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Franklin County businesses transition to next generation
This month, ANCA's Center for Businesses in Transition was thrilled to share three stories of successful business transitions in Franklin County: Martin's Handmade Pretzels in Moira (top), Little Town Lanes in Moira, and Happy Camping RV in Vermontville (bottom).
Learn about these young entrepreneurs, their successful transitions and how CBIT partners at Franklin County Economic Development supported the new owners through the transition process.
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A vibrant future for small businesses
In this month’s What’s Up North blog, ANCA’s Zach Hobbs reflects on recent business transitions, the CBIT partnership’s ongoing work with business owners and entrepreneurs, upcoming opportunities with CBIT, and ways we can all help more local businesses thrive in our communities for years to come.
Photo: Josiah Martin, left center, has purchased his family's business, Martin's Handmade Pretzels in Moira, N.Y., from his grandfather Lloyd, right center.
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Thank you!
ANCA's staff and board extend our deepest thanks to you — our members, partners, donors and community members — for supporting our work over the past year.
Your continued engagement makes a real difference for the small businesses, farms and communities whose hard work is strengthening our region's food, energy and entrepreneurial systems.
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We're hiring!
As ANCA continues to grow our programs and expand our reach, we are excited to announce two new positions for individuals who are eager to support our region's small businesses and communities. Please help spread the word about the following employment opportunities:
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Building business resilience | |
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ANCA's Center for Pandemic Response (ANCA CPR) is helping North Country businesses recover from the pandemic and plan for the future. To date, 70 businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations from across the region have started the ANCA CPR enrollment process to receive a customized report of working groups, webinars and one-on-one consultations — most of which are offered free of charge!
Want to learn more? Fill out a brief inquiry form today to be begin the enrollment process.
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Participatory management training | |
Would your small business benefit from improved hiring and retention, personally invested employees, increased business resilience, or leaner and more profitable operations?
Learn these tools and more through our upcoming Participatory Management Training offered in partnership with the Cooperative Development Institute.
This training will be FREE for ANCA CPR clients. Begin the ANCA CPR enrollment process today.
Photo courtesy of Ward Lumber, which became a worker-owned cooperative in April 2020.
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Digital marketing training | |
Our upcoming Virtual Digital Marketing Training program is offered free for ANCA CPR enrollees. This 8-week series will cover the differences between digital marketing platforms, digital marketing strategy, developing or upgrading a website and more.
What: Virtual Digital Marketing Training Series
When: Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m., February 3 to March 31, 2022
Where: Virtual
Cost: FREE for clients enrolled in ANCA CPR; or $75 for other participants
Thank you to the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Workshop for partnering with ANCA CPR for this informative program, which is valued at $3,000!
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Save the date: matchmaking event for buyers and sellers
On February 15, the Center for Businesses in Transition will host a matchmaking event for individuals who are selling a North Country business and entrepreneurs who may be interested in buying one. This free virtual event will also provide information about available resources, service providers and opportunities for current and aspiring business owners.
Save the date and stay tuned for more information, coming soon!
What: Matchmaking event for buyers & sellers
When: Tuesday, February 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free!
Registration for buyers: sign up here
Registration for sellers: email Kim Manion at kmanion@adirondack.org
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Interested buyers and sellers are encouraged to learn more about CBIT at ownanorthcountrybusiness.com and contact Zach Hobbs for more information: zhobbs@adirondack.org | |
Welcoming buyers and vendors for 2022 show
Since 1986, Adirondack Buyer Days has forged connections between retailers seeking quality, handmade goods for their stores and regional makers like Roosevelt Grooming Co. (pictured). This year, we will once again be in-person at the show's home in Saratoga Springs.
What: 2022 Adirondack Buyer Days
When: March 29-30, 2022
Where: Saratoga Springs City Center
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We are now accepting applications for new vendors. Apply here.
Returning vendors, please contact lrichard@adirondack.org for registration guidance.
Buyers, meet the makers and their wide array of locally-produced gift products. Sign up today!
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Community champions:
Village of Saranac Lake
A regional leader in NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program, the Village of Saranac Lake has been rewarded for its work implementing clean energy actions in the community.
Under CEC’s first round, starting in 2017, the Village completed five High Impact Actions, earned $50,000 in grants, and used the funds to purchase a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (pictured) and convert the Village’s street lights to LED.
With the support of its Climate Smart Communities Task Force and ANCA Energy Circuit Riders (ECRs), Saranac Lake has since achieved bronze CSC certification, earned more points by implementing High Impact Actions and qualified for additional grant funding.
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Photo: Saranac Lake's hydro-electric dam was upgraded to provide clean electricity for directly offsetting municipal operations. | |
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During the CEC Leadership Round, the Village earned the North Country’s first $10,000 CEC points-based grant and plans to carry out more clean energy projects to potentially earn up to $70,000 more in grants.
