New Economy News | February 2025 | |
Connect and Collaborate at Upcoming Events | | |
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Next Week in Saratoga: Adirondack Buyer Days!
Are you a retailer looking to source a variety of American designed and handcrafted gifts for your shop?
Join hundreds of discerning buyers at ANCA's annual Adirondack Buyer Days wholesale gift show! We'll be gathering next week, on March 5 and 6, in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Register now to shop high-quality local products like boutique apparel, spa, housewares, souvenir, stationery, jewelry, pet, fine art, specialty food & beverage, and other unique gifts — made here!
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What: 2025 Adirondack Buyer Days
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When: Wednesday, March 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Where: Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
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Cost: Free for Buyers
Pictured products by Caspar's Candles, Creative Roots Studio, LionheArt Graphics, Rachel's Spice and Tea Co., Woodpecker Axe & Leather Co., and The Family Cow Soaps.
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Building Our Small Business & Clean Energy Community | | |
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Sign Up Soon & Save for ANCA's Spring Conference
Sign up now for ANCA's inaugural joint conference of our popular Clean Energy and Small Communities. Big Opportunities. (SCBO) conferences.
This special event will convene small business and clean energy stakeholders who are invested in strengthening North Country businesses and communities through collaborative, action-oriented initiatives.
Early Bird discount is available until March 15, so sign up soon!
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Register by March 15 for Early Bird rate. Financial assistance available.
Discounted rates available for conference attendees at The Grand Adirondack Hotel and The Devlin in Lake Placid. Visit the conference page to book your room.
Questions? Please contact ANCA Event & Engagement Coordinator Caitlin Bottcher at cbottcher@adirondack.org.
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Workshops for Small Businesses
Join ANCA and the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce for two workshop series:
The three-week Leadership Development Workshop Series will cover the fundamentals of effective leadership and communication, identifying and understanding your leadership style, motivating your team, and managing stress in the workplace:
Our three-week Digital Marketing and Empowerment Series will help participants build marketing and social media skills as well as the basics of building a website and utilizing analytics.
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Inspire & Ignite Conference
Join the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for a day of networking, learning and empowerment with interactive workshops and panel discussions led by successful women in business. Sign up today for Inspire & Ignite: a conference for growth and inspiration for women in business.
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What: Inspire & Ignite Women in Business Conference
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When: Friday, March 7
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Where: Hotel Saranac, Saranac Lake
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Adirondack Diversity Initiative | | |
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Strengthen your business or organization by creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all staff and clientele.
ADI's new Welcoming & Belonging Micro-credential course is designed to meet the specific needs of the local business community, empowering participants to create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued and providing practical tools and strategies that can bring economic benefits to businesses and the region.
The course is self-paced, can be started at any time, and is provided on a rolling basis to fit the needs of each individual and/or team.
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The micro-credential was developed in partnership with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (SLACC) and offered through North Country Community College. SLACC members may receive an 80% reimbursement upon completion. Businesses that complete the course receive a micro-credential badge that demonstrates their commitment to providing welcoming spaces for staff and visitors. | | |
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Interested in Other ADI Programs?
Learn more about current programs and partnerships of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative in ADI's new booklet. The booklet details ADI's mission, vision, service area, approach and programs including the Community Policing Initiative, Emerging Stewards Initiative, Schoolyard Response Guide, and other tools and resources for community members and groups. Check out the booklet to learn more.
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28 Days of Black History
Black History Month offers each of us the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Black Americans and better understand the complex issues they have faced throughout history and in current times.
We invite you to read daily newsletter articles in the 28 Days of Black History series, published by the Anti-Racism Daily, a project of Reclamation Ventures. View the archives here.
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Adirondack Climate Conference
ADI is proud to sponsor the Adirondack Climate Conference, where community members, regional leaders, innovative problem-solvers, and students will gather to address climate challenges and opportunities in northern New York.
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The goal of the conference is to develop an inclusive network of stakeholders to make the North Country a better place to live, work, and play. Join the conversation to help strengthen local infrastructure, protect our biodiversity, and foster sustainable businesses and workforce. ANCA staff are among the slate of guest presenters at the conference.
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What: Adirondack Climate Conference
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When: Thursday, March 6, 2025
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Where: Hotel Saranac, Saranac Lake
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Expanding a Local Tree Nursery
Congrats to Mace Chasm Farm — the latest recipient of ANCA’s SOIL Loan Fund — for their successful loan project. The new storage facility will help the Keeseville farm expand its tree nursery program, increase tree sales, and serve more orchards, landowners and communities.
We are honored to partner with Foodshed Capital to offer flexible financing for farmers like Courtney Grimes-Sutton (pictured) who are the backbone of our region's food system.
