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Regional EconOmic News:

Funding advances for job-program, border security
July 21, 2010
Funding for the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce to revitalize an on-the-job training program has been approved by a congressional subcommittee. The monies would help target individuals by matching employers and trainees in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties. In other federal funding news, another round of Operation Stonegarden money for the North Country has been approved. The program aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among federal, state, territorial, tribal and local law-enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the U.S.
[FULL STORY]

Colgan Air off to a flying start
July 15, 2010
Early returns on Colgan Air's operations at Plattsburgh International Airport are encouraging. Dot Chaplin, manager of human resources and labor relations for Colgan, told the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club Wednesday that projections of passengers flying out of Plattsburgh are about double of what they expected so far. "We had projected that there would be 13,000 passengers a year flying out of Plattsburgh, but as of today we are on pace to have about 25,000 passengers," Chaplin said. "We are absolutely thrilled with our numbers in Plattsburgh."
[FULL STORY]

New York City firm to acquire Mold-Rite Plastics
June 24, 2010
A New York City-based private equity firm has signed an agreement to acquire Mold-Rite Plastics. Mold-rite Chief Financial Officer Tom Recny said employees at the Plattsburgh plant were told in person that Irving Place Capital has agreed to buy the company. Yates, along with Geoffrey Titherington and Diane Titherington McCarty of Mold-Rite, met with employees and delivered a statement, Recny said. "We do intend to keep the plant here in Plattsburgh open," it said. "In fact, we intend to grow it as we all work together to provide great quality and excellent service to our customers."[FULL STORY]

Border binds economy, security
June 20, 2010
As neighbors with the longest border in the world, the challenge for the United States and Canada is to balance security and efficiency. U.S. Ambassador to Canada David C. Jacobson, who spoke at the Global Supply Chain Management Conference at Plattsburgh State, said the two nations should work in cooperation to achieve what are similar priorities. He characterized the border as a key element in the relationship between the two nations.
[FULL STORY]

High-speed rail gaining steam
June 15, 2010
Efforts to build a high-speed rail network across upstate New York appeared to be gaining momentum Monday as more than 250 federal, state and industry officials gathered to tout its economic benefits to a region that has been hit particularly hard by the recession. The event was the New York State Rail Summit, hosted by the Empire State Development Corp. and the state Department of Transportation, and held at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University at Albany.
[FULL STORY]

City welcomes new food company
May 25, 2010
Jersey Girl Homemade Flats and Twiggs was formally introduced to the North Country Monday afternoon, with an eye on expansion in the future. The family-owned company is the newest tenant at Imperial Industrial Park. The members of the Rawitt family �� Craig and Jeannette and their son, Bryce, and his girlfriend, Kitty Cordero �� make the company's line of flats (long, thin flat breads) and twiggs (long, thin breadsticks) in about 1,800 square feet of recently renovated space.
[FULL STORY]

Colgan sets start dates, flight time
May 21, 2010
Colgan Air will start providing non-stop US Airways Express service between Plattsburgh and Boston on June 24. The airline will initially offer three flights each way Monday through Friday and two flights each way on Saturday and Sunday. The flights will be operated by Colgan Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. The US Airways website lists non-refundable fares as low as $52 one way. In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Colgan Air a two-year contract at about $2.1 million per year to provide Essential Air Service flights between Plattsburgh and Boston.
[FULL STORY]

Businesses seek well-rounded workers
May 16, 2010
On April 29th, the North Country Workforce Investment Board brought together more than 80 education, business and community leaders in Lake Placid for the Connecting: Business, Education and Community Forum. The discussion quickly turned to the attributes businesses looked for in high-school graduates that would make them prepared to enter the workforce.
[FULL STORY]

PAI receives FAA certification
April 26, 2010
The Federal Aviation Administration has certified two of three portions of the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute. Jim McCartney III, principal of the CV-TEC satellite campus that is home to the Aeronautical Institute, said a formal presentation of the certificate will take place Tuesday. Efforts to create an FAA-certified Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant school started in 2004.
[FULL STORY]

Science Fair brings out best and brightest
April 25, 2010
The third-annual Champlain Valley Regional Science Fair brought out about two dozen Middle School and High School students from several area schools for a competitive challenge at Plattsburgh State. It featured technology, demonstration and research categories with projects ranging from High Flyin' Hover Boards to Radish Growth and a Deep Red Game Playing Robot. PSU Professor Dr. Robert Fuller, who co-chaired the event, said participation in the fair spiked 50 percent from just last year. The event, organized by Plattsburgh State and Clinton Community College, was sponsored by The Development Corporation and will be held again next year on
April 23rd.

