FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
\nDate: November 29, 2022
\nContact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Officer, aschwartzberg@adirondack.org,
\n518.891.6200<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Conference for business buyers and sellers set for February 12-14, 2023 in Saranac Lake<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. \u2014 National Grid has awarded $100,000 to the Adirondack North Country
\nAssociation (ANCA) to support the regional nonprofit\u2019s North Country Center for Businesses in Transition
\n(CBIT) and a skills-building and networking conference for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
\nThe grant award will advance the CBIT partnership\u2019s ongoing work supporting local business transitions,
\nincluding its Small Communities. Big Opportunities.: Own a North Country Business Conference on
\nFebruary 12-14, 2023.<\/p>\n
The grant is funded through National Grid\u2019s Project C initiative, which supports projects across New York
\nState with a focus on clean energy and sustainability; workforce development; neighborhood investment
\nand community engagement; and environmental justice and social equity. Project C is funded by
\nshareholders of the regional energy company.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the beginning of the COVID pandemic, we have seen a dramatic rise in owners reaching out to
\nCBIT who are eager to accelerate their exit strategies from three-to-five year plans to more immediate
\nexits,\u201d said ANCA Entrepreneurial Economy Program Director Danielle Delaini. \u201cNational Grid\u2019s support
\ncomes at a crucial time and will help to attract and support both local and out-of-state entrepreneurs
\ninterested in taking over North Country businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delaini said the National Grid grant will also allow CBIT partners to provide succession planning support
\nfor business owners through 2023. \u201cThese resources will help prevent business closures, darkened
\nstorefronts and job losses throughout the North Country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Center for Businesses in Transition changes the trajectory for businesses in the North Country,\u201d
\nsaid Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid\u2019s regional director of customer and community engagement. \u201cIt
\nshifts the course for a store or service at the end of its respective lifecycle to a period of rebirth,
\npreserving its presence in the community and ensuring that their customers can continue to rely on the
\nproducts and services that are essential to a vibrant community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Small Communities. Big Opportunities.: Own a North Country Business conference is set to take place
\nboth in-person and virtually on February 12 to 14, 2023, on the heels of Saranac Lake\u2019s ten-day Winter
\nCarnival. The event\u2019s in-person reception, workshops and networking opportunities will be based at The
\nHotel Saranac in Saranac Lake.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CBIT program has been incredibly beneficial to our Saranac Lake area businesses. We have business
\nowners who are now thinking ahead and planning their transitions to retirement and entrepreneurs who
\nare exploring our area businesses,\u201d said Rachel Karp, executive director of the Saranac Lake Area
\nChamber of Commerce. \u201cWe are excited to be hosting the conference in Saranac Lake so we can
\nshowcase what an amazing place it is to live, work and play. Saranac Lake is rich in history, has a vibrant
\narts community, and we hope attendees will have a chance to enjoy some of our Winter Carnival
\nfestivities.\u201d<\/p>\n
CBIT hosted its inaugural Small Communities. Big Opportunities.: Own a North Country Business
\nconference, which took place virtually, in February 2021. Over 180 people registered for the online
\nevent, with smaller groups connecting through informational workshops and matchmaking sessions.
\nDelaini noted that additional funding for the 2023 conference and CBIT program has been provided by
\nAdirondack Foundation; Community Bank; Franklin County Government Office of Economic
\nDevelopment and Tourism; New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), an Avangrid Company; and SUNY
\nCanton Small Business Development Center. \u201cThis opportunity would not be possible without the
\ngenerosity of these regional sponsors,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are grateful for their investment in the future of
\nNorth Country small businesses and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Registration for the three-day in-person conference costs $100; participants who sign up by January 20,
\n2023 receive a discounted early bird rate of $80. The virtual option costs $75 with a $60 early bird rate.
\nOnline registration opens on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at www.adirondack.org\/SCBO. Questions
\nabout the event may be directed to CBIT at transitions@adirondack.org.<\/p>\n
CBIT was established by ANCA in 2018 with funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission in
\norder to address the loss of area businesses by connecting business owners with potential buyers,
\nplanning tools and existing succession planning services. The partnership is currently comprised of 13
\ncommunity liaisons and partners across ANCA\u2019s 14-county service area, including representatives from
\nthe Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, Adirondack Park Agency Economic Services, Essex
\nCounty Industrial Development Agency, Franklin County Economic Development Corporation, Greater
\nWatertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton County Economic Development, Lewis
\nCounty Economic Development, Living ADK, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Saranac Lake
\nArea Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center, Ti-Alliance, and
\nTiconderoga Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at www.ownanorthcountrybusiness.com.<\/p>\n
Attached: one (1) PDF and one (1) photo<\/p>\n
Photo: Rich Burns, manager of customer & community engagement at National Grid presents a $100,000
\ngrant award to (left to right) Rachel Karp, Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director;
\nElizabeth Cooper, ANCA Executive Director; and Danielle Delaini, ANCA Entrepreneurial Economy Program
\nDirector, on November 22, 2022 at The Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, N.Y. The funds will support the
\nCenter for Businesses in Transition\u2019s Small Businesses. Big Opportunities.: Own a North Country Business
\nConference on February 12-14, 2023 and other 2023 programs.<\/p>\n
ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity
\nacross northern New York. ANCA\u2019s community-informed, results-driven strategies for local food
\nproducers, small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and municipal innovators offer targeted
\ninterventions that are designed to keep wealth and value in local communities.<\/p>\n
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more
\nthan 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused
\non building a path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision.
