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PUBLISHER'S VIEW

Updated: Dec 28, 2023



With more than 100 Canadian companies in the greater Plattsburgh area, and approximately 9,000 people (15% of the Clinton County workforce) employed by a Canadian or border related employer, what better theme for the November issue of Strictly Business. Our cover article takes a look at the recent acquisition of Bombardier Transportation by Alstom, a French manufacturer operating worldwide in rail transport markets. Alstom’s reputation as an innovative high-tech manufacturer of light and heavy rail cars coupled with Bombardier’s experience as one of the Western world’s highest-rated rail-equipment manufacturers holds great promise for the North Country. Read about the two companies and their plans for the future in Plattsburgh. When companies like Bombardier and Nova Bus opened facilities in the area, there was hope they would attract service providers to meet their needs. AQ Wiring, a manufacturer that produces wiring and harnesses for several local transportation manufacturers, is meeting that need. Now, in a new facility on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, AQ is growing, hiring and has long range plans that will benefit the region. IEC Holden, in business in Plattsburgh for more than ten years, is one more of the many companies that serve the area’s transportation manufacturing industry. It produces electric motors and generators for freight locomotives and buses. The company is proud of its products and its team. Meet GM Drago Repas and learn about the people making IEC Holden a valuable part of the area’s transportation network. Bridge Street in downtown Plattsburgh may be an unusual location for a high-tech company, but Landry Simulation has made it the U.S. home for its operations. The company’s teams travel the world installing, relocating and maintaining flight simulators that are key components of the aviation industry. We welcome Claude Landry and his family to the North Country business community. Normally an item like pallets would be readily available, but with the supply chain industry stretched thin, they have become a precious commodity. What better time for Canadian owned Damabois Corporation to acquire an Essex County box and pallet company. Renamed D Pallet, the company — which began operation in August of this year — has started small, but has big plans for growth. Learn more about them in this issue. Colin Read’s contribution to this issue of Strictly Business offers the perspective of an economist and a Canadian native. Don’t miss his insight into the past, present and future of CanAm relations. Bill Owens steps up next to give SB readers a look at what is happening in Canadian politics and business.

And then there is our Insight article featuring Andree LaBarge, who overcame tragedy to build an impressive reputation in the insurance industry and impact her community. A remarkable woman! Garry Douglas does his usual wrap up to this issue with an upbeat view of what we can expect when our northern border is fully open and life returns to normal. Over 76% of imports from Canada are goods that are used in the production of other goods (i.e., parts/components that go into a final bus/train like those built in Plattsburgh at Nova and Alstom). Want more proof of the impact of Canadian business on our area, here it is. Annually New York exports, on average, $14 billion in goods to Canada and imports, on average, $15 billion in goods for a total of nearly $30 billion in trade!

...and that's good for business.

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