Business Quarterly Fall 2018

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES FALL 2018

HARVEST

Our Agricultural Economy

FallBusQtrly_CommlTeam_7.25x9.75_colorSept2018_Layout 1 8/20/2018 2:10 PM Page 1

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Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) announced applications are now being accepted for the organization’s annual MicroBusiness Seminar Series. This popular course will run Sept. 18 through Nov. 13. All classes will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at One North Front Street, Hudson.

“Educating small business owners and entrepreneurs is an important part of CEDC’s strategy to strengthen the Columbia County business community,” stated CEDC President and CEO F. Michael Tucker. “From education to economic development, Columbia Economic Development Corporation is committed to providing the resources needed for our business community to prosper in today’s competitive business world.”

The eight, two-and-a-half-hour sessions are taught by professionals in their field. Topics include marketing, bookkeeping, financing, and legal issues.

“The MicroBusiness Seminar Series provides attendees with the information they need to create, sustain, and grow their businesses,” stated CEDC Business Development Specialist Martha Lane. “Each session is delivered in an interactive manner by local experts in their field.

Participants come away with the latest techniques, tips, and best practices to help take their business to the next level.”

The $195 course fee is refunded in the form of

a one-year membership in the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, or a gift card to Staples.

Scholarships are available. Applications are available by calling CEDC at 518-828-4718.

tenna, meaning it transmits on both the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. A beam tilt of 1.75 percent — the most of any area station — will insure a reach into valleys and nulled areas.

WYBN MAKES ‘GAME CHANGING’ MOVE TO ALBANY COUNTY TV TOWER

“In English, we will be very, very receivable on small indoor antennas,” said Dan Viles, President and General Manager of WYBN. “I would call this move a game changer for WYBN. We are now fully competitive with, if not better than, the rest of the TV market.”

— WYBN TV-14, the Catskill’s only locally owned and operated television station, will be now be available to more than one million people in the greater Capital Region in early August.

The station, owned by Cable Ad Net New York Inc. of Red Hook, has been broadcasting from Windham Mountain since it signed on the air nearly seven years ago. But in early August, it will begin broadcasting from atop the Helderberg Escarpment — the highest point in Albany County — with a 100 percent new, solid-state transmission plant. The new location is eight straight-line air miles from downtown Albany.

TV-14 will be the only television station in the Albany market with a circularly polarized an-

For information on TV-14, go to www. wybntv14.com www.facebook.com/wybntv14/

Tierra Farm announces new marketing coordinator

Weiss’ hiring has come at a time of exceptional growth for Tierra Farm.

Through the sale of its more than 240 products to co-ops and independent grocery stores around the country, Tierra Farm is on pace for $28.5 million in sales for 2018. As the business continues to grow, Tierra Farm looks to build their team to support their continued success.

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CG Business Quarterly | FALL 2018

“For every viewer we lost at high elevations from Ski Windham, we added 10 metro viewers,” Viles said. “To say we’re jazzed is an understatement.”

TV-14 signed on the air in October 2011 as the first multi-format digital facility in New York’s Capital Region, offering eight subchannels of programming on channels 14.1 through 14.8.

The current over-the air line-up includes Buzzr TV, COZI, Tuff TV, France 24, Rev’n, LATV, Retro TV, and This TV. Buzzr, COZI, Tuff TV, and France 24 also are carried on Mid-Hudson Cable.

In her new role, Weiss will be responsible for the development and execution of marketing plans to reach targets from brand awareness to product promotion. She will also be involved in strategical tactics for the media and public relation of the company.

Albany / Amsterdam / Canajoharie / Chatham / Delmar / East Greenbush Greenport / Johnstown / Kinderhook / Latham / Valatie

From the new facility, WYBN reaches a population of more than 1.1 million, a 25 percent increase from the previous location. The new coverage map extends from Greene County north to Glens Falls and from Schoharie County into western Massachusetts.

The move enables WYBN to offer a 20 KW signal—as compared to 15 KW from Windham — that will reach into more homes, allowing the growing number of area viewers who have “cut the cord” from cable to enjoy classic movies and television shows, children’s programming, Spanish language programming and more. It also creates exciting opportunities for local advertisers looking to reach a new audience.

Tierra Farm, a certified organic manufacturer and distributor of nuts, dried fruits, coffee and chocolate products in upstate New York, announces the hiring of Michella Weiss as marketing coordinator.

people-friendly

Notes

“Hiring Michella as our new Marketing Coordinator will enable us to create effective in-house marketing programs that will continue to strengthen and grow our brand,” said Todd Kletter, CEO, Tierra Farm.

“We have hit a point where we have outgrown outsourcing our traditional marketing, which makes it necessary to move our efforts to an

in-house model.”

Born and raised in Valatie, Weiss holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from SUNY Oneonta and an MBA from The College of Saint Rose. Her background includes marketing and events roles with a Capital Region marketing firm and the New York State Bar Association.

She enjoys spending her free time on her boat during the summer months and spending quality time with family and friends.

Tierra Farm is an environmentally-conscious farm specializing in the processing of certified organic nut, seed, dried fruit, coffee and chocolate products. Everything is grown without synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms, or chemical fertilizers, and sold at prices that are equally fair to farmers and consumers. Recently selected as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000, Tierra Farm has also been named one of the “Best Places to Work” in 2017 by the Albany Business Review and “Top Workplaces” in 2018 by the Times Union in the New York Capital Region. Tierra Farm products are available at food cooperatives and independently-owned grocery stores across the U.S, at their Valatie retail store and online at www.TierraFarmStore.com.

FALL 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

3

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

Publisher, General Manager Mark Vinciguerra

Business Manager Tammi Ullrich

Executive Editor Mary Dempsey

Managing Editor Kate Lisa

Advertising Director Gregory V. Appel

Advertising Representatives Pam Geskie Patricia McKenna Marlene McTigue Jeanette O’Callaghan

Distribution/Circulation Manager Peter Dedrick

Ad Design/Composition Erica Izer Steve LaRowe Jackie Reese

A publication of

One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202 Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-1616 www.hudsonvalley360.com

Reach Us WRITE TO US Business Quarterly Magazine, c/o C-GM, 1 Hudson City Centre, Hudson, NY 12534

Publisher’s letter From luscious crops, hardworking farmers to beautiful autumn foliage, this area has it all.

