Publisher’s View

Check the internet for information about the longevity of small business start-ups and you will find an estimate that says approximately 50% will still be in operation in five years. While that is a daunting stat the desire to start your own business and be your own boss is still alive and well. In this read more

Our topic for this issue of Strictly Business, Paradigm Shifts, offers us an opportunity to present the stories of businesses and not-for-profits that have made major changes in their business models over time. Our cover feature, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers based in Saranac Lake, brings you an eye-opening look at this amazing read more

In this issue of Strictly Business we look at the disruptors in our business community. What we were looking for when we went in search of “disruptors” were the businesses and individuals who are producing unique products or offering new or different services. Our cover article on Norsk Titanium tells the story of how its read more

An African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In this issue of Strictly Business we introduce you to some of the organizations and people in our village who are working to raise and educate North Country children. CFES Brilliant Pathways, a non-profit created to level the educational playing field for children read more

North Country Chamber of Commerce president Garry Douglas is fond of saying, “Where things move is where prosperity occurs.” This Chamber mantra has proven to be true as the number of transportation affiliated companies in the area has seen amazing growth in the past 20 years. From a start with just two companies—Vapor Stone Rail read more

There is a silent epidemic of poverty and joblessness in our region. It lives behind closed doors, out of sight and out of mind for most of us. Despite the growth of job opportunities in our region, there is despair for many in the North Country. The opioid epidemic, alcoholism, drug abuse, mental health issues read more

In 2012 when we produced our first Strictly Business issue focusing on up and coming community leaders we were pleased at the enthusiastic feedback. The issue was so well received we decided to make it an annual topic. Each year we invite members of the business community to nominate young professionals who are making a read more

When you count up the North Country’s assets, at the top of the list will be the beauty of the area, our people and our rich history. In this issue of Strictly Business we take a look at how that history is being preserved and the impact it has on today. Our cover story features read more

Each year we devote an issue of Strictly Business to the construction industry in the North Country. In some issues we’ve featured large construction companies like Luck Brothers. In others we’ve looked at new projects in the area like Tall Pines condos, located in the south end of Plattsburgh. This time we’ve included three large read more

Companies that have demonstrated significant longevity is a new topic for Strictly Business. But before we get into a discussion about the local businesses featured in this issue, let’s take a look at some statistics. Fact: Even in this day of big box stores, about 90 percent of all U.S. businesses are family owned or read more