Earlier this month, on Monday, January 15, people across the United States celebrated Martin Luther King Day. Many of us enjoyed a day off of school or work and were greeted on social media with feel-good quotes of love and hope.

But progress toward MLK's dream of racial justice does not come easily. It does not and will not happen without collaboration, hard work, and action.

2024 Clean Energy Conference: We'd Love Your Input

On May 20 and 21, ANCA and partners will convene clean energy stakeholders and community leaders around key energy issues that impact our rural region at our 2024 Clean Energy Conference.

We want to know what topics you'd like to explore at the Conference and how you want to engage with others around current regional clean energy issues.

By completing our 3-minute survey, you may enter to win one free conference registration!

Follow the Hub for Energy Tips

The North Country Clean Energy Hub is dedicated to helping residents and businesses adopt clean energy technology, utilize energy efficiency programs, and find jobs in the clean energy industry. Follow the Hub on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date about tips, presentations, and other opportunities to engage with our Energy Advisors and other clean energy resources. Visit the Hub's website to connect directly with your county's Energy Advisor.

The Adirondack Diversity Initiative is again collaborating with Talking Rivers on the We Are All in This Together Symposium. The symposium is a series of three virtual events that will explore how we can expand the conception of environmental stewardship beyond the human and unravel the historical roots of the climate crisis. Join us for one or all of these free evening presentations:

• De-structuring Ownership: Wednesday, February 28
• The Spirits of Nature: Tuesday, March 19
• Who Looks After the Water: Tuesday, April 9

ADI Director Addresses Voters for Change

“What’s important to remember is there is no cavalry coming to save us. It’s just us. We’re the ones. It’s not the next generation. It’s who is here now that will make a difference on what happens, what comes next. We have to take responsibility for our actions, understanding they will have repercussions, positive or negative. We need to decide what kind of legacy we want to leave." ~ Tiffany Rea-Fisher

On January 21, ADI Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher addressed attendees of an Adirondack Voters for Change meeting in Saranac Lake. Read about Tiffany's work and her approach to the arts, bridge building, and fostering diversity in the Adirondack North Country.

Food Justice Summit Set for February

Next month, the Adirondack Food System Network will host the 6th annual Food Justice Summit, themed “Stronger Together." Supported by 15 regional organizations who are committed to building a strong and equitable food system in the North Country, the summit will explore a number of issues related to food justice and food system resilience.

• What: Food Justice Summit
• When: Thursday, February 29, 2024
• Where: The Wild Center, Tupper Lake, N.Y.

Grant Assistance for Farms & Businesses

ANCA is currently offering assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to prepare grant applications for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides loan financing and grant funding to eligible entities for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Local farms and businesses are invited to contact ANCA Energy Circuit Rider Annie Arnold to learn more: aarnold@adirondack.org or 518-891-6200 x108.

Real Estate Professionals Invited

The CBIT Partnership welcomes North Country real estate professionals to a webinar designed to build collaborations that support business transitions in our region.

• What: Webinar: Role of a Real Estate Professional in a Business Transition
• When: Tuesday, February 6, 9-10 a.m.

This program is for real estate agents, appraisers, associate brokers, and salespersons to learn more about the Center for Business in Transition and explore ways we can partner support the successful sale or purchase of local businesses. Our ultimate shared goal is to keep as many businesses open, employing people and occupying our commercial spaces.

Meet Your Match on March 1st

Showcase your available business to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to take over a North Country business. Connect with owners of existing businesses who are seeking potential buyers. Join CBIT for our 2024 Virtual Matchmaking event:

• What: CBIT Virtual Matchmaking Program
• When: Friday, March 1 at 3:30-5:30 p.m.

There will also be two preparatory programs for sellers prior to the event whose dates and times will be determined by seller availability after you register for the main event. The preparatory sessions will cover: "What to Expect!" and "How to Prepare!" 

Calling Vendors, Buyers of Handmade Gifts

ANCA's Adirondack Buyer Days trade show is now accepting vendor applications and buyer registrations. Sign up now to save your spot at this annual gathering of artisan makers (like long-time vendor JC Parker Fine Art, artwork pictured) and retailers from across the Northeast.

• Prospective new vendors, apply here!
• Retail buyers, register for free!
• Want to sponsor this event? Learn more!

Visit our jobs page for openings with member and partner organizations and regional nonprofits:

• Family Center Coordinator: Play ADK
• New Economy Fund Coordinator: New Economy Project
• Finance and Operations Manager: Naturally Lewis
• Production Technician: Adirondack Awards & Promotions
• Lead Regional Manager of External and Municipal Customer Affairs: National Grid
• University Events Coordinator: Clarkson University

Have an opening you want to promote? Send a web link to jobs@adirondack.org.