Five Regional Partners Promote Adirondack Economy in Albany

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Five major regional organizations spent two days in Albany this week advocating for a shared agenda in support of the Adirondack economy. Led by the North Country Chamber of Commerce, the delegation featured Chamber President Garry Douglas; Steve McNally, President of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages; James McKenna, CEO of ROOST and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council; Victoria Duley, CEO of the Adirondack Economic Development Corp.; Beth Gilles, Executive Director of the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board; and Bill Farber, Adirondack broadband and cell service advocate.

"We had a practical agenda addressing Housing, Workforce, Economic and Community Development, and Broadband/Cell service," notes Douglas. "We had particularly good discussions on housing affordability, expanding understanding of the different challenges in the Adirondacks and the need to avoid statewide one-size-fits-all approaches. The REDC housing strategy was shared and follow-up discussions will now continue. We also obtained a commitment to pursue some practical steps that would assist with further broadband development, heard support for continued major capital funding for ORDA, had good discussions regarding enhancements to state small business support programs including for business transitions, and highlighted some economic and workforce development opportunities."

The group had direct meetings with Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, Assembly Economic Development Chair Al Stirpe, Assembly Small Business Chair Carrie Woerner,  Senator Neil Breslin, the Senate Majority Leader's economic development and housing staff, and Assemblymen Billy Jones and Matt Simpson, as well as meeting with outgoing DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, among others. The group had previously shared its agenda with Senator Dan Stec and had held virtual meetings with Governor Hochul's staff.

The group also joined the Farm Bureau at its annual Taste of New York reception for the State Legislature which included a North Country Chamber of Commerce booth.

"It was the first time our five organizations joined in such a collaborative effort in Albany," notes Douglas, "and I believe our timely input was well received and will now be the subject of active follow-ups over the coming weeks."

"Our meetings were definitely beneficial and will pay dividends," says North Country REDC Co-Chair McKenna. "Our team interacted with state decision makers and provided unique solutions for many pressing issues. Housing, workforce, broadband, cell service, technical assistance, and downtowns were all covered. Hats off to the North country Chamber for facilitating these valuable meetings."

"We were delighted to have so many productive conversations with our legislators and government partners on behalf of small business," says AEDC President Duley. "We are looking forward to continuing this work with our great North Country team!"

"Workforce housing continues to be at the forefront of community development conversations in the North Country. There is not a one size fits all solution, and we are happy to continue working with the state and our partners to offer solutions for the betterment of North Country communities," says Regional Planning Board Executive Director Gilles.

"The conversations were timely and substantive," says AATV President McNally. "And the access and respect for the North Country Chamber was very evident. It is an important partnership that can and will make a difference."