Dec 20, 2002 — Few were surprised when Alcoa Metals announced Wednesday it would lay off more than a hundred workers from its smelting plant. What did catch people off guard was how close the plant was to shutting down altogether. An emergency cost-cutting package ensures operation through 2003. But as David Sommerstein reports, even bigger challenges lie ahead.  Go to full article

Dec 04, 2002 — The news of Vermont-based Agri-Mark Coop's purchase of McCadam Cheese Company is good for Franklin County farmers and workers at McCadam's manufacturing plant in Chateaugay, which will stay open.

But Agri-Mark says it will close McCadam's packaging plant in Heuvelton on February 1st after more than a century of operation. More than 100 people will lose their jobs. David Sommerstein reports the effects will be far-reaching for families and businesses in the small St. Lawrence County village.  Go to full article

Dec 04, 2002 — More than two hundred sawmill owners from across the North Country met last night in Ray Brook, furious about a change to New York state building codes. The new code - set to take effect January 1st - would force homebuilders to stop using the kind of "rough cut" lumber made in many local mills. As Brian Mann reports, most family run mills say the code will put them out of business.  Go to full article

Dec 03, 2002 — High-tech support company Stream International is delaying the opening of its call center in Watertown until it can find new clients. David Sommerstein reports the company is meanwhile completing renovations in its downtown office.  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

Nov 19, 2002 — Senator Charles Schumer is courting Walmart for the heart of the Adirondacks. In a letter last week, Schumer encouraged Walmart's CEO to look at putting in store in Saranac Lake or in the nearby village of Tupper Lake. Like many North Country communities, the two villages were home to Ames department stores, which closed this fall. Martha Foley talks with Mark Kurtz, chair of SAGA, Sound Adirondack Growth Alliance.  Go to full article

Oct 03, 2002 — Assembly candidates in the 113th district gathered last night for a debate in Lake Placid. The talk was mostly about jobs and strategies to revive the struggling North Country economy. This race promises to be one of the most competitive in the region - with three strong candidates on the November ballot. Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Oct 01, 2002 — Governor Pataki has signed into law a bill desired by New York's union leaders. The legislation would make it easier for unions to organize in the work place. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Sep 23, 2002 — Governor Pataki addressed the state's Business Council, the group that has traditionally been a big backer of his political career. Pataki made the case to the business executives gathered at the posh Sagamore Hotel on Lake George, as to why he should remain governor for another four years. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Sep 18, 2002 — A new report by the state's business lobby, finds that New York is still losing manufacturing jobs, faster than the rest of the nation. The Business Council says that there is some encouraging news in the report as well. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article