In your hands, you are holding Columbia-Greene Media’s Business Quarterly magazine, which focuses on the region’s agricultural industry and harvest season. The impact of our local farms, from crops to animals, cannot be overstated.

In this third-quarter issue, you’ll find features about: • Hemp production and details about the crop as an emerging industry in the Twin Counties • The best spots in Columbia and Greene counties to see autumn’s glorious colors • A story about nature’s treasures you can find at local farmers markets This issue takes a look at harvest season from a number of viewpoints with features that reveal the agricultural industry is an anchor in the Twin Counties.

In addition, you’ll find a business profile on Salem Farm Supply has longserved customers in Columbia County from its flagship location 90 minutes north of Claverack. I’d like to personally thank our advertisers and sponsors, who understand the importance of this magazine and in funding local journalism.

We strive to bring you a wide variety of content about the region’s businesses in the pages of this magazine. Please let me know how we are doing in this regard. You can reach me with your comments at mvinciguerra@registerstar. com. Your feedback is welcomed.

Thank you and enjoy the fall edition of Columbia-Greene Media’s Business Quarterly!

Contents

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

FALL 2018

6

18 14

3 Sticky Notes 4 Publisher’s Letter 11 Basilica Hudson 12 Economic Indicators 21 Salem Farm Supply 22 Networking

ABOUT THE COVER

Enjoy!

EMAIL advertising@columbiagreenemedia.com Accepting advertising, press releases, news shorts and information of interest to the business community of Columbia and Greene Counties.

FOR ADVERTISING RATES

Call (518) 828-1616 ext. 2463 Columbia Greene Business Quarterly, is published four times a year by Columbia-Greene Meida, One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202, Hudson, NY 12534, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. ©2018. All material submitted to Columbia-Greene Business Quarterly becomes property of Columbia-Greene Media, publishers of the Register-Star and The Daily Mail, and will not be returned. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher.

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CG Business Quarterly | FALL 2018

Mark Vinciguerra, Publisher Columbia-Greene Media

FEATURES

6 Industrial hemp production: An emerging

FOLLOW US ON

agricultural industry

14 Twin Counties unveil blaze of natural beauty 18 From flowers to goat cheese, farmers markets offer nature’s local bounty

Sowing Industrial Hemp at Empire Farm and FarmOn! Foundation, at 548 Empire Road in Copake, earlier this summer.

(Courtesy of Tessa Edick)

facebook.com/cgbusinessquarterly

FALL 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

5

COVER STORY

tail and greenhouse manager of Black Horse Farms on Route 9W in Athens.

The world’s food supply and environment is threatened, said Tessa Edick of Empire Farm and FarmOn! Foundation in Copake, so farmers are always looking for renewable sources for products and energy – like hemp.

It makes sense why Columbia County farms have pursued the hemp crop, but no Greene County farms have, Edick said.

“The ag community in Columbia County is better suited food-wise; Greene County is more suited lumber-wise,” she added. “They don’t have the landscape needed to grow hemp.”

Columbia County has large amounts of flat land that has historically been used for corn, soy and grain, Edick said.

“It’s easier to get started when you just have to till, not clear,” she said.

INDUSTRIAL HEMP PRODUCTION:

GAINING NATIONAL ATTENTION

An emerging

The state’s meetings and forums about growing hemp were widely attended, Ball said.

“We have a lot of people interested, but not everyone is up to speed,” he added.

The opportunity to grow hemp is good news for farmers because it gives them more choices, said Richard Ball, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

AGRICULTURAL

“When windows close, new ones open,” he said, referencing the hardships dairy farmers face.

Anndrea Hermann, has worked in the hemp industry for the last 18 years. She owns Ridge International Cannabis Consulting in Manitoba, Canada.

industry

“Farmers have three opportunities for income off one plant,” she said, adding the ways include production of hemp grain, fiber and flowers.

With over 25,000 uses, the plant can be a great commodity to those in the clothing, construction or pharmaceutical industry, she said, adding the natural fibers would also be more environmentally-friendly compared to synthetic options.

“We’re very familiar with rope, but not familiar with other uses,” Ball said. “America has entered a new world.”

Jada Kitson/Columbia-Greene Media

Benjamin Dobson, owner of Old Mud Creek Farm in Hudson, and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., looking out over Dobson’s fields where industrial hemp grows July 3.

By Sarah Trafton | Columbia-Greene Media

The 2018 Farm Bill has the potential to make or break a new industry for state farmers.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. visited Old Mud Creek Farm in Livingston on July 3 and announced the 2018 Farm Bill would likely pass with provisions for growing industrial hemp. The Senate and the House’s respective versions of the bill passed in June.

“There are three possible outcomes,” said Maire Ullrich, agriculture program leader with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orange County. “The rules could stay the same [extending the 2014 bill], they could loosen the regulations [the Senate’s version] or there could be no mention of hemp 6

| CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

in the bill, making it illegal again [the House version].

“It gives farmers a way to diversify in a new crop.”

Three Columbia County farms are taking advantage of the opportunity to grow and research hemp: Old Mud Creek Farm, 67 Pine Wood Road, Hudson; Empire Farm, at 548 Empire Road, Copake; and Berkshire Hemp in Canaan. The farms are growing the crop through the state’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, which started in 2015.

As of the end of August, no Greene County farms were registered with the state to grow or research hemp.

“There aren’t many farms left [in Greene County],” said Chellie Apa, re-

Ullrich finds the hemp industry is putting modern twists on growing the up-and-coming crop.

Three Columbia County farms are taking advantage of the opportunity to grow and research hemp: Old Mud Creek Farm, Empire Farm, and Berkshire Hemp. The farms are growing the crop through the state’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, which started in 2015.

“Rope, paper, clothing are all very old-school uses,” she said. “In modern times, it’s being used as a replacement fiber for plastic. Automakers are putting it in dashboards, making them tougher than before. And there’s hemp-crete, which is better than concrete.”

Other countries use the grain to feed animals, Ullrich said, but added more research needs to be done about minimal amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC – cannabis’ chemical compound that causes humans to become “high” – in animal products.

The grains are edible, Ullrich said.

