North Country Economy News | July 2026 | | Supporting Local, Improving Access, Reducing Waste | | | | |
From Market to Community Meals
Earlier this month at the High Peaks Farmers' Market in Saranac Lake, ANCA launched our new Market to Meals program, which is designed to reduce food waste, support local farms, and provide fresh, healthy food for preparing free community meals.
At the end of each market, our team purchases surplus food from participating vendors and transports it to local community kitchens. The program is already having incredible impact for all who are involved.
Farmers are able to sell more of their produce at market, and kitchen staff are making great use of the fresh farm products preparing soups, salads, entrees, sides, deviled eggs, and more!
| | |
Stop by the Saranac Lake Market on Saturdays through the summer to enjoy local food and crafts, special events and the chance to learn more about our Market to Meals program. ANCA staff will be there to answer questions and accept donations to support the program.
Photo: Our Market to Meals haul from just one Saturday market. What a difference this makes in supporting farms, reducing waste, and providing healthy food for the community!
| | | Active & Engaged with ADI | |
Save the Date for ADI's 2026 Symposium!
We are living through a moment of rapid change, in our laws, our communities, and the systems meant to protect us. You're invited to learn the history we stand on, understand the systems we’re navigating, while we equip ourselves and our communities with real tools, and imagine together what comes next.
Join us for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative 2026 Symposium — Rooted & Rising — where we'll move through four interconnected conversations over the two days in beautiful Blue Mountain Lake, New York.
| | |
Stay tuned for more information and registration. Until then, save the date!
| |
Gather at the Long Table
Join host John Brown Lives! and special guests, including our very own ADI Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher, for an evening of remembrance and community in Lake Placid, NY.
The Long Table gathering will feature artwork, conversation and a "Timbuctoo Table" menu prepared by renowned chefs Lewis Sheridan Hughes, Robert Dumas, and Brandon Schatko.
| | | Small Business Opportunities | |
Wanted: Business Ownership Input
ANCA and our Center for Businesses in Transition partners are seeking input from current and aspiring business owners in two brief surveys. Please take a few moments to complete or share the surveys with North Country entrepreneurs.
Photo: Miranda Holman (left) purchased a Ticonderoga floral business from Francine Burke with support from CBIT.
| | | |
-
Prospective Owners: This survey seeks input from young adults (ages 18–29), regardless of their level of interest or experience with business ownership. Complete the survey here.
Both surveys will remain open until July 27, and participation is completely voluntary and anonymous.
| |
Grant and Financing Opportunities
Learn about funding support programs ANCA is providing for North Country small businesses, farms and nonprofits this season:
| |
Energy Upgrade Initiative
Do you operate a North Country business or nonprofit looking to implement energy projects that improve safety, comfort and affordability? Learn more about ANCA's new Small Business Energy Upgrade Initiative. Your small business or nonprofit may be eligible to receive funds toward cost-saving measures through this initiative, supported by the National Grid Foundation.
Complete the interest form to get scheduled for a consultation about your project.
| |
Bridge Loan Program
ANCA's Bridge Loan Program provides cash flow for grant funded projects that require grantees to spend money before receiving the grant funds.This allows small farms and businesses to start their grant-funded project sooner, cover upfront costs while waiting for reimbursement, and access quick, flexible financing.
| |
Connect With Other Entrepreneurs This Summer
Want to connect with other entrepreneurs this summer? Join members of the local business community in a welcoming space where you can network, share ideas, ask questions, and feel connected:
| | | |
Virtual Roundtable
Join ANCA and North Country small business owners and staff at ANCA's monthly virtual Entrepreneur Roundtable:
-
What: Virtual Entrepreneur Roundtable
-
When: First Tuesday of each month (August 4, September 1)
-
Where: Virtual via Zoom
| | |
In-person Meetups
Join Clarkson University's Shipley Center for Innovation and regional host organizations for North Country Entrepreneurship Meetups. The series rotates between locations across seven counties.
Upcoming meetups are happening in Malone on July 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Lowville on August 12, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
| | Climate & Energy Connections | |
Celebrate with the Hub!
You're invited to join our North Country Clean Energy Hub team to celebrate the progress we've made helping local residents create more comfortable and affordable homes. Over the past three years, the Hub and partners have connected households with energy efficiency upgrades, critical home repair assistance, and improvements to community facilities across the region.
Whether you've participated in a Hub program, partnered with us, received assistance, or simply care about clean energy in the North Country, we welcome you to join us for a free virtual forum to learn more, participate and provide feedback for the Hub's next phase of programming.
| | | |
Plus! We're offering a Stewart's gift card incentive for all who attend and provide feedback!
| |
Tips from the Hub: Reducing Moisture & Mold in Your Home
Mold can pop up in your home when you least expect it, often developing in areas you don’t check regularly. Once visible, mold must be tackled head-on to prevent it from becoming a larger issue. In the Hub's most recent blog, ANCA Hub Program Coordinator Bella Abbadessa offers some helpful tips on how to prevent mold from forming in the first place.
| |
Thank Yous & Next Chapters
Thank you to all who joined us earlier this month to celebrate Elizabeth Cooper and her five years serving as ANCA's Executive Director. We wish her all the best in her new role as Executive Director of Feeding New York State.
As we look forward to welcoming a new leader for the organization later this year, we are not slowing down in our expansive work across the region. With Interim Executive Director Zach Hobbs leading our team of 21 dedicated staff, we are excited for our next chapter. Thank you for continuing to trust, partner and work with us during this transition.
| | | Photo: Elizabeth receives a Resolution recognizing her service and achievements from Assemblyman Michael Cashman at her send-off gathering in Saranac Lake. | | ICYMI: News from Around the Region | | |
Visit our jobs page for openings with member and partner organizations and regional nonprofits:
-
Operations & Finance Manager: AdkAction
-
Mobility Device Site Interpreter: Camp Santanoni
-
Executive Director: Naturally Lewis
Have an opening you want to promote? Send a web link to jobs@adirondack.org.
| | | |
Build Shared Prosperity for All
ANCA members are building shared prosperity across northern New York by supporting programs that strengthen small businesses, local food systems, climate & energy initiatives, and welcoming & belonging. Thank you for powering this important work.
| | | | | |
