08 May Annual Adirondack Day in Albany showcases Adirondack region business and economic activity
Adirondack Day, an annual event showcasing the region’s economic diversity, took place in Albany on May 5 at the Legislative Office Building. The event, sponsored by Senator Jose M. Serrano, showcased a variety of Adirondack-based organizations.
The event was organized by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, along with representatives from a number of industry sectors throughout the Adirondacks including tourism, environmental sustainability, history, education, sports, housing, healthcare, agriculture, associations, arts, economic development, and housing. The event showcased a number of Adirondack-themed displays and exhibits, local food and beverages, and featured opportunities for attendees to meet and interact with exhibitors.
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism CEO Dan Kelleher, along with Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, welcomed participants to the event.
According to Kelleher, Adirondack Day allows the region to share information about the economic vitality of the region with state officials and others in Albany, encouraging ongoing understanding and support of the region’s economic impact. “This annual event is important as it showcases the breadth of Adirondack businesses and activities,” he said. “The event encourages conversation among decision-makers in state government, and ensures that the Adirondack region is considered when legislative decisions are made.”
With focus on the region’s people and businesses, the theme of this year’s showcase was “A Living and Working Region.” Exhibitors aligned displays and information with this theme, bringing attention to the connection of those who make this region their home, along with the important and unique industries that offer opportunities within the region, while also celebrating its outdoor heritage and rich natural resources.
Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, explained the importance of Adirondack Day. “Our region’s representatives are incredibly knowledgeable about, and supportive of, the North Country,” he said. “While they understand the area’s economic significance based on its location within the state, this event allows us to introduce them to some of the people, organizations, products, attractions, and businesses within the region that derive direct benefit from their work in Albany. Making those connections is a vital aspect of our work and Adirondack Day allows us to do that, while also introducing the region to those who may not be as familiar.”
The wide-range of information shared during presentations and conversations was underscored by the varied industry sector representatives and their displays. Each Adirondack region representative emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to ensure sustainable economic growth while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, the event offered an opportunity for various industry representatives to share information about their businesses, products, workforce, and perspective about what makes the Adirondacks so unique. “Our business, non-profit and local government leaders are accustomed to working together,” she said. “This event perfectly illustrates the collaboration, bringing various Adirondack businesses and organizations together to illustrate the power of collaboration within our region.”
State government leaders and elected officials spoke about unique opportunities within the Adirondack region, along with its natural beauty and the importance of its continued preservation. Speakers included: Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl Heastie; Senator Jose M. Serrano (sponsor); Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Senator Dan Stec; Senator Mark Walczyk; Senator Jim Tedisco; Assemblyman Billy Jones; Assemblyman Matt Simpson; Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush; Assemblyman Robert Smullen; Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages President Steve McNally; and New York State Assistant Secretary for Environment Ashley Dougherty.
During their remarks, each speaker expressed their appreciation for the region, often noting that the Adirondacks is one of their favorite places to visit and re-emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that the region receives attention for its environmental importance and economic impact and remains top-of-mind when considering the impact of decisions made in Albany. Many of the speakers referred to Adirondack Day as their “favorite day” of the legislative season, allowing them to meet with Adirondack region organizations, local elected officials and business leaders, sharing everything the region has to offer.
Senator Serrano, the sponsor of Adirondack Day and chair of the majority conference and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation, welcomed attendees and expressed his gratitude to all participants. “It’s inspiring to meet with each exhibitor and learn about their organizations, services, and products,” he said. “The Adirondack region is not only one of the most beautiful areas in our nation but also plays a crucial role in our state’s economic vitality. The tourism industry in New York is essential to the state’s economy, and the Adirondack region is one of the fastest-growing areas, contributing positively to the state’s overall economic well-being. In addition to tourism, the North Country also boasts a variety of businesses, vital transportation routes, manufacturing, healthcare, educational institutions, and more. I am pleased that so many colleagues can learn about the region today.”
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