Updates from the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment
North Country Virtual Manufacturing Forum is a Success!
On April 14th, more than 100 attendees from over 70 NYS manufacturers attended “How the North Country Keeps the World Moving”, a virtual manufacturing forum event hosted by FuzeHub, NAmTrans, and CITEC Business Solutions. 

Those in attendance heard from event organizers and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on the importance of, and their work to support, the North Country’s Transportation Equipment and Aerospace Cluster.
The event keynote speaker, Scott Sherin – Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for Alstom, spoke to attendees about the recent merger of Alstom and Bombardier Transportation.
After a manufacturing panel comprised of local leaders from Norsk Titanium, Vapor Stone Rail Systems, and LC Drives, attendees were free to navigate the virtual conference hall to meet with over 68 NYS resource organizations there to help their operations succeed and grow. 
Special thanks to the event sponsors – TDC, Twinstate Technologies, the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), and the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP) at Clarkson University – as their contributions made the event possible and at no-cost to all attendees. 
Virtual Meetings with Senator Kennedy and Assemblyman Magnarelli
The North Country Chamber of Commerce recently organized and hosted a virtual presentation and discussion for Nova Bus and BAE Systems with Senator Tim Kennedy (pictured right), Chair of the NYS Senate's Transportation Committee, and Assemblyman William Magnarelli (pictured below), Chair of the NYS Assembly's Transportation Committee.
The Senator, Assemblyman, and their staffs were briefed on the LFSe+, Nova's long-range, fully-electric bus with dual charging options. These LFSe+ buses will be produced for the U.S. market in Plattsburgh (see most recent announcement of award from the Milwaukee County Transit System).

Conversations are already taking place with Senator Kennedy about scheduling a follow-up visit to Plattsburgh this summer as well as to BAE Systems in Endicott!
Cluster News
Polly Trottenberg Joins U.S. Department of Transportation as Deputy Secretary
On April 14, Polly Trottenberg was officially sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Transportation for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Trottenberg brings more than 25 years of public sector experience across all levels of government to the role. Most recently, she served for seven years as the Transportation Commissioner for New York City.
Previously, Trottenberg served in the Obama administration as the Assistant Secretary and Under Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as additional policy and managerial experience during her time in the U.S Senate where she served the Honorable Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Barbara Boxer.

Congratulations! The North Country looks forward to working with you!
Nova Bus Welcomes Mylène Tassy as Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Nova Bus recently announced that Mylène Tassy was named Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the United States and Canada.

In this new role, Mylène will lead the sales, marketing, bids and proposal, sales engineering, and product management teams.

According to a Nova Bus press-release, Mylène is recognized in the field as a natural leader who has been honing her skills throughout her 25 years of experience, most notably as Vice President of Sales, Business Development, and Marketing at Thales Avionics Canada.

The press-release continues that [Mylène] boasts a deep understanding of the fields of engineering, sales, proposals and marketing in aviation and other sectors. Her business development expertise recently earned her a spot in the Excellence2020 cohort, an initiative that recognizes leaders who are making a difference in the business landscape.

Please join us in welcoming Mylène to Nova Bus and to the North Country's Transportation Equipment Cluster - we look forward to working with you!
Upcoming Events and Training Opportunities
North Country Chamber of Commerce's Virtual Safety Training Program

The North Country Chamber of Commerce continues to offer a variety of no-cost virtual safety seminars to the greater business community.

Upcoming classes include: First Aid for the Workplace, Fall Protection, Fire Safety, Active Shooter Preparedness/Violence in the Workplace, and more.
North Country Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Virtual Event

When: Thursday, May 6, 2021 (3:00PM - 5:30PM)
Where: Virtual (link will be sent after registering)
Member Cost: $28/person | Group rate: $250 (up to 10 logins)
Not-Yet-Cost: $56/person | Group rate: $500 (up to 10 logins)

As the pandemic has continued on, we have discovered how important it is for everyone to keep their mental, physical and even financial well-being in check. Not only does this help people cope during these uncertain times, but it also helps keep employees engaged and focused, making them a stronger asset to your business.
Aéro Montréal 2021 Global Aerospace Supply Chain Summit

When: Monday, May 10th and Tuesday, May 11th
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free for Aero Montreal Members; CA $57.49 for Non-Members

Join Aéro Montréal for the largest gathering of aerospace procurement decision-makers in Canada.

This is a great opportunity to hear about current/future challenges, share best practices, and make new business connections!
New York State Cannabis/Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act: Implications for Employers

When: Thursday, May 13, 2021 (10:00AM - 12:00PM)
Where: Virtual (link will be sent after registering)
Cost: $10/per person for members; $20/per person for not-yet-members

Join the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Jaci Kelleher, Esq. of Stafford Owens Law Firm for a discussion on the newly passed legislation legalizing adult recreational use of marijuana and how it is likely to affect the workplace including:

  • Protections for the use of cannabis and workplace safety
  • What does this mean for drug testing programs
  • What can we learn from states where adult recreational marijuana use is legal?
Trade Adjustment Assistance Center's -
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) administers the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program (TAAF), a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

TAAF’s mission is to boost American manufacturers’ ability to compete in a global market of less expensive foreign competition to expand markets, strengthen operations and increase profitability, thereby increasing U.S. jobs. The TAAC implements this mission by providing technical assistance and cost-share funding to manufacturers negatively impacted by import competition.

Firms can qualify for up to $75,000 of matching funds to implement critical business improvements. Requirements to qualify for assistance are a decrease in sales and employment and business lost to foreign competition. 

Advantages of the TAAF Program:
  • Very simple process for the applicant
  • Disbursement funding – funding goes directly to the vendor
  • 5 years to spend the funding once approved
  • Funding can be used for multiple projects and vendors
  • No penalties associated with funding
  • Can utilize other funding for client cost share
  • Getting a knowledge-based service for 50-75% off

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Center of NY, NJ and PR administers the program in New York, New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. TAAC strongly encourages manufacturers to call us for a quick discussion about their specific situation.

Contact Teresa Stockton or tstockton@tradeadjustment.org or visit www.tradeadjustment.org to learn more.
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With open and click rates 14% higher than the industry average, help spread the word about your company and products, become a sponsor today!

To learn more about the benefits and opportunities, contact Joel at (518) 563-1000 or joel@northcountrychamber.com.
NYS Assemblyman D. Billy Jones
The North Country Chamber of Commerce
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