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| Ft. Drum's Garrison Commander Speaks at Business Leaders Breakfast in Lowville By: Nick Altmire (nick@linkinglewiscounty.com) 04/13/17 06:30pm |
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breakfast, hosted by Lewis County Economic Development, at the Lowville Elks Lodge on Wednesday morning. Those in attendance included local business owners and managers, government officials, and representatives from various local organizations. The program included updates from the county's director of economic development and county manager; a discussion with the garrison commander at Fort Drum; and updates from the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, Kraft Heinz, Carlowden Country Club and Lewis County General Hospital. A Recruiting Veteran Workforce seminar followed the program. Below are highlights from some of the speakers: Eric Virkler, Director of Lewis County Economic Development: Mr. Virkler talked about the re-branding of economic development in the county through the Naturally Lewis campaign, which focuses on resources that Lewis County has to offer prospective businesses. He broke the county's economy into four major sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, small business, and tourism. Manufacturing still accounts for 15- 18% of jobs in the county. Mr. Virkler stated. He noted that the county has over 27,000 milking cows (exceeding the county's population of people), with a mix of small family farms and larger dairy operations. Agriculture in the county includes dairy operations, meat and poultry, vegetables, Christmas tree farms, wood and logging operations, and biomass energy. Mr. Virkler noted that there are a number of large manufacturers in the county, including the county's largest private employer Kraft Heinz, Otis Technology, Viking Cives, Omniafiltra, Interface Solutions, Neenah Paper, Burrows/Twin Rivers Paper, and Quibica AMF. He also provided an update on the proposed business park in the county, next to the now shuttered Climax property. Tourism was also highlighted, with Mr. Virkler noting that there are tourism opportunities available in the county for every season. Lewis County Manager Liz Swearingin: Ms. Swearingin discussed the unique qualities of Lewis County, where "you can still do business on a handshake." She noted the great sense of pride shown by the residents, and how 81% of county residents see the quality of life as good or excellent in the recent survey of the community conducted by Jefferson Community College. Lewis County is a fiscally conservative county, she said, stating that the county carries a low level of debt and only takes on projects it can pay for. When making decisions, the county looks at how the quality of life will be improved for residents. Lewis County is one of the only counties in the state without a higher education facility, Ms. Swearingin said, while noting the county's intention to bring a JCC extension center to Lowville. The center would ideally offer unique programs for county residents. "What can we teach our young people to do that's going to lead to a job," Ms. Swearingin said. She also talked about the progress the county has made in expanding broadband access, through its partnership with Mohawk Networks and the Solar Array and Clean Energy projects the county is working on. Event Sponsors Purcell Construction and Lowville Sport & Farm: The two sponsors of the breakfast were each given a few minutes to speak, with Tina Schnieder of Purcell Construction noting that 50% of the Jefferson County company's workforce lives in Lewis County. Jared Thisse of Lowville Sport & Farm stated his family's business recently learned that they are the number one Honda dealer in New York state. Fort Drum Garrison Commander Colonel Bryan Laske: Col. Laske updated the audience on Fort Drum and its impact on the community. "It's a dynamic time for the army as we are shifting to a sustainable readiness model," he explained, stating that the training and deployment readiness operations means more soldiers through the facility more often. Readiness is the number one priority, he said, with the "total army concept" focusing more on training and services to National Guard and reserve units. The 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, has around 15,000 soldiers assigned on any given day, with an additional 15,000 troops a year using the facility for training. About 70,000 people a year either work or train at Fort Drum, which generates $1.185 billion in direct economic impact to the region. Col. Laske said that 30% of the soldiers leaving the army while stationed at Fort Drum end up staying in the area. He noted that a "very educated and disciplined manpower pool" coming out of the army offers local businesses a great opportunity. A key area where Lewis County could benefit from the large population at Fort Drum is recreation, according to the colonel. "The recreation opportunities in Lewis County are amazing," Col. Laske said, noting he spent a lot of time at Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin over the winter. "The best way to reach and engage soldiers is through recreation activities," he said, adding that soldiers are always looking for things to do during their time off. He said marketing the county's recreational value to soldiers and families on Fort Drum could have a positive impact on the county's tourism economy. Lewis County Chamber of Commerce Director Kristen Aucter: Ms. Aucter, who recently took over as the director at the Chamber of Commerce, used most of her time highlighting all of the recreation possibilities the county offers, no matter the season. From over 500 miles of snowmobile trails to the only permitted ATV trail system in the state at 450 miles, Lewis County is a destination for many enthusiast of the sports. Add in fishing, canoing, camping, hunting, skiing, hiking, golf, and horse trails and you can find something for just about anybody who enjoys outdoor activities. Additional business updates were provided by Carlowden Country Club, which is under new ownership, and the Kraft Heinz plant in Lowville. Lewis County General Hospital interim CEO Michele Prince also provided an update on the hospital and the benefits it provides to the community. Lewis County Economic Development plans to continue the successful business leader breakfast program, with another event in the works for sometime in June, which a date and location has not yet been determined. |
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Left: Lewis County Economic Development
Director Eric Virkler speaks Wednesday at the
business leaders breakfast. Right: Fort Drum
Garrison Commander Colonel Bryan Laske
Director Eric Virkler speaks Wednesday at the
business leaders breakfast. Right: Fort Drum
Garrison Commander Colonel Bryan Laske