Seeking Ways to Support and Grow Saranac Lake’s Small Biotech Cluster

Companies, legislators and economic development officials seek ways to put small biotech companies in the spotlight at Trudeau Institute event

The North Country's biotechnology sector brings an educated workforce, high-paying jobs and a global presence to our region — but too often, their contributions fly beneath the radar, a group of companies and economic development officials said at a recent event at Trudeau Institute.

The Saranac Lake-based biomedical research institute held a meeting on Wednesday, May 1, attended by company leaders, regional economic development officials, elected officials and others. They discussed the ways the industry already benefits the region and sought to plant seeds for its future growth.

The event, co-sponsored by Trudeau Institute, the Franklin County Economic Development Corporation and Bionique Testing Laboratories, identified common challenges organizations face in moving here, such as finding skilled workers — and then ensuring those workers, in turn, can find affordable housing and day care.

Leaders from Trudeau, Bionique and Lake Clear-based Ampersand Biosciences discussed ways to harness the region’s colleges and universities as sources of talent. Trudeau, for example, is expanding a program to bring undergraduate students into its laboratories; in past years, the program has been active with Clarkson University, but it will soon expand to other institutions. 

“These education programs pay dividends and benefits for us,” said William Reiley, president and director of Trudeau Institute. He pointed to several former students who have taken jobs not only at Trudeau but also other science-oriented companies in the region.

Bionique, a testing laboratory about to build a 32,000-square-foot expansion in the Harrietstown Business Park, has a similar, 12-week training program for undergraduates; Paul Smith’s College in particular has been a strong source of employees, said CEO Gladis Zamparo.

And while staffing in a remote region can be difficult, she said, the Adirondacks are also a lure for many workers. “There’s a lot of talent that really enjoys the outdoors,” she said. “And once they get to a place like this, they find it hard to move away again.”

But the popularity of the region as a destination for remote workers and people with vacation homes has pushed real estate prices beyond the reach of many workers starting their careers and a perennial shortage of daycare providers makes it harder for families to relocate here.

To the elected officials present, the biotech companies represented at the event argued for a chance to diversify the regional economic drivers beyond recreation and tourism the Adirondacks have long been known for. “You don’t ever want all your eggs in one basket,” said State Sen. Dan Stec. “It’s great to learn about this little-known niche biotech group here….I think it’s important that we continue to tell that story.”

Assemblyman Billy Jones called for additional support to spur growth at these companies. “These are world-renowned institutions, and we should continue to promote and grow in any way we can — and to tell the individuals in the area the opportunities that these companies provide for them,” he said.

One possible avenue for future growth is additional venture capital. Representatives of Empire State Development discussed ways in which the state is encouraging investments in promising startups.

The biggest challenge for all companies is hiring and retaining workers and there are plans to follow up with representatives of the Department of Labor and other agencies represented at the gathering to find funding that could help train and keep new workers in the community. 

Others speaking at the event included Dylan Williams, VP of Life Sciences at Empire State Development, and Jeremy Evans, CEO of Franklin County Economic Development Corporation who moderated the session.