[FULL STORY]

Strong Canadian dollar boosts North Country tourism, retail
April 7, 2010
Canada's solid economic fundamentals amid global uncertainty helped push the Loonie to parity Tuesday, taking it slightly above the U.S. dollar in early morning trading. Although the Loonie kept straddling parity most of the morning - it reached as high as 100.12 cents U.S. in morning trading - analysts say Canadians should get used to seeing their currency at these levels for some time.
[FULL STORY]

Old Clinton County Airport property ready to be sold
March 31, 2010
Clinton County legislators are set to sell the old airport property on Route 3. The property has been dormant since the county opened Plattsburgh International Airport on the flight line of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 2007. Deputy County Administrator Rodney Brown said the county has been working to get the property environmentally ready for sale the past three years and is now able to market the 600-acre parcel.
[FULL STORY]

Schumer: Law will help jobless get work
March 31, 2010
Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) was in Plattsburgh Tuesday to tout enactment of a bipartisan tax cut intended to get companies to hire the unemployed. The act allows companies that hire workers who have been out of work for more than 60 days an exemption from paying the employer's 6.2 percent share of Social Security payroll tax on those workers for the remainder of 2010. Schumer said the act is simple, immediate and applies to any income level.
[FULL STORY]

Looking up when the economy is down
March 14, 2010
Amid discouraging unemployment numbers, help is available for people who have lost jobs or are changing careers. The State Department of Labor and its OneWorkSource single-stop agencies, along with other employment services, are in place for displaced workers, no matter their interests, skill level or age.
[FULL STORY]

Nova Bus gets $10 million order
March 12, 2010
Nova Bus has a $10 million order from the City of Honolulu for 24 buses. The buses will be assembled at the company's Banker Road facility in the Town of Plattsburgh. Delivery is expected in late 2010. Nova Bus President and CEO Giles Dion said the company is thrilled by the opportunity to work with the innovative administration of Honolulu.
[FULL STORY]

Marketing Chazy facility a Pfizer priority
March 4, 2010
During the third meeting of the Pfizer Transition Coordinating Council, Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said there are some interested parties, but it is too early to identify them."They are just possibilities right now." Empire State Development Corp. Chairman and CEO Dennis Mullen has made finding a buyer a personal mission, Douglas said, and U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Rep. Bill Owens are also involved.
[FULL STORY]

PARC has few properties left for sale
February 24, 2010
There's still time to buy property at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. The Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corp. has nine prime parcels left for sale. Board of Directors Chairman Gilbert Duken said Tuesday that PARC hopes to sell most of those parcels by the end of the year. PARC Engineer Kristy Dantes said the PARC headquarters building and former hospital parcel are the priorities.
[FULL STORY]

County Picks Colgan Air
February 3, 2010
In what played out as a very public job interview, Clinton County legislators chose Colgan Air to become the next daily carrier at Plattsburgh International Airport. Legislators voted 7 to 3 in favor of Colgan in hopes that the airline's larger aircraft will help air traffic increase and the community grow.
[FULL STORY]

High-speed-rail grant could help local company
January 29, 2010
Bombardier Transportation officials say the $151 million in stimulus funding for high-speed rail in New York represents"a historic step forward." President Barack Obama announced the money this week as part of $8 billion that was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It provides $147 million for projects in the South and West Empire Corridors, $3 million for improvements to the Adirondack Corridor and $1 million for planning for the Empire Corridor.
[FULL STORY]

Beekmantown wind project to receive funding
January 15, 2010
Penn Energy Trust's proposed wind project in Beekmantown is one of several initiatives across the state selected to receive some of the $96 million allocated to renewable-energy projects. Announced recently by Gov. David Paterson, the funding comes through a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and represents about one-third of a $300 million package being provided under the Renewable Portfolio Standard Program.
[FULL STORY]

Nova Bus announces $60 million contract for 35 buses
January 14, 2010
Nova Bus has a contract with Connecticut Transit for 35 LFS articulated buses and an option for 35 more during a four-year period. The company said the order is valued at about $60 million. "We are proud to partner with CT Transit in delivering their first articulated vehicles for their fleet," Nova Bus Marketing Director Nadine Bernard said in a news release. "We are deeply committed to supplying them with the vehicles that meet their expectations."
[FULL STORY]