“The oil has a high omega balance,” she said. “Seeds are FALL 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

7

COVER STORY high in protein. They can be put in shakes, salad dressing – in cereal.”

Cannabidiol oil, more commonly known as CBD oil, is made from a compound occurring in cannabis plants. CBD oil is known for its medicinal qualities and can be helpful to those with migraines, stomach aches, muscle aches or lupus, Ullrich said.

“The stalks can be used to make ethanol,” Hermann said, which provides farmers with an alternative to corn.

Ullrich foresees a market for hemp honey, because the plants are very good at attracting bees, she said.

Because hemp plants have indeterminate growth – or just keep growing – they attract bees long after other plants have stopped flowering, Hermann said.

“There’s so many… it looks like they’re just going to take off with the plants,” she said.

Although industrial hemp and marijuana are both members of the species Cannabis sativa, with a THC level of 0.3 percent, hemp is ill-effective as a recreational drug, Ball said.

Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey

A butterfly lands on one of the newest crops at Mount Vernon - hemp. It looks like marijuana, but it’s not for smoking.

“People think of it as a cousin of marijuana, but they’re very different,” he said. “Hemp has no psychological effects.”

Because Hemp is also cannabis, it causes confusion, Hermann said, adding at some point, the marijuana industry started referring to marijuana as cannabis.

“It’s like sweet corn and field corn,” Ullrich said.

“They look the same to an untrained eye.”

Because of the intermingling between marijuana and hemp platforms, Hermann said the recent legislation regarding medical marijuana has acted as a gateway for hemp production.

THE HURDLES OF GROWING HEMP Some local farms, including Black Horse Farms in Athens, find hemp production to be too timeconsuming and expensive.

“We thought about it [growing hemp],” Apa said retail and greenhouse manager of Black Horse Farms. “They [the state] were giving out subsidies and grants.

“The seeds are expensive – about $1 each.”

Apa’s father, Lloyd Zimmermann, chooses to focus on their vegetable and flower production, as they have for 49 years, she said.

Jada Kitson/Columbia-Greene Media

A field of industrial hemp being grown at Old Mud Creek Farm, 67 Pine Wood Road, Hudson. The farm grows about 40 acres of hemp as part of a research program through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

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CG Business Quarterly | FALL 2018

Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey

Lawmakers are poised to fully legalize hemp after a decades-long campaign.

The seeds for the CBD oil varieties can also be expensive, Ullrich said.

said.

“They’re about $1 a seed, or $6-10 for some varieties,” she said.

Grains and fibers are typically less expensive to grow than the flowers necessary for extracts, Hermann said.

Ullrich feels the state is in a prime location to get seeds with its close proximity to Canada and the ability to ship seeds in from Europe.

Despite the expense and more intensive care that CBD varieties require, Ullrich feels the ends justify the means.

“These varieties have an exponentially higher value,” she said.

Ball finds the cost to be relatively inexpensive relative to the desired product.

“You will get a better return for producing seeds and oil for the pharmaceutical and health industries, but you will have higher costs to get the better quality varieties,” he added.

For example, it costs about $400-$500 per acre to produce fiber, Ball said.

A big expense for farmers is obtaining specialized machinery to harvest hemp.

“The fibers can get easily tangled in equipment if you don’t have the right machine,” Ullrich said, adding the John Deere hemp-harvester costs about $500,000.

The harvesting is also not currently feasible for farmers, Ullrich said.

Apa is concerned hemp production will turn out similar to soybeans.

“A custom harvester would have to travel all over the state,” she said, adding New York lacks an in-state processor for the crop. “Individually, farmers would be in deep if they spend a $500,000 on equipment. Why go deep when there is no place to send [hemp]?”

“It [soybean production] was all the rage, but too many people start doing it, and then there is no market for it,” she said.

“We won’t really know [hemp’s status] for the next six months,” she

Ullrich feels the uncertain legal standing of growing hemp makes people wary of investing that high amount of money.

“Farms that produce other grains are already set up… farms that produce fibers already have swathers, cutters and bailers,” she explained.

Farms need to have a greenhouse to clone their plants or order clones for CBD production, Hermann said.

“It’s very labor intensive,” she said. “They have to have specialized machines for planting or plant by hand. There’s tarping that needs to be done – a lot more maintenance.”

GROWING LEGAL SUPPORT The state’s research program has grown significantly since its inception in 2015 Last year, the state invested $10 million the program.

Initially, only 10 sites could do research. Today, the state has between 2,000 and 3,000 sites, Ball said.

“New York is in the top five states that are growing hemp,” he added.

Because of the state’s research program, the state discovered the U.S. spends $700-750 million in hemp imports, Ball said.

“There is especially a high demand for the seeds and oil,” he said. “The desire for the health and nutrition benefits is outpacing our knowledge.”

Ball feels some state farmers may be turned off by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration restrictions.

“They have to apply [to grow] with a research institution or through [the state Department of Agriculture & Markets],” he said.

The department has a DEA permit to help farmers acquire seeds the department needs.

FALL 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

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HUDSON — Basilica Hudson has announced the election of three new members to its board of directors. Serra Butash, Ben Fain, and Foster Reed have been elected to join the Hudson, New York non-profit multidisciplinary arts center’s now seven member board of directors. An important cultural anchor in the rapid development of the city of Hudson, Basilica Hudson is entering its eighth season of public programming, with two music festivals, two large-scale marketplaces, visual art, food, music and film at the core of its public programs.

“Following one of the most productive years yet at Basilica Hudson, we are continuing to build momentum with significant expansion of our board. These new individuals all strike particular chords within our mission and we couldn’t hope for a better representation of what Basilica is and strives to become,” says Basilica Hudson Co-founder and Director Melissa Auf der Maur. “All three new members are local residents with an understanding of the Basilica mission, and have non-profit experience and expertise to guide us through the next stage of our evolution, as we look ahead to ambitious plans to upgrade and winterize portions of the Basilica campus to allow year-round cultural and community programming.”

