On June 10th, the Next Move NY team sponsored and participated in Naturally Lewis’s 5th Annual Economic Development Conference at the 3 Willows Event Center in Lyons Falls, NY.
The day-long conference brought together “entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, municipal officials and nonprofits from across Northern New York to inspire and champion growth in our communities.” The day was filled with inspiring, thoughtful discussions about how to build upon Lewis County, NY’s tourist economy to grow a place where people want to live, work, and start businesses.
Program Administrator Ben Cruz was a panelist for the breakout session entitled “The Role of Fort Drum – Why It Matters.” Alongside him was Eric Wagenaar, Retired Fort Drum Deputy Garrison Commander and current Watertown City Manager, and Lindsay Widdicombe (the very first person to receive a job through Next Move NY’s career pipeline) with Kraft. The moderator for the panel was Advocate Drum’s Interim Executive Director Dave Zembiec.
The focus of this panel was the importance of community connection between Lewis County and Fort Drum and how strengthening this relationship can help turn visitors into residents and, in turn, residents into invested neighbors.
Our team is excited to continue to develop strong relationships with Lewis County and throughout the North Country. These connections benefit transitioning Soldiers, military spouses and veterans as well as our community.
Program Administrator Ben Cruz and Regional Business Liaison Sarah Wilder connect with Lewis County leaders at the Naturally Lewis 5th Annual Economic Development Conference, June 10, 2026 in Lyon Falls, NY.