Plattsburgh, NY Ranks 14th in Site Selection Magazine’s Governors Cup Award for Top Micropolitans in 2008

Press Release - March 9, 2009

Plattsburgh, NY --March 9, 2009 -- Despite these troubled economic times, Plattsburgh, NY continues to thrive and has received notable recognition as a successful community. Site Selection Magazine has released the 2008 Governor’s Cup Award for Top Micropolitans, cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county, and Plattsburgh, NY has climbed up the rankings from 19th to 14th in the nation based on significant 2008 investments in new industrial facilities and community facilities.

Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup Awards recognize the top state in the nation as well as top Metropolitans and Micropolitans based on new or expanded facilities over the past 12 months. According to Site Selection Magazine, the awards are the most prestigious awards in economic development and are great honors for those states and communities recognized.

Much of the credit for Plattsburgh’s recognition in the Governor’s Cup rankings can be attributed to the work of local economic development agencies and officials who have worked to encourage business expansion and retention throughout the area. SPAN>

The Development Corporation, Clinton County New York (TDC), was invited to submit 2008 success stories on behalf of the County. Included in its submission was the estimated $30 million dollar 136,000 s.f. expansion of Quebec-based bus manufacturer Nova Bus to Plattsburgh, NY, the site of the company’s new US-based plant. The construction of Nova Bus’s new 136,000 s.f. state-of-the-art assembly facility, located in TDC’s Banker Road Industrial Park, broke ground in April 2008. Local Clinton County and New York contractors were hired to assist in the construction process, which is nearing completion with an anticipated opening date of June 2009. The positive effects of the Nova Bus achievement continue to be felt throughout the communities of Clinton County, with 50 new jobs already created and filled and an estimated 200 more to be staffed by September, 2009. The recent expansion of two highly regarded Nova Bus suppliers, SpencerARL and B3CG Interconnect, will create an additional 100 well-paying jobs for the area.

Three other major local projects were nominated, the nearly $177 million dollar Noble Wind Energy Turbine Project, a major $33.5 million dollar expansion at CVPH Medical Center and the $9 million dollar Hampton Inn construction on Route 3 in Plattsburgh. The submissions represented four major areas of development; renewable energy, community, tourism and manufacturing, which reflects a diverse and dynamic Plattsburgh and Clinton County business community.

Adoré Flynn Kurtz, President of The Development Corporation, said “It is gratifying to see development in such disparate sectors demonstrating the local diversification in economic growth. Such diversity indicates the internal strength in the local economy and is compelling proof to existing local companies and new businesses that Plattsburgh is a good place to do business.”

Each of these successful 2008 projects has not only played a positive role in the current economic state of Clinton County by bringing new jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into our community, and were also key contributors to the 2008 Governor’s Cup distinction placing Plattsburgh highly among Top Micropolitans in the nation.

The Development Corporation Announces the Expansion of B3CG Interconnect to Plattsburgh, NY

Press Release - February 12, 2009

PLATTSBURGH, NY – February 12, 2009 – The Development Corporation of Clinton County New York is pleased to announce another success story for Clinton County with the expansion of B3CG Interconnect Inc into TDC’s Air Industrial Park, located in Plattsburgh, NY.

B3CG Interconnect is a supplier of original and reliable solutions for the assembly of electric cables and complex harnesses, intended for the ground transport, medical equipment, electro-mechanical systems and telecommunications sectors. With a headquarters in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, B3CG Interconnect serves a very large clientele across Quebec and in the United States. B3CG has been a subassembly subcontractor for Nova Bus’s Saint-Eustache Plant and has recently received the same contract for Nova Bus’s Plattsburgh location. The subassembly contract entails assembly of complex harnesses and control panels. B3CG expects to hire 25 people initially in Plattsburgh and increase at a rapid pace; ultimately employing an estimated 40-50 people.

B3CG Interconnect has signed a three (3) year lease with The Development Corporation for 1523 Military Turnpike, Suite 200 in Plattsburgh, NY effective April 1, 2009 and will occupy 20,000 s.f. As part of the lease, The Development Corporation will construct approximately 2,500 s.f. of new office space for B3CG and will shortly be seeking a Clinton County general contractor for the office renovation.

