For this month's What's Up North blog, we are pleased to share a piece that stresses the importance of including rural leaders in the development of national policy — especially as it relates to climate justice, clean energy and grid resiliency.

Author Chitra Kumar is a senior fellow with Aspen Institute's Community Strategies Group and Thrive Rural.

Cornerstone Energy Services in Norwood, NY is here to help every home across the region save money by becoming more energy efficient. 

DJ Colbert started the business out of his home more than a decade ago. Now, Cornerstone serves North Country customers from Philadelphia to Plattsburgh. 

The annual Adirondack Buyer Days trade show has been connecting regional artisans and retail buyers for 35 years. This year, the event is going virtual!

The virtual platform is professional and user-friendly and allows retailers to participate from the comfort of their own home, office or business. And yes, it's totally ok to shop in your pajamas!

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

The 1798 Historic Union Hall Inn in Johnstown, NY — known for its fine dining and catering services — is a rare opportunity for the right person dreaming of owning a business in the North Country.

Current owners Kim and Anne Henck are looking forward to meeting you!

Thank you to all who joined us for the Center for Businesses in Transition's virtual conference, Small Communities. Big Opportunities: Own a North Country Business, on February 24-27.

More than 180 people registered for the event, including over 120 aspiring entrepreneurs. Dozens of people attended each of the sessions, which can be viewed on ANCA's YouTube channel.

In the coming weeks,CBIT will follow up with participants, connecting them with more business ownership tools, resources and opportunities. 

If you missed ANCA's Introduction to CEC Leadership Round webinars earlier this month, you can watch the recording on ANCA's YouTube channel and access the slide presentation here.

Contact an Energy Circuit Rider at energy@adirondack.org for more information about the CEC Program or to schedule a free one-on-one consultation.

Decisions new and beginning farmers make regarding energy can set the pattern for their farm's long-term energy performance and success.This webinar from Penn State Extension will provide information and resources designed for new farmers and help answer questions they may have about energy on the farm.

What: Farm Energy Day: Energy Answers for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers webinar
When: Thursday, March 25 at noon

The Adirondack Food System Network is a coalition of folks from diverse sectors who are interested in strengthening our local food system. Here's what they're all about:

Vision: a regional food system that is resilient, just, environmentally responsible, and supports improved human health.

Mission: advance innovative solutions through lasting collaborations that strengthen and improve our regional food system for individuals, the environment and the economy 

For more information about this effort, please reach out to ANCA Local Food System Program Coordinator and Adirondack Food System Network Steering Committee member Adam Dewbury at adewbury@adirondack.org.

ANCA’s Local Food System Program is working with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County on a USDA grant aimed at increasing wholesale revenue for local farms and producers in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties.

If you are a farmer or producer interested in wholesaling, please contact Adam Dewbury at adewbury@adirondack.org.

The Adirondack Council and Essex Farm Institute are currently accepting proposals for micro grants of up to $1,500 from Adirondack farmers and value-added producers whose projects will enhance the environmental benefits their businesses provide.

Applications are due by March 31, 2021.

Join ADI Director Nicky Hylton-Patterson and historian and author Amy Godine for a conversation with RIT professor Donathan Brown about the region's history addressing bigotry and discrimination:

What: Linking Past to Present: a Look at Diverse Peoples within the Adirondacks
When: Friday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

This webinar is part of the Landscape & Legacies in the Adirondacks series, hosted by the Adirondack Research Consortium and Paul Smith's College.

ADI Director Nicky Hylton-Patterson's running routine helps her stay focused and energized for the hard work she does every day with the Initiative.

Read about Nicky's life experiences, her love of running and her work with ADI in this month's Althlete Profile on pages 10-11 of Adirondack Sports magazine.

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.