Pfizer extends Rouses Point lease through 2010
January 13, 2010
Pfizer has extended its lease of the Rouses Point manufacturing facility until the end of 2010. David Champagne, managing director of the Pfizer manufacturing facility in Rouses point, confirmed the company had extended its agreement with Akrimax Pharmaceuticals.
[FULL STORY]

Bombardier sees opportunities in high-speed rail plan
December 19, 2009
Bombardier Transportation sees an opportunity for its Plattsburgh plant if high-speed rail plans come to fruition. Alain Aumais, general manager at Bombardier Transportation in Plattsburgh, said the company is ready to work on high-speed rail equipment at the Plattsburgh plant and will purse contracts to do so.
[FULL STORY]

Students get solid foundation for new careers
December 19, 2009
A recent graduating class has a real solid foundation for future employment. The first class of the Solid Foundations program was honored at a graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon. Program Coordinator Ashley Cousens said the 11 graduates received instruction in carpentry, electrical work and plumbing, as well as introduction to welding and weatherization skills.
[FULL STORY]

PARC targets end of business by July 1
December 16, 2009
The Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corp. continues to reduce its workforce as it works toward going out of existence. PARC CEO Bruce Steadman said the plan calls for an end by July 1. The corporation is down to for full-time employees and two part-time employees.
[FULL STORY]

Tier V praised as saving billions
December 11, 2009
A new Tier V pension plan for public employees became a reality Thursday as Gov. David Paterson, accompanied by a slew of lawmakers, signed legislation to reduce the cost of the state��s massive retirement system. The new plan, while still generous by private sector standards, is expected to save taxpayers more than $35 billion over the next three decades.
[FULL STORY]

Schumer touts passport substitutes for Canada Crossing
December 10, 2009
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano agreed Wednesday to a request from Sen. Chuck Schumer to work with Canadian officials in publicizing options for people who want to cross the U.S. border but don��t want to pay for a passport.
[FULL STORY]

New air service to Florida from Plattsburgh
November 19, 2009
Direct Air will begin offering Non-stop air service from Plattsburgh International Airport to Punta Gorda, Florida starting November 21, 2009. Flights will be offered with rates beginning at $99 each way, with an upgrade to first-class seats available for $100 each way on Direct Air��s MD83 and 737-400 aircraft.
[FULL STORY]

New Clinton County transportation garage officially opens

November 16, 2009 �� A project seven years in the making has come to fruition with the dedication of the new Clinton County Public Transit garage. The new garage at 226 Arizona Ave. was converted from what once was the Educational Center at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. It will mark the first time in 26 years of transportation operations that the county has owned its own facility.

[Full Story]

State vows help for Pfizer employees

November 13, 2009 - The head of the New York Labor Department vows the state will do whatever it can to help the people about to lose their jobs at local Pfizer plants. ��We are determined that we are going to get the community every resource they are entitled to,�� Labor Department Commissioner M. Patricia Smith told reporters in Plattsburgh Friday.

[Full Story]

New company to bring 14, eventually 35 jobs to the Town of Plattsburgh

October 28, 2009 �� A new company is expected to create 14 high technology green jobs �� and eventually 35 jobs- in Plattsburgh. APG-Neuros is a joint-venture between Aviation and Power Group, based in Quebec and Neuros Cc., based in South Korea, The Development Corporation announced Wednesday.

[Full Story]

Montreal-New York City high speed rail a priority for Quebec

October 20, 2009 �� High-speed rail service between Montreal and New York City is one key way to make North America��s first green transportation corridor. Pierre Arcan, Minister of International Relations for the Government of Quebec, said that was one the topics of discussion when Quebec Premier Jean Charest and New York Gov. David Paterson met two weeks ago.