B3CG was initially referred to Plattsburgh by Nova Bus. In a recent meeting with Stéfan Baumans, President and Chief Executive Officer for B3CG Interconnect Inc, he noted the many attractive qualities about the Plattsburgh area which were extremely appealing to his company when selecting an expansion location. These include the proximity to the company’s headquarters in St. Eustache as well as the location of TDC’s 1523 Military Turnpike, Suite 200 location in relation to the Nova Bus site on Banker Road. He also recognized Plattsburgh’s strong workforce and notable reputation when working with Canadian companies, as evidenced by the large number of Canadian businesses that have successfully located in Clinton County. Baumans commended the efficiency of the local economic development partners that contributed to B3CG’s successful expansion into Clinton County, specifically acknowledging the staff of The Development Corporation and their turn-key service. When asked about the effects this new Plattsburgh location will have on B3CG’s current business, Baumans said, "With its modern 40,000 square feet facilities in the area of Montréal, B3CG was already one of the key players in the cable industry. But with the addition of its new Plattsburgh plant, B3CG becomes indispensable for its Canadian clients, by proposing local content solution for their products to be introduced in the US market, without mentioning the huge potential of US new clients in the New York State.”

The Development Corporation have been working to assemble business and financial incentives, particularly in the form of equipment and training program funding. While the current financial crisis has affected some incentives, B3CG has been offered the opportunity for economic development funding from the New York Office of Community Renewal (OCR). Clinton County, The Development Corporation and the OneWorkSource will handle the OCR program delivery. Keith R. Matott, Facilities and Project Manager for The Development Corporation, stated “It is always exciting to work with new companies and assist them with their business needs, including workforce training, financial assistance and site set-up and support. Quality job creation is a mission of TDC; our staff can bring together all the elements needed for success from facilities to financing and beyond.”

The expansion of B3CG Interconnect Inc into Clinton County is another local accomplishment even in the face of the current economic slowdown. Businesses continue to recognize the benefits of doing business in Clinton County and local economic development partners work hard to retain and expand business every day. With its excellent location along the Canadian border, vibrant business community, financial incentives, dedicated and capable workforce and quality of life it is clear to see why Clinton County continues to be successful.

The Development Corporation Announces the Expansion of SpencerARL to Plattsburgh, NY

Press Release - January 15, 2009

PLATTSBURGH, NY – January 15, 2009 - The Development Corporation, Clinton County New York is pleased to announce the expansion of SpencerARL to TDC’s Air Industrial Park, located in Plattsburgh, NY.

SpencerARL, a division of Assemble-Rite, Ltd is an affiliate of Butcher Engineering Enterprises Ltd, which has been a leader in its industry since 1943 with headquarters in Windsor, Ontario. Like its affiliate, SpencerARL has capabilities in painting, packaging, warehousing, logistics and distribution of parts for the automotive industry. SpencerARL practices Lean Manufacturing principals and techniques for processing excellence.

SpencerARL has signed a five and a half year lease with TDC effective January 1, 2009 and will occupy 42,088 sq. ft. in Suite 100 at 3 Area Development Dr. in Plattsburgh. They have received both a sub-assembly and a third-party logistics contract from Nova Bus for its facility located nearby on Banker Road in Plattsburgh. Over 140 sub-assembly activities including the bus engine, transmission, axles, seats, wheel and tire will be assembled at SpencerARL and sequenced to the Nova Bus facility on a Just-in-Time basis. At full capacity, the company will create 60 quality new jobs for the area.

SpencerARL was first introduced to the region by the Plattsburgh Regional Office of Empire State Development (ESD). With the assistance of ESD, SpencerARL was informed of all available sites and buildings throughout Clinton and its surrounding counties as well as information about operating in New York State, benefits including Empire Zone and all NYS loan and grant funding options.

After the initial contact with ESD in January 2008, SpencerARL was then introduced to the services of TDC and Clinton County during the summer of 2008. Through the collaborative efforts of the Plattsburgh Regional Office of ESD, the OneWorkSource, the New York State Office of Community Renewal and The Development Corporation, SpencerARL was made fully aware of the substantial resources and business incentive opportunities available for businesses relocating or expanding into Clinton County. These resources include Empire Zone and Foreign Trade Zone benefits, employment and training opportunities and other potential incentive options.

“The Area Development Drive facility is a top notch facility with full municipal and utility services on an attractive site. The facility’s layout and proximity to Route 3 and Military Turnpike made it a perfect location to accommodate Nova Bus’ just in time needs on a daily basis. This, coupled with the strong collaboration by local economic development entities, contributed to the success of Spencer’s expansion to Clinton County,” noted Katharine Mulligan, Director of Marketing and Business Development for The Development Corporation.

NERIC Relocates into TDC's Air Industrial Park

Press Release - August 27, 2008

The Development Corporation is pleased to announce the relocation of NERIC, Northeastern Regional Information Center, to its Air Industrial Park in Plattsburgh. NERIC was previously located on Healey Avenue in Plattsburgh and sought a larger facility to better serve their clients. They have signed a five year lease with The Development Corporation effective September 1st and will move into their new location at 14 Area Development Drive, Suite 201, early this fall.

