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The North Country Region, the largest of New York's economic regions in land area and the smallest in population, could almost be a state unto itself.  With spectacular mountain peaks and fertile valleys, it is a place of extraordinary beauty, as well as corridor for American-Canadian commerce.

Location

The six-county North Country Region is bordered by Lake Ontario on the west, Vermont and Lake Champlain to the east, the heart of the Adirondack mountains to the south, and the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario to the north.

Area

9,776 square miles

Weather

Mean Daily Temperature:

January 14.5 ° F

July 69.0 ° F

Workforce

Population

Local Utilities

National Grid

Offers negotiated flexible electric rates for many types of new businesses, negotiable gas transportation rates and fixed rate gas discounts.

New York State Electric & Gas Crop.

Offers negotiated flexible electric and fixed rate electric discounts for many types of new businesses and negotiable firm gas transportation service.

Market Access

The region's proximity to major Canadian population centers makes it a highly desirable location for companies serviing the North American market and for Canadian companies wishing to establish a branch operation in the U.S. Two key Canadian markets, Montreal and Ottawa, are within an hour's drive.

Industries

The North Country Region's economy is based primarily on the development of its abundant natural resources, including vast stretches of timber and valuable mineral deposits like zinc, talc and dolomite.  Three industries - dairy, paper manufacturing and pharmaceuticals - account for nearly half of all the manufacturing jobs in the region.  Other major industries include wood products, aluminum products, apparel manufacturing, and plastics.

Many U.S. retailers have radically altered the way they deliver post-purchase customer service with call centers.  The North Country has the perfect resources for this industry development, with a readily available labor pool consisting of dependable individuals, competitive labor costs, an up-to-date telecommunications infrastructure that can accomodate large amounts of both voice and data transmissions, and low property costs.  The work ethic and productivity rates are proven to be superior in this area.

The North Country has a great track record for success in the transportation products industry.  World class companies, such as Bombardier, New York Air Brake, and Pratt & Whitney have made their homes in this resource rich region.

Tourism plays a central role in the region's economy, and is a major employer.  The Thousand Islands, Lake Champlain, Olympic venues at Lake Placid, and the Adirondack Park are destinations for thousands of visitors each year.

Selected Employers

ACCO, Ogdensburg

ALCOA, Massena

Bombardier, Plattsburgh

Coolbrands, North Lawrence

Corning, Canton

Georgia Pacific, Plattsburgh

International Paper, Ticonderoga

Kraft Foods, Inc., Lowville

New York Air Brake, Watertown

Otis Technology, Lyons Falls

Pratt & Whitney of Canada, Plattsbugh

Wyeth, Rouses Point

Transportation

Highways:  Two major interstate highways provide access.  The eastern part of the region is served by the scenic Adirondack Northway, I-87, which connects Albany and the New York State Thruway with Canada.  I-81 passes through the western part of the region, connecting it with Syracuse and the New York State Thruway to the south, and with Highway 401 and major population and industrial centers to the north of Canada.

Air Service:  Passenger service is provided at airports in Watertown, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Massena and Saranac Lake.

Rail Service:  Commercial rail service is provided by CSX and Canadian Pacific.  Amtrak operates passenger service on the eastern portion of the region from Montreal south to New York City.

Bus Service:  Regular service is provided by Greyhound Bus Lines and Adirondack Trailways in several communities throughout the region.

Port Facilities:  Many North Country businesses use the nearby Port of Montreal, the second-largest inland port in North America.  The I-87 Trade Corridor provides easy access to the ports of New York City, Albany, and Montreal.  The Port of Ogdensburg provides deep-water port facilities for ocean-going vessels via the St. Lawrence Seaway.  The Champlain Canal, part of the New York State Canal System, connects Lake Champlain and Montreal with the Hudson River and New York City, and serves recreational boaters.

Education

Eight colleges and universities enroll more than 24,000 students, including five four-year and three two-year colleges and universities.  Clarkson University is home to the state's Center for Advanced Technology in Advanced Materials Processing.

Major College and University Enrollments

Health Care

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center, Plattsburgh

Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg

Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake

Massena Memorial Hospital, Massena

Quality of Life

The North Country Region is an area of dazzling natural beauty.  Natural attractions include the Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River, AuSable Chasm, the Adirondack Park and its 46 High Peaks, and Lake Champlain.  The Adirondack Park Interpretive Centers, in Newcomb and Paul Smiths, offer visitors a unique opportunity for environmental education and traveler orientation.  The region is a four-season outdoor vacationland, with world-class downhill and cross country skiing, challenging hiking and backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing and golf.  Lake Placid, site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, is a major four-season resort area.  The Crane School of Music in Postdam; the Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg; the Natural History Museum in Tupper Lake; and Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga, are some of the region's unique cultural offerings.