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Publisher's View

Updated: Nov 28, 2023


Herb Carpenter

By Herb Carpenter


Family members working together to create a successful business and enhance the quality of life for the North Country community is something I know well. My wife, Mary, and I have been partners in business and life for more than 40 years. Our son, Mike, joined the family company in 1998 and now drives our growth and diversity. It is our synergistic relationship that inspired us to create this issue of Strictly Business.


When Alex Enyedi became SUNY Plattsburgh’s 11th president in 2020, the campus and community got more than it expected. It got Team Enyedi! Alex and Andrea Enyedi have been a force for good since they met in college. Their focus over the years has been to create ways to improve lives through education. One terrific example of that commitment is the “I’ve Been Admitted to College” program you will learn about in this issue of SB.


When the COVID pandemic turned the world upside down, the Moore brothers of Condo Pharmacy stepped up, joined a pilot project for independent pharmacies created by the Governor and changed their business model to provide outpatient testing. Their leadership was an inspiration to the community at a time of fear and uncertainty.


Also in this issue, you will meet the women of Riley Ford. Being the only certified woman owned auto dealership in New York State makes them unique, but they are much more than that. Each one grew up in the business, faced all the challenges of working in a traditionally male industry and has found her niche.

Real estate is in the Whitbeck family’s DNA. Brothers PJ and Adam are growing their Coldwell Banker Whitbeck franchise, opening offices in Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Potsdam, and Malone, and by the time you read this, they will have relocated to a new office suite in Plattsburgh.


Father and daughter, Perry and Nikki Buck, represent the second and third generation of family members in the car wash business in Plattsburgh. Their two current locations will soon be joined by a third in the busy West End of the city. While women have not been common in the industry, Nikki is part of a trend that brings a new perspective to a traditional business.


Steve and Carol Carpenter of Liquor & Wine Warehouse are committed to helping others in our community on a level few can match. Whether it’s raising money for Make a Wish, Christmas gifts for children or any number of organizations, the couple is always willing to step up. Their hard work and generosity are amazing.


This month’s Insight feature introduces you to Heather Couture, Vice President and Senior Commercial Relationship Manager at NBT Bank. A transplant from New Hampshire, Heather is a woman of many interests and talents. Whether she is in her office at the bank in Plattsburgh or sitting in a tree in Malone on a hunting trip, she is living her best life.


When it was announced that Nova Bus would close its local operation in 2024, the Chamber of Commerce did what it always does. It immediately jumped into action. Joel Wood, the Chamber’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives wraps up this issue of SB with an update on how plans are progressing.

Our area is fortunate to have so many strong first, second and even a few third-generation family companies.


...and that’s good for business.


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