North Country Economic Council on track, ready to create vision statement

POTSDAM — As the North Country Regional Economic Development Council prepares for its third meeting Monday, its co-chairman said the group is on track to develop a plan it hopes will secure millions of dollars to stimulate the local economy and promote business growth.

“I think overall we are right on schedule,” said Anthony G. Collins, Clarkson University president and Regional Council co-chairman. “We are on an aggressive timeline, but we are on track to develop a strategic plan and make recommendations about what projects are the most ready.”

On Monday, the group will finalize what Mr. Collins called a “bold” vision for the future of the north country. But a part of that vision will be to recognize the challenges present throughout the region and work to minimize their impact, he said.

“This region is challenged by its low-density population,” he said. “It’s hard to deliver services to everybody in a region that is geographically the largest region in state but has the smallest population.”

Keeping young adults and recent graduates in the area has been a priority for the council from day one. The area’s universities attract some of the brightest minds, Mr. Collins said, and there must be jobs available in order for them to remain here upon graduation.

Too many flee the region to pursue employment opportunities elsewhere, he said, echoing the sentiments of Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy.

“It is hard to run into a family who raised their kids here and the kids are still here, working where they have an opportunity to live and prosper,” Mr. Collins said. “We have to do better than that.”

That means establishing a closer business connection with Canada, he said, and using the region’s potential for the development of biomass and alternative energy production.

But representing communities from Watertown to Plattsburgh, the council has the largest area, in terms of square miles, of the 10 regional councils to consider when creating its plan.