FROM THE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER "FROM THE PEAKS TO THE VALLEY", VOLUME 5, ISSUE 6, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2004:

A new business will be opening later this year in downtown Potsdam. The owner of First Crush Wine Bar, Tom DeRosa, shares his experience as testimony to the philosophy of the Burt Symposium: almost anything a local business needs is available in St. Lawrence County.

After leaving his position as economic developer for Potsdam, he made a dedicated effort to purchase the majority of the products and services for his endeavor in the county. He is pleased to report that as of the printing of this newsletter, in excess of 94% of all money spent has been spent right here. In addition, he has arrangements with a number of local food suppliers to regularly supply the bistro with some of their food products once opened.

Some of the St. Lawrence County businesses he has worked with include:

Also a number of qualified dependable contractors including artist Ron Hagelund who designed and built the unique hand railing in front of the building and Dave McGregor of McGregor Electric.

Through this process, DeRosa had the opportunity to work with a variety of North Country business people who have provide exemplary customer service, outstanding advice, and words of encouragement.

“When it comes right down to it, buying locally is one of the smartest financial decisions a business owner could make,” DeRosa said. “ Local business people know what’s best for a North Country business and likely will be a loyal customer.”

DeRosa also said that he sought price quotes from outside of St. Lawrence County for some of his largest purchases and found that the local businesses he turned to for competitive quotes were indeed competitive. “I know if there is a problem in the future with some item I’ve purchased, my business will benefit from having a local service person rather than relying on an out-of-state service call,” he added.

NOTE: Businesses listed in bold are members of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.