The completion of ANCA's 2019 Annual Report, like so many aspects of our lives, was disrupted and delayed by the unexpected challenges of 2020. But with challenge comes inspiration, motivation and change. 

This report documents some of the stories and impacts from our work over the last two years with the entrepreneurs, local food producers, clean energy leaders and diversity, equity and inclusion advocates who are building a resilient and prosperous future for the region.

Thank you for your support. We hope you enjoy the read.

The new year saw the transfer of home-based candle company Adirondack Soy Candles in Saranac Lake. The 17-year business has successfully transitioned from Sue Amell to Terry Reed, store manager at The Village Mercantile. Terry worked with the SBDC and the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce through the Center for Businesses in Transition to make this business purchase happen. Best wishes to Sue and Terry in their new ventures!

Do you love flowers, chocolate and historic buildings? The Country Florist & Gifts in downtown Ticonderoga has all of these and is now on the market!

Connect with owner Francine Burke, CBIT and the Ticonderoga Area Chamber to learn more about this and other business transition opportunities.

Watch: SBDC's Angela Smith describes what's in store for aspiring entrepreneurs who attend the conference.

One perk: you can connect with regional business owners who are ready to pass the torch, including:

• Adirondack Country Store
• Adirondack Fragrance Farm
• Paint It Pottery
• Plattsburgh Power Sweep
• The Saratoga Farmstead B&B
• Moontree Design
• Adirondack Logworks
• Scott's Florist
• WayNorth Consulting
• Davana LLC, Fire Tower Restoration
• Rotella Pest Management Inc.

Thank you to the following inaugural sponsors of Small Communities. Big Opportunities.: ANCA, Glens Falls National Bank, and SUNY Canton SBDC at Clinton Community College. 

Want to showcase your business or organization as a conference sponsor? Contact Caitlin Wargo to learn more.

For the first time in 35 years, Adirondack Buyer Days is going virtual.

We are excited about the sleek and user-friendly virtual platform. Plus, buyers can attend from anywhere — and shop in their pj's!

This wholesale trade show connects artisans with retailers seeking to stock their shelves with locally handcrafted products.

What: ANCA's Adirondack Buyer Days
When: Tues-Wed, April 20-21, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via BoothCentral

ANCA staff are proud to support North Country municipalities as coordinators for NYSERDA’s newly launched Clean Energy Communities Leadership Round. 

The Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program is designed to help local governments earn grants and recognition for implementing high-impact clean energy actions.

Contact ANCA for free CEC coordinator support: energy@adirondack.org.

Municipal leaders are invited to join ANCA's CEC Coordinators Nancy Bernstein and Jennifer Perry for an overview of the new CEC Round.

What: Introduction to the Clean Energy Communities Leadership Round Webinar
When: Feb. 23, 1-2:30 p.m. or March 2, 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Virual via Zoom
Cost: FREE!

The New York Power Authority is kicking off its “SustainAbleU - Let's Get Climate Smart” employee education program with curriculum materials prepared by faculty and staff from Clarkson and Cornell Universities, the Paleontological Research Institute, and SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry.

The team will establish a baseline of climate science literacy among NYPA employees and measure their comprehension of concepts as the program progresses.

Photo courtesy of Clarkson University

Join Saranac Lake Community Solar, the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, investors, solar industry partners, and local and state officials for a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the project's launch.

SLCS is the first community solar project in the Adirondack Park. Its clean energy feeds directly into the local utility distribution grid and provides multiple benefits, including cost savings, to local commercial and residential subscribers.

What: Saranac Lake Community Solar Ribbon Cutting
When: Friday, February 12, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook Live

We are thrilled to be working with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County to implement its $385,000 Local Food Promotion grant from USDA.

This program will grow market opportunities between local food producers and regional institutions like schools, hosptials and senior centers.

Photo: In 2018, CCE of Essex County and The Hub on the Hill led cooking demos using ANCA FarmShare minigrant funding.

The North Country Food Justice Working Group's annual Feed Back summit will explore how we can move our region toward stronger, more accessible and just food systems.

What: FEED BACK, Move Forward: Responding to 2020
When: Feb. 24, 1 to 4 p.m. & Feb. 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Virtual 
Cost: $20

North Country farmer, entrepreneur and consultant Racey Henderson will lead a virtual presentation about the Adirondack food system and our collective role in it as we face issues of food insecurity and food justice. 

What: Abundance and Scarcity: The Tangled Web of Food Systems
When: Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual 

The Adirondack Diversity Initiative will host a four-part virtual series focusing on Black women in the North Country, starting later this month. 

Stay tuned for more information about this and other programs from ADI. To get ADI updates in your inbox, sign up at www.diversityadk.org.

We are happy to welcome Annie Arnold to our Clean Energy Program team. Annie joined us in January as our newest Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) and is working with local residents and businesses to help them reduce energy consumption and costs.

Welcome Annie!

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.