24-05-2025
Micro Bird deal given statewide recognition
PLATTSBURGH — The Micro Bird deal is getting statewide honors.
The attraction of Micro Bird, the electric bus manufacturer set to replace Nova Bus at its Banker Road facility in the Town of Plattsburgh later this year, to Plattsburgh was recently recognized as the 'Economic Development Project of the Year' by the New York State Economic Development Council.
The award was presented at the annual meeting of the Council in Cooperstown.
It was accepted by Abby Praetorius, vice president for Economic Development at the North Country Chamber of Commerce; Steve Hunt, Regional Director of Empire State Development; Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the Clinton County I.D.A.; and Danielle King, President/CEO of TDC.
'The Micro Bird deal was the result of a great team effort and it is great that the team was able to be recognized together,' Garry Douglas, Chamber President, said.
Douglas said other team members deserving thanks include 'Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senator Charles Schumer, Assemblyman Billy Jones, and the Town of Plattsburgh, as well as our new friends and partners at Micro Bird of course who we continue to work actively with as they move toward the start of production.'
'This deal stands out as it is an example of something that is so seldom achieved, that being the attraction of a similar company to replace one which is leaving,' he continued.
'Every team member made an indispensable contribution to the outcome and we thank the NYSEDC for its recognition of the shared success. Onward and upward!'
In June 2023, Nova Bus announced it would be leaving the Banker Road facility within the following two years. In November 2024, Micro Bird announced it would be acquiring the Nova Bus facility and providing employees with the opportunity to transition to similar employment positions at Micro Bird.
Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor, said he's proud the town is part of the team that brought Micro Bird to the community.
'We extend our sincere thanks to the North Country Chamber of Commerce for its steadfast leadership and vision, and to all our regional and state partners who played vital roles. This recognition is a testament to what we can accomplish together when we put collaboration first,' Cashman said.
'At the end of the day, the real award is a new business choosing Plattsburgh and a dedicated workforce continuing to build high-quality products right here in our hometown. We look forward to supporting Micro Bird's bright future here.'
