Business Quarterly Fall 2017

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES FALL 2017

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CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

STICKY HUNT JOINS EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER — Jerry Bilinski, DVM and the staff

at the Equine Medical Center in North Chatham announce Molly B. Hunt, DVM, has joined the center. Dr. Hunt began her services on Sept. 5.

She is a long-time resident of New Lebanon and a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has completed an externship at Cornell in Equine Hoof Pathology. Dr. Hunt also has a special interest in Lameness and Sports Medicine.

TIERRA FARM’S ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS — Tierra Farm, a

manufacturer and distributor of certified organic food and coffee products, announces its annual giving campaign has returned more than $25,000 to community organizations in the area. This year, Tierra Farm is proud to have made a sizable donation to the Family Resource Centers of Columbia County. The contribution allowed the nonprofit agency to open a fourth branch in the Village of Valatie.

“Tierra Farm has become a pillar of this community and their support of our mission shows a dedication to assisting families from all walks of life in our community who are engaged in the vital task of raising young children,” said Bethany St. Dennis, executive director, Family Resource Centers of Columbia County.

The Family Resource Centers of Columbia County

offers social and educational programs for parents of young children, in addition to offering assistance to families facing economic and personal challenges.

They have multiple locations across Columbia County.

In addition to the Family Resource Centers, the local Rescue Squad, Fire Department and Community Theater in Valatie, as well as Columbia County Youth Baseball and the Tendhai Buddhist Center have all received funding from Tierra Farm in 2017.

Tierra Farm was named to the 2017 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the U.S. after posting more than $21.4 million in sales in 2016 through the sale of its more than 200 products. All of Tierra Farm’s products are produced in small, hand-crafted batches and are 100 percent certified organic, certified gluten-free, certified kosher and GMO-free.

ADDITION MADE TO THE GREENE INVESTMENT SERVICES TEAM — Don-

ald Gibson, President and CEO of the Bank of Greene County, and Timothy Bartholomew, Greene Investment Services Executive, announce the addition of John Heitzman as a Financial Advisor with the Bank’s Investment Services team.

The new position was created due to the continued growth of the bank.

Notes

Heitzman is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance. Previously, he worked as an independent representative with Thrivent Financial. His responsibilities will include financial and investment services, education planning, retirement and estate planning, and tax efficient investing. Heitzman serves on the board for ARC of Ulster Greene and is a lifelong resident of Ulster County. He lives in Kingston with his wife and son. The Bank of Greene County is the only locally based community bank with office in Greene, Columbia, Albany, and Ulster counties, and has served the Hudson Valley for more than 125 years.

BEACH & BARTOLO REALTORS CELEBRATE — Beach & Bartolo Realtors, 34

Main St., Chatham, had a small celebration on July 27 at the office in Chatham, where Chuck Bartolo, principal broker, announced that the agency had won the “Best Realtor” in Columbia County for 2017. The Best of Columbia County Awards are an annual contest where county residents can vote for their favorite local businesses in more than 90 categories. This is the second year the agency has won this prestigious award.

Bartolo wanted to hold a celebration thanking the agents for all of their hard work. He was quoted as saying, “It is our mission to work hard each day to maintain our reputation as an honest, trustworthy and professional organization for all our many customers and clients.”

Rossman joins Red Apple Realty Inc. Red Apple Realty Inc. announces that Jenna Rossman has joined the team.

Rossman is from Craryville and has never wanted to live anywhere else. Customer service is in her blood and where she has spent the majority of her working years. Rossman waitressed for the Swiss Hutte for almost 10 years and loved it, selling people great food, and more importantly, building relationships with her customers that lasts through present day has been most rewarding. She enjoys being a part of people’s lives and is looking forward to ‘serving’ the public in a different way now.

“Buying or selling a home is a very personal and emotional experience. If an agent does their job right, they will not just work with you once, but for a lifetime.” Rossman also states, “I know that with the experience and individual talents of all the Red Apple Family members, I will do this job right.”