"My experience with ANCA has been 100% positive," said Jamie Konkoski, the Village's Community Development Director. "Our small village staff does not have the capacity to complete these projects without their support and expertise."
Contact an ECR at energy@adirondack.org to learn how your community could benefit from the CEC program.
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Save the date: CEC webinar
Please join ANCA, the Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board and Mohawk Valley Economic Development District for a presentation to the Tug Hill Commission about the CEC Program. The virtual event will cover different types of grant awards, as well as clean energy actions municipalities can implement to earn credit toward grants.
What: CEC Program Overview and Q&A
When: Thurs., February 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Cost: FREE
Register: tinyurl.com/TugHillCEC
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Food justice summit set for Feb. | |
Registration is now open for the 2022 Food Justice Summit. Sign up today for the virtual event where regional experts, local food leaders and farmers will discuss issues around food access, farm viability, climate change and innovation.
What: Food Justice Summit
When: February 23-24, 2022, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: virtual via Zoom
Cost: $20; $10 for students; free for farmers
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Congratulations to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County Executive Director and ANCA board member Michele Ledoux for receiving a New York State Commendation Award last month.
NYS Senator Joseph Griffo, presented her with the award, saying, "Michele has been a strong supporter, advocate and promoter of Lewis County and New York State agriculture and has played a vital role in improving the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Lewis County and the North Country.”
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2022 Young Farmers Survey | The National Young Farmers Coalition is joining other agricultural justice organizations to conduct the most inclusive survey of young and BIPOC farmers to date. The survey is designed to present an up-to-date picture of the challenges and opportunities for the next generation in farming and help inform policy for the benefit of our food systems. | |
Farmers Market Customer Survey | New York's Department of Agriculture and Markets is conducting a short survey to evaluate consumer participation at farmers markets and farm stands in 2021. Even if you did not visit a farmers market or farm stand last year, your participation in the survey is welcome. | |
Adirondack Diversity Initiative | |
Unearthing the Adirondacks
The Adirondack Experience (ADKX), in partnership with the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, The Nature Conservancy Adirondack Chapter, and The Wild Center received a federal award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support a public program series — Unearthing the Adirondacks.
ADKX is currently seeking an environmental historian and coordinator for the project.
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Community policing report
The most recent report from ADI's Community Policing Initiative, compiled by RENZ Consulting, documents observations and findings from the Initiative's December 2021 training session, which was attended by 31 police officers.
The Community Policing Initiative, a core part of ADI's Community Wellness Initiative, provides cultural consciousness training and antiracism education with the goal of strengthening the relationship between our region's police agencies and the communities they serve.
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Non-violent communication training
Please join ADI for Communicating for Change Summit: A facilitators training on nonviolent communication at Paul Smith's College VIC, where we will learn communication and facilitation practices that help us engage productively with conflict and challenge.
Registration is open for the event, which is being rescheduled due to COVID concerns.
Many thanks to Paul Smith's College for a generous pledge and co-sponsorship for the training.
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Business micro-credential coming soon
ADI's Business Welcoming Micro-credential — designed to enhance critical consciousness for business owners and employees and make the Adirondacks a more equitable and welcoming space — has pilot tested the first modules with the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce and participating businesses.
We plan to open the micro-credential to more North Country businesses soon. Stay tuned!
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Continued NYS funding
We are grateful for Governor Kathy Hochul’s support of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative in New York’s 2023 budget. The continuation of funding demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to making the region a more welcoming place for all New Yorkers. Her support is also testament to the important work ADI and ANCA are accomplishing in our towns and villages, alongside dedicated partner organizations across the region, to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the region.
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Welcome to ANCA!
Please join us in welcoming our new Events & Membership Coordinator, Valerie Pawlewicz.
Valerie comes to ANCA with a wealth of experience gained through careers as a travel planner, oral historian and professional folklorist, logistics coordinator, tour manager, arts administrator and small business owner.
She is excited to serve the ANCA community by supporting our events, data management, and membership and donor relations across the organization.
Welcome Valerie!
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In case you missed it
A selection of stories that have captured our attention in recent days:
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The jobs connection
Check out ANCA's jobs page for openings with member and partner organizations, as well as regional nonprofits:
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Executive Director: AdkAction
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Stewardship Program Director: Adirondack Watershed Institute
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Multiple positions: Adirondack Sports Council, 2023 FISU World University Games
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Fundraising and Events Manager: Lake George Land Conservancy
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Operations Manager: Champlain Area Trails
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Executive Director: Essex County Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Development and Communications Coordinator: Great Camp Sagamore
Have an opening you want to promote? Send a web link to jobs@adirondack.org.
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Build a resilient regional economy
ANCA members are growing the region's New Economy by building strong and resilient systems for local food, clean energy and small businesses. Become an ANCA member today.
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