31 Jan Small Towns Big Opportunities Initiative: Opportunity Awaits
Small Towns Big Opportunities Initiative: Focus on Business Retention, Business Recruitment, Businesses For Sale, Commercial Space Available, Employment Opportunities, Business Support & Services, and Living In The Ticonderoga Area!
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) officially launched their branded Small Towns Big Opportunities initiative in 2022 with the support and assistance of National Grid’s Economic Development/Business Recruitment grant program, through the NYS Public Service Commission approved Economic Development Plan. TACC is assisting businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members to be able to work, grow, and succeed in the Ticonderoga Area while expanding their overall economic development efforts.
Focused on business retention, business recruitment, promoting business for sale, promoting vacant commercial spaces, employment opportunities, business support and services, as well as living in the Ticonderoga Area, this initiative was identified as a project for the Chamber’s 5 Year Strategic Plan created in 2018. While the TACC Team had plans to launch this sooner, the COVID-19 Pandemic caused their focus to adjust. During the pandemic the Chamber dedicated efforts on supporting existing businesses to ensure their survival. However, they also remained focused on the future and continued to plan for this initiative. Certain aspects did soft launch in 2021.
The TACC Team has seen great success from this program by working with numerous existing businesses, assisting in filling vacant spaces with new or expanding businesses, assisting businesses in transition and the new entrepreneurs, promoting additional business opportunities in the Ticonderoga Area, promoting employment opportunities, as well as providing an array of business support, services, and assistance.
“National Grid supports the communities it serves,” said Regional Executive Director Laurie Poltynski. “The establishment of a team of regional agencies to promote doing business in the Ticonderoga area will help attract business at this critical time of rebuilding due to the pandemic. National Grid takes its responsibility to provide resources for growth to the communities we serve seriously and we applaud the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce for their efforts.”
TACC created a logo for this initiative with the tag line of “Work. Grow. Succeed.” In addition, they launched an “Opportunity Awaits” website portal, numerous branded website pages and databases, as well as a facebook page. This program has been and will continue to be promoted via many TACC promotional materials and communications.
The TACC has plans to continue to focus and expand all aspects of the Small Towns Big Opportunities initiative throughout 2023 and beyond. The Chamber, knowing one of the businesses greatest issues being staffing, is hoping to provide additional focus on the Employment Opportunities throughout the year ahead. TACC plans to expand outreach to the business community, enhance their employment opportunities database, and host a job/career fair in coordination with North Country Community College. TACC has submitted a grant to assist in funding this effort.
“We work diligently to initiate and provide programs, services, and leadership that will enhance a cooperative business community and create a vibrant economy, making the Ticonderoga Area an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. We strive each and every day to be the leading advocate for business, serving as a driving force in the economic vitality of the greater Ticonderoga Area, uniting communities and maximizing resources. This initiative speaks to our mission, vision, key areas of focus as well as our overall goals and objectives. Opportunity awaits in the Ticonderoga Area. Grow your business, bring your business to the Ticonderoga Area, work here, live here, and truly succeed here. Continued great things are ahead,” shared Matthew Courtright – TACC President & CEO.
TACC works with several local and regional agencies to be able to provide an array of support and services to the Ticonderoga Area business community. TACC has and will continue to coordinate with several of these organizations on the Small Towns Big Opportunities initiative.
For business support or assistance, employment opportunities, or Ticonderoga Area information, contact the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce at 518-585-6619 or visit www.ticonderogany.com.