[Full Story]

New business to bring 50 jobs to the area
October 14, 2009
A new business is moving into the Village of Champlain, with plans to create up to 50 jobs by the end of January. Testori Interiors Inc., a Canada-based manufacturing company, produces interiors for the mass-transit train and aircraft industries. The company will utilize the former Main Knitting building located on Lawrence Paquette Industrial Drive.
[FULL STORY]

On the job training to help small businesses, labor commissioner explains during Plattsburgh visit
October 2, 2009
New York State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith was in Plattsburgh to promote the On The Job Training Program. The program has helped place 140 workers in the North Country over the past year, utilizing about $300,000 in federal funds.
[FULL STORY]

Business leaders outline concerns on doing business in New York
September 24, 2009
Local business leaders complained Wednesday about how state fees, taxes and regulations are hindering their competitiveness and ability to create and retain jobs. This was the third of five statewide hearings being sponsored by Unshackle Upstate.
[FULL STORY]

SolarNovar off to a hot start
September 17, 2009
A local company is shining bright as the sun. SolarNovar, started by Linda and Greg Brienza of Triangle Electrical Systems, held an open house this week to tout the benefits of solar power and its new tracker systems.
[FULL STORY]

Local Workforce leader to retire
September 10, 2009A valuable member of the local economic-development and work-force-development team is retiring at the end of the month. New York State Department of Labor North Country Team Leader John Masella is going to retire Sept. 29.
[FULL STORY]

Flanagan, Imperial among Restore NY Grants
September 3, 2009
The Village of Malone, Imperial Industrial Park in the City of Plattsburgh and the Ausable Horse Nail Co. all received money in the third round of the Restore NY Program. In all, 79 projects across the state received $153.6 million to revitalize communities, stabilize neighborhoods and invite investment.
[FULL STORY]

New business bringing jobs to Northern Tier
August 22, 2009
A new business is moving into the Village of Champlain, bringing up to 40 new jobs to the area. Elegance Coatings, a vehicle-painting company, has signed a five-year lease for an empty warehouse at 33 West Service Road. The company will paint Nova Buses being manufactured in Plattsburgh.
[FULL STORY]

International business interest sought
August 21, 2009
Economic-development officials want Franklin County to seek special status to lower green-card criteria that could encourage foreign businesses to invest here. A little-used policy called EB-5 requires foreign investors to spend $1 million and create 10 jobs over two years in order to obtain the proper permits to work in the United States.
[FULL STORY]

PARC will get title to final lots
August 3, 2009
The Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corp. has finally been cleared to receive title to the last 540 acres of property still under U.S. Air Force Control. The process requires the transfer be made to a government entity, which PARC is not. For that reason, the decision was made locally to make the transfers through the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency.
[FULL STORY]

Local broadband project to seek federal stimulus funds
August 3, 2009
A local broadband network under development will apply for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. CBN Connect, Inc. is working to build the broadband network in Clinton, Franklin and
Essex counties.
[FULL STORY]

Demolition of plaza begins
August 4, 2009
The much-awaited demolition of the North Country Shopping Center began in earnest Monday as heavy equipment crashed down the aging cement structure. The wrecking ball is paving the way for what developers and town officials hope will be a vibrant new era of business.
[FULL STORY]

New law makes voicing concerns easier
July 25, 2009
New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo visited the North Country on Saturday to address government reform on a state and local level. The event provided a forum for AG Cuomo to rally public awareness for the ��New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act�� that was signed into law June 25, 2009.
[FULL STORY]

SpencerARL NY welcomed to Plattsburgh
July 22, 2009
SpencerARL was ceremonially welcomed to Plattsburgh on July 22, 2009. The company occupies a 42,000 square foot facility located in The Development Corporation��s Air Industrial Park. Nebe Tamburro of SpencerARL said ��Although I have opened many plants in my career, Plattsburgh is becoming the most memorable.
[FULL STORY]

Nova Bus holds grand-opening ceremony
June 15, 2009
Nova Bus officially opened their new US-based plant operation in Plattsburgh, New York on June 15, 2009. The plant, located in The Development Corporation��s Banker Road Industrial Park, is expected to employee 300 people by 2012. Nova Bus has already begun production on buses for the Vancouver Winter Olympics and will soon start work on buses for the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
[FULL STORY]

New Plattsburgh hotel seen as a sign of region��s strength
July 1, 2009
Plattsburgh��s newest hotel is seen as another sign of the area��s stability in the current global economic crisis. The new Hampton Inn and Suites, located on Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh, has been open since June 16th and currently employees 35 people.
[FULL STORY]

New plastics plant opens in City
July 3, 2009
Hanet Plastics, a Canadian-based manufacturer of plastic food-protection products, officially opened its plant in Plattsburgh, New York. The company��s new facility is located in the City��s Imperial Industrial Park. Harnet Plastics makes plastic containers for brand-name cookies and other food products that are sold in retail stores.
[FULL STORY]

Historic marker unveiling kicks off lake celebration
July 9, 2009
The Plattsburgh area kicked off its quadricentennial celebration of Samuel de Champlain��s arrival on the lake with a ceremony and dedication of an interpretive plaque at Clinton Community College.
[FULL STORY]

