Publisher’s View

We write about some topics in Strictly Business every few years. Other topics are regulars. Health care is one of our most popular subjects. There are always new initiatives to improve the health and well being of North Country residents and we are eager to bring those stories to our readers.

In this issue we introduce you to our cover subject, Dr. Susan Rech, the senior partner at Associates in OB/GYN of Plattsburgh. Dr. Rech came to the area more than 35 years ago and has been caring for women and delivering babies ever since. Read her story to learn how she is shifting the focus of her practice to offer new services. 

As the population ages, hearing problems have become commonplace. Dr. Sharon Macner, owner of Champlain Valley Audiology in Plattsburgh, is well versed in the new technologies that are making life better for young and old who have experienced hearing loss. 

CVPH Medical Center’s medical residency program was begun in 2015 in conjunction with the UVM Health Network. Read about its success in attracting docs to work in the area and then to stay on after their residency is complete. 

Dr. Jon Mulholland is a winner as a chiropractor, a competitor and a teacher. This North Country native shares his expertise with competitive athletes and every day people who just want to maximize their potential. 

The CVPH Wellness & Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a variety of services designed for all fitness levels. The Center’s degreed and nationally certified personal trainers and fitness specialists are dedicated to providing personalized experiences. 

Discussions about health care often focus exclusively on physical health. In this issue of SB, we have expanded the topic to include support for mental health and addiction. The All Ways to Recovery Community Center, located on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, is an initiative of the Champlain Valley Family Center. Opened in 2019 it offers a substance free, supportive environment that has become hugely popular with area residents. 

And then there is our Insight article featuring John Remillard, president of Elizabethtown Community Hospital. John grew up in Peru, worked in health care in Oneonta for decades and then came home to the North Country to retire. It didn’t take long before he was recruited to work with the UVM Health Network. You will enjoy his down to earth, practical advice for how to navigate the workplace regardless of where you work. 

Garry Douglas wraps up this issue with five reasons the North Country business community can ROAR with pride in 2020. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Health care, at the community level, promotes healthy living, helps prevent chronic diseases and brings the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people” … 

…and that’s good for business.