Celebrating the Akwesasne Trading Post's grand opening, from left, are St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Director of Economic Development Chris Thompson, Chamber of Commerce Business Leader Dwayne Thomas, Owner Carey Terrance, General Manager Bill Black, SRMT Chief Ron LaFrance, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell, and MCA Economic Development Officer Kylee Tarbell.

AKWESASNE -- The Akwesasne Trading Post, a 16,000 square foot shopping and business center at the western entrance to Akwesasne, has opened on State Rt. 37 adjacent to its “sister” facilities, Twinleaf and Jreck Subs.

The Carey Terrance family celebrated the grand opening Dec. 4 with St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne officials.

“The complex provides the entire region on both sides of the border with convenient access to tax-free goods and other innovative services,” said a press release announcing the opening.

The complex currently houses Akwesasne Sports, the well known store recently relocated from a few miles up the road; The UPS Store Akwesasne, with printing and shipping services and mailboxes; Joseph’s Fine Jewelry, a brand new business in Akwesasne; and Smokers Warehouse, with what they say is the largest selection of tobacco products in the region, along with a walk-in humidor, craft beer and wine, and accessories.

Each business held raffle drawings during the grand opening. The winners were:

• The UPS Store Akwesasne, four canvas prints won by Dana David

• Smokers Warehouse, a cigar basket won by Bob Helms

• Joseph’s Fine Jewelry, a ring won by Jackie Herne and a basket won by Donna Delormier

• Akwesasne Sports, hockey and lacrosse giveaways won by Bronson Bero and Julie Daniels.

When fully operational, the complex will employ 20 full-time and three part-time employees with the four businesses now present, and there is room for more.

“Visitors to Akwesasne will see the Akwesasne Trading Post first when coming from the west and this is an incredible opportunity for businesses as well as a huge responsibility for us to represent the Akwesasne business community well,” said owner Carey Terrance. “We want to leave an impression on shoppers and provide them with an experience they’ll want to have again. We know that our business owners and staff can provide that type of experience right here in Akwesasne.”

There are already plans underway to expand the Akwesasne Trading Post, tnhe press release said.

The address is 8 State Rt. 37, Akwesasne. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week.

Anyone interested in renting store space may call 518-358-6072.