Green Supply Chains Help Fuel Success
May 31, 2009
More and more companies are striving to provide environmentally friendly supply-chain management practices. Dr. Colin Read, a professor SUNY Plattsburgh and Dr. Santosh Mahapatra, an associate professor at Clarkson University, presented "What Does it Mean to be Green? Sustainability as the New Driver of the Supply Chain," during the Global Supply Chain Management conference at Plattsburgh State.
[FULL STORY]

Good News at the Biz Expo
June 5, 2009
Over 180 companies participated in the annual Plattsburgh North-County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo held on June 4, 2009. This year several companies report good news despite tough economic times.
[FULL STORY]

NY to Invest up to $100M in Technology
June 9, 2009
Governor Paterson announced that New York State will invest up to $100 million over the next few years on technology and research by adding a 10 percent match to projects that receive federal stimulus money.
[FULL STORY]

The Land of a Steady Workforce
by Colin Read, April 10, 2009
In these days of dramatic shifts in employment, demographics, retirement, and wealth, it is surprising to observe the steadiness of the Clinton County workforce.The nation is growing old. Nationwide, the population in the prime career years of 25 to 64 is projected to go from about 156 million in 2005 to 174 million in 2030. Over the same period, these workers will go from supporting 140 million under 25 and over 65 or over to supporting almost 190 million in 2030. We will move from a greater number in the workforce in 2005 to a greater number out of the workforce by 2030.
[FULL STORY]

State of the Regional Labor Market
by Paul Grasso - April 9, 2009
Clinton County is following the trend of the rest of the state and the country as unemployment rates rise. The recession is the longest in decades, but signs are appearing that suggest this trough of economic activity is bottoming out. Private job growth will remain sluggish, though, as employers trim their costs and await increased demand.Data released April 1st show unemployment rates in February, 2009 were up year over year in every one of the country's 372 metropolitan areas.
[FULL STORY]

One local company operates one of the busiest Foreign Trade Zones in the U.S.
April 19, 2009
It may be hard to believe, but the little town of Champlain, NY is home to a company that reportedly rests on "the most active Foreign Trade Zone in the United States."
[FULL STORY]

Loan program targets troubled firms
April 27, 2009
According to Bernard Paprocki, Syracuse District Director of the Small Business Administration (SBA), the America's Recovery Capital loan program "could be the one that saves busines[FULL STORY]

New data center launched
April 29, 2009
The Development Corporation (TDC) recently introduced the Institute for Development and Economic Analysis (IDEA), which became an affiliate of the New York State Data Center in February 2009. TDC's IDEA provides clients, prospects and the public with the latest data, workforce and economic information concerning Clinton County.[FULL STORY]

The Little Town That Could
The economy is in a funk, major banks are on the ropes, and real estate prices are dropping nationwide. What a perfect time to invest in the North.This region is thriving, banks continue to lend, new industries are locating here all the time, and the real estate market continues to hold its own, while still offering tremendous value. There are many reasons for this apparent irony. this apparent irony.
[FULL STORY]

New Data Center Launched
The Development Corporation (TDC) recently introduced the Institute for Development and Economic Analysis (IDEA), which became an affiliate of the New York State Data Center in February 2009. TDC's IDEA provides clients, prospects and the public with the latest data, workforce and economic information concerning Clinton County.
[FULL STORY]

Loan Program Targets Troubled Firms
According to Bernard Paprocki, Syracuse District Director of the Small Business Administration (SBA), the America's Recovery Capital loan program "could be the one that saves businesses."[FULL STORY]

One Local Company Operates One of the Busiest Foreign Trade Zones in the U.S.
It may be hard to believe, but the little town of Champlain, NY is home to a company that reportedly rests on "the most active Foreign Trade Zone in the United States."
[FULL STORY]

Flying Car Tested Here
The prototype of a "flying car" completed seven successful test flights at Plattsburgh International Airport this month. [FULL STORY]

Senators seek northern border stimulus funds
Both NYS Senators Schumer & Gillibrand are trying to obtain stimulus money from the US Dept. of Commerce for the Northern Border Regional Commission. This Commission would in turn aid those areas of NY, NH, & VT that are "economically distressed" with the goals of reducing poverty & stimulating economic development.
[FULL STORY]

