by Herb Carpenter
It’s summer – time for us to get outside and enjoy the many options the North Country has to offer. The cover article for this issue of Strictly Business presents a new area venture. Captain Dave Northrup and his 38-foot cruising sailboat, the Blu North, now offer tours of Lake Champlain from the Plattsburgh Marina. Join him on board and he will show you views of the Lake few have seen, while at the same time offering a fascinating history lesson.
The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory in Tupper Lake is the anchor for the North Country’s nature-based tourism industry. This amazing attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the beauty and majesty of the night sky.
The town of Plattsburgh’s recreation program is second to none in our area. From programs to playgrounds, its emphasis on physical and mental stimulation for all age groups is one of the Town’s many selling points.
The North Country Golf Club in Rouses Point is a survivor. When Pfizer closed in 2017 its membership suffered a blow that could have destroyed the nearly century old club, but smart marketing and hard work made the difference. Today the Club is thriving with strong membership from New York, Vermont and Canada.
The North Country’s role in the abolitionist movement is the foundation for the Underground Railroad Museum located at AuSable Chasm. This special place presents the stories of North Country people who worked to help escaped slaves find safety in our area or move on to Canada.
Don’t miss an analysis, provided by New York State, of the impact tourists have on our Adirondack region. Visitor spending, job creation and tax revenues produced a $1.9 billion benefit for our region in 2021 (the last year for which data is available). That is 126% of 2019 numbers – a heartening rebound as the pandemic was winding down.
This month’s Insight article features Barbara Rice, the executive director of the Adirondack Park Agency. Barbara is a Saranac Lake native who brings an understanding of government and a love of the North Country to her new position.
And then Garry Douglas wraps up this issue with news of the developing effort to help businesses and employees transition from the loss of Nova Bus in 2024.
Tourism and recreational opportunities play a vital role in the well-being and economic health of the North Country. They create jobs, expand shopping opportunities, attract cultural diversity, and enhance taxes revenue.
…and that’s good for business.
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