Regional Partnerships

The strength of the Development Authority is in its ability to reach across municipal, geographic and perceived boundaries and work with many partners for the benefit of North County residents. While partnerships are embedded in most of the Authority’s programs and activities, these are alliances outside the Authority’s typical path of work that have evolved into significant partnerships that help drive economic development in the North Country.

North County Regional Economic Development Council 

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council was created by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2011 as one of ten councils across New York State.  The purpose of the economic development councils are to bring diverse representation from a region's public and private sector together to create plans that reflect their region's specific needs.  The 10 councils then prioritize their region's projects and compete for state resources.   For more information on the North Country Regional Economic Development Council or to view the North Country Regional Plan go to https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/north-country.

North County Alliance 

The Development Authority is the fiscal agent for the North Country Alliance's Regional Revolving Loan Fund.  The North Country Alliance (NCA) is comprised of public and private sector organizations and businesses from across Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties.  The NCA provides a voice for common issues affecting our region's economy, and provides low-interest loans to assist businesses with job growth and development.  The NCA loan fund is capitalized with monies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Intermediary Relending Loan Program and its Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program, Empire State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, and the NYS Urban Development Corporation.  The Development Authority is a founding member of the NCA.  To learn more about the North Country Alliance view  this fact sheet  or visit  www.northcountryalliance.org  .

North County Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) 

The Development Authority is pleased to be partnering with the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce in marketing the resources of the North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center.  “PTAC” provides bid-matching for firms looking to do business with the federal government and can assist businesses in becoming certified through the federal and state certification programs.  For more information on the North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center go to https://igniteuny.com/empireapex.