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Building Sustainable Rural Communities in Allegany County, New York |
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Sustainable Business Promotion
Revitalizing and Energizing Allegany County, New York
A Partnership of ACCORD Corporation and EcoVentures International for the US Department of Agriculture "Building Sustainable Rural Communities Through Green Business Project"
Project Overview:
The project aims to directly inspire and link to entrepreneurs interested in developing sustainable, green business ideas in Allegany County. A coalition of local government officials, business owners, community organizations, and environmental experts from the region make up the Green Business Action Team, which serves as an advisory team in identifying commercially viable green business opportunities. A two-day Green Business Training will be scheduled for Spring 2008 and will focus on avenues for greening products and services for existing small businesses; linking to viable markets; and identifying profit-making/cost-saving environmental technologies. The project team has already begun to identify green business opportunities in: (1) Renewable energy: Bio Fuels & Alternative Fuels, Geo-thermal, Wind, Solar; Geothermal Energy Support Services; Natural Lighting Systems; Low Energy Appliances; Photovoltaics; Standby Power Systems; Sustainable Transport; (2) Alternative Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture support opportunities; Agricultural processes; Energy Crops; Technologies; Biomass Combustion; Biomass Gasification; Composting; Solid Waste Management; and (3) Water: Purification systems; Irrigation techniques; Filtration Products; Water Storage Facilities; Humidification products; Dehumidification products; Water Home Design Support Services
The entire project will culminate in a Green Business Plan Competition with recognition from the US Department of Agriculture and business support services for the finalists.
At the Green Business Action Team meeting, L to R: Kate Davenport, EVI; Rachel Wimbotan, Cornell University; Lynn O'Brien, Cornell Cooperative Extension Agency; and Richard Hoffman, agronomist.
Recent Project Updates:
State Senator Cathy Young spoke to 20 workshop attendees at the kick-off meeting for the Green Business Action Team. She discussed the potential to put marginal lands back to work through innovative green business ideas such as the Willow Planting projects seen in neighboring counties. She supported continued partnership between farmers and university research on effective planting and harvesting techniques. In moving forward, Senator Young encouraged the move towards supporting entrepreneurs aiming to both increase business profitability and manage natural resources for the generations to come.
Attendees of the workshop discussed the most relevant green business opportunities for Allegany County and identified next steps for linking local entrepreneurs to such opportunities.
Both farm and non-farm related business opportunities were discussed. Participants set next steps to further investigate a range of green business opportunities and identify focus sectors for the 2-day green business training for existing and potential entrepreneurs. Meeting topics included:
· Market access strategies for local, sustainable food products
· Added-value prospects for locally produced farm products
· Pros and cons surrounding bio-digester energy units utilizing cow manure and farm waste input
· Niche product development opportunities
· Economic gains linked to local natural resource management through agroforestry products such as mushrooms and sustainably harvested wood products
· Pros and cons of growing biofuel crops such as canola and soybeans
· Wind-energy linkages
· Green building and business opportunities related to energy efficiency planning and consulting
Discussions revealed a wealth of existing local knowledge and resources available to jump-start green business in Allegany County. Participants plan to meet again in the upcoming weeks and feedback will be inputted into the design of a two-day training for local entrepreneurs on green business opportunities. There was consensus and excitement around supporting the project to lead to direct implementation of business ideas.
 ACCORD Corporation strives for awareness of the needs of the communities we serve and to adapt our services to meet those needs in a caring, prompt, and professional manner. Established in 1972, we have a history of dedicated service through our experienced and professional staff of over 150 employees. With several locations throughout the county, we continue to strive for excellence in alleviating poverty and fostering economic development and growth.
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