Who we are
THE WDC's Story
Here for your business
Since the 1950's the WDC has worked to grow the business communities of Willsboro & Essex. In that time we've helped dozens of small businesses thrive through targeted loan and mentorship services.
The Willsboro Development Corporation’s (WDC) mission is to attract, encourage, assist, and promote industry and commerce, industrial and commercial development, expansion and diversification. This pertains to any business; whether fledging, established, small, industrial, new or in development.
The Willsboro Development Corporation’s goals are to create an environment that will encourage the location of new businesses in the Essex-Willsboro area and to encourage, mentor, and connect with partners of expertise. Where necessary and appropriate, afford financial assistance to new and existing businesses to become stronger and more successful.
We hope to achieve this mission by:
- Encourage projects that would revitalize the downtown area.
- Encourage businesses that attract tourists to the area.
- For business use, assist in the development of the limited commercial, agricultural and industrial or private land still available in the Willsboro & Essex areas.
- Assist existing businesses as well as new businesses.
- Promote the Willsboro-Essex area to businesses looking to relocate.
- Work as a collaborative partner with other agencies to further our goals and objectives.
Our Leadership
The business, community & nonprofit leaders working to grow the economic vitality of Willsboro & Essex by serving on the Willsboro Development Corporation Board of Directors.
Patty Schwennker
Chair
Win Belanger
Vice-Chair
Steven Cacchio
Treasurer
Teresa Cummings
Secretary
Art Auch
Director
Steven Benway
Director
David Bofante
Director
Mark Buckley
Director
Darren Darrah
Director
Justin Gardner
Director
Chauntel Gilliland
Director
Judy Hoskins
Director
Mimi Lane
Director
Herb Longware
Director
William McClay
Director
Shaun Gillilland
Ex-Officio
Ken Hughes
Ex-Officio
Case Studies
Real examples of how we've helped
PAPA DUKE'S BBQ
Expansion Support
LOCAL BBQ. LOCAL FAVorite.
"In 2023 we made the decision to convert our carriagehouse into a commercial kitchen. As the project progressed it became apparent to us that a full restoration of the building was necessary. The cost of the renovation was more than twice our budget. We reached out to WDC. They were very receptive to the project and offered us immediate financing. This allowed the project to continue with no delays. We opened the commissary on schedule with full approval from NYS department of health. We are so appreciative of WDC and what they offer to our community."
Christina & Michael McCauliffe
Owners
Willsboro, NY
WORKING CAPITAL
BRINGING LOCAL GOODS TO THE NATION
“The Willsboro Development Corporation has been instrumental in the success of Dak Bar Whole Foods. They provided working capital during off season months that allowed the business to continue to purchase inventory and supplies when sales revenue was low. The company is now in its 15th year of operation and continues to grow toward its goal of being a national brand. This would not have been possible without the help of the WDC in its early years. It was a pleasure to work with the Board members, who were always very friendly and approachable, and personally care about the vitality of small businesses in their own community. We are so fortunate to have the WDC as a local business development resource that is dedicated to helping small businesses thrive.”
Susie Smith
President & CEO
Essex, NY
DAK BAR
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