PLATTSBURGH -- The Press-Republican will launch a new online business magazine with several interactive features today.

What's your opinion? Discuss local Economic Development issues in North Country BizConnect.

BizConnect is the creation of Press-Republican Director of Internet Services Roger Black and Online Administrative Assistant Aaron Stanley. Black also serves as BizConnect editor.

"I'm very excited," he said. "I've never seen anything like it on the Internet."

TALKING POINTS

Each morning, Black will come up with "talking points," based on news from the area and surrounding region, including the Quebec-New York Corridor, Tech Valley and even the Watertown area.

One goal of the site is to establish a set of clearly defined issues to encourage discussion of economic development in the North Country.

Black said he will pick the topics, which initially will include economic development in the North Country, Plattsburgh International Airport, the flightline and associated industries, workforce development, the future of downtowns, regional retail growth, the Canadian connection and business and technology.

Those topics will change over time, as new topics become pertinent.

BLOGS

The Press-Republican has enlisted local people with insight on economic development to write blogs to lead the discussions. They can comment on any of the talking points of the day or the topics listed on the site.

Members of the free service can comment on the blogs or any of the issues posted by Black, as each has its own forum.

Black emphasizes that it's important that discussions remain cordial. The terms of use of the site allow Black to remove comments from users who are not cordial and to ban users if they persist in such behavior.

COMMUNICATION

The site also provides an area for members of business groups and clubs to easily communicate with each other.