News Release: 5/4/2026

Large crowd at annual Business Mixer

CANTON, N.Y. — Local business leaders and economic development officials gathered Wednesday to emphasize the importance of community interconnectedness and strategic planning as the primary drivers of the North Country economy.

The evening at the Best Western University Inn, Canton, consisted of a networking session and a panel discussion. More than 100 people attended.

The panel discussion, moderated by St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ben Dixon, featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs and executives who have transitioned from international corporate roles to local ownership. The event highlighted the revitalization of downtown Massena and the expansion of specialized retail in Canton.

Bill Fiacco, a Massena native who returned to the region after a nearly 40-year career in the elevator industry, detailed his efforts to breathe life back into his hometown through the Gristmill Brewery and the Newberry Building project. Fiacco noted that his transition from a billion-dollar corporate environment to local entrepreneurship was fueled by a desire to "give something back" to the St. Lawrence River community.

"I am so in love with the river and the North Country," Fiacco said. "I wanted to help a place I really loved growing up in."

The discussion also featured Clark and Yen Maine, who moved to the region from Shanghai in 2022. The couple recently took ownership of Adirondack Fragrance Farm in Parishville and Nature’s Storehouse in Canton and are currently overseeing a significant expansion, including the launch of Nature’s Cafe. Clark Maine, a native of Hopkinton, urged aspiring entrepreneurs to consider business transitions—taking over established entities—rather than starting from scratch.

"There are a lot of local businesses that need to transition from one generation to another," Maine said. "You aren't starting from zero; you can build on what is already there."

The panelists also addressed the role of modern technology in rural business. Maine, who has a background in information technology, warned that local leaders cannot ignore the impending wave of artificial intelligence.

"This wave is coming," Maine said. "As an entrepreneur, there are a lot of things you can do to leverage it to get stuff done that you couldn't get done otherwise."

Yen Maine, a native of Taiwan, urged entrepreneurs not to leave money on the table. The Maines successfully navigated the complex process of securing multiple grants, including a $500,000 award for a delivery model and farm pickup system, and a $497,000 New York Forward grant for the cafe expansion. Her success proves that these resources are accessible to those willing to learn the "skill set" of grant writing or utilize expert consultants.

Michelle Matthews, an executive with United Helpers, shared a different perspective on growth, detailing her 30-year rise from a certified nurse aide to a top leadership position. Matthews emphasized the strength of local professional organizations and networks, such as the St. Lawrence Valley Human Resource Management Association (SLVHRMA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in helping managers navigate complex labor laws and workforce development.

Dixon concluded the event by highlighting the "white glove" support network available through the Chamber, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and local Industrial Development Agencies, noting that the region’s interconnected support system is its greatest competitive advantage.

The event was organized by a collaborative group including the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, New York Power Authority, North Country SBDC at SUNY Canton, SLL-BOCES, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), SLC Workforce Development Board, and SUNY Canton.

Sponsors for the 2026 mixer that made the event possible were Cornerstone Sponsor AmeriCU Credit Union, Pillar Sponsors St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, and LaBella Associates, and Partner Sponsors Bill Rapp Chevrolet of Ogdensburg, Empire State Mines, North Country Clean Energy Hub / Cornell Cooperative Extension, and C2AE.