In 2017, Basilica Hudson was designated a priority project by the New York State Regional Economic Development Council, and was awarded a grant towards capital improvements to winterize portions of the campus. With this funding in place, and building on the momentum of both that award and Hudson’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative award in process, Basilica Hudson is now looking ahead to its next phase of operations and activity, building towards plans for year-round cultural and community programming. A range of new programs are also in place, designed specifically to serve local year-round residents. Workforce development programs would provide local residents with improved access to engage with the creative economy sector, while expanded cultural pro-

grams would be designed to support and nurture community dialogue, and to expand on growing partnerships with local nonprofits.

ABOUT BASILICA HUDSON Basilica Hudson is a non-profit multidisciplinary arts center supporting the creation, production and presentation of independent and innovative arts and culture while fostering sustainable community. Founded in 2010 by musician Melissa Auf der Maur and filmmaker Tony Stone, Basilica Hudson makes its home in a spectacular solar-powered reclaimed 1880s industrial factory on the waterfront of the historic City of Hudson. Weekend destination events comprise the core of Basilica Hudson’s Immersive, avant garde music, performance, film, food and literary programming, alongside regular film screenings series, art exhibitions, and other community gatherings.

Basilica Hudson presents more than 35 programs each season, from onenight screenings to weekend festivals, anchored by major annual events including two music festivals and two large-scale marketplace events, as well as film screening series, art exhibitions, special performances, concerts, and literary and food-related events. The artistic program has taken shape through collaborations with many partners, visiting artists and friends, and is supported by adventurous audiences and community members. Each season, more than 75 local, national and international artists perform and present work at Basilica and 100+ local and regional businesses - farmers, chefs, collectors and makers of all kinds - participate in marketplace events, showcasing the region’s artisanal and agricultural heritage. Basilica Hudson welcomes more than 40,000 local, regional and international visitors to programs and events each season.

More information on all upcoming programs at Basilica Hudson can be found at basilicahudson.org FALL 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

11

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

- FOR COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

eNeRGY

Number and price of Twin County single-family home sales

Average Upstate New York price for gallon of regular unleaded gas May 2018: $294.2 June 2018: $298.3 July 2018: $292.0 July 2017: $231.9

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

May 2018: 119 sold, median price: $220,000 June 2018: 103 sold, median price: $196,000 July 2018: 102 sold, median price: $252,000 July 2017: 107 sold, median price: $230,000

25.9%

May 2018: $317.6 June 2018: $314.4 July 2018: $313.4 July 2017: $237.8

U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar)

4.8%

May 2018: $285.9 June 2018: $284.2 July 2018: $285.7 July 2017: $240.8

Source: Bank of Canada

JOBs Nonagriculture jobs in Columbia County, not including military positions May 2018: 22,000 June 2018: 22,300 July 2018: 22,400 July 2017: 22,400

May 2018: $339.5 June 2018: $341.0 July 2018: $339.6 July 2017: $268.2

0%

0%

May 2018: 14,900 June 2018: 15,500 July 2018: 15,400 July 2017: 15,400

liam Hugh Powell III, 290 Harold Meyers Road, Earlton, 12058  Discontinuance: Haul-U-Away Moving & Junk Removal, 46 Brom Bones Lane, Athens, 12015; Tyler M. Lynch, 46 Brom Bones Lane, Athens, 12015  Living Foods By Ben, 17 Kinderhook St., Chatham, 12037; Ben Borkovitz, 17 Kinderhook St., Chatham, 12037

cram, 12502; Herbert McManus, 123 Cottontail Road, Ancram, 12502

AUG. 10

 Greg’s Lawn & Garden Care, 128 Rip Van Winkle Drive, Cox-

.8% 9.6%

Rip Van Winkle Bridge traffic count

26.6%

AUG. 6

 Meddaugh’s Misfits, 1301 Mountain Ave., Purling, 12470; Mark R. Meddaugh, 1301 Mountain Ave., Purling, 12470 Olde Colonial Primitives, 1142 county Route 9, Ghent, 12075; Carrie Duso, 1142 county Route 9, Ghent, 12075  Discontinuance: Scott Yoder Precision Carpentry, 1037 Route 32, Freehold, 12431; Scott Yoder, 1037 Route 32, Freehold, 12431  Precision Building and Renovation, 1037 Route 32, Freehold, 12431; Scott Yoder, 1037 Route 32, Freehold, 12431

AUG. 13

May 2018: 541,210 vehicles June 2018: 530,394 vehicles July 2018: 554,354 vehicles July 2017: 547,462 vehicles

Source: U.S. DOE, Energy Information Administration. Prices are for the composite area that includes New York, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Nonagriculture jobs in Greene County, not including military positions

AUG. 3

 Bottle and Can Depot, 1225 Route 9, Hudson, 12534; John Heusdens, 603 Route 9J, Stuyvesant, 12173  Jim Limerick Flooring, 30 Gina Marie Ave. No. 4, Cairo, 12413; Jimmy Limerick, 30 Gina Marie Ave., No. 4, Cairo, 12413

1.3%

sackie, 12051; Gregory Scott Draiss, Unit No. 2068, 128 Rip Van Winkle Drive, Athens, 12015

AUG. 23

 Sweet Pea’s Paper Bouquets, 595A Route 217, Hudson, 12534; Deidre Roberts, 595A Route 217, Hudson, 12534  Jeffrey A. Gibeault, 12 Birch Road, Valatie, 12184; Jeffrey A. Gibeault, 12 Birch Road, Valatie, 12184

AUG. 24

 IMBOLC Riverfire, P.O. Box 276, Philmont, 12565; J. Patrick Doyle, 45 Summit St., Philmont, 12565  Stacie Hommel, 204 Wildwing Park Lane, Catskill, 12414; Stacie Hommel, 204 Wildwing Park Lane, Catskill, 12414

AUG. 28

 JD Creative Carpentry, 41 Red Mill Road, Freehold, 12431; Jef-

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4.6%

Homeowners Insurance with companies handpicked based on long-term competitive pricing

Get your

July 2017

4.1% July 2018

4.0% June 2018

3.8% May 2018

4.9%

Source: U.S. Department of Labor and the state Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted. Latest available data reported)

