Pataki's parting gifts
On one of his final days in office Gov. Pataki held a press conference in North Creek. He announced $7 million in state funding for the planned Gore Mountain expansion, and another $3 million for the railroad line that connects Saratoga Springs and North Creek. There are three inter-related projects - expanding Gore, connecting it to the Ski Bowl, and establishing year-round rail service that are poised to drive economic development and revitalization to the area. Continue to full story

Ames Goldsmith acquired, set for expansion
Ames Electro Materials Corp. of Glens Falls has been acquired by Umicore, a Belgium-based company that specializes in materials technology. Umicore says it plans to move its existing contact materials operations from New Jersey to Glens Falls this year, and it plans to add more production capacity in Glens Falls. Read Full Story.

Gillibrand visits EDC offices
On December 28, U.S. Rep. Gillibrand, D-Greenport, visited the EDC offices for a planning session with her team. "Although the purpose of her visit was preparatory in nature, we did get some one-on-one time with the Congresswoman and her team," said Len Fosbrook, president of EDC. Read Full Story.

Spitzer reveals early ED initiatives
Gov. Spitzer cited several economic development initiatives in his first State of the State Address. In a comment on the Adirondacks, he set the tone, stating: "One New York means a state that preserves its land, while allowing for growth. That is why our policy in the Adirondacks and Catskills must recognize that those two goals are not mutually exclusive." Read Full Story.

Labor statistics
The NY State Department of Labor released figures showing the region gained 2,500 jobs last year, with all but 100 of them in the private sector. Some of the strongest private sector growth was noted in Glens Falls (up 2.6 percent), which compares favorably to our neighbors in the Capital Region with just 0.7 percent growth in private sector jobs.