"It's only when we see ourselves for who we are, that we can ask the same of others." ~ Nicole Hylton-Patterson

The Adirondack Diversity Initiative is thrilled to welcome Nicole Hylton-Patterson as its first Diversity Director when she takes on the leadership role at ANCA's office in December.

We look forward to working with Nicky as she heads this collaborative initiative, which strives to make the Adirondacks a more welcoming and inclusive place.

ANCA is accepting proposals for a new grant program that provides farm and food businesses funds to advance their business goals and increase farm viability.

The Local Farm Grant program is accepting proposals for projects ranging between $2,500 and $45,000 until November 30, 2019.

Thank you to the generous donors who have donated $100,000 to make this grant opportunity possible!

Spread the word about ANCA's current job opening.

ANCA's Local Food Systems Coordinator will work with partners to advance local food efforts througout the region — expanding markets for farmers and food entrepreneurs, increasing local food access in our communities and supporting the growth and strength of local food systems.

Applications are due this Friday, November 22, 2019. Visit our job opportunties page for more information.

The 3rd Annual North Country Food Justice Summit will identify obstacles and successful initiatives that address the intersection of poverty and food: activism, institutional change and policy.

The North Country Food Justice Working Group welcomes proposals for presentations for TED-style talks, panel discussions and workshops until Dec. 15th.

What: North Country Food Justice Summit
When: Thursday, February 27, 2020, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Wild Center, Tupper Lake, NY

ANCA's Clean Energy team has wrapped up two NYSERDA programs this year, bringing over $2M in clean energy investments to the North Country. 

The Cleaner Greener Communities One Stop Shop Program and the Clean Energy Communities Program are helping communities reduce costs and increase energy efficiency.

Click here for coverage in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Plattsburgh: In 2018, the town used part of its $100,000 NYSERDA CEC
award to purchase a plug-in hybrid car.

NYSERDA's Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is now available in Franklin County for commercial and multifamily buildings. 

Contact ANCA's Clean Energy team at energy@adirondack.org for more information about Energy Improvement Corporation's Energize NY program, which offers financing for property owners for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for existing commercial structures. 

This program aims to get groups of homes and businesses in New York State to install clean heating and cooling (CH&C) technologies. Options like ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, solar heating and cooling, and biomass can help lower energy bills and reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases while making homes and businesses more comfortable.

Well-known in Willsboro, the Turtle Island Cafe is open year-round, but is at its liveliest in the summer. With a dedicated staff and food that keeps customers coming back yearly, it’s a great pick for any aspiring restaurateur.

Current owner Mimi Lane is happy to hand over her business to new management, but she’s not looking for just anyone. It’ll take someone with real restaurant experience and a love of the North Country.

Get a peek at this and other businesses in transtion on ANCA's Instagram page. 

Do you represent a chamber of commerce, educational institution, partnership or economic development organization and would like to become more involved in the Center for Businesses in Transition partnership?

The Center is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Community Liaisons. Applications are due this Friday, November 22 by 4:00 p.m. 

Get a peek at the connections that happen at ANCA's Adirondack Buyer Days in this short video by Pure ADK at last year's show. 

This annual event is about more than the amazing variety of locally made products on display. It's also about the artisans who create them and the relationships they build with retailers from around the region and beyond.

Video: Thanks to Pure ADK for capturing moments from the 2019 show! 

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with regional makers. Registration for buyers is now open.

We are also accepting vendor applications from makers of local handcrafted products. Apply now!

What: 34th Annual Adirondack Buyer Days
When: March 31 & April 1, 2020
Where: Saratoga Springs City Center

Photo: Amanda Podolec of APJ Designs in Washington County shows her handmade jewlery at the 2019 Adirondack Buyer Days show. 

The fourth and final monthly LED Street Lighting Academy — offered by NYSERDA and the Lighting Research Center of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The webinars educate local governments on LED street lighting options and better prepare municipal decision-makers for interacting with contractors and the public. Webinars take place on Tuesdays at 10 AM.

December 10: Understanding Impacts on the Public 

Two technical tours in the Town of Chester:

What: Heating with Wood Pellets
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10:00 a.m. to noon

What: Wood Pellet Boilers for Steam Heated Buildings
When: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10:00 a.m. to noon 

Both tours will take place at the Town of Chester Municipal Building, 6307 State Route 9, Chestertown.

For more information & to register, contact ANCA's Nancy Bernstein at nbernstein@adirondack.org or consultant Rick Handley at rhandley@nycap.rr.com.

ANCA members are growing the New Economy by building strong systems for local food, clean energy and businesses.

All memberships and gifts made by the end of the year count toward the Local Farm Challenge and our $100,000 goal.