Focus 2011 – Business at the Border

All of the speaker presentations from this years conference held at the Edgewood resort in Alexandria Bay, NY on June 6 and 7 are posted on the “Home” page of this site. I will leave the 2010 presentations up on this page for those that might still like to peruse the subject material.

Focus 2010

Are you ready for an Improving Economy?

The Capital Corridor hosted our second annual conference in Watertown on June 14 and 15. Twenty-three different speakers delighted the 81 attendees with terrific presentations on seven different subjects. The subject topics were of interest to a wide range of Corridor stakeholders. The topics were as follows:

The role of universities in a knowledge-based economy.
Tourism to 2012: Boom or Bust?
Secure Borders and Open Doors
Young Professional: How can we engage, attract and retain?
Economic Development: Can we work collaboratively?
Sustainable Transportation: What doew it mean and how do we achieve it?
Working Together: A panel from the Central Upstate Regional Alliance

I have posted the presentations that were made electronically for everyone to enjoy.

Congressman Bill Owens addressed the participants during lunch on Monday and then opened the floor for questions. His presentation was extremely well-received as the Congressman is a big proponent of the Canada/U.S. trading relationship.

On Monday evening, conference attendees had a special treat as we journeyed up to Boldt Castle in the heart of the 1000 Islands. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority provided a wonderful feast for all! The sun came out just in time and guests from out of the area could easily see why we feel this is one of the most beautiful places around.

As well as the TIBA, other sponsors of the event were the Jefferson County Job Development Corporation, Parsons Consulting and the Federal Bridge Corporation, Ltd. Their support was much appreciated as we strive to keep registration fees as low as possible.

Session 1

Dr. Yolande Chan, The Monieson Centre, Queen’s University

Dr. Stephen Mayer, Niagara University & The Parsons Corporation

Tom Coakley, St. Lawrence University

Session 2

Gary DeYoung, Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corp.

Blair Harris, Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Session 3

Michael Flaherty, Canadian Consulate General

Sara Wiebe, Canada Border Services Agency

Session 4

Alicia Dewey, Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization