By Stewart Nicholas, Owner and Lead Process Developer at Nik Systems

For the hardy folks of New York’s North Country, it’s a running joke to say that winters last for more than 6 months out of the year around here.  However, we’re here to let you know, summer has arrived boys and girls.  As if the dry conditions, hot sun, and temperatures peaking in the mid-80’s weren’t enough to tip you off all week.  Gardens are in and ice cream abounds.  It goes to show, not even the weight of COVID-19 can keep our communities down.  We couldn’t be more inspired by the sight of so many great business teams successfully navigating the challenge of the phased re-opening of Northern New York’s economy.

Much of our service area encompasses the many beautiful communities along the St. Lawrence River, and with our headquarters being nestled at the gateway to the Thousand Islands, we’ve had a front row seat as many seasonal businesses have begun to rediscover their footing in the face of this pandemic.

Community staples like Chaumont Hardware, and The Blue Herron, and Duck Out Icecream in Chaumont seem to have navigated the changes well.  In addition, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to congratulate Wise Guys Pizza and Pasta (also in Chaumont) on the re-opening at their new site.  It was a long time coming, but their new location looks beautiful, and from what we’ve seen it’s hard to beat the waterfront view from their patio.  Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment to everyone all involved!
Despite all this positive news, not all area businesses were able to make a comeback this season.  We were deeply saddened to discover Tin Pan Galley in Sackets Harbor wouldn’t be reopening their doors this year.  Which is a great loss to the community.  Many memories have been made there.  We’d like to thank Tin Pan Galley and its staff for everything they’ve done during their great run and wish them our best in any future endeavors.

At Nik Systems we’ve been making a concentrated effort to support the work of our neighbors in the small business community, throughout our region, as they adjust to the rapidly changing circumstances of the pandemic.  Working hard to live up to our vision of building stronger businesses by developing a much greater outward focus. 

We recently launched a “Support Small Business” campaign on our social media platforms to highlight their accomplishments and increase visibility for all the small businesses that make our area great.  You can support this campaign by heading over to either of our social media pages (we’re on both Facebook and LinkedIn) and liking our page.  Post from Nik Systems will then show up in your newsfeed, when any of our post catch your eye (hash tagged #SupportSmallBusiness), like and share that post to support area businesses.  Additionally, if you message us on any of our social media platforms with the name of your favorite small business, we’ll find them on social media, follow, and share their post too.  Just let us know, we love to see and support what our neighbors in the small business community are up to.

Things are looking better and we’re heading for a great summer season.  Make sure you take the time to explore all the things that make our region great and remember to #SupportSmallBusiness.

We couldn’t have predicted the announcement of New York State on PAUSE or the devastating impact it had on the small business economy of the North Country; but these are the times we’re living in.
At this point we’re a little over 60 days into life at Nik Systems, and we (like all small business in our region) have been significantly impacted by the introduction of COVID-19 to our service area. 

While many of our neighboring businesses have struggled with sudden loss of revenue, moderately lowered or unrelenting overhead, and delayed starts to their business season, we’ve had to pivot our expectations and focus more on education than delivery of services.  It’s strange to say, but New York State on PAUSE was a blessing for us in that regard.

We’re in a unique position in Northern New York because we don’t seem to have much direct competition in the area.  Some people would say that gives us a significant advantage in the marketplace, and they would probably be right to some degree.  

However, it also puts us at a disadvantage in some respects. 

Most notably being potential customers in the business-to-business space may not immediately connect the value of our services with the positive impact they can have on their operation. 
By placing area businesses on hold, the state government gave us the critical space we needed to define more clearly who we are, what we do, and how we do it.  We were also able to concentrate on developing relationships in the area without the added pressure of having to make a sale.  Which was huge, because it made it easier for use to live up to our own values of transparency and authenticity.  

In the short time we’ve been in business we’ve had the opportunity to meet with staff (albeit at a distance) at Assemblyman Mark Walczyk’s office,  Jefferson County Economic Development (JCED), communicate with members of the media and the public, and develop a wonderful budding relationship with OBI Land Trust.
As we continue to mature, and the regional small business community begins to get its feet back under it, the restrictions associated with New York State on PAUSE are beginning to lift.  Which is opening up face-to-face opportunities for us to network and get to know more area business leaders in the 3rd quarter, and we’re excited to see the possibilities that chapter of life at Nik Systems will bring.

If you’re reading this, and you’re a local business leader, we’d love to hear about your experience navigating the challenge of COVID-19, New York State on PAUSE, and the phased reopening of the North Country small business economy.  Just reach out to us through any means provided on our “Contact” page and we’ll setup a date and time to talk.

Thanks for joining us on this journey!  We’re so excited you came along for the ride.  Stay tuned and don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for up to date information at all points in our adventure.