Fourth Coast Inc. named JCJDC New Business Venture Award Winner

The Jefferson County Job Development Corporation (JCJDC), during today’s annual membership meeting held at Hilton Garden Inn, named Fourth Coast Inc. this year’s New Business Venture Award winner. JCJDC President Michelle D. Pfaff and CEO Donald C. Alexander presented the company’s President and CEO, Augusta Withington, with the award and a check for $1000.

 Ms. Withington and Rob Campany, Project Manager and Consulting Engineer, formed Fourth Coast in 2008. The company, a municipal consultant/project development and management firm, specializes in energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy systems. Fourth Coast has installed over 500,000 kilowatts of solar in the North Country. The company has installed over 20 tons of geothermal systems, and a smattering of solar thermal hot water collectors. Fourth Coast Inc. clients include municipalities, as well as commercial and residential customers.

 In the application, Ms. Withington wrote, “We are excited to be in an industry that offers so much to the end user as well as the community and environment. Just think about the impacts of these technologies. In just three years, our customers have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000,000 pounds. This is equivalent to saving over 12 thousand trees.” 

Fourth Coast employs eight full time employees, plus additional subcontractors involved with a variety of projects.

The purpose of the New Business Venture Award is to recognize businesses established and located in Jefferson County that have been operating for at least two years, but not more than four years. A panel of judges made up of JCJDC Board of Directors and members score each nominee. The winning company must show by specific examples that their business plan is being implemented effectively in the growth of the business.

JCJDC Business of Excellence Awards were also presented to three area companies: Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors, PLLC; Lake Ontario Realty LLC and Transitional Living Services.

The Business of Excellence Award recognizes Jefferson County companies whose corporate actions have proven a commitment to Jefferson County and its economic health.

“The nominees and winners of this year’s Business Awards are perfect examples of the entrepreneurial spirit and the business diversity that exists in the area,” said Ms. Pfaff. “Congratulations to this year’s winners and to the other New Business Venture nominees: Better Farm in Redwood, Nicole Caldwell, Executive Director; Café Mira in Adams, Lisa Reed and Lori Wells, Owners; and North Croghan Outpost in Natural Bridge, Teri Ellis, Proprietor. We applaud their success and hope that their stories will inspire others to take advantage of the many business opportunities Jefferson County has to offer.”

 Also at the meeting, members elected three JCJDC Directors. The following were elected to serve on the JCJDC Board of Directors for a three year term: Gary Berkowitz, Director of Innovation, Car-Freshner Corporation; Robert G. Horr III, Executive Director, Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, and; Peter J. Whitmore, Jreck Subs (Franchisee).

The mission of the Jefferson County Job Development Corporation is to advance the job opportunities, health, general prosperity and economic welfare of the people of Jefferson County. The activities through which the JCJDC carries out its mission include business retention and development; workforce development; marketing and promotion; and education.