Any discussion about economic growth in the North Country will — has to — include a discussion of the area's proximity to Canada. Clinton County is, in effect, the Port of New York for goods moving south from Quebec. In many cases, distribution centers have been set up in the county by Canadian companies. In some cases there are significant economic benefits to Canadian manufacturers if they assemble their product within the U.S.

The exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian currencies has a significant effect on the local economy, both in terms of retail sales and Canadian investment in manufacturing or distribution facilities in the North Country.

Read Press-Republican articles about the Canadian Connection.

U.S. State Department passport information