Many times I sit down to write my Publisher’s View about a subject I know little about. Not this time. This issue of Strictly Business focuses on partners working together to build a successful business. Most of these partners are husband/wife combo. In one case it is a brother/sister duo.

Reading about their efforts brings back memories of the nearly 35 years my wife, Mary, and I worked to build Northeast from a small, quick print shop. It wasn’t always easy. Sometimes there was shouting involved, but looking back we agree it brought us closer together and has given us tremendous satisfaction. And now to see our son, Mike, in charge is the greatest feeling.

Our cover article in this issue of SB features one of my personal heroes—Dr. Kris Ambler. Kris and his wife, Stacey, operate one of the few remaining independent medical practices in the North Country. With the help of an amazing, caring staff, the Amblers offer care that leaves nothing to chance. They utilize technology and good old-fashioned planning and follow up to be sure their patients receive the best care. Mary and I are fortunate to be their patients.

There’s a new business in Plattsburgh, located in an unusual spot—at the Plattsburgh Public Library. Stop by and you will find owners Tracy or Chris Rosenquest behind the counter at Chapter One Coffee & Tea. At a time when libraries are reinventing themselves, the Rosenquests jumped at the opportunity to offer a new service in a new setting. Don’t miss their inspiring story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the article about Amazing Grace Vineyard owners, Mary and Gilles Fortin. When most people think of retirement, they envision travel and leisure. The Fortins have used their retirement for a challenge that has caught the attention of wine lovers across our area.

If you have pets or are a backyard farmer, you shouldn’t miss our article about successful siblings Rene and Rob Duprey. The two grew up working in the family business in Chazy. When their father, Robert, retired, it was the next generation’s time.

And then there is our Insight article featuring Maxine Perry, a woman who has had a quiet, but critical impact on our region. When people looked the other way and did not want to talk about domestic violence, Maxine took on the challenge and changed how individuals and law enforcement dealt with the problem.

Workforce issues concern most North Country businesses and knowing there are organized efforts to address our challenges is heartening. P-TECH is just the latest in a string of initiatives taking a new approach. Learn about it in this issue of SB.

This month’s Best Practices feature offers valuable advice for anyone who has ever considered becoming an entrepreneur. Interim director of the North Country Small Business Development Center Angela Smith and counselor Mark Dame share their professional and personal experience.

To wrap up this November issue Garry Douglas talks about why the North Country is a destination for success—a destination for tourism, for international trade, a destination for advanced manufacturing, and the list goes on.

Partnerships are the backbone of so many entrepreneurial ventures. Family working together is not always easy, but with a commitment to shared goals and trust in each other, success is attainable and that’s good for business.