Patrick J Kelly

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency’s CEO has been named the state’s Economic Developer of the Year.

The New York State Economic Development Council recently awarded the honor to Patrick J Kelly, who has served as the county IDA’s chief for more than a decade

The award was presented at the NYSEDC Annual Meeting Awards Banquet in Cooperstown recently.

 In accepting the award, Kelly said he views the award as a recognition of the efforts of many people and organizations in St. Lawrence County and beyond.  

He said the support for the IDA comes from the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators and County Administration, the leadership from the board members of the IDA, and the work of local businesses and employers in St. Lawrence County, the workforce in the County, and numerous local community, regional, and state partners.

Kelly however said the credit he received belongs to many others as well.

“In St. Lawrence County, we don’t get many projects handed to us, and you have to have people who are willing to be creative, willing to really dig in to get things done day after day, project after project.  I’m lucky to have people like that on my staff and their work is reflected in this award.”  These staff members include Bob Ahlfeld, Kim Gilbert, Brian Norton, John Pinkerton, Lori Sibley, and Rich Williams,” Kelly said. 

According to the IDA’s Annual Report, in 2023, 45 active IDA projects in St. Lawrence County supported the retention of 615 jobs and the creation of 225 new jobs,  a total of 840 jobs.  Active projects with IDA PILOTs currently represent an increase of nearly $12 million in assessed property value in the County, by the end of the PILOTs  the increase will reach over $50 million.

A total of $820,526.94 in PILOT payments related to IDA projects were made in 2023.  

 Of this amount, $40,903 went to local villages or the City of Ogdensburg, $92,601.82 went to local towns, $203,374.57 went to St. Lawrence County, and $484,457.55 went to local school districts.  Prior to the inception of the IDA PILOTs, the underlying property for these projects generated $78,777 in property taxes for the taxing jurisdictions.  The PILOT payments now represent more than a tenfold increase in revenue for the taxing jurisdictions.

 The consolidated numbers for active IDA, IDA-Local Development Corporation, and IDA-Civic Development Corporation projects represent over 2,600 jobs retained, over 280 created, and a combined project investment in St. Lawrence County of approximately $490 million.  This is for active projects only and does not include historical project activity where IDA assistance has been completed or for LDC loans and CDC bonds which have been repaid.

 About NYSEDC

The New York State Economic Development Council is the state's principal organization representing economic development professionals.  The NYSEDC’s more than 900 members include the leadership of Industrial Development Agencies and Local Development Corporations, commercial and investment banks, underwriters, bond counsels, utilities, chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, and private corporations. 

The St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency is a public benefit corporation created by New York State legislation to promote, encourage, attract, and develop job opportunities and economically sound commerce and industry in St. Lawrence County. 

About SLC IDA

As a full-service development agency, SLCIDA works to ensure that employers in St. Lawrence County, or those considering locating in the county, have access to the services available to help start, expand, and maintain their operations in St. Lawrence County. 

 Anyone interested in learning more about the programs and services the IDA offers, should visit www.SLCIDA.com or call 315-379-9806.