more than employees... partners in your company's future
The labor supply in the Adirondack Mountain region is better than you'll find anywhere else. Our life science companies report dramatically low turnover, and easy recruitment because of the environment. Local employees will work harder for you here. They've made a life choice to be here. They like living here and are ready to help you make your business a success.

scientists outnumber farmers by 14 to 1 in New York State
The North Country region has greater concentrations of bio/pharma employment compared to the United States, serving as the home to more than 2000+ scientists with another 360,000 scientists and engineers spread across New York State. Close to 700 members in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, almost 200 members of the National Academy of Science (10% of membership), and 10% of America's Ph.D.'s have also chosen New York as their home.

New York's exceptional research infrastructure has contributed to the incredibly strong position it holds in the bio/pharma industry. New York ranks second in biological R&D expenditures at universities, and fourth in industrial pharma research. The North Country/Adirondack region of the state shows the greatest specialization in the state for bio/pharma, with the fastest growing sectors among the smaller organizations involved in pharmaceutical preparations and non-commercial research.

The research-based, global pharmaceutical company Wyeth Division of American Home Products employs more than 1,200 at its facility in Rouses Point, and another 150 in Chazy, New York. Upstate USA, Inc. is showing rapid growth as an international leader in providing bioreagent products to academic and industrial cell signaling investigators, now nearing 110 employees at their Lake Placid location, with plans to add at least 20 more within the next year. Of the 144 employees at the Trudeau Institute, fully one-third are PhD’s/MD’s, representing 10 countries and 48% of those scientists are women. Being in the Adirondack region has made it easier for firms like Upstate, the Trudeau Institute, Wyeth and other life science businesses to attract high-quality employees who are anxious for a beautiful environment where it’s safe to raise a family.

For assistance in locating the employees you need, whether you are expanding or just getting started, we have a number of resources including the Talent Bank through the New York State Department of Labor.

preparing today for your tomorrow... educational & training programs
From high schools through universities, programs in the life sciences are abundant in the Adirondacks. Area colleges have outstanding relationships with the region's biotech/biomedical companies. Want a program not already offered? They'll work with you to get one started. Here, you'll find partners right in your backyard with Paul Smiths College, offering Bachelor’s degrees in Biology; Clarkson University’s School of Arts & Sciences, offering degrees in such areas as Biology, Bio-Molecular Science and Chemistry; Biology, Biochemistry, Biology-Physics, as well as Neuroscience and Pre-Medicine are available at St. Lawrence University.

Life science degrees, courses and technical certifications can also be found at Clinton Community College, North Country Community College, and State Universities of New York at Plattsburgh, Potsdam and Canton.

You’ll find local, regional and state opportunities to tap the very best in education and training for your facility, like Cornell University’s Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology research and academic programs; the Albany Medical Center’s focus on Biomedical Research and Training; Bioinformatics courses offered at The Bioinformatics Center at Rensselaer and Wadsworth. Relevant academic programs can also be found throughout the Tech Corridor that spans the Adirondacks between New York's Capitol of Albany to the North Country's city of Plattsburgh, including biological and physical sciences, biology, biotechnology research, cell biology, molecular biology and pharmacy.

While you enjoy a life surrounded by the comforting communities of the Adirondack region, you’ll have convenient access to technical, customized skills training for your staff through the local Workforce Investment Board, extended studies programs at our area colleges, and vocational certification (BOCES / CVES) programs in everything from HVAC to welding.

proud public schools that you can feel good about
If you have ever brought a child to school in the city or its suburbs, you'll understand the benefits of our small, town community schools. Sprinkled with award-winning public and private elementary schools, you'll find a quality education for your children with optional doses of some of the greatest sports activities in the country.

learn more with these helpful links

contact us
Essex County IDA website
business development assistance
Life Science partners in the Park
labor market data
education/training
available sites
housing information
tourism/recreation
Adirondack biotech initiative

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