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

United States

-0.5%

July 2017

4.2% July 2018

4.2% June 2018

3.7% May 2018

5.0% July 2017

July 2018

June 2018

May 2018

July 2017

July 2018

June 2018

4.3%

-0.7%

4.3%

-0.7% 4.4%

-0.6% 3.7%

New York State

3.1%

Greene County

3.3%

Columbia County

3.2%

AUG. 22

frey Wescott, 41 Red Mill Road, Freehold, 12431

NY UNeMPLOYMeNT RaTes

May 2018

AUG. 20

 Discontinuance: McManus Electric, 123 Cottontail Road, An-

*Third-quarter statistics for the month of August were unavailable at press time

Source: NYS Department of Labor

12 |

AUG. 16

 B. Powell Apiary, 290 Harold Meyers Road, Earlton, 12058; Wil-

Todd Czerno, 37 Green Brook Drive, Brainard, 12024  The File Box 2.0, 22 Mill St., Chatham, 12037; Cynthia Gray, 22 Mill St., Chatham, 12037

BRIDGe TRaFFIc cOUNT

Average New York surrogate price for on-highway diesel

Doty, 710 Taghkanic Road, Elizaville, 12523

July 2018: 12,420 July 2017: 12,517

July 2018: $285,000 July 2017: $260,000

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

12414; Shera Erben, 79 Allen St., Apt. No. B, Catskill, 12414  A W Consulting, 2 Hoysradt Lane, Hudson, 12534; Austin Weber , 2 Hoysradt Lane, Hudson, 12534

 Czerno’s Cabinets, 37 Green Brook Drive, Brainard, 12024;

Price

Median home sale price

18.6%

AUG. 14

 Daylew Publishing, P.O. Box 229, Livingston, 12541; Raymond

Number of closed NY home sales

Sales

Average Middle Hudson Region price for gallon of residential propane

AUG. 1

 Lemony Fresh Cleaning, 79 Allen St., Apt. No. B, Catskill,

9.6%

4.7%

31.8%

The following are DBAs in the Twin Counties from Aug. 1 through Aug. 28

 Salsita, 123 Green St., Hudson, 12534; Kathleen Hallinan Mueller, 123 Green St., Hudson, 12534  Food Works Company, 73 Fire House Road, Clermont, 12526; Valeria Cristina Ferraz da silva Telles, 73 Fire House Road, Clermont, 12526; Jeffrey S. Matthews, 143 North Road, Milan, 12571

Source: Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors Inc.

Average Upper Hudson Valley price for gallon of home heating oil

DOLLaR eXchaNGe May 2018: $1.30 June 2018: $1.30 July 2018: $1.32 July 2017 :$1.26

ReaL esTaTe

*In cents per gallon, including taxes

DBas (doing business under an assumed name)

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13

FEATURE

TWIN COUNTIES UNVEIL BLAZE of NATURAL

BEAUTY

By Logan Weiss | Columbia-Greene Media

The air is cool, school is in session and the countryside of upstate Columbia and Greene Counties are undergoing a magical transformation.

It’s that time of year again: autumn. The leaves are beginning to change, turning from a deep and rich green to a variety of reds, orange and yellows.

With this natural transformation, it’s easy to see why people from all over the state and the east coast visit the Twin Counties in September and October.

This time of year, the Twin Counties see an influx of sight-seekers or leaf peepers to see the most vibrant fall colors. With many state and local parks, outdoor or adventure destinations and great roads to drive; the region has many places that offer traditional New England fall splendor.

Greene County is the home of the Northern Catskill Mountain Range. The mountains provide the county with high elevations, which provide scenic views over the mountains and Hudson River Valley.

“There is always a lot to do in Greene County in the fall.” said Heather Bagshaw, marketing manager of Greene County Tourism Department. “Even without spending money, there are fantastic drives, excellent hiking and walking trails.”

If you are a peeper looking for a scenic drive, Route 23A might be your answer. The road will take you through the towns of Catskill, Palenville, Haines 14

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Falls, Tannersville and Hunter. As you rise in elevation, the mountains and forest will begin to surround you with color during the autumn months.

Along Route 23A, you will find one of Greene County’s biggest attractions: Kaaterskill Falls. The 1.4-mile hike takes you up close to the falls, and in the autumn months, splashes of fantastic colors surround the rocks and water, Bagshaw said.

“There is always a lot to do in Greene County in the fall. Even without spending money, there are fantastic drives, excellent hiking and walking trails.”

— HEATHER BAGSHAW, MARKETING MANAGER OF GREENE COUNTY TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Contributed by Windham Mountain

Above, mountain bikers on Windham Mountain love a trek up a resort trail while leaves are changing to vibrant colors of red, yellow and gold during the autumn months.

Contributed by Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl Inc.

Left, Hunter Mountain last autumn.

Contributed by Windham Mountain

Below, a view of the golf course at Windham Country Club last fall.

On the decent from the mountaintop, visitors often stop at the popular Five State Lookout point along Route 23. On a clear day, you can see five bordering states, including New York, the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont’s Green Mountains and the distant White Mountains in New Hampshire.

“If you are looking to spend some money [while leaf peeping], there are some great options,” Bagshaw added.

Columbia County also boasts many wonderful, natural attractions in autumn. A drive along the Taghkanic State Parkway take motorists through some of Columbia’s prettiest back country.

While enjoying the ride, look for changing leaves at Lake Taghkanic State Park, located at 1528 Route 82, Ancram.

“Columbia County is a uniquely beautiful part of the [Hudson] Valley,” said Peter Paden, executive director of the Columbia Land Conservancy.

Harrier Hill, in Hudson, is a 6-acre park that offers views of the forests, river valley and Catskill Mountains, Paden said. Those looking for a hike can venture to Round Hill in Ancram, which has more than 7 miles worth of trails to explore with great views of the Harlem Valley and the Taconic Mountains at the summit.

“We have many places in the county where you can drive and enjoy the environment, as well as are able to get out in it and enjoy the splendor,” said Amy Farrell, promotion specialist for the county’s Tourism Department..

One of the county’s biggest attractions is High Falls, right outside of Philmont, said Rebecca Walker, Columbia Land Conservancy’s communications manager.

Be sure to dress appropriately for the hike, Bagshaw said, adding it’s especially important to wear the proper footwear.

“It is the highest waterfall in Columbia County,” Walker said. “The site is home to rare plants and a very cool hemlock forest.”

