Platinum Chamber of the Year Award presented to North Country Chamber of Commerce

ALBANY, NY (09/19/2011)(readMedia)-- The Business Council of New York State, Inc. is proud to announce that the North Country Chamber of Commerce (NCCC) is winner of the 2011 Platinum Chamber of the Year Award, the most prestigious award of its kind. The NCCC won this accolade for its aggressive pro-jobs agenda and dedication to economic development, not only in the North Country and surrounding areas, but throughout the entire state.

The Chamber Awards were created as part of The Business Council's Thirtieth Anniversary celebration in 2010 to honor exceptional chamber organizations and leadership teams.

"This chamber, under the leadership of president and CEO Garry Douglas, has taken full advantage of its geography, using a proximity to Canada to open an economic development pipeline," said Heather Briccetti, acting-president and CEO of The

Business Council of New York State, Inc. "The North Country Chamber of Commerce also secured millions in workforce development and transportation funding. We are proud to have them as a member of The Business Council, and we are honored to name them as our Platinum Chamber of the Year Award winner.

"To receive this recognition from our partners at the Business Council is very gratifying indeed for our entire team and for all of our members," said Garry Douglas, president and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "The North Country business community is today more united than ever and is making a difference through the Chamber not only in our own region but as a meaningful partner in efforts to revitalize and reform our state. We will accept this as encouragement to continue our commitment to regionalization, strategic economic development, government action and international partnership. Onward and upward!"

The NCCC, which is approaching its centennial, includes more than 4,100 businesses across Clinton, Franklin, Essex, Hamilton and northern Warren Counties. The chamber founded and co-leads the Quebec-New York Corridor Coalition, which has helped Plattsburgh gain a reputation as "Montreal's U.S. suburb" and attracted dozens of Quebec-based manufacturers. Other endeavors by the Chamber include a broad program of support services for regional industry and manufacturers through the North Country Industry Council, health insurance services that meet the needs of 12 regional chambers and administration of the Adirondack Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau as a Chamber department.

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