By Jay Lawson
The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) plans to start a new Strategic Plan in March, as the group looks forward to its next five years.
In conjunction with the new plan, ANCA is seeking feedback from the public, in the form of an online survey.
The survey is quick, according to ANCA, taking only about six minutes.
It is largely multiple choice, and includes 12 questions.
Those that participate will also be entered for a chance to win a gift basket of hand-selected delicacies and unique products from local artisans and food producers.
Among the survey information being sought, ANCA would like to gauge the degree to which the public values its program.
Among them are Connecting Communities Through Thematic Trails and Routes, Building Local Economies by Supporting Artisans, Adirondack Buyers Days to showcase regional artisans, Responding to Community Need Such As Saving Local Theaters (Go Digital or Go Dark), and Common Ground Alliance.
ANCA’s energy related programs include Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy/Sustainability, and its Clean Energy Conferences.
ANCA would also like the public’s help in steering its focus for the upcoming five years.
Possible directions may include:
• Continue advocacy for the 14 counties of the Adirondack North Country region.
• Build local community capacity.
• Expand the market for local agriculture, crafts/artisan and forest products.
• Advance a regional efficient and renewable energy economy including woody biomass.
• Foster downtown redevelopment.
• Long range planning/community development.
• Thematic trails and routes planning, development and marketing.
• Foster successful businesses and sustainable communities.
• Take a leadership role in developing a competitive product identity for regional producers.
• Maintain the flexibility to respond to urgent community needs.
• Grant support and management.
ANCA would also like to receive suggestions on how to make it a more effective organization.
The survey is confidential, and the deadline for participation is March 6.
It can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2015ANCAStrategicPlanningSurvey
ANCA was formed in 1955 and serves the interests of Adirondack artisans and crafts producers, small businesses, agriculture and local food producers, and the clean energy/renewables industry.
It also serves local governments and communities, local residents, ecotourists and geo-tourists, and forest products industries.