There was a time when this area of New York State was known for three things: Plattsburgh Air Force Base, SUNY Plattsburgh and dairy farming. There was some manufacturing — Imperial Wallcoverings which closed in the late 1990s, Diamond International (now PACTIV) and Georgia Pacific (celebrating more than 50 years in Plattsburgh).
Today much has changed. While SUNY Plattsburgh is still a critical part of our economy, manufacturers such as Nova Bus, Bombardier Transit, Mold-rite, and others have taken center stage and there are rumors of exciting announce- ments to come.
In this issue of Strictly Business entitled “Made in Northeastern New York” we offer you a look at Nova Bus as it moves into a new construction phase, but also smaller companies that are making products to meet the needs of local, regional, national, and international buyers.
You may have seen shiny silver Airstream travel trailers on the road, but a visit to Nomad Airstream’s plant located on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base will show you the amazing new uses for these American classics that partners Steve Clement and Guillaume Langevin have devised.
If you think catamarans are just for pleasure boating, the people at ProCat in Rouses Point will share the history of this ancient craft with you and show you how valuable the catamaran is as a work boat throughout the world today.
Pre-Tech Precision in Mineville may be one of the best kept secrets in our region. Working with its sis- ter facility in Williston, Vermont the company is producing high-tech state of the art parts for industries world-wide and offering good jobs for people in that area.
And while most of the companies we have featured in this issue of SB are connected to manufactur- ing, we also wanted to offer you a look at two companies that are making a different kind of product. Perrywinkle’s & Kneucraft, jewelers extraordinare, are making beautiful original designer pieces that reflect their creativity and appreciation for the beauty of our region.
And don’t miss this month’s Insight feature, an interview with Fred Smith, the interim president of Clinton Community College. His enthusiasm, drive and stamina will amaze you and his candor will make you laugh.
In many areas of the country, manufacturing is a thing of the past. But not here in Northeastern New York. Instead of seeing those kinds of jobs disappear, we’ve seen them grow. We are an area that makes things, all kinds of things and that’s good for business.
As we celebrate this holiday season may I offer the best wishes of all of us at The Northeast Group to you and yours for health, happiness and prosperity in 2016.