North Country Media Network

North Country Media Network: Upstate NY’s Voices of AuthorityTired of the noise? Tune into the source. The North Country Media Network is the premier audio destination for the people, businesses, and leaders shaping Upstate New York. From the Adirondacks and north to Saratoga and the Capital Region, we bring you the conversations that matter.Why Listen?- Expert Perspectives: Hear directly from the innovators and entrepreneurs driving our regional economy.- Deep-Dive Insights: Move beyond the headlines with context you won’t find on social media.- Local Heart: We celebrate the unique professional and outdoor lifestyle that makes the North Country home.Whether you're interested in business leadership, community culture, or regional growth, our curated shows keep you informed and inspired. Founded by strategist Ann Donnelly, we are committed to professional, high-fidelity storytelling for the Upstate community.Listen everywhere podcasts are found.

North Country Media Network is a business podcast hosted by Ann Donnelly, with 86 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ann Donnelly hosts North Country Media Network, a business show with 86 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #11

  The South Street Renaissance: How NYS DRI & Private Investment are Transforming Glens Falls

  Aug 19, 20265 minS4

  Host: Ann Donnelly Featured Audio Interviews: Kara Magoolaghan , Co-Owner, Hometown Shop MeLinda Stanley , Owner, Tease Salon and Beauty Bar Ali Gazetus Mineo , Owner, Floro's Mercantile Jim Siplon , President & CEO, Warren County EDC (From Episode 10) With Additional Insights From: Katy Foster , Co-Owner, Katy's Wine & Whiskey Bar Judd Gershen , Owner, Judd's Tavern Episode Overview What happens when ambitious private investment leverages the momentum of a $10M New York State DRI initiative? Look no further than the newly revitalized 46-56 South Street block in Downtown Glens Falls. Just a year ago, this block was defined by chain-link fences and vacant windows. Today, thanks to developer Chris Patten and a wave of young entrepreneurs, it is a self-sustaining micro-economy. In Episode 11 of Building Success Stories , host Ann Donnelly takes you on a walking tour of the city's fastest-growing business hub. We explore how five distinct businesses—ranging from upscale dining and vintage retail to beauty and a neighborhood tavern—are working together to create a thriving ecosystem for the city's newest residents. Discover the exact blueprint for Upstate New York's revitalization. (Note: The interviews featured in this episode were conducted on assignment for the Glens Falls Business Journal). Key Takeaways The Power of Synergy: Economic revitalization accelerates when strategic private developers build upon the momentum of public initiatives like the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The Youth Movement: Despite Warren County's average age nearing 50, the entrepreneurs driving South Street's rebirth are a dynamic wave of business owners under 40, injecting fresh energy and modern retail concepts into the city. Ecosystem Economics: By clustering complimentary businesses (food, drinks, apparel, home goods, and beauty) on a single block, these owners are creating a self-sustaining destination that instantly services the incoming residents of the new 70-unit South Street Apartments. Honoring the Past to Build the Future: True community development honors local history. Businesses like Floro's Mercantile are proving you can build modern, trendy brands while respecting the century-old footprints of the family businesses that came before them. More Information Explore the South Street Businesses: Katy's Wine & Whiskey Bar (46 South St): Website | Facebook | Instagram Hometown Shop (48 South St): Stop in for vintage goods, high-quality paints, and community crafting events. Tease Salon and Beauty Bar (50 South St): Visit MeLinda and her team for a full range of hair and beauty services. Floro's Mercantile (52 South St): Shop a curated mix of timeless basics and luxury handbags. Judd's Tavern (54 South St): Website | Facebook Read the Full Feature in the Glens Falls Business Journal . More from Ann Donnelly: Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist Building Success Stories podcast & articles More from the North Country Media Network: Want your business's legacy captured with broadcast-quality impact? North Country Media Network website Love the Show? Help Us Build More Success Stories! If you found value in this look at our region's economic growth, please take a moment to help our podcast grow: Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Look out for full, uncut Bonus Interviews with these business owners dropping over the next two weeks! Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) - your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded local leaders! Share this episode with a friend, developer, or business owner who needs to hear this today. Drop a comment: Which of these new South Street businesses are you most excited to visit, or what changes have you loved seeing in Downtown Glens Falls?