NERIC is a division of BOCES that provides educational technology and training services to school districts and colleges, with K-12 schools being the majority of their business. Currently, NERIC employs approximately 50 people in the North Country.

NERIC will be moving into a newly renovated office space that is just over 3,300 square feet in size. The Development Corporation contracted with Conroy & Conroy Contractors Inc. of Plattsburgh to handle the renovations for the facility.

“Having the ability to provide a state of the art training center with meeting rooms to better serve our school districts is one of the main advantages of moving to this new facility,” states Jim Jarrard, Assistant Director for NERIC. Proximity also played a key role in the decision to relocate as NERIC delivers many programs in cooperation with Champlain Valley Educational Services. They will be located directly adjacent to the CVES/BOCES training center, which is also located at 14 Area Development Drive and just across Military Turnpike from the CVES Plattsburgh campus.

Imeco Câbles Inc. Moves Into TDC's Air Industrial Park

Press Release - July 29, 2008

The Development Corporation is pleased to announce the expansion of Imeco Câbles Inc., a Canadian cable assembly manufacturer and leader in telecommunication, to Plattsburgh, New York. Imeco Câbles Inc. currently operates in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Phoenix, AZ and will be leasing space in The Development Corporation’s Plattsburgh Air Industrial Park effective August 1, 2008.

The Imeco Group emerged in the mid 1990’s, when the telecom sector was at its peak and the demands for connectivity and telecommunication products were drastically increasing. For the last 10 years, Imeco Câbles Inc. has been the provider of high quality harness assembly and network access products.

The Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce was the primary source for the Imeco Group and helped introduce them to Plattsburgh when they hosted a Red Carpet Day in May, 2008. The Chamber referred Imeco to local real estate broker, Matt Boire, Vice President of Cross Border Development Corporation, who helped facilitate the lease with The Development Corporation.

Garry Douglas, President of The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, says, “This is another example of economic development teamwork, and another step forward for Plattsburgh as a growing center of transportation equipment manufacturing. The Chamber attracted Imeco’s interest earlier this year and connected them with all of our specialists, including the Labor Department and OneWorkSource who showed how we will meet their current and future workforce needs. The Development Corporation was ready with a perfect facility and the ability to move quickly to meet their timetable. It all came together."

Adoré Flynn Kurtz, President of The Development Corporation, reports that The Development Corporation facility which Imeco will occupy is a high-profile location on Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh and a designated New York State Empire Zone. The Development Corporation undertook renovations to the facility to accommodate the needs and preferences of Imeco Câbles Inc. The initial term of the lease is five years.

At first, the expansion of Imeco Câbles Inc. will result in 10 new jobs at the Plattsburgh site with the potential for future growth.

The Development Corporation of Clinton County, New York Selects New Director of Marketing and Business Development

Press Release- June 1, 2008

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.-Katharine J. Mulligan has recently joined The Development Corporation, Clinton County, New York as Director of Marketing and Business Development. Mulligan is a Clinton County native and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University at Albany.

At The Development Corporation, she will be responsible for developing and implementing all strategic marketing and business development initiatives. She comes to The Development Corporation from the SUNY Plattsburgh Upward Bound Program, where she was the Events Coordinator. Mulligan organized and executed all events and outreach activities for the students throughout the academic year. She was responsible for the majority of the press and business relations as well as newsletter creation and distribution to the schools, students, parents and alums of the Program. She is currently the President of the Upward Bound Dollars for Scholars Chapter at SUNY Plattsburgh and a member of the Adirondack Young Professionals.

TDC Vice President Achieves CEcD Certification

Press Release - Sept. 16, 2007

Victoria Zinser Johnson, Vice President of The Development Corporation Clinton County, has successfully met the requirements for certification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an economic developer. The IEDC is the world's largest membership organization serving the economic development profession, and providing the standard certification in economic development (CEcD). Certification entails the successful completion of a series of six multi-day courses in various disciplines of economic development, demonstrating significant relevant professional employment experience, and passing a two-day exam. Ms. Johnson successfully completed the exam in Phoenix, Arizona on September 15 and 16, 2007.

Ms. Johnson joins only five other professional economic developers across the North Country region who are board certified in economic development. These include: James Fayle of Jefferson County Job Development Corporation, Watertown, Robert Juravich of the Development Authority of the North Country, Watertown, Adoré Flynn Kurtz of The Development Corporation, Plattsburgh, Roseanne Murphy, Deputy Regional Director of Empire State Development, Plattsburgh, and Tom Plastino of CITEC, Potsdam. Ms. Johnson also holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) as a city and regional planner. She came to The Development Corporation following a career in urban and regional planning in both the public and private sectors, in New York and Florida.

The Development Corporation is a not-for-profit economic development organization with a forty-five year legacy of growing jobs and investment in Clinton County. The corporation develops industrial parks, markets the county for new business investments, and works to retain and expand local industry. The corporation also administers the Clinton County Empire Zone, the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, the Town of Champlain Industrial Development Agency and Clinton County's Foreign-Trade Zone. Ms. Johnson works in all areas of economic and community development within TDC, with a focus on economic development marketing and industrial facility planning and development. She serves as the Zone Coordinator for the Clinton County Empire Zone.

TDC wins New York State Economic Development Council Award

Press Release

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – At the New York State Economic Development Council's Annual Conference in Cooperstown this month, TDC (The Development Corporation) President, Adoré Flynn Kurtz accepted an Honorable Mention Award for their website www.NYworks.biz.

The Annual Marketing & Promotional Materials Competition was open to all 900 members of the statewide council. The TDC website was judged favorably in the areas of data quality, organization and navigation, visual appeal and accessibility. TDC staff, led by Vice President Victoria Zinser Johnson, worked closely with MultiMedia Marketing to ensure that the site is not only a great informational tool for the community but also a vehicle by which to exemplify the consistent quality image of TDC to funding partners, TDC board members and elected officials.

A not-for-profit entity, TDC represents over four decades of progress in Clinton County. TDC contracted with the Plattsburgh-based advertising and public relations company, MultiMedia Marketing, to design, program and optimize their website. In the past month alone, since the state conference, traffic to the website has doubled. Noted Kurtz, "This recognition at the state level clearly reinforces that TDC's policy to source to local vendors makes sense business-wise and is on target with our corporate slogan, 'The Future is Right Here'."

With an interactive real estate section, high quality photography and other state-of-the-art navigational tools, TDC's web site possesses numerous unique features to serve site selectors, prospective companies and the general public. Visitors can browse TDC's industrial sites through interactive Flash maps that show images of and information about selected properties. A search engine also allows users to find available buildings by size (square footage) locale and/or industrial park.

Home Bistro Continues Rapid Growth

Press Republican, by Dan Heath - May 12, 2007

This company is growing faster than its new chocolate souffle.

Home Bistro Vice President of Marketing Spencer Newman said sales are increasing by about 40 percent a year.

"Last year, we shipped well over 1 million meals. We will be substantially higher than that this year," he said.

He said the company now has about 100 employees, up from 14 in 2003 and 36 in the fall of 2005.

The latter was the year Home Bistro completed a $2.2 million renovation/expansion at its Banker Road facility. That gave the company space to create a call center and order-fulfillment area and to expand its offices, locker rooms and production area.

"We do it all in house. That's better for Plattsburgh," Newman said.

He said Home Bistro has a great relationship with The Development Corporation, which operates the Banker Road Industrial Park.

"They've helped us with our space needs specific to a food manufacturer," he said.

Newman said customers can order meals by phone, Internet or mail.

"Now, the majority of our meals come through the Web site," he said. "Before, the majority of our orders came through the catalog and phone."

The company's warehouse in the Salt Lake City area allows its products to be delivered to nearly every destination in the United States within three days, Newman said.

"We are absolutely the largest mail-order company that specializes in chef-prepared meals delivered nationwide," Newman said. "No one can compare with the quality and variety of products we offer."

Home Bistro develops four to five new products each quarter, he said.

One of the new products in the company's Mother's Day catalog is Montreal Biftec, described as "grilled sirloin steak rubbed with a mild Montreal-style seasoning in a buerre rouge sauce made with shallots and Burgundy wine served with potato gnocchi and chopped spinach accented with roasted garlic and butter."

Home Bistro has a new eight-entree line of diabetic-friendly meals, low in sugars and carbohydrates.

"After all, they're grooming their future workforce."

Learn to Earn Program Emphasizes Math and Science

Press Republican, by Dan Heath - March 30, 2007

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – A program being offered in Clinton County schools aims to develop a stronger student interest in math and science courses.

Learn to Earn is funded by The Development Corporation, said Vice President Victoria Zinser Johnson, and is offered in schools throughout Clinton County.

This is the 11th year the corporation has offered the program.

"Strong math and science skills are absolutely crucial in getting jobs with many of the employers in Clinton County," Zinser said.