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Since ANCA established the SOIL Loan Fund in 2022, the revolving loan program has helped six North Country farms complete projects that make a difference for their sustainability and growth. Learn more about Mace Chasm’s project in the Sun Community News. | |
Food Justice Summit This Week
ANCA is happy to sponsor and participate in this year's 2025 Food Justice Summit, titled “Recipe for Resilient Food Systems: Connecting Actors to Action." Coordinated by the Adirondack Food System Network, the 2025 summit will navigate the challenges and solutions in our food system.
What: 2025 Food Justice Summit
When: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Where: The Wild Center, Tupper Lake, NY
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Be a Bike the Barns Early Bird
ANCA's 9th Bike the Barns is shaping up to be a great one! Set in New York's Champlain Valley, in and around scenic Westport, NY, riders will experience stunning views, fall foliage, and interactive stops at some of the small farms that are leading our region's local food movement.
We are partnering again with BikeADK to make this a memorable farm-by-bike experience. Stay tuned for info about the host venue, farm stops, food vendors, entertainment, and more.
Early Bird pricing ends on February 28!
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Grow Your Composting Knowledge | |
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Compost Tea Talk
When: Friday, March 7, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Join the Composting Association of Vermont for this lunch-and-learn webinar: "Compost microscopy 101: matching biology to soil & crop needs." Led by Compost for Good's John Culpepper, this session will explore the world of microscopy and how the biological communities within compost influence soil health and cropping success.
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A Farmer's Guide to Compost
When: Tuesday, March 18, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Compost for Good's Jennifer Perry and John Culpepper will join other panelists to discuss opportunities for farmers to establish or grow their composting efforts in order to regenerate soils and build capacity for more plant life on their land. This webinar is hosted by Syracuse University's Institute for Sustainability Engagement.
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Food Waste Mitigation Grant for Businesses
The Empire State Development's Business Food Waste Mitigation Grant Program is now accepting applications. The $4 million initiative focuses on reducing large-scale business food waste through capital equipment grants awarded to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations applying on behalf of themselves or a New York State Business. Applications are due by May 23. Learn more on the ESD website, or contact ANCA's Jennifer Perry at jperry@adirondack.org.
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Seeking Contractors for Energy Projects
The North Country Clean Energy Hub is offering grants for local building contractors to provide or expand residential energy efficiency and/or building auditing services through NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program.
This opportunity is designed to address a shortage of contractors participating in the EmPower+ program across the Hub’s service area: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
Help spread the word about this opportunity for local contractors! The application deadline is March 28, 2025.
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Colton & Potsdam Receive Grants
Congrats to two North Country communities that secured grant funding through NYSERDA's Climate Smart Communities Program:
- The Town of Colton was awarded $186,000 for a Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Project. The Town will replace 1,715 feet of sidewalk along NY-56 with new, 5-foot-wide ADA compliant sidewalks.
- The Village of Potsdam was awarded $104,000 to complete three certification actions: Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements, Complete Streets Policy, and Planning for Bicycling and Walking. The Village recognizes the urgency of investing in resilience and sustainable development through application of Smart Growth principles.
Contact ANCA Energy Circuit Rider Carlie Leary to learn how your community can benefit from the CSC Program: cleary@adirondack.org.
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ICYMI: News from Around the Region | |
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This Cape Vincent dairy farm is adapting to climate change with the help of a federal program, NCPR
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Clarkson University Names Dr. Michelle B. Larson as 19th President, Clarkson University
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Land Bank plots next steps in Tupper Lake, Malone, Adirondack Daily Enterprise
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Governor Hochul Unveils Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, NYS
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Peru Family Farm Building Community Solar Power, Sun Community News
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State Offers New Road Salt Reduction Funding, Adirondack Explorer
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State Appears Ready to Approve Largest Solar Facility in the Adirondack Park, Adirondack Explorer
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DEI Is Under Attack. Here’s How Companies Can Mitigate the Legal Risks., Harvard Business Review
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Glens Falls seeking public input on new comprehensive plan, NCPR
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Visit our jobs page for openings with member and partner organizations and regional nonprofits:
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DEI Program Manager: New York Power Authority
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Executive Director: Adirondack Rail Trail Association
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Executive Director: Whallonsburg Grange Hall
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Land Protection Manager: Adirondack Land Trust
Have an opening you want to promote? Send a web link to jobs@adirondack.org.
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Build a Resilient Regional Economy
ANCA members and donors are growing the region's New Economy by building strong, resilient and equitable systems for local food, clean energy and small businesses. We deeply appreciate your support of this important work.
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