Jul 03, 2003 — A movement is afoot to take small steps toward building a healthy local economy in the North Country. It's based on a concept called the "economic multiplier". The idea is basically this: spend a dollar locally, and that dollar cycles through the community to other local businesses and strengthens the local economy. A St. Lawrence County woman has created a role-playing game to illustrate the concept. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 22, 2003 — Government reform groups say the state's campaign finance reporting practices are flawed and need to be fixed, so that state laws can be enforced. They say a study of a small number of counties found 96 potential corporate violators. From Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Apr 17, 2003 — A group of North Country investors hope to have a chain of department stores to replace Ames open by the end of the summer in up to seven towns in northern New York. As David Sommerstein reports, the developers have recruited Ames' former CEO to be chairman of the board for the new company.  Go to full article

Mar 31, 2003 — Businesses in New York are worried that the state legislature will make them pay for eduation and health care restorations, by closing off some corporate tax loopholes. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 22, 2003 — The recent bankruptcy of the Ottawa Senators has once again drawn attention to the weak Canadian dollar. Teams say it's tough for them to pay the players' American salaries with Canadian currency, which is worth about 65 cents, American. The exchange rate provides a substantial advantage for others, notably American shoppers. And you'd think they'd be streaming across the border looking for bargains. But they're not, as reporter Karen Kelly found in Ottawa.  Go to full article

Jan 16, 2003 — A major new study released yesterday in Canada has found that snowmobile riding is top cause of severe winter sport injuries. The report - published by a non-profit group based in Ottawa - surveyed trauma cases in emergency rooms across Canada. As Brian Mann reports, researchers blamed the injuries on alcohol and high speeds.  Go to full article

Jan 06, 2003 — Snowmobile clubs in Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties and across New York State have had to close their trail systems after discovering their insurance policy doesn't cover snowmobile riders. The interruption comes at the height of the season that generates tens of millions of dollars for local economies. As David Sommerstein reports, irresponsible drivers are fueling a perception that the sport is too dangerous to insure.  Go to full article

Dec 12, 2002 — The state's business lobby says it's in favor of tuition increases for students at New York's public colleges. That stance has angered some students at the State University of New York. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Dec 10, 2002 — The state's business leaders say New York lawmakers should take a hard look at reducing state spending before they think about raising taxes to plug New York's budget gap. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Nov 27, 2002 — State and local lawmakers are hopeful after a meeting Monday with Alcoa officials and the New York Power Authority to find ways to cut costs at Alcoa's East plant in Massena. Alcoa has told plant officials to cut $23 million from next year's budget, which could endanger the jobs of more than 125 workers. David Sommerstein talks with Ken McDonnell, mayor of the village of Massena, about the challenges the plant faces.  Go to full article