Plattsburgh airport expansion planned
Since its opening in the summer of 2007, the airport has experienced impressive & somewhat unanticipated growth, which has propelled the airport's plans to expand. The Federal Aviation Administration approved a feasibility study in order to find out "how much & what kind of growth is needed at the terminal." Federal funding would be provided "based on the number of enplanement.
[FULL STORY]

COLIN READ & PAUL GRASSO:

The Economics of Tourist Destination Spending in Clinton County - Part I
by Colin Read, June 23, 2010
Clinton County has always been regarded based on its proximity to the world class cosmopolitan city of Montreal, just an hour's drive north. An hour west can bring a visitor to the Adirondacks and Lake Placid, home of two winter Olympics. Just an hour's drive and ferry east is Burlington, Vermont, with its pleasant shopping district, Church Street, and its celebration of Lake Champlain. And, an hour south are quaint villages, palatial homes, and upscale restaurants and recreation.
[FULL STORY]

A Better Match Between Higher Education and the Workforce
by Colin Read, June 24, 2010
Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce released a report that is creating more than a little controversy among educators. The report outlined an "uneven relationship" between colleges and the job market. The authors argue that by 2018, more jobs will require advanced education, but that "colleges are not doing enough to prepare their students for the projected workforce."
[FULL STORY]

Living from the Land
by Colin Read, May 24, 2010
Clinton County has a rich rural past. At one time, the majority of the working population were employed in agriculture or related industries. Now, with dramatically improved agricultural efficiencies, fewer workers are employed in agriculture or forestry. However, these sectors remain important and significant parts of our local economy. They also provide the community with affordable fresh produce, a more diversified economy, and a source of tax revenue.
[FULL STORY]

Turning the corner toward a slow jobs rebound?
by Paul Grasso, May 24, 2010
There is good news for the state economy, finally. For the fourth consecutive month, New York State's economy has added jobs. The New York State Department of Labor reported that 31,500 private sector jobs (seasonally adjusted) were added in April.
[FULL STORY]

A Call to Plan
by Colin Read, April 21, 2010
Every business works within a vision, a mission, and a strategic plan. Yet, towns and cities often fail to engage in this same strategic planning exercise so necessary for competitiveness in the private sector. After all, the power to tax somewhat reduces the immediacy of producing and selling a competitive
product.
[FULL STORY]

The Hockey Stick Recovery
by Paul Grasso, April 21, 2010
A report recently released by the Pew Research Center shows that more than 1 in 5 unemployed people have been jobless for a year or more. Of course, this statistic could also be interpreted as 4 out 5 unemployed people have been unemployed for a year or less. Nonetheless, the Pew study showed that about 3.4 million people, or 23 percent of the unemployed in December, were jobless for at least 12 months. ��It also documented a shorter average workweek, at just 33.1 hours, and an increase in the number of positions that have been permanently eliminated. These indicators have significant effects on extended unemployment and are an indication that long-term unemployment may persist even as the economy recovers.
[FULL STORY]

Health Care in Clinton County is Big Business
by Colin Read, March 18, 2010
The past two monthly columns described the overall Clinton County economy and the ten major employers in Clinton County. We discovered that the County generated total income of $2.795 billion in 2008. We also observed that the primary source of income is from labor. Much of that income was generated by just ten industries in 2008:
[FULL STORY]

New York Numbers Moving Sideways
by Paul Grasso, March 18, 2010
The United States Department of Labor reported a drop in the unemployment rate in January from 10% to 9.7%.�� That was the good news. Interestingly, even though the national unemployment rate dropped, 30 states reported unemployment rate increases, 11 states reported no change, and only 9 states reported a decrease in their unemployment rate. Michigan again reported the highest unemployment rate in the nation (14.3%).
[FULL STORY]

When a job is more than a job - Part II
by Colin Read, February 17, 2010
The policy discussion over jobs is a hot topic in these times �� and for good reason. In December, 2000, there were 137,792,000 individuals in the��employed labor force in the United States. Almost ten years later, the employed labor force is essentially unchanged, at 137,792,000 individuals, by December of 2009.
[FULL STORY]

A Record-Breaking Year
by Paul Grasso, February 19, 2010
The final results are in, and 2009 will go down in history for an unfortunate reason. From the midst of the Great Recession, unemployment climbed to almost historic levels before falling toward year end. In January, the unemployment rate was 7.6% and climbed to 10% by December. The January to December average was an astounding 9.26%.
[FULL STORY]