"Our goal in facilitating Learn to Earn is to demonstrate through real-world examples — the experience of local business people — how those skills can translate into compelling and rewarding careers."

INTERNET MATH
Internet Product Manager Frank Koniszewski and Network Engineer J.R. Davenport from Primelink made presentations this week to Beekmantown Middle School classes.

"Believe it or not, there is actually a use for math that is entertaining. It is the Internet," Koniszewski said.

He asked for a volunteer to set up Voice Over Internet Protocol phone service and Internet service using a laptop computer and router, and guided student Holly Paolicelli through the process.

The idea was to show the students that something they use every day — the computer they use for Web browsing and instant messaging — is totally based on math, Koniszewski said.

"We showed them the mathematical computations in the background that take them to a Web site," he said.

After class, Paolicelli said the presentation had been interesting, mainly because her father does the same type of work.

"He's a network engineer at TwinState," she said.

Asked if she is interested in math, Paolicelli said yes, but that she's not great at it. She would like to be involved in film editing once she's done with school.

Koniszewski told the students he really enjoys his exciting work. He said the money's good too, noting his position has a starting salary of $40,000 a year.

"In sales or technical sales, you can make more than $100,000," Koniszewski said.

Beekmantown Middle School Counselor Christine Tedford said the program has been going well during the four years she has been at the school. She said the students seem to enjoy the presentations, which she plans to continue.

"They like the hands-on things they get to do," Tedford said. "It shows kids why they need math and science. It shows what they can do with a math background."

BLUEPRINTS
Earlier this week, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator Lee Ann Pray and Amanda Shannon from Schonbek Worldwide Lighting made a presentation to classes at Northeastern Clinton Central School.

Pray, in her sixth year with the program, said they brought bags filled with pieces of a chandelier and had students assemble them using a blueprint.

Math is an important part of the work at Schonbek, she said.

"On the production floor, we use math all the time. Blueprints are full of math."

They also had students solve a problem.

"We had them pretend to be an engineer and figure out how many amps were needed for a certain fixture," Pray said. "It's very rewarding to go into a school and see the students excel."

FUTURE WORKFORCE
The presentations are intended to stress the importance of taking advanced math and science courses, show students what local businesses and opportunities are out there and show them that careers with those companies are attainable and desirable.

Other participating companies include Bombardier Transportation, WPTZ, CVPH Medical Center, Exelon Power Labs, Salerno Plastics, Composite Factory and Fox 44.

Johnson said it's great the companies are willing to allow their staff time to make the presentations.

"We get such amazing participation from our company volunteers. I think they really understand how important it is to give back to the community in this way.

"After all, they're grooming their future workforce."

The Development Corporation Unveils INNOVATIVE NEW Web Site

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – With an interactive real estate section, top-notch photography depicting the region and other state-of-the-art navigational tools, The Development Corporation's new web site possesses numerous unique features – especially as compared to most economic development web sites. Unveiled today, the site provides visitors with a user-friendly experience to inform them of leasing and real estate opportunities, tax and financing incentives, community information and many other points for companies considering relocating and expanding in the North Country.

Public Relations and advertising specialist MultiMedia Marketing in Plattsburgh designed the web site, which is found at: www.NYworks.biz.

"We are very excited about introducing this up-to-date tool for new clients and businesses considering coming to our region," TDC President Adoré Flynn Kurtz said. "It is like no other web site that markets economic development that we've seen."

Visitors can peruse our four industrial sites through interactive Flash maps that show images of and information about selected properties. A search engine also allows users to find available buildings by size (square footage) town and/or industrial park. A page devoted to current tenants and their testimonials illustrates the commitment many businesses have made to the North Country. Through streaming video, the site also offers users an opportunity to view commercials and other marketing products of TDC.

The web site's most powerful element is the Search Engine Optimization (SEO), a marketing tool that can drive TDC’s profile on the World Wide Web. "This allows TDC’s site to have an edge over its peers," said Victoria Zinser Johnson, TDC Vice President. "When computer users conduct an Internet search using keywords, TDC will appear at the top of the list," she explained. The MultiMedia Marketing team spent months researching competition in the field while conducting monthly marketing tests using a variety of search keywords.

Johnson, and MultiMedia Marketing's, Katie Jennett have been key in leading this project through a comprehensive process. Johnson leads the marketing efforts at TDC.

With an exciting glance into "Life Here," the site offers users the ability to experience the North Country online. By clicking on links to recreation, education, housing and transportation, visitors can research the very attributes that often influence companies to relocate to a region. In addition, a pleasing visual story is offered with links to news stories, press releases and advertising done by TDC. By automatically rotating images, the site attracts users back with fresh photographs of the region each time they visit.

