PLATTSBURGH — Crossborder Development Corporation owner Holly Black didn’t foresee running this business just a few years ago. Now, she is the recipient of the North Country Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year award.
“I’ve worked for large manufacturing companies like Bombardier and Wabtec and Norsk Titanium in their HR departments,” Black said about her start at Crossborder, “and the person who previously owned CDC immigration got my contact information and gave me a call and said, ‘Hey, I was told that you would be a really good person to take this over, are you interested?’”
Black, from Canada, said she “ironically” got her green card to work in the U.S. from CDC (Crossborder), which specializes in helping international companies expand into the U.S., particularly businesses from USMCA countries and provides expert support to streamline market entry and ensure long-term success, years ago.
“So it’s kind of a roundabout story,” she said.
“I didn’t think that running my own business was in the cards for me, but it was. So I bought CDC Immigration, and one … other immigration business, and combined that with my years of human resources experience to create this company that we see today that offers both HR consulting and immigration.”
Crossborder’s comprehensive services, including immigration assistance, relocation support and HR setup have made a meaningful impact on businesses seeking to establish a foothold in the North Country and beyond.
The majority of Crossborder’s clients are Canadian businesses that are moving into the U.S. or are expanding, Black said.
“Being Canadian myself, I understand the complexities and the differences between Canadian business and U.S. business,” Black said.
“So I help them navigate the regulations, both federal and state, just to make sure that they are compliant and I help them set up their HR departments, help with any sort of staffing and recruitment, just to get them going.”
Beyond the professional services, Crossborder Development Corporation has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community by fostering economic partnerships and supporting workforce development initiatives.
Crossborder’s staffing and recruiting expertise not only helps companies build dynamic teams but also strengthens the regional labor market.
This dedication to business excellence and community support makes Crossborder Development a deserving recipient of the Small Business of the Year award.
“Holly has quickly become a familiar face to our business community, assisting dozens of area companies with their HR needs,” Garry Douglas, President/CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said.
“And she has become a valued part of the Chamber’s Red-Carpet team, assisting Quebec companies in understanding the visa process as we help them succeed in the U.S. and on top of business, she has engaged actively in community causes, leading the way at Plattsburgh YMCA and the United Way.”
Black, who has only been in the business two years, said she was emotional after learning of the award.
“I was pretty flabbergasted when it happened,” she said.
“This whole business venture sort of came out of left field, and was definitely not something that I had a background in, wasn’t on my life plan for how I saw my career turning out. So for me to be in business now for two years, and to receive really such an incredible award with the companies in this area that are very similar to mine that are just as worthy … I was surprised and really honored.”
Black said without the chamber, she likely doesn’t see the success she has.
“I am just giving my genuine appreciation to our chamber of commerce. I know that if I started this business anywhere else, I would not be as successful as I have been,” she said.
“I would say the majority of that success comes from the support that I get from our chamber.”
Black said business has been especially busy with the change in presidential administration. She expects this year to be one of the biggest yet.
“Just a couple months ago, we received our national WBE certification and our New York state MWBE certification, and so we are really trying to market that and really grow, not just within our region, but further throughout the state,” she said.
“Getting the national accreditation really helps open our horizons in looking to do this business elsewhere through the U.S.,” she continued.
“I know being so close to the Canadian border here in Plattsburgh, we see a lot of those Canadian businesses, but Canada is very vast, as is the U.S., so being able to open up other offices in various states, where we see a lot of businesses growing, and just being able to apply the WBE certification to assist these companies really is our biggest goal this year.”