When a job is more than a job
by Colin Read, January 25, 2010
Regional economists inevitably focus on jobs and job creation. This emphasis makes sense on one level because jobs provide income that puts food on the table. Payrolls from these jobs, when added to the income of businesses and to owners of property, and to the income of other factors of production, make up the bulk of our Gross Regional Product. However, not all jobs contribute equally to the regional economy. Economic symbiosis is also important.
[FULL STORY]

Filling in the hole
by Paul Grasso, January 18, 2010
A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report showed job losses to be moderating in November. With 7.8 million jobs lost since the beginning of the Great Recession in December of 2007, a loss of only 11,000 jobs in November is good news indeed. This news is on top of a positive revision to earlier data, showing that the labor market lost 159,000 fewer jobs in September and October than was previously thought. The "official" unemployment rate in December was 10.0%.[FULL STORY]

Developing a Community Vision
by Colin Read, December 14, 2009
Communities are complex entities. Characterized by interests representing a wide diversity of thought and experience, and buffeted constantly by forces coming from every direction, our community rarely has an opportunity to actively define its future.
[FULL STORY]

More state stimulus relief on its way?
by Paul Grasso, December 15, 2009
While there are signs of economic recovery on Wall Street, the unemployment lines on Main Street have yet to shorten. The unemployment rate nationally is currently 10% and is estimated by some to peak at about 11% next summer.
[FULL STORY]

A Robust and Unique Clinton County Workforce
by Colin Read, November 18, 2009
Almost every region's workforce is unique. The mix of industries responds to the particular resources and history of the region. And emerging industries capitalize on the mix of ages and needs as the community evolves. Projections of workforce needs leverages these coefficients that define the share of the workforce employed in each sector.
[FULL STORY]

Surprising Twists in the Unemployment Data
by Paul Grasso, November 17, 2009
The American economy technically may be back into growth mode, but the October unemployment number certainly did not do much to inspire the confidence of the average American in our economy.
[FULL STORY]

The Health of Clinton County
by Colin Read, October 12, 2009
Counties that are primarily rural face health care challenges not found in large urban areas. Clinton County is more fortunate than most because of its leading edge health maintenance programs and its access to a very high quality regional hospital located in the City of Plattsburgh. Nonetheless, health issues remain a county-wide focus.
[FULL STORY]

Prospects for Jobs as the Recession Winds Down
by Paul Grasso, October 14, 2009
You may have noticed that an increasing number of economists have been declaring recently hat the recession is over. Among them are: Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman, was quoted as saying that the "recession is very likely over at this point." Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wachovia, stated, "we are in the early stages of the economic recovery." And Roger Tutterow, a professor or economics, declared that the recession "likely ended in either July or August."
[FULL STORY]

The Economics of Site Location in the North Country
by Colin Read, September 9, 2009
The choice of a commercial or industrial site is complex. Past articles have documented superior housing affordability, workforce steadiness, and location and distribution advantages in Clinton County. Ultimately, though, a site decision must be also driven by the economics of exchange rates, wage rates, and office space costs.
[FULL STORY]

Layoffs Slow as Slow Recovery Mounts
by Paul Grasso, September 9, 2009
The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) recently released the unemployment numbers from August 2009. As expected, the "official" unemployment rate continued its steady, albeit slower, march higher. Analysts were surprised, though, because the July unemployment numbers were slightly lower than expected.
[FULL STORY]

Housing Affordability in Clinton County
by Colin Read, August 12, 2009
Housing is the single most significant outlay for most middle income families. It is also a spending category that defies easy analysis. Family needs differ, housing quality, size, and location vary widely, commuting distances depend on both the housing choice and the employment decision, and such economic factors as income, debt, and mortgage rates affect choices. Despite these complications, housing remains one of the most important determinants of quality of life and is an important element for economic development.
[FULL STORY]

Unemployment in Clinton County Rises Slightly
by Paul Grasso, August, 2009
Some "green shoots" seem to be appearing on Wall Street, but indications of an economic recovery have yet to make their way to Main Street. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reported that the state's unemployment rate increased to 8.7 percent in June 2009, its highest level since October 1992.
[FULL STORY]

A Green Corridor Runs Through It
by Colin Read, July 15, 2009
Clinton County is on to something. Part location, part innovation, it is clear that this region is taking advantage of fundamental shifts in business strategies.

