Jenna Kraeger: Naturally Lewis really provides us with a platform to effectively market what assets we have available in the county, and what really makes it a natural choice to live, work and build business here. But more than that, it has really become a symbol of pride for our community - the stories that we tell really resonate with the people that live here and work here. When they hear about a business that has a new product, they’re genuinely excited for that business in the community as a whole, which is really fun to see that come to life. Personally, Lewis County has been a place with not only natural beauty and assets, but that sense of community, which is what really sets us apart. Unfortunately, it is not quantifiable. The best part is just telling those stories about the people that are doing amazing things and building the legacy of Lewis County for future generations. Spotlight on Business: It goes without saying the Lewis Economic Development Team is laser focused on promoting entrepreneurship. Can you tell us about some of the incentives for
Authority of the North Country, Lake Cham - plain-Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB), and other regional partners. So basi - cally, the more businesses that we can connect with that are in the development or growth phase, we can help them navigate in the right direction or find the piece of the puzzle that can assist them with their project. We can show them what we can offer and can do for them, but it is extremely important that we talk with them and try to hone in on what will be the best for their particular situation.
entrepreneurs and businesses to set-up shop in Lewis County? Can you talk about Lewis County’s “DBA Lewis County” and what it is all about? Cheyenne Steria: So, as Naturally Lewis our office handles economic development, and one of our tools we like to say is that we’re an indus - trial development agency as well. And so, New York state allows us to grant tax incentives so payments in lieu of taxes. Pilots allow us to do property tax abatements for projects. We can also offer sales tax incentives, sales tax abate - ments and mortgage recording tax incentives. The IDA can’t loan their own money, but we’ve worked with USDA and other groups to set up a couple of loan funds that are revolving so all the monies paid back, both interest and principal, then get reloaned. We work with different grant programs, either through the state or sometimes local grant programs that we can connect busi - nesses with, as well as having a ton of regional partners, especially on the loan front. We work with North Country Alliance, the Development
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Jenna Kraeger: With that list of incentives men - tioned, we’ve been a little creative with some of our programs as well. Thinking back to a couple months ago, we came up with a winter design challenge grant program that was all locally funded through the Pratt Northam Founda - tion and Lewis County itself to incentivize local businesses to be creative with new and existing outdoor seating. Such as adding firepit or truly anything that could bolster their business for the winter months throughout the pandemic. They of course must show that they were putting some skin in the game, but we provided up to $1,000 in matching grants to local businesses to get creative. On a similar note, regarding our new entrepreneurship program that we are launching
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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