As we all reflect on a difficult year marked by a global pandemic, economic crisis and social and political upheaval, we at ANCA are looking forward — with hope, determination and gratitude. 

In this month's What's Up North blog, ANCA's Dani Delaini expresses our deepest gratitude for friends and partners who are working hard to support North Country businesses and communities through these difficult times. 

Interested in owning a North Country business? The Center for Businesses in Transition is hosting a multi-day virtual conference — designed to empower those who live here and those who want to live here to realize their dreams of business ownership.

What: Small Communities. Big Opportunities: Own a North Country Business Virtual Conference 

When: February 24-27, 2021 

Not all business owners are ready to make their transition plans public, but many are taking steps to connect with potential qualified successors.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking to take over an existing business, you can get a taste of some Semi-Anonymous Business Opportunities on CBIT's new website or connect with a CBIT Community Liaison at transitions@adirondack.org.

Are you planing to sell or transition your business to a new owner in the coming year? Please join SUNY Canton SBDC for a webinar that will focus on business valuation, transitioning to family or employees, tax considerations and more.

What: Plan Strategically for the Sale or Transition of Your Business Webinar
When: Wednesday, January 20, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Where: Virtual

"Green energy is a pressing moral imperative and a prime economic opportunity. New York can and will be the nation's leader for renewable energy innovation and production, all while securing jobs of the future for New Yorkers." ~ Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his 2021 State of the State address 

Learn how Governor Cuomo's 2021 agenda aims to increase clean energy production and job opportunities throughout ithe state.

ANCA is hiring! We are seeking a proactive, creative, collaborative and experienced individual to fill our Clean Energy Coordinator position, designed to support the development of our Clean Energy Program and ANCA's mission to improve the economic viability of North Country communities.

The primary work location for this position is the Western Adirondack Region (Jefferson, Lewis and St.
Lawrence Counties) with a focus on Watertown and Canton districts.

Applications are due January 29, 2021.

Electric vehicle owners driving through Malone and Schroon Lake can now get a fast charge. Part of EVolve NY's efforts to expand charging stations along key travel corridors and in urban areas, a new 100-kilowatt Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) was installed in the Franklin County Courthouse parking lot and four 175-kilowatt chargers at a Schroon Lake gas station. These chargers are the first high-speed stations in the Adirondack region that can power any fully electric vehicle, regardless of make or model.

Paul Smith’s College is leading the way among higher education institutions striving to switch to renewable energy. The college has announced that 100% of its electricity accounts are now served by local hydroelectric facilities through Northern Power & Light, transitioning more than 40% of its total energy needs to local renewable sources.

Photo courtesy of NP&L of its newly acquired Sissonville facility in Potsdam 

Registration is open for the North Country Food Justice Working Group's annual Feed Back summit, which examines how we can move our region toward stronger, more accessible, inclusive, nutritious and just systems.

What: FEED BACK, Move Forward: Responding to 2020
When: February 24-25, 2021
Where: Virtual 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently accepting applications for the following programs:

• RMA-AMS Harmonized GAP Assistance:  A joint effort by USDA's Risk Management Agency and Agricultural Marketing Service to increase market access for fruit and vegetable producers by helping them pay for buyer-required food safety certifications. The program has been extended through 2021.

ANCA members are growing the New Economy by building strong and resilient systems for local food, clean energy and small businesses. Become an ANCA member today.