Why did we choose to call an issue of Strictly Business Mile Marker 152? Because 152 is the Route 3 exit from I-87 North, the entrance to the busiest business district in the area and the gateway to businesses in the city.
Our cover article focuses on Cathy Forget, the manager of the American Automobile Association’s Plattsburgh office located just off the 152 intersection. I thought I knew what services Triple A offered until I read Karen Bouvier’s article. I believe you will be surprised and impressed when you learn more about their business model.
Just down the road from AAA is NBT Bank where SB writer Rob Ivy met with Senior Vice President Pat Garrow to learn about the bank’s more than 160-year history. Pat is a North Country native who has built an impressive reputation in the local banking industry. Don’t miss her story.
A few doors down you’ll find Hulbert Supply, a Plattsburgh staple since the 1940s, which was purchased in 2018 by Howland Pump and Supply of Ogdensburg. The merger has proven successful and we celebrate with Hulbert’s staff.
First it was Bailey Ford of Dannemora. Then it was Bailey Ford of Malone. Now there is another Bailey Ford right here in Plattsburgh. SB welcomes the Bailey family — grandfather, father and son — to the community and wishes them all the best.
Continuing further into the city we introduce you to Martin Harding & Mazzotti – the Heavy Hitters — who have set up shop on Margaret Street not far from the County Government Center. The new office is staffed by two professionals who grew up in Plattsburgh and have returned to make their professional mark.
Ashley Furniture has more than 800 stores worldwide and we are pleased to note one is located in Plattsburgh. If you think furniture shopping means walking up and down rows of like items, you are in for a surprise when you visit Ashley’s Margaret Street store and browse its open concept rooms.
And then there is this issue’s Insight article featuring Dr. Michelle Cromwell, SUNY Plattsburgh’s new Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Michelle describes herself as a scholar, a practitioner, a researcher, and a world citizen. We welcome her and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the SUNY campus and our North Country community.
Garry Douglas wraps up this issue of Strictly Business with news about an exciting plan called NORTH COUNTRY WORKS. The multi-faceted proposal is working its way through the funding process and we look forward to another Chamber of Commerce initiative that will help sustain economic viability in our region…and that’s good for business.