How We Got Here
When the Ames Department Store in Saranac Lake closed its doors in 2002, Tri-Lakes residents and visitors were left without a convenient, local source for items such as underwear, moderately priced clothing, linens, craft supplies and sundries and were forced to travel an hour away to either Malone or Plattsburgh to fulfill many of their basic shopping needs.
Recognizing the need to fill that void, a group of local residents came together in early 2006 and formed the “Retail Options Committee” to identify retailers who might potentially open a store in Saranac Lake. Although the demographics of the region made Saranac Lake undesirable to the national retailers they approached, in the course of their research, the Committee came across the concept of community-owned department stores that had successfully served their markets in a number of rural communities out West. A public forum was held in the Village of Saranac Lake in June, 2006 and the Committee invited Sharon Earhart, a representative of The Merc, a successful community-owned department store in Powell, WY, to make a presentation. The response that night was overwhelmingly positive and the Committee decided to forge ahead.
Now, five years later, The Community Store in Saranac Lake has become a reality. We opened our doors on Saturday, October 29th. Thanks to the volunteers who have dedicated hundreds and hundreds of hours towards moving the project forward and the 700+ investors from all over the State who have decided to invest in the future of Saranac Lake.
Milestones
Fall, 2006
• A Business Plan is drafted and reviewed by a group of local advisors comprised of area business owners and leaders.
• Attorney, Charles Noth, is hired to prepare and file the Incorporation Documents and Stock Offering for the Saranac Lake Community Store, Inc.
February, 2007
- The Saranac Lake Community Store is incorporated.
Spring, 2007
- An Interim Board of Directors is appointed.
- The Offering Documents are finalized and filed with the NYS Attorney General’s Office
July 17, 2007
- The Saranac Lake Community Store announces the launch of it initial public offering of shares at a price of $100 each with a minimum goal of $500,000 and a maximum of $600,000.
August, 2007
- Thanks to the generosity of Dan Reilly of HomEnergy, The Community Store establishes an office on the second floor of HomEnergy’s building on Depot Street and begins to offer regular office hours for those interested in purchasing shares.
- The first of several “Share Parties,” is held.
December, 2007
- Shares sold at Sparkle Village brings total raised to date: $205,800.
August, 2008
- Total after event held at Pisgah Lodge: $311,500
October, 2009
- The Store passes the $400,000 mark and announces its “official” name: The Community Store in Saranac Lake.
January, 2010
- Trivia Night at Will Rogers puts The Community Store $3000 closer to its goal.
October, 2010
- The Community Store starts accepting resumes for applicants interested in the key positions of manager and assistant manager.
- The Board announces that it’s looking at the former Corvo’s Restaurant as a possible site for the Store.
January/February, 2011
-The Community Store settles on the Corvo’s site and holds an Open House so members of the community can tour the site and make product suggestions for the Store.
-Interviews of candidates for the key positions begin.
March 16, 2011
-The Community Store reaches its minimum goal of $500,000 and commences operations.
April, 2011
-The Community Store announces that it has hired Craig Waters as Manager and Stephanie DeJoseph as Assistant Manager.
• The Store signs a lease for 97 Main St.
May 31, 2011
- North Woods Engineering completes the drawings for the renovation of 97 Main St.
July, 2011
- The renovation of 97 Main St. begins in earnest with the help of volunteers and under the watchful eye of general contractor, Matt Kelly.
- The merchandise buying begins.
October 17, 2011
- Myrddin Roddy is hired to fill the position of Assistant Manager, Operations.
October 29, 2011
- With the initial renovation of the space complete, The Community Store opens its doors and has a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by State Assemblywomen Janet Duprey and Teresa Sayward and Mayor Clyde Rabideau.
November, 2011
- The renovation of the back banquet room continues.
November 19, 2011
- The Community Store opens the back room for its Grand Opening.
November 23, 2011
- Congressman Bill Owens visits the Store and presents the board with a US Flag that’s flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
December 21, 2011
- The Stock Offering closes with the Store having raised $541,700.