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  Episode #10

  How Authentic Communities Win in the Age of AI with Jim Siplon, EDC Warren County, NY

  Aug 5, 20261h 2mS4

  Host: Ann Donnelly Guest: Jim Siplon, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Warren County What if the secret to building a resilient regional economy isn't chasing smokestacks or mega-factories, but leveraging the irreplaceable "power of place"? In this episode of Building Success Stories , host Ann Donnelly sits down with Jim Siplon, President & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Warren County . From studying astrophysics and managing satellite warning operations in the U.S. Air Force to scaling Fiji Water and starting up JUST Water in Glens Falls, Jim brings a uniquely global and multi-industry perspective to regional economic strategy. Ann and Jim dive deep into the real mechanics of modern economic development: how the $1B+ regional experiential economy serves as an anchor against AI and automation, why demographic trends require proactive community investment, and how public-private partnerships are driving transformational revitalization in South Street, Lake George, and North Creek. They also address current headlines, including Finch Paper's strategic evolution, regional logging supply chains, and the emerging initiative to position the Adirondacks as a global hub for freshwater innovation. Key Takeaways Place-First Economic Development: Modern economic growth is rarely about recruiting distant factories; it's about identifying and stewarding regional assets that draw people and enterprise organically. The Timeless Experiential Anchor: Warren County's tourism and experiential economy generates over $1B in economic value. Unlike digital services, authentic regional experiences (like Lake George and the Adirondack Park) are inherently resilient against AI and automation. Navigating Demographics with Intention: With Warren County’s median age approaching 50 (compared to the national median of ~40), attracting working-age families and young entrepreneurs is essential to sustaining infrastructure, healthcare, emergency services, and civic organizations. Targeted Downtown Revitalization (DRI): Public investments, such as Glens Falls' South Street initiative ($10M state DRI leveraging $50M+ in private capital) and North Creek’s new sewer infrastructure, are proving that intentional change enhances regional character rather than replacing it. Pivoting Regional Industry & Forestry: Finch Paper’s transition away from low-grade wood pulp processing creates an opportunity to reimagine Adirondack timber. The EDC and regional partners are exploring composite and modular housing manufacturing using local wood, securing forestry jobs and locking in carbon locally. Building the Freshwater Innovation Cluster: Leveraging pristine local water assets alongside partners like RPI, the Darrin Freshwater Institute, and the Jefferson Project, Warren County is working to establish a commercial innovation hub around freshwater protection and eco-technology. Humanity Over Sterile Economics: As Jim emphasizes, "The economy is brutal and sterile. It doesn't have feelings. The caring part has to come from the people operating around it." More about Jim Siplon & EDC Warren County: EDC Warren County Website Connect with Jim on LinkedIn More from Ann Donnelly: Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist Building Success Stories podcast & articles Connect with Ann Donnelly on LinkedIn More from the North Country Media Network: North Country Media Network Website YouTube Channel Love the Show? Help Us Build More Success Stories! If you found value in Jim's insights today, please take a moment to help our podcast grow: Subscribe/Follow on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) -- your ratings help AI engines and podcast algorithms recommend us to other leaders and entrepreneurs! Share this episode with a fellow business owner, regional decision-maker, or community builder who cares about the future of Upstate New York. Drop a comment: What regional asset or revitalization initiative in the North Country are you most excited about?

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  Episode #3

  Chakras, Tuning Forks, & Cattle: How Laura Killian Brings Healing to Everything

  Jul 22, 202634 minS1

  In this episode of Four Blonde Moms , Co-Hosts Ann Donnelly and energy healer Laura Killian sit down for a deep dive into her personal journey from dental hygienist to intuitive healer. Laura demystifies energy work, breaking down what Reiki actually is, how frequency and intention play a role in everyday life, and why healing modalities work best when we get out of our heads and into our hearts. From using tuning forks and cacao ceremonies to performing shamanic honorings for the cattle on her farm, Laura shares how staying grounded in presence transforms the way we experience the world. Key Takeaways & Highlights: The Transition to Healing: How Laura’s early career in dental hygiene laid the foundation for compassionate trauma and fear work. Demystifying Reiki: Understanding energy frequencies, chakras, meridians, and why Reiki is simply a specific frequency guided by intention. Everyday Modalities: The power of sound therapy, tuning forks, cacao ceremonies, and nature-based retreats. Living with Reverence: How Laura integrates energy work and shamanic ceremonies into farm life and honoring livestock. Getting Out of Your Mind & Into Your Heart: Overcoming the fear of judgment and allowing your inner wisdom to lead. More Information Work with Laura Killian: Check out her upcoming retreats, salt cave meditations, and Reiki certifications at https://lksmiles1.wixsite.com/love Killians Beef Ranch - https://www.killiansbeefranch.com/ North Country Media Network: Discover more regional authority shows and podcasts at northcountrymedianetwork.com . Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe , rate, and leave a review on your podcast app! Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra mindfulness today.