"This web site is the premier calling card for Clinton County," said Mary Ann Castine, president and founder of MultiMedia Marketing. TDC's marketing efforts can now be directed toward pointing clients to the web site to further promote Clinton County and the exceptional opportunities those working with TDC have experienced.

"TDC is very satisfied with the work that MultiMedia Marketing has carried out through our web site development and through other affiliated marketing efforts,"Kurtz said.

Plattsburgh success: Patient preparation, quick response to opportunity.

New York State Economic Development Council Newsletter - July 7, 2006

A recent Clinton County success story shows the value of solid, patient groundwork to prepare a site and quick, collaborative efforts to seal a deal when a prospect unexpectedly appears.

In June, Laurentian Aerospace of Quebec announced plans to invest $64 million in a major new aircraft maintenance facility at the Plattsburgh International Airport. The project will create up to 1,500 new jobs over six years.

The deal was closed unusually quickly, said Adore Flynn Kurtz, CEcD, president of The Development Corporation of Clinton County (TDC). About 18 months earlier, TDC and the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber began collaboration to market aviation assets at airport.

"We wanted to develop a facility that could be a self-supporting industrial airport and, at the same time, attract more than basic commuter service," Kurtz said.

A consultant report highlighted several powerful assets: a long runway, weather that's nearly always conducive to flying, and a relatively quiet airport, which aviation businesses would find appealing. At an aviation trade show in November, the member of the team met a consultant for the Quebec company.

"There were no fireworks then," Kurtz said, but they met the same consultant at a second show in April. "The next day, TDC, the Chamber, Empire State Development, and the state Department of Labor were all in Montreal to meet the prospect."

Although the company was already evaluating sites in Montreal, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, it was intrigued by the features of the Clinton County site, especially a runway that did not need to be extended for wide-body aircraft. A company visit to the airport two weeks later highlighted other assets: convenient access to Montreal; tight security already in place for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security facility; a new $20 million terminal and other improvements; and a new collaborative effort to train aviation technicians.

After several more visits in quick succession, both in Montreal and at the airport, a deal was closed only about a month after the engagement began.

The company will invest $64 million to build a 262,000 square-foot hangar; it may later invest another $50 million to create a duplicate facility, creating an additional 740 new jobs by 2012.

Laurentian Aerospace can apply for an ESD capital grant of up to $6.1 million. The hanger construction project will also receive $3 million in new multi-modal transportation funding, including $1.5 million each being made available by the Governor and Senator Betty Little. NYSERDA will also provide up to $500,000 for the project.

Kurtz credited these government officials and U.S. Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer and U.S. Rep. John McHugh (R-Pierrepont Manor). She also praised officials from ESD, Clinton County, the County of Clinton IDA, and even the Mohawk Valley EDGE for quickly providing information that helped the team knowledgeably negotiate things like leases, landing fees, and financing.

"We needed all the cooperation," she said. "The economic developer's job is to work with anyone and everyone to facilitate deals. It's not about who gets credit. It's more about making sure that all the key components and key players are involved and engaged."

