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Firm Plans City Jobs

By JIMMY LAWTON

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

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A Prescott, Ontario-based brokerage firm is expanding its operations in Ogdensburg and creating a handful of new jobs.

Strader-Ferris International has leased an additional 5,000 square feet in the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's Commerce Park light industrial park to meet a growing need for space.

"We have been diversifying our offerings over the past year and were in need of additional warehouse space," said Michael Ferris, president of Ferris-Strader International.

While many companies continue to face hardship during the economic downturn, Mr. Ferris said he considers himself lucky.

"We are knocking on wood, because you can't take anything for granted in this

economy," he said. "We had a couple of new hires in November and December, and we are going to have a few more down the road."

Mr. Ferris credited his success to diversifying operations to include more storage and shipping.

He said warehouse services have been picking up and were the main reason for company's expansion. He also offered his appreciation to the OBPA.

"We have been a tenant for over a decade, and the fact that the current deal will take us well past 20 years as a tenant speaks a lot about our partnership with the OBPA," he said.

Ogdensburg Port Authority Executive Director Wade A. Davis said the news is good for the OBPA, the city and St. Lawrence County. He said the past year has been a good for the industrial park, which has enjoyed an increase in tenants and expansions.

"We have seen an uptick for requests for available space in the industrial park and continue to peruse all leads," he said. "In general our connections to smaller firms and our outreach have contributed to the growth."

Mr. Davis said the OBPA will continue to reach out to businesses regardless of size, and hopes to continue the recent success at the industrial park.

"The expansion of Strader-Ferris brokerage services is another nice addition for the business community," he said. "It is our understanding it will create more jobs, and that is always good news."