As we approach the New Year with hope for the months ahead, I find it helpful and inspiring to reflect on the work we have accomplished together during these uncertain times.

The stories and numbers in ANCA's 2020 Annual Report not only highlight the impacts of our work for North Country communities and economies, they also demonstrate the ingenuity, resilience and collaborative spirit of the people who live and work here.  

All of us at ANCA look forward to building upon this meaningful work in 2022.  Thank you for your support and enjoy the read.

~ Elizabeth Cooper, Executive Director

Please join us in welcoming Jill Henck to the ANCA Team! She began in her role as Clean Energy Program Director earlier this month. 

Jill brings a diverse background in energy, planning and policy to ANCA as we we work to expand clean energy initatives in our communities — and policies that support a just transition to a low-carbon future. 

Learn more about Jill in this week's press release.

Thank you to all who donated to our #GivingTuesday fundraiser to support our new SOIL Loan Fund for North Country farmers and food producers. 

Your gift helped us surpass our challenge goal and raise over $16,000 that will go directly toward zero-interest loans for producers throughout the region. 

Would you still like to "sow your support" for local farmers with a gift to the SOIL Loan Fund? 

It’s not too late — there are lots of ways you can still support our region’s small businesses, service providers, and community organizations during this season of gratitude and giving.

In our annual Last-minute Support Local Holiday Gift Guide, we offer a few ideas (like garbage pick up) to help you wrap up your #supportlocal giving season. 

Question is — what's not happening in Wells? Check out this unique business ownership opportunity on the edge of the Silver Lake Wilderness in the heart of Hamilton County. 

Currently operating as a convenience store/gas station/ice cream shop, this business also includes a five-bedroom, three-bathroom house, a lake view and access the lake via right of way.

ANCA CPR is helping North Country businesses recover from the pandemic and plan for the future.

To date, 29 businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations from across the region have begun the ANCA CPR enrollment process to receive a customized report of work groups, webinars, and one-on-one consultations, most of which are offered free of charge!

ANCA is glad to support the 2022 Food Justice Summit — Feedback: Meeting in the Middle. 

Save the date for this day of thoughtful presentations and conversations:

What: Food Justice Summit
When: February 23-24, 2022
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: $20 and $10 for students

Event organizers are seeking proposals from presenters that address the intersections of food justice, racial equity, healthcare, and education in our rural region. 

Are you or a local farmer or food producer you know having difficulties getting product to market? The ANCA CPR team is working on a shared aggregation and distribution plan for North Country producers and would love to hear from you.

Please contact localfoodsystems@adirondack.org for more information.

There are more than 20 holiday celebrations that take place this time of year around the world. As you reflect on your own holiday traditions and what they mean to your family and friends, take a moment to learn about a few others too.

These traditions — the stories, food, costumes and togetherness — are what make our communities diverse, interesting and fun! 

Since 1986, ANCA's Adirondack Buyer Days has been the only trade show in New York State devoted to handmade and locally-sourced artisan products. Artisan vendors and wholesale buyers are invited to join us:

What: 2022 Adirondack Buyer Days
When: March 29-30, with vendor setup on March 28
Where: Saratoga Springs City Center

We are now registering returning vendors. If you were not yet notified about this opportunity, please email Lauren Richard at lrichard@adirondack.org. 

New vendors, please complete a vendor interest form.  

Buyer registration is free.

Naturally Lewis has launched a new program to inspire and guide entrepreneurs doing business in the county. DBA Lewis County aims to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their business, leveraging and connecting existing resources and services to provide a pathway to success.

On average, Americans use around 3.5 billion kWhs of electricity for holiday lighting during the month of December, adding up to around $645 million spent nationwide.

By switching to LED lights, you can reduce your energy use by 75% and save anywhere from $75 to $375 — depending on how serious you are about holiday lighting!

Image credit: Hughes Entertainment

Many rural communities (like the Village of Champlain, pictured) are choosing to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and promote the use of EVs for residents, school districts and municipalities. 

Did you know EVs: 

• cost 50-70% less to operate per mile than gasoline-powered cars,
• reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants that cause smog and acid rain,
• require less maintenance, and
• are quieter to operate, more comfortable to drive, and dramatically reduce or eliminate tailpipe pollution?

ANCA Energy Circuit Riders (ECRs) can connect your community with available incentives for purchasing EVs and installing charging stations. Please contact energy@adirondack.org to learn more.

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.