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NRDC Awarded “Rural Preservation Company of the Year”

NrDC Award

04 Oct NRDC Awarded “Rural Preservation Company of the Year”

Posted at 21:37h in News by

North Country Rural Development Coalition Awarded “Rural Preservation Company of the Year” by New York State at Rural Housing Coalition Conference

TICONDEROGA, NY – October 4th, 2024 –

The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) has been honored with the prestigious “Rural Preservation Company of the Year” award by the New York State Rural Housing Coalition. This award, presented during the annual Rural Housing Coalition Conference in Lake George, marks a significant milestone in NRDC’s history, as it is the first time in the 45-year history of the award that the organization has received this recognition.

This highly competitive award is granted based on a number of rigorous criteria, including best practices in rural preservation, innovative approaches to economic development, adherence to nonprofit compliance, fiscal health and responsibility, and the implementation of strong internal controls. NRDC was selected from over 58 rural preservation companies across New York State, underscoring its exemplary performance in these areas over the past two years.

Since its founding, NRDC has administered over $30 million in grants across Essex, Warren, and Washington counties, with more than $15 million awarded in the last two years alone. The organization has expanded significantly, growing from a small team of one full-time and one part-time staff member in 2022 to a robust group of six full-time professionals. This growth has been crucial in enhancing the organization’s ability to serve rural communities. Notably, this expansion includes the creation of the Essex County Land Bank and its affiliate coalition, of which both the Essex County Land Bank and the Town of Ticonderoga’s Local Development Corporation, Ti-Alliance, are now partner members.

“Our team is incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Nicole Justice Green, Executive Director of NRDC. “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of our staff and Board, who tirelessly work to uplift the communities of the North Country. It fuels our commitment to continue driving transformative change by leveraging every resource available to build on this momentum and make an even greater impact in the years to come.”

“We are pleased to celebrate the accomplishments of these people and this organization,” said Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York. “They are leading the way in using state and federal grants to leverage private funding to boost affordable housing, main street revitalization and public infrastructure improvements in New York’s rural communities.”

This award comes at a time of significant growth and transformation for NRDC. Marking its 40th anniversary with a new name, logo, and strategic partnerships, NRDC is poised to expand its impact further. The recognition of NRDC at the Rural Housing Coalition Conference highlights the organization’s pivotal role in addressing the housing and economic development needs of New York’s rural communities. With this award, NRDC is set to continue its leadership in fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the North Country.

At the same awards ceremony, Tina Zerbian, Retired Executive Director of Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc., was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tina’s extraordinary career, spanning over four decades as CEO of Cattaraugus Community Action, exemplifies her lifelong dedication to improving housing and community services. Her leadership has transformed CCA into a diversified nonprofit and significantly enhanced the quality of life for countless individuals across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Livingston, Wyoming Counties, and the Seneca Nation territories. Tina’s impact extends far beyond her retirement, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities she has served tirelessly.

In addition to these honors, NYS Senator John Mannion of the 50th District (Onondaga and Oswego Counties) and NYS Assemblymember Didi Barrett of the 106th District (Columbia and Dutchess Counties) were recognized as Advocates of the Year. Their sponsorship of A.9158 / S.3141A in the Assembly and Senate was instrumental in securing its passage. This legislation will codify the Manufactured and Mobile Home Replacement Program in New York State, increasing the grant amount per unit and raising the administration fee, addressing key issues similar to the RESTORE and Access to Home programs. Their advocacy ensures that housing affordability remains a priority in New York’s rural communities.

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RHC Contact: