<p>Regional collaboration increases scope and impact of annual event</p>

<p>2015 Clean Energy Economy Conference<br />
June 11-12, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY</p>

<p>Saranac Lake – The Mohawk Valley and North Country Economic Development Council regions are collaborating on the 2015 Clean Energy Economy Conference at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica on June 11 and 12.</p>

<p>Now in its fourth year, this unique event provides a forum for regional and State-level leaders to present information on planning, implementation, and securing financial support for residential, commercial and municipal clean energy projects. Conference hosts organizations are the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) in the North Country and The Genesis Group in Utica.</p>

<p>Estimates value the clean energy economy at approximately $250 billion globally, with growth into the trillions projected over the next decade. This growth has the potential to provide significant economic benefit to North Country and Mohawk Valley residents, businesses and communities.</p>

<p>“After last year’s conference in Lake Placid, attendees from the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) inquired about expanding the scope of the event in 2015,” says Kate Fish, Executive Director at ANCA, the organization that launched the event in 2012. “This exciting partnership extends the impact of this event and demonstrates Northern New York’s commitment to bringing the benefits of the clean energy economy to all our communities.”</p>

<p>“New York provides exceptional incentives to implement clean energy and efficiency projects,” says Nick Matt, CEO of FX Matt Brewing Company in Utica and Conference Co-Chair. “We hope everyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficiency will come to the conference to learn about and take advantage of the opportunities available.”</p>

<p>According to Conference Co-Chair Tony Collins, President of Clarkson University and Co-Chair of the North Country REDC, the 2015 Clean Energy Economy Conference “provides a unique opportunity for business, industry, and community leaders in our two regions to envision – and implement – a robust, sustainable economic future.”</p>

<p>The Conference agenda includes numerous workshops designed to assist local governments, commercial partners and industry leaders identify and answer key questions about project opportunities.</p>

<p>Regional businesses and organizations can take part in the indoor/outdoor exhibitor showcase, which is open throughout both days. Friday’s <em>Energy Expo</em> is free to the public and features presentations geared toward individual homeowners, as well as exhibitor demonstrations and field trips to four “success story” project sites.</p>

<p>ANCA is an independent not-for-profit organization working to strengthen key sectors of the economy in the Adirondack North Country. Since incorporation in 1955, ANCA has developed and managed programs across all 14 counties in Northern New York State, suc­cessfully “investing” millions of dollars from federal and New York State grants as well as private funding, to support community eco­nomic development across the region. ANCA’s portfolio of pro­grams, as well as its strengths in fostering dialogue and effec­tive partnerships, bring together the many components that are needed to build stronger, more self-reliant and localized econo­mies throughout the 14-county region.</p>

<p>The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites business and community leaders working to advance regional economic, social and cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region.</p>

<p>To learn more about the 2015 Clean Energy Economy Conference, visit the event website at <a href="http://www.ncenergyconference.org/">www.ncenergyconference.org</a>, or contact Amanda Lavigne, ANCA Conference Coordinator, at <a href="mailto:alavigne@adirondack.org">alavigne@adirondack.org</a> or (518) 891-6200.</p>

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<p><strong>CONTACT: </strong></p>

<p><strong>Conference Coordinator: Amanda Lavigne<br />
Adirondack North Country Association</strong><br /><strong><a href="mailto:alavigne@adirondack.org">alavigne@adirondack.org</a>, 518.891.6200</strong><br /><strong>Event website: <a href="http://www.ncenergyconference.org/">www.ncenergyconference.org</a></strong></p>