Supporting local communities in the age of COVID-19

New Economy News | March 2020

Supporting local communities
in the age of COVID-19

"In these times when we can't even give each other hugs or handshakes, we need connection more than ever."

In ANCA's What's Up North blog, Executive Director Kate Fish reflects on the current global crisis and how we can support our neighbors, local businesses and communities during this uncertain time. We invite you to share ideas and stories about how we can bolster our communities in the age of COVID-19.

Read the blog

Resources and information for small businesses

A number of business support organizations, chambers of commerce and economic development nonprofits are offering information and resources designed to support small businesses during this challenging time.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is offering a free webinar, "Employment in the Covid Crisis: Triage for Employers," on Friday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m.

The Business Council for New York State provides information and guidance for employers on its "Managing the Coronavirus" webpage, including a webinar, "The Impact of Coronavirus on Employers," scheduled for Friday, March 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Also this Friday, the North Country Chamber of Commerce will host a conversation with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, State Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Billy Jones at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Constituents are invited to submit questions ahead of the "Tele-Townhall."

The New York Small Business Development Center also offers interim guidance and resource links on its website.

If you know of useful resources for businesses dealing with the COVID-19 situation, please let us know at anca@adirondack.org. ANCA staff are working on compiling information in order to support our region's businesses and communities.

Coronavirus-related office & event changes

Operating under an abundance of caution due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation in the region, ANCA has temporarily closed our office in downtown Saranac Lake. All staff are working remotely and can be contacted by email.

We have also canceled or postponed the following events:

Adirondack Buyer Days canceled

This year's Adirondack Buyer Days show, which was scheduled for March 31 and April 1, is one event on a long list of cancelations around the region.

We are reaching out to show participants in the coming weeks to connect them with other marketing opportunties and support resources.

Please save the date for next year's show. We look forward to seeing you there!

What: 2021 Adirondack Buyer Days
When: April 20-21, 2021
Where: Saratoga Springs City Center

Learn more

ON-RAMP rescheduled for September 2020

We are committed to decarbonizing the transportation landscape in the North Country, and we know you are too. We look forward to mapping a low-carbon future with you at this two-day summit in September:

What: Clean Transportation: the Adirondack ON-RAMP
NEW DATE: September 29-30, 2020
Same location: Hotel Saranac, Saranac Lake

* The Early Bird rate has been extended. Save $20 by signing up soon.

New Local Food Systems Coordinator

Adam Dewbury joins the ANCA team

We are pleased to announce the hire of ANCA’s new Local Food Systems Coordinator, Adam Dewbury! A skilled researcher and writer, Adam has extensive experience with the regional food system through his work with the food processing industry, restaurant management and small farm production.

He will be an key asset for our region’s farmers and food producers as ANCA continues to develop and facilitate a variety of programs and policy recommendations that support their businesses. Welcome Adam!

COVID-19 response: ANCA announces Local Food System Security Grant

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some critical stress points in our local food system. Farmers have reported labor issues, market closures and fears of supply chain disruption due to COVID-19.

To bolster local food security and ensure the resilience and sustainability of our local farms, ANCA has announced a $100,000 Local Food Security Grant program for 2020 for farms in our 14-county region.

Proposals are due by April 10, 2020. Questions about the RFP can be directed to Adam at adewbury@adirondack.org.

Learn more and see the RFP

New member profile

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to ANCA’s newest business members, Eastern Energy Solutions, Inc. (EES) and Community Power Partners (CPP).

Family-owned and based in Upstate New York, EES is a design/build LED lighting contractor and full-line distributor that serves over 2,000 customers. EES offers turn-key solutions, distributor lighting packages, lighting supplies as well as grant paperwork facilitation.

Launched in April 2018, CPP is advancing community solar throughout the North Country.

Welcome. And thank your support!

Small business toolbox

Springtime succession planning

Finished filing your business taxes? With an up-to-date picture of your 2019 financials handy, this is a great time to start thinking about your business valuation and succession plan.

To help you get started, the Center for Businesses in Transition invites retiring and transitioning business owners to fill out an initial inquiry form.

Inquiry form

Two-minute survey: what are you workforce training needs?

North Country business owners are invited to take our two-minute Small Business Training Needs Assessment survey — designed to help ANCA and partners identify your workforce-related needs and limitations and provide appropriate support for training opportunities.

Take the survey

Business transition workshops

The Center for Businesses in Transition partnership is again offering its "Plan for the Future" workshop series designed to provide resources and networking opportunities for transitioning businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Final dates for the six workshops are subject to change due to current public health concerns. Keep an eye on the CBIT website for updates.

All "Plan for the Future" workshops are recorded and archived on ANCA's YouTube channel so these tools and resources are available for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Learn more

Reach customers online with Google

Tune in to this one-hour webinar, shared with us by the NY Small Business Development Center. Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your business using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Smart Campaigns in Google Ads.

What: Webinar: Reach Customers Online with Google
When: Thursday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m.

Local business supports public health efforts

Randy Cross of Carpe Insecte, a local manufacturer that produces natural insect repellents, is now making hand sanitizer right here in Saranac Lake. The company’s new product will be helping Franklin County emergency personnel stay safe while hand sanitizer supplies are becoming scarce throughout the country.

Photo by Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Clean energy corner

Program to increase EV infrastructure statewide

In a recent whitepaper, New York Department of Public Services staff propose a statewide “Make-Ready” program to spur, among other outcomes, the State's buildout of direct current fast chargers (DCFCs) and publicly accessible Level 2 chargers.

The Commission requested comments by April 6, 2020, with reply comments due by April 20, 2020.

Learn more

Online tool tracks low-emissions vehicles

Drive to Zero's newly launched Zero-Emission Technology Inventory (ZETI) tool is helpful online resource for establishing a current and shared knowledge base for worldwide commercially available offerings of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Learn more