Empire State Development’s North Country Regional Office to Host “Lunch & Learn” Virtual Series

Series designed to educate and connect North Country stakeholders with vital state resources

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced a new “Lunch & Learn" series designed to educate and connect North Country stakeholders with vital state resources. This virtual initiative provides a streamlined platform for businesses, nonprofits, labor groups, and academic leaders across the seven-county region to explore funding and growth opportunities. Each session, accessible via Zoom, features information on ESD programs, followed by a Q&A.

Next Move NY will be the focus of the first “Lunch & Learn,” at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24.  Participants will learn how the program is helping to bridge the gap to connect Fort Drum’s transitioning service members and North Country employers. RSVP on the North Country Regional Economic Development Council website here.  A Zoom link will be provided ahead of the meeting.

Going forward, the 2026 series will include: 

  • March – POWER UP / Fast NY
  • April – New Market Tax Credits
  • May – Global NY
  • June – County Infrastructure Grant Program 
  • August – Lending and Financial Resources
  • October – Workforce Development  

The North Country region is composed of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

About Empire State Development
ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD’s website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Contact:
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313