In March 2026, Betsy Johnson (pictured) celebrated her first full year as the owner of the Crown Point greenhouse operation she purchased from
longtime owners Ronnie and Jim Cunningham in 2025. Since taking the reins of Decker’s Flats Greenhouse, Betsy has given it a new name — Local Roots — relocated it to family-owned property five miles down the road, moved two existing greenhouses to the new site, and begun planning for future expansion.
By carrying on a business that has served the community for more than 30 years, Betsy is preserving local products and services and an important part of her community’s entrepreneurial landscape. Small businesses like Local Roots help sustain the economic vitality and resilience of rural communities like Crown Point.
Betsy’s transition to business ownership was supported by the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, the North Country Small Business Development Center, and the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation — all active partners in ANCA’s Center for Businesses in Transition (CBIT). Since 2018, CBIT has helped connect retiring business owners with aspiring entrepreneurs while providing the guidance and resources needed to navigate successful ownership transitions.
“I am incredibly thankful for the support and guidance of TACC, SBDC, and AEDC throughout this transition process,” Betsy said. “It has meant so much to have access to these resources and to feel supported every step of the way.”
Business transitions often take three to five years, and this one was no exception. Ronnie and Jim began working with CBIT in 2019 to plan their succession with the hope that their business would continue serving the community long after their retirement. Today, thanks to their foresight and perseverance — and Betsy’s vision — Local Roots is well positioned to succeed for years to come.
Photo: Betsy, family an supporters at a ribbon-cutting event celebrating one year of operating Local Roots.