Jenna Rossman.

Contributed photo

Rossman graduated from Taconic Hills in 2004 and achieved her bachelor’s degree from Ashford University in her pursuit of teaching. She married

a fellow local in 2011 and now, seven years later, they have two children and a Saint Bernard. Recently, her career as “stay at home Mom” for the past eight has been very rewarding, but her interest in real estate continued to grow. Drawn to the character of older homes that are common in the area and coupled with her customer service skills, she met with Barbara Robinson and Bob Weinman, co-owners of Red Apple Realty to discuss a new career. “We sold our first home with Barb and she was, and is, inspiring. Her hard work and dedication is something to be admired, and it gave me the fire to want to know more about this business.

Now, I am hooked and ready to assist others with great enthusiasm.”

Rossman studied at the Real Estate School at Manfred in Albany. “My family is a huge part of my life and if it wasn’t for their support and guidance, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today. Being a part of the Red Apple Family is something I am very excited and honored to be a part of. Hopefully, I can become part of your family!”

FALL 2017 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

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CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

Contents

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

FALL 2017

3 Sticky Notes 7 Business Profile

22

Srinivas Velesetty Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy

8 Columbia County

By F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO, Columbia Economic Development Corporation

9 Technology News 14 Economic Indicators 20 Greene County

Jeff Friedman, President/Executive Director, Greene County Chamber of Commerce

26 Business Profile

Columbia-Greene Community College

16

28 Smart Home Technology 30 Networking

ABOUT THE COVER

10 FEATURES

10 Back to basics

Questar lll teaches trade and life skills. The programs help high school students get a foot in the door to specified fields of work they may be interested in.

16 Customer Appreciation Day

Community celebrates 10 years of bustling business. Dozens turned out at Coeymans Landing in August to watch a historic, 8-million-pound generator leave port for New Jersey.

22 Putting farms on the map

Sustaining local farming in the digital age. The foundation recently partnered with tech giant Google to launch a campaign to “put farms on the map” — literally.

Questar III BOCES students learning skills in one of the several offered technical education programs.

(Photo contributed)

FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

5

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 Seckinger

Advertising Sales Manager Greg Appel

Advertising Representatives Laura Flemming Christopher Mandia 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 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. ©2017. 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 2017

Publisher’s letter The third quarter ColumbiaGreene Business Quarterly magazine you are reading focuses on the region’s education and technology.

In it, you’ll find features about: Questar lll BOCES students learning skills that will serve them as they advance to careers in trades.

We also have a story about the 10th anniversary of large and growing economic drivers in the region — the Port of Coeymans and Coeymans Industrial Park.

As much of the area’s history and economy is traced to the Hudson River, shipping has played a major role in its development. The operators of these facilities work hard to ensure this continues to be a reality of our economy.

Our story focusing on sustaining local farms in the digital age is an eyeopener. The amount of technology incorporated into providing food on our plates is enormous and growing.

In addition, you’ll find business profiles on the Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy and Columbia-Greene Community College. I can attest to their visionary leadership and commitment to our communities, knowing the leaders of these two organizations personally.

We strive to bring you a wide variety of locally based content regarding businesses in the region 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!

Mark Vinciguerra, Publisher Columbia-Greene Media

FOLLOW US ON

facebook.com/cgbusinessquarterly

BUSINESS PROFILE

Srinivas Velesetty Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy 159 Jefferson Heights | Catskill, NY, 12414

By Lori Anander | For Columbia-Greene Media

Exciting new changes If you haven’t been to Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy lately, now is a great time to stop by and check out the new additions and the ongoing great services offered.

Pharmacist and owner Srinivas Velesetty is pleased to announce that in addition to all that the pharmacy provides, there’s about to be a new cafe, right next door to the pharmacy on the first floor of the Greene Medical Arts building. And, in the near future, Greene Accounting and Tax Services will open shortly on site.

