TDC at a Glance - 2009 Year-End Review

December 2009 Issue

Incorporated in 1961, The Development Corporation (TDC) is a fully-focused economic development entity dedicated to assisting businesses relocating and expanding into Clinton County. TDC is committed to creating a high-quality business environment and is well positioned to attract top-rate industries that deliver quality jobs to the regional workforce. Additionally, TDC works as the administrator for both the County of Clinton and Town of Champlain’s Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs); the Clinton County and City of Plattsburgh Empire Zones; and the Clinton County Foreign Trade Zone #54.

TDC’s business development remained strong in 2009, notwithstanding the economic challenges the region faced during the recent recession. This year, TDC has attracted and retained a diverse group of companies to our parks that include several businesses involved in manufacturing “green-tech” products. TDC continues to foster community relations though its involvement in several economic collaborative groups in addition to lending financial support to local programs that advance workforce development.

The following is an overview of TDC’s business and community developments over the past year:

TDC’s Business Developments:

• Nova Bus opens the doors on its new 136,000 sf. facility located in TDC’s Banker Road Industrial Park; the project acquired shovel-ready land from TDC. The County of Clinton IDA entered into a straight lease transaction with Nova Bus to assist with construction.
  
  
• SpencerARL, the Nova Bus supplier for sub-assembly and 3rd party logistics, signed a 5-year lease to occupy 42,800 sf. of industrial space in TDC’s Air Industrial Park.
  
  
  
• B3CG International, the Nova Bus supplier of electric cables and complex harnesses, signed a 3-year lease for 20,000 sf. of industrial space in TDC’s Air Industrial Park. TDC retrofitted the inside of the building and constructed 2,500 sf. of new office space prior to the company moving in.
  
  
• APG-Neuros, a manufacturer of high efficiency “green-tech” turbo blowers most commonly used in waste water treatment facilities, signed a 3-year lease to occupy 60,000 sf. of industrial space in TDC’s Banker Road Industrial Park. TDC is in the process of making substantial improvements to the facility in order to accommodate operational needs.
  
  
• Global Sugar Art, the largest retailer of rolled fondant icing in the U.S., signed a 5-year lease for 10,000 sf. of industrial space in TDC’s Air Industrial Park.
  
  
• Gourmet Food Concepts (operating as Intelligent Food Designs), a gourmet food processing company, signed a 2-year lease to occupy 11,440 sf. of space in TDC’s Banker Road Industrial Park.

TDC in the Community:

• TDC’s Clinton County Economic Collaborative (CCEC) wrapped up its public transit study that sought to identify and promote cost effective transportation alternatives for area residents, businesses and employees. TDC and Clinton County Public Transit have entered into a public-private partnership to pursue grant opportunities in order to conduct a county-wide route assessment.
  
  
• The Commissioner for the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), Deborah VanAmerongen, toured SpencerARL and B3CG's facilities located in TDC's Air Industrial Park. Clinton County was awarded over $600,000 in Small Cities Grant funds from DHCR’s Office of Community Renewal for employee training, which was utilized by both companies. Nova Bus also received $750,000 in training grant funds from the same program. Currently, TDC administers all three grants on behalf of Clinton County.
  
  
• TDC’s Institute for Development and Economic Analysis (IDEA) was approved by Empire State Development as a Data Center Affiliate. TDC’s IDEA was established to provide clients and the public with access to the latest Clinton County data and information concerning census statistics, employment trends, economic forecasting, workforce development and general demographics. 
  
  
• TDC’s IDEA hosts a Vision 2040 economic forum. This forum consisted of a small group of diverse community members who engaged in constructive dialogue about Clinton County's collective future
  
  
• TDC and the City of Plattsburgh partnered to administer the City of Plattsburgh’s Empire Zone and Zone Administration Board. Both entities have successfully collaborated on several economic development projects over the years and this most recent partnership will be a continuation of this longstanding relationship.
  
  
• TDC and the City of Plattsburgh commenced Empire Zone boundary modifications for Schlüter Systems, L.P. building expansion. The company is constructing a new 57,000 sq ft manufacturing facility as well as 30,000 sq ft office building addition at their Plattsburgh location.
  
  
• TDC, on behalf Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES), managed the planning, design and engineering of the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute’s (PAI) hanger renovations at the former Clinton County Airport. The north and south hangers are now home to their Aviation Part-147 Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program as well as other CV-TEC course offerings.
  
  
• The Town of Saranac received a $30,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in support of their Business/Industrial Park feasibility study. TDC helped secure the funding and is committed to managing the project on behalf of the Town on a no-fee basis.
  
  
• TDC sponsored the 2nd annual Champlain Valley Regional Science Fair.  Middle and High School participants from around the region presented the results of their research and demonstration projects to judges and the public. Members of TDC’s staff and Board were on hand to present the awards.
  
  
• TDC sponsored the 2nd Annual CVES National Work Readiness Credential Preparation Program (NWRCPP) Employment Seminar. The seminar, gave participants the opportunity to meet with local businesses and take part in a brief job interview with companies that have openings. The original NWRC Pilot Program was started in early 2009 with financial support from TDC and has emerged as a regular course offering at CV-TEC.
  
  
• TDC sponsored the Solid Foundations program graduation tool belts for the ‘09 Fall and ’10 Spring semesters. The Solid Foundations program trains eligible youth in the basics of carpentry, electrical and plumbing work, while also incorporating academic learning and soft skills training in the form of the National Work Readiness Credential Program.

BACK TO HEADLINES

-Back to e-newsletter issues

-View News/Information Page