After leaf peepers reach the town of Hunter on Route23A, Route 296 is a spot many Greene County visitors frequent, Bagshaw said. The road winds through part of the northeastern Catskill Park to Windham.

“If you enjoy views of farmland and mountains in the distance; it is a unique and beautiful part of the valley,” Paden added of the falls.

Hunter and Windham mountain resorts, which are best known in Greene FALL 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

15

Courtesy of the Catamount Ariel Adventure Park

A child zipping at Catamount’s Aerial Adventure Park last fall.

“For outdoor thrill seekers, there’s nothing better than a cool, crisp fall day of downhill mountain biking,” Pine said.

The bike park will be open weekends from Sept. 4 to Oct. 8.

Courtesy of the Columbia Land Conservancy

16

Along with mountain biking, visitors can enjoy a round of golf at the Windham Country Club - an activity you can enjoy while appreciating the changing leaves.

The road leading up to Round Ball Mountain in Ancram last fall. The trail often boasts brilliant autumn colors.

Columbia County visitors also love taking a leisurely ride up and down the Hudson River through Hudson Cruises in the fall, Farrell said.

County for their skiing and snowboarding in the winter, each offer a medley of attractions year-round.

Hunter Mountain has extensive aerial activities, including the longest and fastest zip-line in North America, according to huntermtn.com. For tourists who want a milder thrill, the sky will bring you to Hunter Mountain’s peak.

In the summer and fall, visitors enjoy sky rides, or rides up the ski lift to appreciate the autumn landscape, to extreme sports activities and multiple festivals, according to both resort websites.

“Our Sky Ride will take you on an 11-minute ride from top to bottom.” said Dan Kenney, Hunter Mountain’s public relations and communications manager.

“You can get off at the top of the ride and enjoy a picnic and even hike to the fire tower for another great view.”

A fire tower, or in this case, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, is an abandoned tall, structure with a cab on top which forest rangers once used to patrol the surrounding landscape for forest fires, according to the Adirondack Mountain Club. The tall structures offer a panoramic view of the landscape and is especially popular during peak leaf-peeping season.

On Windham Mountain’s chairlift ride, also known as the Skyride, visitors can get a lift up to the summit and enjoy a picnic while overlooking the north side of the mountains, according to windhammountain.com.

“We offer a unique perspective on leaf peeping in the Catskills with our Skyride to the summit of our West Peak,” said Becky Pine, the resort’s communication manager. “It’s a 12-minute, view-filled ride each way.”

Windham also offers great outdoor sporting options as well. It has a multilevel mountain bike park to get people outside in the woods.

A ride up the river offers tourists a chance to see sights from the Twin Counties at the same time, she said.

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“It’s the premiere time, weather-wise to spend outdoors,” Farrell said.

“The Plus Makes All The Difference”

Visitors frequent the Catamount Ski Area, located on Catamount Road in Hillsdale and split by the Massachusetts state line, for other fall-time fun, including the northeast’s largest self-guided aerial adventure tour.

The self guided tours included a series of ladders, bridges and zip lines, including more than 12 different courses with 170 elements and 50 different zip lines. This attraction puts you up in the trees with the bright, autumn colors.

“It is a great family adventure,” said Rich Edwards, Catamount’s marketing director.

The courses have a range of difficulty levels for visitors ages 7 and older.

“It can be enjoyed by mom, dad and the children,” Edwards said..

To stay up-to-date with this season’s peak fall foliage, visit the state’s website, iloveny.com, for each county’s foliage report, which will be released weekly throughout starting Sept. 12. The report will show region’s fall colors as they progress in the Twin Counties.

The reports will have the most rudimentary information about the state’s fall foliage this season and will include the percent of leaves that have changed and the most abundant and vibrant colors each week, according to the website.

With the variety of things to do and sights to see in the region, Paden said the Twin Counties are a popular destination through September and October.

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“It is a unique and beautiful part of the valley,” Paden said.

FALL 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

17

FEATURE

From flowers to goat cheese, farmers markets offer

NATURE’S LOCAL BOUNTY

By Logan Weiss | Columbia-Greene Media

It’s a bluebird sky day.

People are buzzing around the park, talking with vendors and purchasing a plethora of locally grown or crafted products.

People come from near and far to the Hudson and New Lebanon farmers markets in Columbia County and the Catskill farmers market in Greene County, in addition to Coxsackie’s.

The scent of pizza being made in a portable, wood-fired oven and the strumming of an acoustic guitar fill the air, accompanied by people’s laughter.

“We have multiple food vendors here,” Bender said. “It is really about brining the farm-to-table idea and making it available. We want to support local farmers and local business.”

Those are just some of the sights, sounds and smells at the Coxsackie farmers market – open Wednesdays from mid-May to mid-October at the village’s Riverfront Park from 4 to 7 p.m.

Along with local produce, the Coxsackie farmers market features a food truck, beer and liquor vendors, jams, honey, flowers, a pizza stand, music, a game meat stand, baked goods, organic cotton candy, live music and more.

“It has become a local gathering place – like a community meeting spot, which is nice for everyone,” said Kimberly Bender, manager of the Coxsackie Farmers Market.

“We average around 30 vendors every evening,” Bender said.

The atmosphere is a familiar sensation with other farmers markets held 18

throughout the spring, summer and fall in the Twin Counties.

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Coxsackie also offers a wide variety of crafts for children and a bus for senior citizens who live in Bethany Village on Mansion Street, but anyone is allowed to use the bus to commute to the farmers market. The bus to the market

Logan Weiss/Columbia-Greene Media

The Bryant family, from left to right, Falco, Saxon, Regina (center), Frank, Ava and Ursula. Frank and Regina Bryant, the owners and operators of Goats and Gourmets in Westerlo, make award-winning goat cheese and sell it at three local farmers markets.

Logan Weiss/Columbia-Greene Media

Locally grown, fresh tomatoes available for purchase at the Hudson farmers market at the corner of Sixth and Columbia streets.

People come from near and far to the Hudson and New Lebanon farmers markets in Columbia County and the Catskill farmers market in Greene County, in addition to Coxsackie’s.

has been around for at least five years, Bender said.

“It’s nice to give people a chance to visit the market,” she added.

The market also offers a free class each week, with topics varying cooking to canning to yoga classes.

