Mar 27, 2012 — A longer version of Nora Flaherty's conversation with Gamer Craze owner Aaron Reardon  Go to full article

Colonie, NY, Feb 02, 2012 — A new survey of upstate business leaders produced nearly identical results as last year's. But as the Innovation Trail's Zack Seward reports, one finding saw a major change: the opinion of state government.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 26, 2011 — Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo handed out nearly $800-million through his newly created regional economic councils. WMHT's Marie Cusick reports for the Innovation Trail about what comes next.  Go to full article

Dec 26, 2011 — A top official in Hamilton County is praising the Regional Economic Development Council process. Earlier this month, the state awarded the North Country more than $100-million to help boost the economy. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Rochester, NY, Dec 15, 2011 — More and more companies are making the business case for "doing good." A Rochester woman who cut her chops at the socially-conscious ice cream-maker Ben & Jerry's is trying to spread the word in New York State's for-profit community. The Innovation trail's Zack Seward has more.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Dec 13, 2011 — This is the only time of year you can wet your whistle with Watertown's favorite seasonal cocktail--the Tom & Jerry at the Crystal Restaurant on historic Public Square.

David Sommerstein had his first Tom & Jerry a year ago at the Crystal, and turned the experience into this Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Malone, NY, Nov 25, 2011 — For some of us, crafting is a hobby--but for some, it's a business.

Claire Poirier of Malone makes hats, mittens, dog coats, and other things out of used wool sweaters, and sells them at craft shows and farmers markets all over the North Country.
Like any good businessperson, Poirier goes for maximum efficiency--by using every part of the sweater. For today's Heard Up North, she talked Nora Flaherty through the process:  Go to full article

Nov 01, 2011 — They say it takes a village to raise a child. But these days, it also takes a lot of extra effort to keep downtown business districts vibrant and busy.

We just heard about Saranac Lake's new community store. But over the weekend nearly 200 people also turned out to help a local merchant move his store to Saranac Lake's main street.

Brian Mann was there and sent this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Oct 28, 2011 — The North Country Regional Economic Development Council has posted a draft of its strategic plan--and it includes supporting controversial long term federal projects such as the Rooftop Highway.

It also sets out seven visions for the North Country including: the construction of growth in the aerospace, defense, biotech and other industries; increasing the region's profile as a special destination to visit, live, work and study; creating the greenest economy in the state; and starting an agriculture revolution.

The North Country Council is one of ten around New York created by Governor Andrew Cuomo to compete for millions of dollars in state funding. Garry Douglas is co-chair. He says the draft plan was created after a series of public hearings. Before submitting the final proposal to Albany, he wants people to review the plan online.

"Because there's not time between now and November 14 to go out and do another whole round of hearings. So it's going to be website dependent. People that have interest go there, look at them, and then comment via the website. That's really what folks need to do."

The website is North Country Open For Business - dot - com.  Go to full article

North Creek, NY, Jun 10, 2011 — The North Creek Business Alliance organized the first annual North Creek Brew Fest on the Hudson in order to help fund a winter shuttle to Gore Mountain and make the town a destination. Sarah Harris was there to sample the festivities.  Go to full article