Updates from the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment
Planning for the 2021 Transportation Rendezvous & B2B Event
In May 2019, the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment hosted its first Quebec-NY Aerospace & Transportation Equipment Rendezvous event in Plattsburgh.

With more than 150 US and Canadian attendees, attending more than 80 B2B meetings - our first event was a success!
As we begin to plan for the 2021 edition of our biennial event, we are asking for your feedback and input.

Whether you attended our event in 2019 or not, are a manufacturer, vendor, supplier, logistics, partner organization, or just an interested party - please take 5 minutes to complete our survey below that will help us provide you with the best possible experience.

Responses will not be shared and will only be seen by the staff of NAmTrans and North Country Chamber of Commerce.
One Year Extension of FAST Act
On October 1st, the President signed into law H.R 8319, a continuing resolution (CR) which extended funding for federal government operations through December 11th, 2020.

This CR included a one-year extension for surface transportation programs authorized under the Fixing of America's Surface Transportation (FAST Act), which was set to expire on September 30th, at a fiscal year 2020 level.

The bill transfers $13.6 billion from the general fund to the Highway Trust fund which includes funding for the Highway Account and Mass Transit Account.
"A new transportation bill was a top priority for us in Washington this year," states Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "While a five year bill seemed possible last spring, by fall it was clear that we needed to obtain at least a one year extension of FAST and start work after election toward a multi-year bill next year. We understand the critical importance of multi-year predictability in federal transportation spending, thereby encouraging transit authorities and other customers to proceed with projects, especially post-pandemic. Our advocacy efforts will continue post election, both directly and with partners." 

Read more about the one-year extension here.
Cluster News
AQ B3CG Announces $6M Investment in New Saint-Eustache Facility
AQ B3CG, a valued NAmTrans cluster company, recently announced a major $6 million investment to expand its facility in Saint-Eustache QC.

This investment will allow the firm to optimize its operations by focusing on automation and to boost its activities in the Electric Vehicle (EV) market.
“Our expertise in the electric vehicle industry is already recognized around the world,” states Céline Brunet, managing director of AQ B3CG. “This major investment will allow us to further assist the management team, which is also responsible for our US plant in Plattsburgh, in order to bolster AQ Group’s presence in Canada and the United States.”

"Quebec has undoubtedly served as a model for the electrification of vehicle fleets. As our North Country transportation cluster is comprised primarily of US subsidiaries of these Canadian companies, we benefit from the shared vision of the New York and Quebec governments for a healthier, cleaner, and greener future," explained Joel Wood, Director of NAmTrans. "Our region and transportation equipment cluster have proven that we have what it takes to help make zero-emission a reality for not only the North Country, but for New York State and the world. We applaud AQ B3CG on their investment and we look forward to supporting their continued growth."

To read more, click here.
Photo provided by AQ B3CG
Prelco Launches Self-Disinfecting Glass
In order to counter the spread of bacteria and viruses, including that of Covid-19, Prelco is launching Prel-SaniPure heated glass and Prel-SaniPure - self-cleaning glass.
Numerous studies have shown that viruses and bacteria on hard surfaces are destroyed by exposure to heat or UV rays. Prel-SaniPure glazing uses these two proven disinfection methods.

Prel-SaniPure glazing can be used in the windows and glass walls of hospitals, schools, public transport vehicles, and any other public place where the risk of the spread of infectious diseases is high.

Read more here.
Might This Be An Opportunity For Your Business?
Now Available for Lease at Plattsburgh International Airport

Two refurbished 24,078 sq. ft. hangars featuring NEW
  • Lighting
  • Insulation
  • Bathrooms
  • and Office Space!
Interested?

Contact Susan Matton, Vice-President for Economic Development at the North Country Chamber of Commerce. (518) 563-1000 or Smatton@flyplattsburgh.com
Upcoming Events & Save the Dates!
Supply Chain Disruptions: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

When: Thursday, November 12th at 7:00pm
Where: Virtual (Zoom Meeting)
Cost: Free; registration required

The COVID-19 pandemic left the complex international supply chains in crisis. Most supply chains were slow to respond to the emergency due to a variety of factors. Several suggestions for improvement and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can help better manage supply chain interruptions during similar emergencies.

Join Clarkson University Professor Farzad Mahmoodi on Thursday Nov. 12th. Dr. Mahmoodi will address the common challenges that resulted in these major interruptions, what aspects of the existing supply chain systems increased the response time to the emergency, and offer suggestions to fix them without incurring exorbitant costs.
North Country Chamber of Commerce: Virtual Job Fair

When: Wednesday, November 18th 2:00 - 4:00pm
Where: Virtual
Cost: $50 - $200 depending on size of business; free to attend for job-seekers

Hiring? Reserve a booth at the North Country Chamber of Commerce Virtual Job Fair!

This year, the Chamber has partnered with BoothCentral whose platform will create a safe, virtual environment where employers and job seekers can connect face-to-face via video. 

Businesses will be able to:
  • List open positions and gather resumes
  • Meet with applicants and conduct interviews
  • Display your products and network with other companies
  • Have your company name listed in event advertising materials

And best of all, it can be done from the comfort of your office or home with no special equipment or software needed; just a computer or smart device!
AQ B3CG
Founded in 1991 and now part of the large AQ family, AQ B3CG is renowned and recognized as a world class supplier of electrical harnesses and complex electromechanical assemblies.

With two modern facilities located in Plattsburgh, NY and Saint-Eustache, QC, B3CG has built its reputation by providing a true peace of mind product and acting as an indispensable partner.
B3CG excels at being more than a supplier though, their experience, technical skills and ability to innovate and develop solutions are assets for anyone looking for a strong commercial partner and manufacturing expert.

On time delivery, outstanding quality, and competitive prices are a B3CG trademark.

With market shares in the public ground transportation, industrial and commercial control systems, specialized technologies, medical equipment, telecommunications and now more then ever in the electric vehicle market, B3CG is well positioned to meet any of your demands.
AQ B3CG USA is located at 18 Northern Avenue, Suite 100 Plattsburgh, New York, 12903. To contact B3CG's Plattsburgh facility call (518) 324-4800 or email info.b3cg@aqg.se.
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