	Plattsburgh Flying High Aerospace company selects Plattsburgh for its home base. Clinton County Today, by Jennifer Meschinelli - June 24, 2006 PLATTSBURGH—The opening of a multi-million dollar aeronautical maintenance company at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base will be "transformational" to the region's economy. That was the prediction of Garry Douglas, president of the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce. "If a region is fortunate, once in a generation it has something that comes along that is transformational to its economy," Douglas said. On Monday, Douglas welcomed Gov. George Pataki in Plattsburgh to announce that Laurentian Aerospace Corp. plans to build a 262,000-square-foot, two ñbay hanger complex at a cost of $64 million, on the ramp at the airport. The facility is expected to employ 700 people in high-paying jobs during the next five years. Laurentian is a newly created company that will provide aircraft service to commercial airlines, air cargo and military wide body jets such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A300s, according to the company'­s Chief Executive Officer Paul Gobeil. While there is plenty of competition for narrow body jet maintenance, there are very few companies in the wide body business, Gobeil said. Laurentian will be performing "C checks" which are routine maintenance checks that occur every 15 months and "D checks" which occur every four years. The cost of these checks can run from $500,000 to almost $2 million, depending on what types of issues arise during the checks. "These are expensive, so you don't need to do many to be successful," said Gobeil. Although presently many airlines service their own planes, Gobeil said that in an effort to save money, many companies plan to be out sourcing this service. Most existing maintenance facilities are outdated and have to annually dock planes, a process that adds a whole day of downtime when a plane goes in or out of the maintenance bay. A new state-of-the-art laser docking system will help Laurentian eliminate this problem. The system is expected to cut the service time in half, thus saving airlines a half million dollars per plane. Already Gobeil has several letters of interest from airlines that plan to be customers of Laurentian, once the operation is up and running. Gobeil expects his customers to come from the United States, Canada, Europe and possibly Asia. Plattsburgh is also perfectly positioned on the transatlantic flight line between the United States and Europe, Gobeil said. With the number of orders for large aircraft increasing each year, Gobeil sees the company expanding to more the tits original two bays. Space is not a problem with the Plattsburgh site and the Clinton County Legislature has promised Laurentian that the space they need will be reserved for them. Also the size and length of Plattsburgh's runway will have no problem landing the large planes and was a major factor in attracting Laurentian to the area. "We haven'­t seen anything like this space in the US and Canada," Gobeil said. "There is plenty of room for future expansion." The "father of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base," Clyde Lewis was also present for the announcement. "This runway here is the best one in the whole northeast," Lewis said. "This area is the future of aviation." Douglas told Lewis, "What you built here 50 years ago is about to have anew life." Douglas predicts that Plattsburgh will become an aviation center, with a cluster of supporting aviation companies coming to the area to work with Laurentian. In fact, the day after the announcement Douglas planned to give a site tour to a company that had already called and was interested. "Just like Bombardier, this company will draw in a cluster of supporting companies around it," Douglas said. "I see Plattsburgh emerging as a center of excellence in aero-space," said Gobeil. For many, the announcement was the end of a long road toward fully redeveloping the base since its closure. "We're gonna fly now," Douglas said. "This is a culmination of what weve been working toward since the base closure in '95."
	Aerospace company selects Plattsburgh for its home base Over 1,600 high-paying aerospace jobs to be filled over a period of five to eight years. Denton Publications, by Jennifer Meschinelli - June 20, 2006 PLATTSBURGH—"If a region is fortunate, once in a generation it has something that comes along that is transformational to its economy," said Garry Douglas, president of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce. And "transformational" is the effect that Douglas says the Laurentian Aerospace Corporation will have on the Plattsburgh economy. Douglas, Gov. George Pataki and area lawmakers were present this week to introduce Laurentian and its CEO Paul Gobeil to the Plattsburgh business community. Laurentian is a newly created company that will provide aircraft service to commercial airlines, air cargo and military wide body jets such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A300s. According to Gobeil, while there is plenty of competition for narrow body jet maintenance, there are very few companies in the wide body business. Laurentian will be performing "C checks" which are routine maintenance checks that occur every 15 months and "D checks" which occur every four years. The cost of these checks can run from $500,000 to almost $2 million, depending on what types of issues arise during the checks. "These are expensive, so you donít need to do many to be sucessful," said Gobeil. Although presently many airlines service their own planes, Gobeil said that in an effort to save money, many companies plan to be outsourcing this service. Many of these maintenance facilities are outdated and have to manually dock the planes, a process that takes adds a whole day each time the plane goes in or out of the maintenance bay. "Just our computer docking system alone will save companies money," said Gobeil. Since having to ground planes costs airlines big money, using Laurentian'­s services will save airlines a half million dollars per plane. As a result, Laurentian will be able to offer competitive rates by using the latest technology, such as a laser docking system which will cut the service time for the planes in half. Already Gobeil has several letters of intent from airlines that plan to be customers of Laurentian, once the operation is up and running. Gobeil expects his customers to be from the United States, Canada, Europe and possibly Asia. Plattsburgh is also perfectly positioned on the transatlantic flight line between the United States and Europe, which offers many airlines convenience. With the numbers of orders for large aircraft increasing each year, Gobeil sees the company expanding to more than its original two bays. With the Plattsburgh site space was not a problem and the Clinton County Legislature