The Power of Community

As 2024 comes to a close, we are proud of all the good work you have helped us achieve this year. During this season of gratitude and giving, we are reminded of the immense power of community.

From local businesses and farmers to nonprofits and municipal leaders — our North Country friends and neighbors work hard, lift each other up, and make our region a truly special place. ANCA is deeply committed to supporting local businesses and communities across the Adirondack North Country. 

Save the Date for ANCA's New Joint Conference This Spring!

We are excited to share an exciting new opportunity to engage with the ANCA Community and businesses and leaders who are building a strong and equitable economy in the Adirondack North Country.

You're invited to join us in scenic Lake Placid, NY for ANCA's inaugural joint conference of our popular Clean Energy and Small Communities. Big Opportunities. (SCBO) conferences. You'll experience two of ANCA’s signature events together under one roof, for one great price!

Last Chance! Inform ANCA's Next Strategic Plan

ANCA’s updating our strategic plan, and we want to include your needs and perspectives in the process. Last updated in 2020, ANCA’s strategic plan guides our work. Your honest, candid insights to our 5-10 minute survey will form the backbone of our next plan as we work to build partnerships, leverage resources, and support a North Country economy that works for all. We appreciate your time and engagement!

Elizabeth Cooper Honored on State List

ANCA Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper is one of a select group of economic development leaders to be named "2024 Trailblazers in Economic Development" by City & State New York. Elizabeth, alongside fellow North Country champion Garry Douglas of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for her role leading ANCA's multiple programs that support our region's small business community, including the ADI Symposium and Clean Energy Conference. Congrats to Elizabeth and all the leaders who were recognized on City & State's list!

Support Local. Support Small.

Small businesses are the backbone of North Country communities. Let's show them some love this holiday season (and every day!).

Before you buy online or at a big box store, check with your local Chamber of Commerce, downtown, or neighborhood businesses for gifts and holiday needs.

Supporting small businesses strengthens your local economy, does less harm to the environment, makes your community unique, and financially supports local community groups, events and neighbors.

Read ANCA's 2021 Last-minute Support Local Holiday Gift Guide for a few local gift giving ideas.

Sign Up to Shop Local at Adirondack Buyer Days!

Buyer registration for ANCA’s 2025 Adirondack Buyer Days artisan trade show is open!

For nearly four decades, this wholesale gift show has connected some of the region's best micro and small maker businesses with retail buyers looking to stock their shelves with unique, handcrafted gifts. 

Register now to shop high-quality local products like boutique apparel, spa, housewares, souvenir, stationery, jewelry, pet, fine art, specialty food & beverage, and more!

Micro-credential Launch Set for January

We are thrilled to announce that the Adirondack Diversity Initiative's new Welcoming & Belonging Micro-credential Course will launch on January 21, 2025!

The online course offers local businesses, chambers of commerce, and community groups essential knowledge and best practices for creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all staff and clientele.

Celebrating Clean Energy Communities!

As 2024 winds down, we want to celebrate community leaders in 57 North Country towns and villages who ANCA has worked with this year to secure over $1.65 million for clean energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce costs and carbon emissions.

In this month's What's Up North Blog, ANCA's Nicole Draina reflects on the impact of NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities program across the region and the municipal leaders who have leveraged state grants to bring energy improvements to their communities. Nicole also shares a CEC Digital Booklet that details participating communities and their grant-funded projects. View the booklet here.

As we look ahead to building a strong clean energy economy in the years ahead, we celebrate these leaders who are making a difference locally.

The Hub is Hiring

Our North Country Clean Energy Hub team is seeking a creative, detail-oriented professional interested in supporting a variety of clean energy initiatives that benefit North Country residents and businesses. Learn more about this new Clean Energy Hub Program Coordinator position and how to apply on our Job Opportunities page.

Amendments Will Reduce Food Waste

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed amendments for the NYS Food Donation and Recycling Act. Passed in 2021, the law requires larger generators of food waste to donate or recycle their food scraps if options exist within 25 miles. The new amendments will increase the number of generators affected by the law by broadening that distance to 50 miles and gradually decreasing the required threshold for weekly food waste generated from the current two tons to 500 pounds per week. The law will help decrease the amount of food waste going to landfills by an estimated 42%, allowing the organic waste to be recycled for other uses like compost.

Winter Market Transitions to Park-It

This Saturday, December 21, is the last indoor High Peaks Farmers' Market of the year, and a great opportunity to support some of our amazing local farms and vendors this holiday season. Stop by the Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to shop local and shop small for your holiday celebrations.

The Park-It Winter Market at the Hotel will begin again in January and run through May 2025. Pre-sales only for this park-it and pick-up market.

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

• Director of Conferences and Events: Paul Smith’s College
• Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts: St. Lawrence University 
• Network Outreach and Engagement Coordinator: The Heart Network
• Program Manager: Adirondack Center for Writing
• Housing Rehabilitation Specialist: Adirondack Roots

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