportunity In The North Country

 
 

AEDC Team and Board of Directors Meets in North River


Our team and Directors, including a few via Zoom, convened this week for strategic discussion and for our quarterly board meeting at the beautiful Garnet Hill Lodge in North River.


Ahead of our board meeting, the team gathered for a mini retreat in the mountains. It was the perfect setting to celebrate our year-one Strategic Plan milestones and brainstorm new ways to advance our mission.. Many thanks to Jim Rucker (AEDC Vice Chair and co-owner of Garnet Hill Lodge) and his team for hosting our group.  


Pictured: AEDC Board and Team at Garnet Hill Lodge, North River 


 

Mace Chasm Farm Financing



In September, AEDC provided financing to Mace Chasm Farm in Keeseville to purchase and install a 70-kw solar array. While it is primarily a meat farm, Mace Chasm has an Airbnb on-site, hosts live music events, as well as a growing nursery of grafted fruit trees available for retail and wholesale purchase. The farm’s products are sold year-round through its own farm store and at regional farmer's markets. 


The new solar power system will support the farm's continued growth, reduce energy costs and provide renewable energy for decades to come. AEDC is proud to be a part of this great sustainability plan. 



Pictured: Mace Chasm Farm

Small Business Administration Visits AEDC

Syracuse District Director Dan Rickman visited us in Saranac Lake recently to discuss the Microlender Program. AEDC was in the first cohort awarded through the program in 1992, and we have been able to provide capital to many hundreds of small businesses since that time. 

We value our work with Dan and his team through this important business lending program!  







Pictured: Kevin Wilson, Kathy Recchia, Victoria Duley (AEDC), Dan Rickman (SBA) and Jamie Cecilia (AEDC) at AEDC’s Saranac Lake office

Doing Business with New York State Expo in Akwesanse 


Stephanie from our team participated with other small business experts at the “pop up” Doing Business with New York State event in September, hosted by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in Akwesasne. 

Stephanie shared business counseling and Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise certification expertise and connected with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and partners.


Thank you to Dwayne Thomas, AEDC Board Member, and his team for hosting this great event.  






Pictured: Stephanie Donaldson, Entrepreneurship Program Director at Doing Business Expo

Bab-a-Dew's Wood-Fired Pizza to Expand


AEDC provided a second round of financing to Bab-a-Dew's Wood-Fired Pizza in Olmstedville to facilitate its expansion. In addition to its food truck operation, the business recently expanded to a brick-and-mortar location in the former restaurant building at the Cedar River Golf Course in Indian Lake. 


The business provides a casual, rustic Adirondack dining experience with an Italian flare. Since 2024, Bab-a-Dew's has been quickly growing its following of loyal customers in the region. AEDC's loan funds supported the purchase of a larger artisanal pizza oven and to make necessary building renovations. We are proud to help this tasty business continue to thrive!


Pictured: Bab -a-Dews Owners Jessica and Brandon Nichols at recent loan closing 





AEDC Collaborates with Mohawk Valley EDGE 

Jamie, Santana, and Victoria from AEDC recently met with the powerhouse team from Mohawk Valley EDGE to discuss our mutual client work and expand our partnership. 

We were delighted to see first-hand the growth happening in Herkimer and Oneida counties and the infrastructure underway to allow for much more progress. We look forward to being a continued partner in this momentum. 





Pictured:
Jamie Cecilia, Victoria Duley (AEDC), Myron Thurston (MV EDGE), Santana Vicencio-LaBarre (AEDC) at Mohawk Valley Edge office in Rome

ADK Sugar Shack Opens in Saranac Lake


Our team enjoyed a field trip to visit ADK Sugar Shack’s new store in downtown Saranac Lake. AEDC provided financing toward the launch of this wonderful spot for sweets, treats, and fun. In addition to delicious chocolates, fudge, local products, and nostalgia candy, ADK Sugar Shack hosts family activities and events.


We are proud to have worked in partnership with the Village of Saranac Lake and Franklin County to help bring this sweet spot to Saranac Lake. 



Pictured: Owner Katrina Glynn at ADK Sugar Shack in Saranac Lake 

Working with Pendragon Theatre to Bridge Grant Reimbursements


This fall, AEDC was pleased to provide a second bridge loan to Pendragon Theatre. The bridge financing will help the organization meet post-expansion needs as it awaits state grant reimbursement. 

Attracting over 6,000 patrons on an annual basis, Pendragon now operates out a new, larger facility on Woodruff Street in Saranac Lake and enjoyed its first summer season on site! AEDC partnered with the Village of Saranac Lake and its Revolving Loan Fund to assist this community institution. 

We love the Pendragon Theatre and were happy to be its first event client at our 50
th anniversary celebration in June.

Pictured: Pendragon Theatre, Saranac Lake 

Franklin County Rental Assistance Program Strong 

The Adirondack Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) launched its NYS HOME grant-funded program to provide up to one year of tenant-based rental support, first-month rent assistance, and security deposit help for local households. 

They are celebrating 50 enrolled households, delivering critical stability to local workers, families, and seniors facing rising housing costs. AEDC is proud to play a role in this important work through providing a line of credit for the program. 

The program has capacity to enroll another 50 households and is making an important impact. Congratulations to AHDC for securing these resources for our residents. 



North Country Chamber of Commerce Women in Business


Kathy and Santana from our team attended the Women in Business event at the Rainbow Hall Banquet facility in Altona.


They enjoyed the inspiring words of Molly Kennedy and great camaraderie of many great women and a few great men from across the region. A majority of our clients are women-owned businesses, and we know first-hand the powerhouses that they are in our communities. 

Thanks to our great partners at the North Country Chamber of Commerce for this event! 


Pictured: Kathy Recchia and Santana Vicencio-LaBarre at Women in Business in Altona 



Inlet Area Business Association Fall Meeting


Following a busy summer season, the Inlet Area Business Association convened for a regular meeting. AEDC was pleased to attend to discuss its services and connect with area businesses. 

As always, we were amazed by the beauty and bustle of this great community and look forward to further partnership with its businesses. Thanks to the lovely Woods Inn for hosting this event.




Pictured: Victoiria Duley and Santana Vicencio-LaBarre
at the Woods Inn in Inlet


 

 
AEDC 2025 Annual Report
 
 

About AEDC

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.


Mission: Advancing economic opportunity by supporting start up and existing small businesses.

Small Business Loans & Financing

Technical Assistance

Minority & Women Owned Business

Financial Empowerment

Small Business

Trainings & Events

 
 

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