\nNational Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more
\nresilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For more information,
\nplease visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find our
\nphotos on Instagram.<\/p>\n
The North Country Center for Businesses in Transition (CBIT) partnership includes ANCA and the following
\norganizations:<\/p>\n
The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation Inc. (AEDC) is a not-for-profit economic development
\ncorporation. AEDC was formed in 1976 as a cooperative effort of community leaders from towns in the northern
\nAdirondacks to reduce traditionally higher than average levels of unemployment and to expand employment
\nopportunities for the residents of the region. The AEDC\u2019s mission is to foster the growth of North Country
\ncommunities through support for existing and new small businesses.<\/p>\n
The Essex County Industrial Development Agency\u2019s (ECIDA) mission is to create a viable business environment that
\nwill attract compatible and diverse sustainable economic development opportunities focusing on major assets,
\nretention\/expansion and attraction projects for public benefit to encourage business development and advance job
\nopportunities, health, general prosperity and economic conditions to improve the standard of living and quality of
\nlife. They can provide assistance to eligible projects; financing, economic incentives, assistance with local regulatory
\nagencies and building and site location assistance.<\/p>\n
Franklin County Economic Development Corp. exists to improve the quality of life in the Franklin County region by
\nsupporting economic growth, employment and community development. FCEDC offers a broad range of services to
\nhelp local businesses expand and succeed. From loans and tax incentives, to technical assistance, to buildings and
\nbusiness parks, we\u2019re here to help grow local business.<\/p>\n
The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce (GWNC) is a membership organization with over
\n100 years of experience working to strengthen business and enhance the community in the Greater Watertown \u2013
\nNorth Country region. Since its establishment in 1903, the chamber has grown to become the largest business
\nassociation in the North Country. They represent businesses of varying sizes and industries, helping them to drive
\ngrowth and make meaningful connections.<\/p>\n
Hamilton County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Hamilton County Industrial
\nDevelopment Agency (HCIDA): HCIDA assists with the general prosperity and economic welfare of the citizens of
\nHamilton County. The primary objective of the agency is to encourage and foster entrepreneurial activity, business
\nexpansion and job creation. The Economic Development and Tourism Department advocates, promotes and helps
\nto improve the quality of life in our communities both for our residents and our visitors. We help to foster the
\ndevelopment of healthy businesses and institutions through marketing, networking, promotion, business
\nassistance and outreach.<\/p>\n
Lewis County Economic Development and IDA, as a one-stop-shop, work together as the central office to provide
\nbusiness assistance and new business development in Lewis County, NY. The agency works locally and regionally to
\nenhance business opportunities, help create jobs and maintain economic stability within Lewis County. Through the
\nNaturally Lewis brand, we promote Lewis County as the ‘natural choice’ to live, work and do business.
\nLiving ADK is a regional not-for-profit that focuses on the Western Central Adirondacks. This organization works
\nlocally and regionally, in a flexible manner, to tackle the issues affecting local communities in the immediate.
\nRecently these needs have surrounded housing access, healthcare expansion, food security, climate change effect
\nmitigation and sustainable economies. Year-round sustainable economies require a healthy number of businesses,
\na variety of business types and longevity for the businesses we already have. LivingADK will continue to spotlight
\nand expand existing programs on a local level to maintain this healthy balance.<\/p>\n
The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. plays a pivotal role in strengthening and maintaining the
\neconomic health of St. Lawrence County. The mission of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is to
\ncultivate, develop and support Chamber members and other businesses by creating a vibrant business climate that
\nencourages growth and enhances the unique quality of life in St. Lawrence County.<\/p>\n
The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (SLACC) acts as a catalyst for business and community development
\nin the Greater Saranac Lake Area. SLACC provides services for its membership and generates economic
\ndevelopment with promotional and marketing strategies.<\/p>\n
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is a non-profit organization that serves, markets and
\npromotes the Ticonderoga Area including Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Hague, Moriah and Putnam, NY. TACC serves
\nas the area’s Business and Visitor Center. TACC\u2019s Mission is to initiate and provide programs, services and
\nleadership which will enhance a cooperative business community and create a vibrant economy, making the
\nTiconderoga Area an exceptional place to live, work and visit. TACC\u2019s Vision is to be the leading advocate for
\nbusiness, serving as a driving force in the economic vitality of the greater Ticonderoga Area, uniting communities
\nand maximizing resources. TACC’s key areas of focus include: membership, business, tourism, communication,
\nleadership and organization.<\/p>\n
Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance (Ti-Alliance) is a non-profit 501c3 local development corporation (LDC) whose
\nmission is to restore economic prosperity in the Ticonderoga region by serving as a catalyst for innovative ideas and
\nresources, and for public-private partnerships and investment opportunities.<\/p>\n
The SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clinton Community College is part of a statewide
\nnetwork of business assistance centers supported by the State University of New York and the Small Business
\nAdministration. The New York State SBDC (NY SBDC) is accredited by America\u2019s Small Business Development
\nCenters (ASBDC). The SBDC is charged with assisting North Country entrepreneurs, small business, and industry
\nthrough advising, training, and research. Additionally, the SBDC provides needed services to manufacturers,
\nwomen, veterans, minority, and physically challenged individuals, or on businesses impacting distressed and
\ntargeted areas. Counseling services are free and confidential.
\n###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: November 29, 2022 Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Officer, aschwartzberg@adirondack.org, 518.891.6200 $100,000 National Grid Grant Supports ANCA\u2019s Center for Businesses in Transition Conference for business buyers and sellers set for February 12-14, 2023 in Saranac Lake SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. \u2014 National Grid has awarded $100,000 to the Adirondack North […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n