CHANGING LIVES WITH EVERY BITE A farmers market has something for everyone, but they have changed the lives of one vendor, who makes cheese so popular, it’s gained national attention.

Goats and Gourmets, located on Route 143 in the rolling hills of Westerlo, is a small-scale family farm owned and run by Frank and Regina Bryant and their four children.

The Bryants produce artisanal cheese and sell their product at the Coxsackie, Hudson and Troy farmers markets.

“We have it narrowed down to our three favorite markets,” Frank said.

The Bryants make high-quality chèvre, or goat cheeses, which have developed a huge fan base.

One of their most popular cheeses, chèvre with basil pesto, recently won first-place in this year’s American Cheese Societies fresh goat cheese with added flavor category.

“There were well over 2,000 applicants in the category,” Frank said. “Some applicants were even from Canada and Mexico.”

The couple entered the contest because of the encouragement they’ve gotten from their happy customers.

“It was all because of the feedback we were getting from the farmers markets,” Regina said. “People just keep telling us about how much they loved it, and a couple people told us to enter it into the competition.”

The award-winning goat cheese is not just locally made – it’s created with local products, too.

“We have about 20 goats at the farm next door,” Frank said, pointing his thumb over the nearest hill in their yard. “We check on them every week and make sure everything is awesome.”

The Bryants use an average of 60 gallons of goat milk a week between the three farmers markets. They ship the cheese by request.

FALL 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

19

come every other week,” Carr said, adding the craft vendors swap places every other week.

The Catskill Farmers Market takes place Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dutchmen’s Landing.

The Catskill market strives to promote overall wellness. Each year, the market has a day that features a variety products from the local health field, such as a massage therapist and a tea vendor.

BUSINESS PROFILE

SALEM FARM SUPPLY

Gearing Up and Doubling Down for the Future

“We really want to do anything we can to help the people in the community,” Carr said.

In Columbia County, the Hudson and New Lebenon farmers markets have made history and influence their respective communities.

“I was a first-year vendor in 1997 when [the Hudson market] originally had five vendors,” recalled Virginia Ambrose, manager of the Hudson Farmers Market.

Ambrose is the co-owner and operator of Scarecrow Farm in Hollowville.

She has been a vendor at the Hudson market with her husband and motherin-law since 1997. (along with her husband and mother in law) a vendor here since 1997.

Jonathan Ment/For Columbia-Greene Media

Mooshu, nicknamed “Moo,” relaxing in the store.

“I’m one of two original vendors from the five that started here,” she said.

841 Route 9H | Claverack, NY 12513

Hudson’s market was originally started by Milt Meisner, a local farmer, who was inspired after seeing the farmers market in Saratoga. After that, he decided Hudson-area farmers needed something just like it.

nesses,” says Lewis a second-generation owner, adding, “Single store locations are becoming absorbed.”

Meisner went door-to-door, speaking with local farmers about joining, and after being approved by the city and gathering five vendors, the Hudson Farmers Market was born.

The Hudson Farmers market takes place every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The city’s market has over 30 vendors and it runs for most of the year from late April to the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year, the market’s last day is Nov. 17.

“We used to start on Mother’s Day, but it just got longer and earlier every year,” Ambrose said with a smile.

Logan Weiss/Columbia-Greene Media

The sign welcoming shoppers to the Hudson farmers market, which takes place at the corner of Sixth and Columbia streets in the city from May through November on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We have had someone from New York tell us to ship it to them; they said they didn’t care the cost! They said they can’t do without it,” Regina said with a laugh.

Through the success and praise, the Bryants continue to keep their nose to the ground and work hard.

“You can use this cheese to spruce up anything – put it on chicken, eggs, pizza or paninis,” Regina said.

The Bryant’s four children agreed – they love it on pizza and even enjoy it on just a little bit of toast.

“I like it on a BLT,” Frank said with a smile.

A TWIN-COUNTY AFFAIR Catskill’s farmers market was first organized in 2015 by the Catskill Community Center. The center is a non-profit that works to improve the lives the greater Catskill community.

“We are really trying to promote wellness through the community and showing that healthy food here at the farmers market is affordable,” Catskill’s Marketing Manager Desirea Carr said.

Catskill’s market offers local produce, jams, artisan cheeses, maple products, fresh bread, honey, mushrooms, crafts and live music.

“Currently, we have 11 vendors registered and two part-time vendors who 20 |

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

The New Lebanon Farmers Market started in 2009. It’s held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It started June 7 and its season will conclude Oct. 28.

The market has 10 regular vendors, and averages 200-300 guests each week.

“We are a vendor-run, democratic market, with no manager and no paid positions,” said Chelsea Vigue, a vendor and farmer with Abode Farm in New Lebanon. “We all volunteer to pitch in and make the market a success.”

Vigue also helps organize and volunteers at the market’s information booth, where customers can use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, Women Infants and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program. These programs provide money to economically disadvantaged people they can use to purchase fresh, local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.

The programs are funded through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The New Lebanon market also offers a Double Up Food Buck and a Market Match program up to $40, Vigue said. The market also has a giving box for guests or vendors to donate products or food to a local food pantry.

“We definitely have made a huge effort to make the market as open as possible,” Vigue said.

Farmers markets offer more then just fresh produce, but also delicious food, including products like jam, honey, cheese, baked goods and sweets.

The local farmers markets are making a huge impact on their individual towns, but work to make a community brighter and healthier from the vendors to its visitors.

“If you have a good community, it will make everybody happy,” Bender said.

Jonathan Ment/For Columbia-Greene Media

Pictured, President and Co-owner Carole Lewis.

Jonathan Ment | For Columbia-Greene Media

The team at Salem Farm Supply Inc. has long served customers in Columbia County from is flagship location 90 minutes north of Claverack.

Its acquisition earlier this summer of Columbia Tractor Inc. makes meeting those needs more efficient for both clients and company.

Local farms and other commercial accounts will experience doing business with this growing enterprise as more convenient in the months and years ahead. Newcomers will find the Salem Farm Supply, Farm Equipment Magazine’s 2015 “Dealership of the Year,” fully committed to the needs of agricultural, construction and consumer market customers.