has promised Laurentian that the space they need will be reserved for them. Also the size and length of Plattsburgh'­s runway will have no problem landing the large planes and was a major factor in attracting Laurentian to the area. "We haven't seen anything like this space in the US and Canada," Gobeil said. "There is plenty of space for future expansion." The father of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Clyde Lewis was also present for the announcement. "This runway here is the best one in the whole northeast," Lewis said. "This area is the future of aviation." Douglas told Lewis, "What you built here 50 years ago is about to have new life." Douglas predicts that Plattsburgh will become an aviation center, with a cluster of supporting aviation companies coming to the area to work with Laurentian. In fact, the day after the announcement Douglas planned to give a site tour to a company that had already called and was interested. "Just like Bombardier, this company will draw in a cluster of supporting companies around it," Douglas said. "I see Plattsburgh emerging as a center of excellence in aerospace," said Gobeil. For many, the announcement was the end of a long road toward fully redeveloping the base since its closure. "We're gonna fly now," Douglas said. "This is a culmination of what we'­ve been working toward since the base closure in '95." From left to right: Laurentian Aerospace Corporation CEO Paul Gobeil, Adore Flynn Kurtz of the Development Corporation and Gov. George Pataki. (Back) Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature, James Langley Jr. and city of Plattsburgh Mayor Dan Stewart. Upon his arrival in Plattsburgh this week, Gobeil briefs Gov. Pataki on his plans to build a Maintenance, repair and overhaul facility on the former Air Force flight line. - photo by Jennifer Meschinelli
	Laurentian Aerospace was landed within 30 days from the first meeting. Press Republican, by Dan Heath - June 20, 2006 .PLATTSBURGH—The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce and its local partners pulled together the deal to bring Laurentian Aerospace Corp. to Plattsburgh within 30 days. Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said a friend from the Montreal business community had mentioned the maintenance, repair and overhaul startup to him last fall. The friend said he would put the people behind the project in touch with the chamber. But for some reason, the call never came. Douglas saw the friend again at an aerospace industry meeting at Mount Tremblant in May. The friend called Laurentian Aerospace officials, then came back and gave Douglas the names of the key players and told him to meet them the next day in Montreal. "I checked the names and realized this was a big thing," Douglas said. He and the chamber team put together and delivered a presentation within 24 hours. "Our goal that day was just to get a second meeting. They decided to take a look at us." That was critical, as Laurentian Aerospace was already at the 11th hour for site selection. Chief Financial Officer Robert Caron said the company already had offers from a few airports in Canada. "The state and county worked very fast. They changed our mind," Caron said. "We visited many airports. This one has by far the best setup." Laurentian Aerospace was attracted by the lack of congestion at Plattsburgh International Airport, the workforce availability, the lease and reduced landing fees, as well as its scenic location and proximity to Montreal. Caron said landing fees usually run $5,000 to $10,000 at airports but are only 10 to 20 percent of that figure here. The Development Corporation President Adore Kurtz said that agency was in on the meetings with Laurentian Aerospace and helped set lease rates and landing fees. "The county is in a position where most of the airport functions are funded by the federal government. When users come, we don't have to set rates that help us recoup our investment," she said. Douglas said he told Laurentian officials he had three surprises for them. The first was a meeting with New York State Sen. Betty Little at the chamber. During that meeting came surprise No. 2; New York State Gov. George Pataki called and spoke with Laurentian Aerospace President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Gobeil, telling him he was making bringing the company to Plattsburgh a personal priority. The third surprise was a phone call with U.S. Rep. John McHugh, who discussed Laurentian Aerospace's ability to compete for Department of Defense contracts. Douglas said he saved a fourth surprise for a week later. Susan Merrell, North Country regional director for U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's office, took part in the site-selection meeting, and Clinton and McHugh helped underscore the possibility of bidding for Department of Defense work when Laurentian Aerospace officials visited Washington. The final negotiations took place on Wednesday, June 7. Douglas and Clinton County Administrator Michael Zurlo met with Gobeil and cleared up details during the morning, then waited for the final offer of incentives from New York state, which came at 1 p.m. Those incentives include Empire Zone benefits and commitments from Pataki and Little. They each secured half of $3 million in funding from the New York State Department of Transportation's Multi-Modal program, and Little got an additional $500,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's new construction program. Laurentian is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for a capital grant of up to $6.1 million, which includes $4.1 million for Phase 1 construction. Additional funding is available through the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency. Its exempt-facility bonds are designed for use at airports, Kurtz said. In a press release, IDA Chairwoman Darcy Murnane Mousseau said, "We are delighted to have the opportunity to complement the powerful economic-development strategy New York state has crafted to attract Laurentian Aerospace to New York state and to our region. The agency's exempt-facility bonds offer access to attractive financing, will be the vehicle for Empire Zone real-property benefits for the company and, at the same time, provide full tax revenues for all the affected local taxing jurisdictions." That means Peru School District, Clinton County and the Town of Plattsburgh will receive their full share of taxes. Douglas said he will always remember when the deal was sealed. "At 1:45, I asked Paul, 'Are we at yes?' He stood up and said, 'Yes.'" Douglas said the chamber has never been prouder of any team effort it has led. Other key players were County Airport Manager Ralph Hensel, Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corp. President Bruce Steadman and U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkens, he said. "The results (of the team