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Our Mission & Aspirational Statement.

Naturally Lewis, Inc., is championing the growth of a community where people want to live, work, build business and play. We foster forward thinking and relationship building, connecting people, businesses, partnerships and resources to effectively and efficiently grow our county.

We focus on creating a solid and sustainable economic base by supporting practical, realistic programs and policies that advance businesses through diversification and by expanding markets locally, nationally and internationally. We are the bridge builders, proactively seeking and leading development for new and existing businesses, while leveraging our natural resources.

We believe growth comes from thoughtful risk taking, building community partnerships and making wise investments. Naturally Lewis is our mechanism for advocating and advising on investments and education that build a great quality of life, sustainable employment and collaborative plans that make Lewis County a community to thrive at work and at home.

Our Strategic Pillars.

Building Our Community
  • Develop Business
  • Develop Properties
  • Develop Tourism
Inspiring People
  • Develop the Leader
  • Develop the Entrepreneur
  • Develop Youth
  • Develop Resident Pride-in-Place
Partnering & Collaborating
  • Regional & State Economic Development Partnerships
  • Regional & State Tourism Development Partnerships
  • County & Municipal Partnerships
  • Tourism & Recreation Partnerships
Sustaining Our Legacy
  • Membership
  • Strategic Funding Development
  • Community Partnerships
  • Compliance & Policy Development
  • System & Process Development

Our Impact.

At Naturally Lewis, Inc. we're working on initiatives directly related to our strategic pillars. From this, you'll see the following results in the community:

Business Development & Support Services
  • Membership
    • Coffee & Connections
    • Sourced Local Program
    • County Cash Program
    • Membership Awards Night
    • Quick Consults
  • Programs
    • Building Business Fund
    • Business Retention Fund
    • Community Connections Fund
    • Launch Lewis County
    • Small Things, Big Impacts Fund
    • Vacant Property Revitalization Fund
    • Financial Literacy Program
  • Entrepreneurship
    • Matchmaking & Connections
    • Location Assistance
    • Funding Opportunities
    • CBIT Transition Assistance
Property & Site Developments
  • Programs
    • Vacant Property Revitalization Program
    • CBIT Transition Assistance
  • Development Projects
    • Lyons Falls Mill Site
    • Lyons Falls Elementary School
    • West Leyden Elementary School
    • Glenfield Elementary School
    • Mandeville Studios
    • Business Park
Placemaking & Tourism Promotion
  • Initiatives & Events
    • Lewis County Cuisine Trail
    • Lewis County Mural Trail
    • Food Truck Fridays
    • RiverFest
    • Fall Foliage Tour
    • Discover Tug Hill Brand
    • Discover Tug Hill Guides
    • ATV Maps
    • Cycling Maps
  • Programs
    • Events & Festivals Fund
    • Lewis County Cuisine Trail
    • Lewis County Mural Trail

    Our Board of Directors.

    • Chairperson: Eric Virkler | Lewis County
    • Vice Chairperson: Christie Andrus Nakano | Human Factor Leadership
    • Treasurer: Tim Petersen | Retired | LCDC Representative
    • Secretary: Lisa Hetzner | Lewis County
    • Casandra Buell | Lewis County
    • Jessica Clemons | Sage Publishing
    • Megan Dolhof | Open Sky Wellness
    • Larry Dolhof | Lewis County Representative
    • Jessica Dunn | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    • Tim Hunt | Lewis County Representative
    • Mike Jackson | Viking Cives
    • Shellie Marks | QubicaAMF
    • Nick Mir | LCCC Representative
    • Gagan Singh | LCIDA Representative
    • Harley Snyder | UP! Coalition of Lewis County

    Administered Entities.

    Naturally Lewis, Inc. is a partnership of organizations serving Lewis County, NY. These administered entities serve a specific purpose and provide greater depth of service to our clients. Learn more below about all of our administered entities.