The Peru Gazette

Clinton County, NY, May 13, 2026  – The Clinton County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) today announced the approval of the first project under its Workforce Development Program, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the region’s workforce and enhancing its ability to support business growth, attract new industries and employers, and advance job opportunities and economic welfare of the people of Clinton County, New York.

The approved project involves the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to training and upskilling the region’s workforce in high-demand manufacturing fields.

The project will expand training opportunities in areas such as machining, welding, electrical systems, and industrial technologies, addressing a critical skills gap identified by regional employers. The program is expected to train more than 150 individuals, with a strong focus on connecting participants to employment opportunities within Clinton County, New York.

The Workforce Development Program is a new initiative established by the CCIDA to directly invest in employer-driven training programs that prepare local residents for in-demand careers. Under the program, the CCIDA partners with educational institutions and industry to support training that is tied to real hiring needs, ensuring (1) that participants are equipped with the skills necessary to enter or advance within the workforce, and (2) that the CCIDA can continue promoting economic development projects in Clinton County, New York.

Pursuant to the program, CCIDA may invest in eligible training costs such as pre-employment programs, customized employer training, certifications, and upskilling initiatives. Projects are approved by the CCIDA Board and are required to demonstrate clear workforce demand, employer commitment, and long-term economic impact in Clinton County, New York.

“This is exactly the type of strategic investment the CCIDA Workforce Development Program was designed to support,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the CCIDA. “We are not only investing in training, but we are also investing in the general prosperity and economic welfare of our community. When our businesses have access to a skilled workforce, it drives growth and retention — and just as importantly, it gives us another powerful tool to attract new employers to Clinton County.”

The IAM serves as a regional hub for workforce development, offering hands-on, flexible training programs tailored to the needs of local industry. The project supports both individuals entering the workforce and current employees seeking to advance their skills.

In addition to supporting existing employers, the Workforce Development Program strengthens the region’s ability to attract new businesses. A skilled, job-ready workforce remains one of the most critical factors in site selection, and this investment further positions Clinton County, New York as a competitive location for industry growth.

“This partnership allows us to expand access to high-quality, hands-on training that directly meets the needs of our regional employers,” said Billy Jones, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Workforce Development at Clinton Community College. “Our goal is to create clear pathways to good-paying careers while helping businesses build and retain the workforce they need to grow.”

Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, R- Area 3) emphasized the broader impact of the initiative on the County’s economic future.

“This is a smart, strategic investment in Clinton County,” said Chairman Mark Henry. “We are supporting our local workforce, strengthening our existing businesses, and positioning our region to compete for new opportunities. When you have a skilled workforce in place, you create the kind of environment where businesses want to invest.”

The CCIDA may annually allocate funds to the Workforce Development Program and applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing the CCIDA to respond quickly to emerging workforce needs and industry opportunities.

This approval represents the first of what the CCIDA anticipates will be a series of investments aimed at promoting, developing and encouraging business growth and job opportunities throughout Clinton County, New York.