In this issue of Strictly Business we offer you a look at several producers doing business in our area. We’ve defined producer as someone who creates something, for example award winning television producer Paul Frederick, as well as the people at The Strand who offer opportunities for local artists to display their works and for each of us to realize our own creativity.
In addition, we took a look at another group of producers—people who have channeled their creativity to produce the things we love to eat. First, we looked at the Plattsburgh Farmers’ Market and interviewed three regular exhibitors: Black Sheep Farm and Gardens, Triple Green Jade Farm and Shiloh Homestead. Don’t miss each business owner’s interesting story about how they got started and what they are producing.
Next an SB writer moved on to Rulfs on the Bear Swamp Road in Peru to visit the latest addition to their farm and orchard. I hesitate to call it a farm stand. It is really a huge structure that offers produce, a restaurant, a gift and florist shop, and more.
Our article about Shady Grove Farm and Wellness Center will introduce you to a small farm located on the Saranac River that raises cows, pigs and chickens as well as produce and provides a beautiful setting for Karen Braun’s wellness services.
And then there is our not-to-be missed Insight article featuring Kevin Patnode, who will soon step down after 20 years as a justice in the town of Plattsburgh and more than 25 years teaching history at AuSable Valley High School. Kevin’s fairness and dedication has earned him an enviable reputation.
This month’s Best Practices feature focuses on how to use social media to market your business. Aaron Benner of Boire Benner Group offers his take on how to leverage technology to get your message out.
Bill Owens provides advice on how to sell your business across the border and Garry Douglas wraps up this issue by connecting the dots.
The economic definition of a producer is a person who creates economic value, or produces goods and services. This issue of SB features only a few of the legion of successful producers in our area. Ambition, creativity and hard work are in no short supply in this area and that’s good for business.