(Link to full Press Republican Article)
North Country officials praise Micro Bird move
PLATTSBURGH — North Country officials were thrilled with the news that Micro Bird, a leading manufacturer of electric school buses, will be taking over the Nova Bus plant.
Here is what they had to say:
- Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry said, “This is an incredible day for Clinton County and our workforce. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her hands-on efforts and commitment to retaining Clinton County’s skilled transportation manufacturing workforce. We applaud the partnerships provided by the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency, the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and TDC for their commitment to finding solutions to make this project possible. Together, we’ve ensured a brighter future for this facility and our community.”
- State Senator Dan Stec said, “The North Country is swiftly cultivating a reputation for cutting-edge jobs, opportunities and investments. Micro Bird’s plans will help keep and create good-paying full-time jobs and occupy the Nova Bus facility means our region will continue to be a home for new technology and development for years to come.”
- Assemblymember Billy Jones said, “It is great news that Micro Bird is coming to the North Country to take over the Nova Bus location after Nova Bus announced they were ceasing operations at their Plattsburgh plant. This family owned and operated company will be a welcomed addition to the North Country transportation manufacturing hub and will continue our welcomed partnership with Canadian companies as well as create job opportunities in our bustling manufacturing sector. I want to thank all the local leaders for making this possible and the state for providing the necessary funding to make this transition.”
- Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said, “The announcement of Micro Bird’s arrival, supported by Governor Hochul and New York State, further solidifies our reputation as a world-class hub for transportation manufacturing. This exciting development underscores the North Country’s role in advancing the green economy, alongside industry leaders like BETA Technologies and Norsk, who are innovating and building right here in our community. I am thrilled to see this facility repurposed, ensuring that our talented and dynamic workforce remains a cornerstone of success for any company that calls Plattsburgh home. The Town of Plattsburgh is globally significant and regionally exceptional, and we proudly welcome Micro Bird to our community!”
- President and CEO of TDC, and leader of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council Tradable Sectors Work Group David Champagne said, “This is great news for the North Country. I’m proud to be part of the group that came together to find a solution to utilizing the Nova Bus Facility and retaining manufacturing jobs. Attracting Micro Bird to Plattsburgh and repurposing the facility was made possible by the support of many partners including Clinton County IDA, and especially programs driven by Governor Kathy Hochul and the staff at Empire State Development. This will help the region retain good manufacturing jobs in the future.”
- Clinton County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Molly Ryan said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Micro Bird to Plattsburgh. This project highlights the power of collaboration among the State, our local partners like the North Country Chamber of Commerce and TDC, and the broader community. Governor Hochul’s leadership, combined with the collective efforts of our regional partners, ensures this facility will remain a cornerstone of manufacturing in the North Country. We look forward to supporting Micro Bird as they invest in our workforce and help drive the region’s economic future.”
