Job Creation in St. Lawrence County On the Right Track

Financial assistance has been approved by the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency for five projects that will create at least 20 permanent jobs over the next three years, according to the Watertown Daily Times.

“We have had the most active spring in economic development proposals in my tenure,” IDA Chairman Brian W. Staples said. “Our staff is to be congratulated.”

Patrick J. Kelly, the IDA Executive Director, said that the projects will come from different areas of the county and could help increase economic activity. The loan of $200,000 was approved on Friday so Riverside Iron could open its doors again under the ownership of Eric S. Tessmer in Gouverneur.

The plant was closed two years ago when Duane Winters retired. Winters will provide $350,000 in financing so the facility can return to full production of ornamental and structural steel. Tessmer agreed to create 12 full-time jobs over three years as part of the loan terms. He said the actual job creation numbers could reach 15.

“The plan is to open in early June,” Mr. Tessmer said.

Blast Boss received a loan approval of $88,000. Its operations in Richfield Springs will move and expand to Ogdensburg. The company manufactures sandblast equipment using recycled glass, taking advantage of the proximity to Montreal.

“This is new and up-and-coming,” Mark D. Brown, owner, said. “I think it’s going to be a good thing for Ogdensburg. We’re tailoring our business for cross-border traffic. There’s a lot of room for expansion. I want to be open by the end of the month.”

Brown noted that there will be two or three people employed at the facility to begin with, but the number will grow eventually.

“He’s taking advantage of the border location,” Mr. Kelly said.

A bridge loan of $300,000 has been approved for Slic Network Solutions for a project that will keep eight jobs and create two additional full-time positions and 11 temporary construction jobs.

Two microenterprise loans were also approved by the IDA.

Proline-Striping was approved for a $20,000 loan that includes working capital and funding to create a full-time job.

Sharrow’s Home Repair and Renovation in Star Lake has been approved for a $20,000 loan from the IDA. The loan will be used to create one full-time job and to buy equipment.

A resolution from the county approved $10,000 for the OBPA for development of transportation. The IDA also offered sales and use tax exemptions for St. Lawrence Gas in Massena, which will expand its coverage area for customers.

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