Region is recognized for energy resources

Five counties in Northern New York have been named the "Energy Valley" of the state by the state Senate.

Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego and Franklin counties were given the title based on the wide range of renewable and alternative energy production facilities in the area.

"It instantly adds credibility to the region and puts us in the forefront," said Paul F. Barton, past chairman of the board of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

The resolution cited the energy production and technological training facilities in the five counties, including biomass, landfill gas-to-energy, methane digesters, hydroelectric, wind, solar and nuclear facilities.

Mr. Barton began pushing for the designation when he became chairman at the beginning of 2009. He thought of the investment because of the concentration of similar ventures in California's Silicon Valley or the Tech Valley near Albany.

Mr. Barton and Karen K. Delmonico, former chamber president and chief executive officer, approached state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, on the name.

The resolution, sponsored by Mr. Aubertine and Sens. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, and Elizabeth O. Little, R-Queensbury, was adopted Feb. 9.

"In production, we're really leveraging our natural resources," Mr. Barton said. "We can leverage the technology and education piece so that we produce new emerging technologies sold around the world."

Clarkson University, Potsdam, which has the Technology Advancement Center for renewable energy and clean manufacturing research, will join economic development agencies in using the designation where appropriate, President Anthony G. Collins said.

"It really is a good designation that can help brand ourselves and market ourselves to the rest of the world," he said. "These days, people don't see strength in individual efforts; they see strength in regional efforts, particularly in economic development."

The designation also shows recognition of the work at institutions such as Clarkson's Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, Director Kenneth D. Visser said. The center researches green technology and business models.

"It highlights the fact that we're right smack in the center of all of this," he said. "It can be inspirational for the people up here, too. We have a lot of potential."

Ned E. Cole, Lewis County Industrial Development Agency executive director, said the name can draw in businesses that will then see the region's other positives.

"Once they get in here, they can see we have a strong work ethic, other natural resources and water," he said.

"It's part of our ongoing effort to identify various sources of alternative energy and create a regional approach to development," said Donald C. Alexander, chief executive officer of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.

"We're looking for capital investment, for jobs and our colleges are training up people to work in these industries."