Grasso: Working together put Plattsburgh area on top

PLATTSBURGH — An independent economics research firm has ranked the Plattsburgh area No. 1 in the state for economic strength among micropolitan areas.

"We have something very unique going on here with the town, the city and the county," Clinton County Legislator Robert Hall (D-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh) said at Friday's North Country Chamber of Commerce event marking the results of a recent economic strength survey.

"That's the main factor in getting people to come here."

The Plattsburgh Micropolitan Statistical Area of Clinton County was ranked first in the state among areas of population of more than 10,000, but less than 50,000, by POLICOM Corp., an independent economics research firm specializing in analyzing the dynamics of local and state economies.

It was also ranked 40th nationwide out of 551 communities.

Paul Grasso of The Development Corp said the high ranking was achieved through collaboration.

"We accomplished this as a community; it is not something that any one organization could have achieved individually," he said.

"It's rewarding, what can be accomplished by working together, because what we learn from each other by working collaboratively helps us to grow and advance as a region."

PLEASANT SURPRISE

The POLICOM rankings were based on:

• Sets of data for each micropolitan statistical area in the country related to growth in the size and quality of the industrial sector.

• Growth in small business, construction and retail activity.

• Negative economic factors such as growth or contraction in the use of public assistance programs.

A formula then weights the findings of the last five years, the last 10 years, and the previous six to 10 years. The rankings are entirely based on federal tracking data and the set formula.

Economic leaders of the region did not know POLICOM was studying the area so the findings were a pleasant surprise.

Grasso said the ranking helps area leaders to better market the region.

"This recognition represents exactly the message we want to send to potential businesses and potential residents, that Plattsburgh has a dedicated team of organizations working together toward a common goal to make Plattsburgh a better place to live, to do business and to raise a family," Grasso said.

"The real goal is to improve the quality of life for the region."

'IT'S WORKING'

The news of the high rankings by POLICOM was bolstered by the results of the chamber's annual issue survey that showed area business leaders believe that business was up in 2018 by 79 percent with 17 percent believing it has remained steady.

The total survey score of 96 percent equaled the mark for 2017 and 2018.

Chamber President Garry Douglas said the information will be shared with state legislative leaders throughout the year as they advocate for the North Country.

"These numbers say that what you are doing is the right thing," he said.

"It's working and continuing to work."

END THE TARIFFS

The survey showed that virtually 100 percent of the respondents believe that the U.S.-Canada relationship is working for the North Country and must be supported and preserved as a key to the current and future economy.

It also said 97 percent want Congress to approve the updated North American Free Trade Agreement to bring stability and predictability to the U.S.-Canada economic partnership.

Also, 96 percent agreed that a settlement must be reached soon that will end U.S. and Canadian tariffs on steel, aluminum, softwood lumber and other materials.

On state issues, the survey said that 92 percent agreed that the state's 2 percent tax cap should become permanent.

Another 94 percent agreed that the state should engage in helping to close major cellphone service gaps in the Adirondacks and elsewhere in the North Country.

BUSINESS BOOMING

Alex Barie, of CDC Real Estate Inc. and chairperson of the chamber's Government Affairs Division, said the overall survey numbers are astonishing.

"There are a lot of projects going on, and people looking to expand here," she said.

"Business is booming."

City of Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read said he was not surprised by the numbers.

"This is not an accident," he said.

"Our community has figured out a way to work together."

Read said the quality of life in the area, a rich transportation industry cluster, very inexpensive electricity and a business-friendly climate make the area very marketable.

"Any company looking for an advanced manufacturing opportunity should take a look at Plattsburgh, and more will because of this sort of recognition," he said.

Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said he hopes the trend continues.

"We believe in a shared vision," he said. "And that's the most critical part of it."

Cashman said the POLICOM designation confirms the area's transformation into a thriving business community.

"We remain focused on infrastructure as well as developing a region that is a great place to live, work and play," he said.

Email Joe LoTemplio:

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com

Twitter: @jlotemplio