By Garry Douglas
As we head into fall, we are facing the anticipated effects of the planned closing of Nova Bus early in the new year, with the impacts on both employees and suppliers beginning for many in October. WARN notices have been issued by a few of the major suppliers in the area beginning in October and Nova Bus has advised each of its employees of their expected employment end date.
Active efforts have continued to secure a new manufacturer for the Nova site with great teamwork by the Chamber, the Clinton County IDA, Empire State Development, TDC and other key partners, including very active personal engagement by Governor Hochul and Senator Schumer. At the same time, we have been helping to coordinate plans with Nova Bus, the State Labor Dept. and many others to maximize upcoming support and assistance for all workers.
Of course, the best constant approach to the inevitable periodic hits that come from closures beyond our control – from the Air Force Base to Pfizer to now Nova Bus — is a steady and effective team commitment to facilitating growth by others and to strengthening our appeal to new possibilities and sustaining and bolstering the support services modern manufacturing requires. And progress is strong this year on many fronts, including the following:
• With major federal and state support, Phase I of infrastructure development at the old airport (Clinton Business Innovation Gateway) is nearing completion and the state has awarded further funding for additional shovel-ready development, providing ready sites for years to come.
• The state recently awarded final approval of $20 million from Governor Hochul toward the $40 million + facility for BETA Technologies at Plattsburgh International Airport.
• Progress is being made on expansion plans by several existing manufacturers including Schluter and Michelin.
• New Jersey Transit has ordered 36 additional multi-level railcars from Alstom.
• Plans are set for the highly positive transition of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing from Clinton Community College to CVES/CV-TEC.
• Plans are also on track by CVES for construction starting in February of a major new home at the old airport for all of CV-TEC’s invaluable training programs, in concert with use of the IAM.
• A construction start is coming soon for the new and expanded Customs & Border Protection border crossing in Rouses Point.
• The Chamber has conducted “Red Carpet Days for seven prospective international companies in recent months.
And so, we will comprehensively and actively support affected employees during the Nova Bus transition while simultaneously solidifying a number of projects and endeavors that will continue the role and growth of manufacturing in the North Country. Stay tuned.
Comments