Velesetty, who left the world of corporate chain pharmacies and teaching to return to a much more personal customer service oriented side of the business, opened his own business in 2012.

Personal service

“I’ve worked in Minnesota, Michigan, New Mexico, New Jersey and New York,” he said. Holding a Masters in Pharmaceutics, Velesetty is justifiably proud of his connection to his customers and the fact that the Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy is much more than just a regular chain pharmacies.

Offering Durable Medical Equipment supplies (DMEs) and round-theclock services to nursing homes and Hospice, the store also offers a 10 percent discount on over-the-counter medications to senior citizens.

Customers come first

Perhaps most attractive, the pharmacy will pick up prescriptions and deliver medications to those who need them. Blister packs also help people who might lose track of when and what medications they’ve taken. “We do a large number of deliveries,” Velesetty said, “to both Columbia and Greene counties.” He added that the blister packs have been very successful, and many of the customers have said the blister packs help them have all of their medications time to time. “A lot of people really love them,” he said.

The new cafe, located right next door, will feature a completely new set-up from the one that was there several years ago. “Everything is new,” he said, adding that they’re looking at a grand opening in the next few weeks. One very exciting feature – fresh baked bread, which is sure to be very popular.

He also said Greene Accounting and Tax Services will open shortly with the feasible service charges for the convenience of the customers.

Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy | www.greenemedicalartsrx.com | 518-943-1715

FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

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BUSINESS

CEDC strives to strengthen workforce, education partnerships the lead economic development agency in A Workforce Education Committee of the CEDC Board of Directors the county, Columbia Economic Development Corporation’s has been created to address workforce development as a top priority in (CEDC) mission is to strengthen the area’s tax base through eco- the ongoing strategic plan and facilitate critical collaboration between nomic development and job creation, assist busithe public and private sectors. This committee is renesses in locating and expanding within the county sponsible for overseeing each of the workforce and and promoting the area as a premier place for both education objectives outlined in the plan, including business investment and personal opportunity. leveraging the county’s education to workforce pipeline, increasing the skilled workforce and identifyCEDC’s Strategic Plan identifies priorities strategies, ing options to address the county’s limited workforce and measurable initiatives that promote economic housing options. growth in four key areas: · Entrepreneurship & innovation CEDC Board of Directors Chairman Tony Jones was · Infrastructure appointed by the Columbia County Board of Super· Quality of life & sustainability visors to serve on the Columbia-Greene Workforce · Workforce development & education Development Board — Workforce development and education is an impora government-appointed board responsible for protant component of economic growth. The focus must viding leadership to the local workforce developbe on the overarching long-term objective to attract a ment system. Jones’ participation ensures CEDC is skilled, adaptable and inclusive workforce. Business- F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO, positioned as a driving force in this sector.

Economic Development es from all industries cite the skills gap as a signifi- Columbia Corporation This year, CEDC and the Columbia County Chamber cant obstacle to business expansion efforts. Bridging of Commerce partnered to develop a pilot program the gap requires public and private sector collaboration and new ways geared for incoming high school juniors. Designed to improve stuof thinking about education and workforce-readiness. dents’ preparation for postsecondary pathways, special emphasis was The 20th century education system needs to be revamped to match placed on ways to help those who traditionally face substantial barri21st century workforce needs. An increasingly technology-driven ers to successful transitions. The 2017 Junior Leadership Camp coneconomy requires more people to receive training to match job desisted of classroom training, guest speakers from the business commumands in emerging industries. nity and a business site visit. Curriculum focused on career awareness, The speed at which the labor market is currently changing means the soft skills and leadership development. Plans are in place to expand education and workforce development systems need to be nimble in the program offerings in 2018 and offer the opportunity to participate training and retraining people for high-growth occupations as they to more students. arise. No business can succeed without a skilled labor pool to hire CEDC partnered with the Hudson Development Corporation in defrom, and no economy can compete without innovative companies. veloping the city of Hudson’s winning Downtown Revitalization IniTo help further workforce development and education initiatives, tiative application, which proposed several new workforce training CEDC facilitates networking and collaboration among the county’s initiatives within the city. educational, business and government institutions to stimulate purThe purpose of strong economic development is to create good jobs poseful alignment of educational offerings and business needs. and a better quality of life for current and future generations.

