News
| 09 Dec 2005 | [Printable Version] |
Clarkson's Peyton Hall on Main Street in Potsdam has been quietly going through a metamorphous from its origin as a place of learning to a place where businesses are "hatched" and grow into economic engines for the North Country.
The project is a joint effort by Clarkson University, the Potsdam Planning and Development Office, and CITEC (a six county regional economic development organization focused on providing technical assistance to technology and manufacturing firms).
Senator Raymond A. Meier, Clarkson President Tony Collins; Village and State officials and local business leaders held an open house today to mark the beginning of what, over the ensuing years, Clarkson and community leaders hope will become a hub for business development for the community and the North Country.
Doran Glass, Northern New York Builders Exchange, CITEC, Murkworks, IMMUNACT,
St. Lawrence Business Services, Golden Technology, United Materials, St. Lawrence Nanotechnology and Diana MacKentley (entrepreneur) are currently tenants in the building.
"This initial phase of the incubator project is vital to the future economic growth of the North Country," remarked Collins. The building will provide more than just a physical space for new companies, it will be a supportive first location where entrepreneurs can transition their fledgling companies into sustainable enterprises that create local jobs and expand the local economy."
Mike Kelleher, National Grid's Sr. Vice President of Business Services and Economic Development and Potsdam Mayor Ron Tischler also spoke during formal remarks at the Open House. Town and village elected officials and several of the existing tenants in Peyton Hall were also on hand to help dedicate the business incubator.
PHOTO CAPTION: Potsdam Mayor Ron Tischler(L), Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, Deputy Mayor Ruth Garner, Senator Raymond A. Meier, Clarkson University President Tony Collins and National Grid Sr. Vice President of Business Services and Economic Development Mike Kelleher celebrate the opening of a business incubator in Clarkson's Peyton Hall, Friday, December 9. The incubator is a partnership between Clarkson and the Village of Potsdam.
[News directors and editors: For more information, contact Rick Burt, director of
Media Relations, at 315-268-3873 or rburt@clarkson.edu ]
[A Photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/incubator.jpg
The price tag for the first phase of the redevelopment project was $110,000. Clarkson invested $50,000, National Grid made a $50,000 grant from their Main Street Revitalization Program funds, and the village invested $10,000. Senator Meier was instrumental in securing funds for the Village's portion of the project.