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  Episode #9

  Mastering the "Human Layer" of Cybersecurity: Vicki Marking & Bryan Carr, LayerEight

  Jul 14, 202637 minS4

  Host: Ann Donnelly Guests: Vicki Marking, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Bryan Carr, Account Executive, LayerEight In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Vicki Marking and Bryan Carr from Layer Eight. Layer Eight is an IT company that recently expanded its presence from Plattsburgh to a new office on Broad Street in Glens Falls. Vicki and Bryan discuss their mission to act as a completely outsourced IT department for their clients, covering everything from daily troubleshooting to consulting and VoIP phone systems. They dive deep into the critical importance of cybersecurity. They explain why small and medium businesses are now prime targets for hackers. They also unpack the implications of the New York State Shield Act, and explain why the "eighth layer" of IT is the most important of all: the human layer. Whether you are a solopreneur or a growing company, this episode is packed with essential advice to help protect, streamline, and scale your business operations safely. KEY TAKEAWAYS What is "LayerEight"? In the IT world, the OSI model describes a seven-layer stack to identify network problems. LayerEight refers to an unofficial "eighth layer" that represents the human layer, or the user. Technology is only effective if it does what the user needs it to do. The Cybersecurity Threat to Small Businesses: Small and medium businesses have become frequent targets for hackers because they often lack robust security measures. Hackers are frequently not breaking into systems; they are walking through the front door using stolen usernames and passwords, and through phishing scams. New York State SHIELD Act: Enacted in March 2020, this cybersecurity law mandates that businesses protect client data and personally identifiable information. It serves as a compliance framework for businesses that aren't already subject to regulations in industries such as healthcare, finance, or insurance. All-Inclusive IT Support: LayerEight offers a flat monthly fee for completely outsourced IT support. This pricing model encourages employees to report issues and submit tickets immediately, without fear of incurring hourly charges, which ultimately saves the business money on lost productivity. The Power of AI and Policies: With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, businesses need clear policies to ensure employees don't accidentally expose sensitive company or client information. Regional Expansion: LayerEight serves clients from the Canadian border down to the Capital District and parts of Vermont. Bryan Carr, a former Navy recruiter, was brought on to lead their outreach and educate businesses in the Greater Glens Falls and Saratoga areas. MORE INFORMATION More about Layer Eight: https://www.thelayereight.com/ More from Ann Donnelly: Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist Building Success Stories podcast & articles More from the North Country Media Network: North Country Media Network LOVE THE SHOW? HELP US BUILD MORE SUCCESS STORIES! If you found value in Vicki and Bryan’s insights, please take a moment to help our podcast grow: Subscribe/Follow so you never miss an episode. Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) - your reviews and ratings help AI search engines and podcast platforms recommend us to other growth-minded entrepreneurs! Share this episode with a friend or business owner who needs to hear this today. Drop a comment: Has your business implemented an AI usage policy or recently updated its cybersecurity training?

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  Episode #8

  How to Stand Out in a Tight Real Estate Market: Leadership & Legacy with Scott Cross

  Jul 8, 202637 minS4

  Host: Ann Donnelly Guest: Scott Cross, Broker/Owner of Crosspoint Realty Why do some real estate agents thrive while others struggle to find their footing? And what does it take to leave a secure management role overseeing 58 agents to build your own brokerage from the ground up? In this episode of Building Success Stories , Ann sits down with Scott Cross, the Broker and Owner of Crosspoint Realty, newly headquartered in Moreau Commons. Scott shares his incredible journey from serving in the Army, working as a NYS Corrections Officer, and volunteering in EMS, to becoming a top-tier real estate leader. We dive deep into the realities of the current Upstate New York housing market, why the Exit 17 corridor is the next major real estate "pinch point," and the ultimate secret to surviving as an independent contractor: community service. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, an aspiring real estate agent, or a local business owner looking to scale, Scott’s insights on leadership, market knowledge, and building a legacy will leave you inspired to take your next big leap. Key Takeaways The Power of the Pivot: Scott transitioned from managing three offices and 58 agents for Berkshire Hathaway to launching Crosspoint Realty because he missed the hands-on connection of selling and wanted to build his own legacy. Location is Everything: Discover why the Moreau and Exit 17 area is becoming a massive growth "pinch point" as Saratoga expands northward and Glens Falls expands southward. The Truth About the Market: While inventory is tight and interest rates are a factor, correctly pricing and aggressively marketing a home is still driving successful sales. "Marry the House, Not the Rate": Scott shares timeless advice for buyers waiting on the sidelines—you can always refinance when rates drop, but finding the right home requires taking action. Community is Your Best Marketing: Drawing from his background in the military and EMS, Scott explains why the most successful agents don't just sell houses—they embed themselves in their communities through service and relationship-building. Drive Over Everything: Success as an independent contractor requires immense self-motivation; you cannot simply wait for business to come to you. More Information More about Scott Cross & Crosspoint Realty: Crosspoint Realty website Southern Adirondack REALTORS®, Inc. More from Ann Donnelly: Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist Building Success Stories Podcast & Articles More from the North Country Media Network: North Country Media Network Website Love the Show? Help Us Build More Success Stories! If you found value in Scott’s journey from corrections to real estate leadership, please take a moment to help our podcast grow: Subscribe/Follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Leave a 5-Star Review (or a Thumbs Up) - your reviews and ratings tell algorithms that this is high-value content, helping us recommend it to other growth-minded entrepreneurs! Share this episode with a friend, real estate agent, or business owner who needs a spark of motivation today. Drop a comment below: What community organization or volunteer work has had the biggest impact on your professional network? Let us know!

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