PLATTSBURGH -- The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce has been recognized as one of the nation's 20 best economic-development groups.

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Site Selection Magazine published the rankings in its May 2008 issue.

"This is very gratifying," Chamber President Garry Douglas said, "not only because it recognizes all of the good work of our staff and volunteers but because it puts another spotlight on the North Country as a place that site selectors and investors should be looking to."

He said the chamber was chosen based on its strategic vision for the four-county region and its multi-faceted approach to economic development, including transportation infrastructure, border facilities, regional partnerships, workforce development and government affairs.

It also recognizes the chamber's marketing and economic-development efforts, such as its role in the deal that brought Akrimax Pharmaceuticals to the Wyeth facility in Rouses Point.

"I especially want to point to the great work of the chamber's vice president for economic development, Susan Matton, and our vice president for marketing, Michelle Powers," said Douglas. "Together, they're taking our chamber's economic-development efforts on behalf of the North Country to new heights."

According to the magazine, the rankings are based on several criteria, including total capital investment, investment per capita, total jobs created, jobs created per capita, the ranked groups' contributions toward those numbers, overall economic vitality, depth and breadth of economic strength, diversity of industry, ability to generate breakthrough deals and the ability to provide verifiable documentation for all projects.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Site Selection Magazine "has recognized what others have known for years, that the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of Garry Douglas, is one of the most effective economic-development organizations in the country.

"Whether it be the Port of Excellence,' air service at Plattsburgh International Airport, the rehabilitation of the Olympic venues in Lake Placid or improving CVPH (Medical Center) -- to name just a few -- under Garry's leadership, the chamber consistently brings me well-thought-out and realistic proposals to create new jobs and improve the region's economy," Schumer said.

The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce is the largest business and economic-development alliance in northern New York. It has more than 3,250 member companies and organizations in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and northern Warren counties.

It co-leads the Quebec-New York Corridor Coalition, headed the campaign for the $107 million Port of Excellence border crossing at Champlain, is on the Tech Valley Steering Committee and performs airport and tourism marketing for Clinton County.

dheath@pressrepublican.com