For more than four hundred years, this region on the northern tip of Lake Champlain has been a gateway that connects different worlds. First it connected tribes that traded north to south, east to west. Then it connected these early supply chains of the New World to the Old World of Europe. Now it connects businesses that can access a huge hinterland from Montreal and Quebec City to Boston, New York, and beyond.
[FULL STORY]

Unemployment Rising, but the North Country Seeing Some Improvements
by Paul Grasso, July 13, 2009
The most recent unemployment figures show the country and the State of New York continue to sag under the weight of the Great Recession. Closer to home, the North Country is actually showing nice improvements, thanks, in part, to new manufacturers taking root in Clinton County.

The American economy has long been a consumer economy. It functions well when people are spending. The challenge facing government leaders today is how to reinvigorate the economy when so many consumers are out of work and those that are working have changed their buying habits.
[FULL STORY]

More Than 400 Years as a Transportation Economy
by Colin Read - June, 2009
All communities require an efficient transportation network to draw in the factors and goods they need to survive, and competitively transport out the items they sell to the nation and the world. Few communities have the movement of people and products so indelibly stamped on its character as does Clinton County, New York.

Transportation in the region predates New York statehood. Native American tribes established trade routes that traversed the region. The Five Nations of the Iroquois travelled by land and by water in pursuit of trade among themselves for a millennium before the arrival of European traders.
[FULL STORY]

Job Losses Begin to Taper Off
by Paul Grasso - June, 2009
The New York State's Department of Labor (NYSDOL) recently reported a seasonally adjusted private sector job count of 7,125,200, which represents a monthly decline of 15,600 jobs, or�� 0.2 percentage points. While the state's private sector job count has dropped for eight consecutive months, the job losses are beginning to moderate.

Since the state's private sector job count peaked in August 2008, New York has lost 189,000 private sector jobs, and has retained just over fifty percent of the 400,000 jobs added during the state's last economic expansion from 2003-2008. New York State's unemployment rate, after seasonal adjustment, fell to 7.1 percent in April 2009. The rate outside of New York City in April was 7.4 percent, down from 7.6 percent in March 2009.
[FULL STORY]

A Sustainable Supply Chain
By Colin Read, May 7, 2009
Clinton County is once again on the leading edge of economic trends. Like our neighbors to the north, this area is investing heavily in a sustainable supply chain.

Eyefortransport, an organization that supports transportation, logistics and supply chain practitioners, recently released the results of a survey of 250 North American supply chain executives. They report that a sustainable supply chain is at the forefront of executives' concerns, and is fast becoming the first priority for many companies. The survey showed that 59% of respondents are implementing energy efficiency improvements, 42% are redesigning logistics networks, and 39% are measuring or reducing emissions.
[FULL STORY]

Fewer Job Losses in March; Education and Health Services Jobs Continue to Remain Strong
by Paul Grasso, May 10, 2009
The Dow Jones, S&P, and NASDAQ rallied recently when the April unemployment numbers were "better than expected."

The United States Department of Labor and many economists predicted 620,000 job losses in April. The recently released data showed a loss of only��539,000 jobs. The number of jobs lost in February and March were higher than originally reported so some believe the April figure may yet be revised somewhat higher.
[FULL STORY]

Census data center affiliate news:

Nearly Half of Parents Get Full Amount of Child Support. (Released November 9, 2009)

Selected Characteristics of Baby Boomers 42 to 60 Years Old in 2006. (Released November 9, 2009)

September 2009 Sales of Merchant Wholesalers Were $320.2 Billion, Up 0.7 Percent (+/-1.1 Percent) from Last Month. (Released November 6, 2009)

New Orders for Manufactured Goods in September Increased $3.3 Billion or 0.9 Percent to $356.1 Billion. (Released November 3, 2009)

School Enrollment in the United States: 2008. (Released November 2, 2009)

Secretary Locke, Census Bureau Launch National 'Census in Schools' Initiative to Improve the 2010 Count. (Released November 2, 2009)

Total Construction Activity for September 2009 ($940.3 Billion) Was 0.8 Percent Above the Revised August 2009 ($933.0 Billion) Figure. (Released November 2, 2009)

Facts for Features: The 2009 Holiday Season. (Released October 29, 2009)

Finances of Selected State and Local Government Employee Retirement Systems: 2nd Quarter 2009. (Released October 29, 2009)

The Hispanic Origin Population in the United States: 2007 and 2008. (Released September 30, 2009)

Census Bureau to Survey Nation's Spending Habits (Regional). (Released September 30, 2009)