Salem’s President and Co-owner Carole Lewis has sought expansion opportunities “to make the business viable for the next few decades,” she explained during a recent walk through the shop in Claverack.

“Farms are consolidating and also support busi-

time in 2011.

Her father Philip Lewis walked into Salem Farm Supply in 1988 to purchase a tractor and ended up buying the then 35-yearold business. Carole Lewis, born the following year eventually worked summers before signing on full

After her father’s death in the spring of 2012 Salem Farm Supply fended off other dealerships seeking to acquire Salem in order to expand their own markets. The family wasn’t interested in selling.

Today, Lewis is an equal owner with her mother Berta. To an extent, Salem’s acquisition of assets in Claverack brings ownership full circle.

“Stu Kinne, the person who founded Columbia Tractor was from the Salem area. And the original owner of Salem Farm Supply was a silent (partner) in Columbia Tractor,” says Lewis.

The two-store business is 100 percent womanowned - an incentive for municipal customers, school districts and others with supplier diversity procurement policies.

“I’m still in my 20s and plan on doing this for some time,” says Lewis, offering one reason for customer confidence in after-the-sale support and service.

Lewis also brings a younger, more tech-savvy

approach to the business, evident in the hiring of a GPS/precision farming specialist and planned systems upgrades companywide - to be more user friendly for customers and staff now numbering over 50.

In recent years Columbia Tractor’ has focused on residential consumers, providing an opportunity for Salem Farm Supply to serve this area. Having a local shop simplifies much of the process for both agricultural consumers and the business.

“We out of our Salem Location have been servicing some of the large farms in the area. Now we’re working at the Claverack location to put the focus back on agriculture, to get those Columbia County Farms back in the fold,” says Lewis.

Concurrently, Salem will continue to serve the residential consumer base in Claverack.

Scag, Echo, Kubota and Case IH will be carried at the Claverack location, and the company will be introducing the Krone line of hay and forage equipment. Kawasaki’s MULE line will be sold in Claverack but not Salem.

Replacement parts for all brands are also available.

Salem Farm Supply is overhauling the Claverack service department, has added a new service manager, a new advisor and a new technician with expectations for additional staff. The company is also putting a new service vehicle on the road.

“We’re continuously investing in the dealership. … It’s been a near seamless transition,” says Lewis.

Salem Farm Supply | www.salemfarmsupply.com | 800-352-3621 FALL 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

21

NETWORKING

Chatham Dems Support Area Pantry

Fortnightly Club receives Wayne Speenburgh Grant

Contributed photo

Many who attended the Chatham Democrats Annual Chili Fest made generous donations to the Chatham Area Silent Panty. As a result, the Chatham Democrats were able to give $1,000 to the Pantry. Representatives of the Chatham Democrats presented the contributions to Vice President of the Chatham Area Silent Pantry Hallie Halpern on the steps of the Tracy Memorial Village Hall. The Pantry is housed in the basement of that building. Pictured from the left are Chili Fest Organizer Pat Balcom, Vice President Sharifa Perry, Committee Members Deirdre Mulfatto and Joanne Delrossi, President Cindy Bobseine, Committee Member Bart Thibadeau, and Pantry Vice President Hallie Halpern.

Contributed photo

The Greene County Legislature presented the Wayne Speenburgh Grant to the Fortnightly Club Of Catskill to support the 2018 Festival Of Trees. Photographed from left are Linda Overbaugh, Ann Marie Bremiller, Christa Bush, Michael Bulich, Kevin Lennon and Matt Luvera.

Heirloom Cafe Ribbon Cutting Contributed photo

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the Grand Opening of the new “Heirloom Café” in Clermont, NY with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Owners Joseph Barilla and Caleb Kimble are graduates of the “Culinary Institute of America”, which is where they met.

They spent time in Southeast Asia and Italy learning the cuisines and cultures and now feature specialty nights throughout the week with cuisines from across the globe.

Pictured center are Joseph and Caleb, with scissors. They are joined by Café Mgr. Alana Rea, friends and family, dedicated clientele, and Chamber representatives, including Chamber President Jeffrey C. Hunt. Heirloom Café is in the same building as the Tousey Winery. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Catering and delivery available. Learn more at www.heirloomcafeny.wixsite.com/welcome.

Albergo Allegria wins 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Hotels Albergo Allegria announces it has been recognized as an overall winner in the SMALL HOTELS category of the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards for Hotels, ranking in the top 25 in the nation. Travelers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travelers worldwide.

In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top 8,095 properties in 94 countries and 8 regions worldwide.

This year, the awards celebrate hotel winners in 10 categories, including Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, 22 |

CG Business Quarterly | FALL 2018

Bargain, Small Hotels, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family, All-Inclusive, and Value for Money. The hallmarks of Travelers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable service, value, and quality.

Owner Marianna Leman remarked, “My husband, Leslie, and I are honored and humbled to be awarded such a great recognition of service in the hospitality industry. It’s remarkable that less than 1% of hotels in the United States receive a Top 25 placement, and our little “Inn of Happiness” is one of them! Our excitement is shared by all the Albergo Allegria staff members who embody our definition of true, classic

hospitality. Thank you, team! Also, I recognize our role models, Lenore & Vito Radelich, who continue to be an inspiration, offer wisdom, and without whom I would have never learned such a fantastic work ethic… thanks mom and dad. A shout out likewise, goes out to the TripAdvisor review community whose honest reviews are helping shape hotels like ours to be the best we can be... Thank you!”

Visit TripAdvisor.com to see traveler reviews and opinions of ALBERGO ALEGRIA, or go to www.

AlbergoUSA.com to view photos of the inn, check out their delicious breakfast’s or book our stay.

FALL 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

23

Craft Beverage Producers are Thriving in Greene County

Local Growers, Malters, and Specialty Ingredient Suppliers Wanted We’re looking for Growers and Makers in Greene County interested in producing the ingredients that create our award-winning ales, lagers, pilsners, porters, stouts and spirits. The Invest In Greene program provides business support programs, networking, and financing options that can help you add a sustainable revenue stream to your local agribusiness.

BUYIN INVEST GREENE GREENE InvestInGreene.com

24 |

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

Let’s Explore the Opportunities Together –

Contact the Invest In Greene team at 518-719-3290 or business@discovergreene.com for more information