Overall, there was a 28% decline in machinery and equipment investment from 1996 to 1998. There were 25 firms that participated in both 1996 and 1998, reporting $12,262,872 and $4,460,172 respectively. These 25 firms accounted for 78% of the machinery and equipment investment in 1996 and 40% of the investment in 1998. There are 8 firms that are new to the Canadian Impact Assessment core lists. These firms account for $2,549,567 (23%) of 1998 machinery and equipment investment.    

Methodological Notes:

Fifty-one (43%) out of 119 Canadian-owned Businesses were willing and able to release data regarding machinery and equipment purchases for the calendar year 1998.  In 1996, a total of 56 (60%) out of 94 companies were willing and able to release this data. 

Data on the value of investments in machinery and equipment was obtained through phone calls and/or visits made by the Director of the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency, City of Plattsburgh Community Development Director, and the Vice President of Cross-Border Development Corporation. 

Recommendations for Replication:

An effort should be made to query the same firms that were willing and able to respond to the original study and to this replication study.  Through tracking the information provided by this select group of respondents, comparable data can be developed over time.  In addition, the Chamber should endeavor to expand the base of businesses that are willing and able to respond to this query.