CANTON -- The St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (SLCIDA), has elected officers for the upcoming year.

Brian Staples was chosen as chairman; Ernest LaBaff, vice-chairman; and Lynn Blevins, secretary.

In accepting the chairmanship, Staples said, “These are difficult times. The county has seen too many closures and too many layoffs. We can’t do economic development the way it’s always been done before, and we aren’t. Whether it is creating a new organization in order to assist the local hospitals or colleges, or supporting a company like Slic that is developing our broadband infrastructure, we have to keep looking at every opportunity to stop our economic losses, and find ways to retain, attract and grow jobs in St. Lawrence County.”

The board unanimously appointed Raymond Fountain its chief executive officer and Kimberly Gilbert its chief financial officer. William R. Small, Esq., was reappointed agency counsel.

More info about the agency is at www.slcida.com.