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In an era when technology is replacing
ever more human workers, a group of local residents in concert with
Clarkson University are attempting to rebuild an ever-dwindling
Adirondack middle class.
The Clarkson Adirondack Initiative
seeks to promote the region as a place for white-collar
professionals to conduct business, using the Internet to
telecommute.
The initiative was the brain-child of
Blue Mountain Lake native Elmer Gates.
“Technology is what killed the economy
of the Adirondack Park and it is what can bring it back,” Gates
said. “If a place has the technological infrastructure — like
broadband — people can do their work from anywhere.”
As logging technology decreased the
need for a human labor force, the quality of life and economic
viability of Adirondack residents declined sharply. The initiative
is focusing on bringing white-collar, middle-class workers to the
region, where they can do much of their work from home -- over the
Internet.
“Why not let your front porch be your
office?” Gates asked. “The presence of America-based virtual call
centers — for example — is expanding rapidly.”
Gates — a lifelong entrepreneur who
has founded several companies in the U.S. and abroad — said that he
is unimpressed with the help available for individuals looking to
start a business in the Adirondack Park.
“I am disappointed by the lack of
creativity by the officials in the Adirondacks,” Gates said. “The
Adirondacks have become nothing more than a tourist, second-home and
retirement community — and that doesn't build a middle class.”
According to Gates, funding for the
project stems from his personal assets and Clarkson University.
According to university officials, Clarkson has began a congruent
initiative meant to show students that business can be conducted in
the park.
Clarkson University Vice President
Kelly Chezum noted that there is room for creative employment in the
park.
“We have been looking at how to
advance creative work and lifestyle choices for some time,” Chezum
said. “Trying to find ways for new commerce to emerge in the park
that would have a negligible impact on the environment.”
Chezum said that the Clarkson
Adirondack Initiative is synergistic with the college's other
programs seeking to advance career opportunities in the Adirondacks.
“It is in our interest for the park to
be as vibrant as possible,” she said. “We would like everyone to
have the opportunity to engage in wireless entrepreneurship.”
The initiative is opening “work
stations” — located in Blue Mountain Lake, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake
and Long Lake — which will have free internet access available for
anyone looking to conduct business or develop an enterprise.
“The brand has become tourism here,”
Gates said. “I think it is time for a new brand.”
Gates said that many of the Adirondack
Park Agency’s policy decisions have also stymied business
development.
Sherry Nemmers is a marketing agent,
and although her employer is located in New York City, her work is
accomplished at her home in Blue Mountain Lake.
“One can certainly do much of their
work here in the park,” Nemmers said. “I hope that people
discovering this fact will raise the standard of living in the
Adirondacks.”
The initiative has scheduled a
business summit to be held at Clarkson on Sept. 8. According to
Gates, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and New York State Comptroller
Thomas DiNapoli will be among the many notables on hand to address
the issues of boosting the middle class and stemming the decline in
quality of life for year-round Adirondack residents, Gates said.
-Jon
Alexander, 8-1-09
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