CEDC’s key partners in workforce development include Columbia County school districts, Columbia-Greene Workforce Development Going forward, CEDC will continue to spearhead the conversation Board, Columbia-Greene Community College, Hudson Valley Com- among various stakeholders and develop new initiatives to grow Comunity College, Questar III BOCES, Tech Valley High School, Co- lumbia County’s economy and ensure educational opportunities are lumbia County Chamber of Commerce and several businesses sectors available for residents to learn the skills to succeed in the 21st century including manufacturing, health care, biotech, IT, arts and tourism. job market.

As

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CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

Technology News:

FIRST ‘NET-ZERO’ SCHOOL SETS A FINE EXAMPLE

Energy-efficient construction is celebrating one more milestone. It is now possible to build a facility – perhaps even a home – that is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.

Demonstrating this is the opening last year of the Richardsville Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the first net-zero school in the United States. This achievement includes features like solar power and an innovative concrete wall system. To date, the entire building has achieved efficiencies beyond all expectations.

“Richardsville Elementary was built at costs comparable to other conventional schools in Kentucky,” says principal architect Kenny Stanfield at the Louisville location of Sherman, Carter, Barnhart Architects, the lead firm on the project. “And yet, it has lower operating costs than comparable schools; in fact, it has no energy costs. This school began saving dollars on its first day of operation.”

Here are a few of the net-zero design components of Richardsville Elementary: n A ROOF designed with 40,000 solar panels that convert solar power to electricity and deliver clean, renewable energy back to the community grid. n GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING for environmentally responsible efficiency.

“Richardsville Elementary was built at costs comparable to other conventional schools in Kentucky. And yet, it has lower operating costs than comparable schools; in fact, it has no energy costs. This school began saving dollars on its first day of operation.”

— KENNY STANFIELD, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT AT THE lOUISVILLE LOCATION OF SHERMAN, CARTER, BERNHART ARCHITECTS

One of the suppliers also explained that any construction project today can aim at net-zero, but to do it costefficiently, the building envelope must deliver maximum insulation. The walls of Richardsville, therefore, are built with a technology known as ‘insulated concrete forms’ (ICFs), a system that replaces the traditional building methods.

“This school sets a standard that can be applied to homebuilding too,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, supplier of the ICFs. “If, at the outset, all building decisions are made carefully regarding the walls, windows, roofing, water management, ventilation and indoor climate control, you are well on your way to completely offsetting energy consumption -- and big operating costs.”

n WALLS OF CONCRETE. The Nudura system (nudura.com) is comprised of stay-in-place, pre-assembled blocks, steel reinforced, and then filled with concrete. It replaces traditional building methods. The durability and energy efficiency of concrete has shown to reduce energy costs up to 70 percent. Better still, the entire structure (www.nudura. com) is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection and with far more sound insulation.

n VENTILATION includes a CO2 monitoring system to keep good air quality indoors and allow no more outdoor air than necessary. n POSITIONING IS NORTH-SOUTH allowing for effective day lighting (without glare) so that all artificial lighting can be off during 70 percent of school hours. n COMPUTERS ARE WIRELESS. Five carts, each loaded with 30 laptops, save energy as well as the wiring and construction of a dedicated computer lab. Laptops use a fraction of the energy used to run a typical desktop computer.

FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

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CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

Back to basics:

QUESTAR III TEACHES &

TRADE LIFE SKILLS Contributed photos

Questar III BOCES students learning skills in one of the several offered technical education programs.

FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

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COVER STORY

S

By Anthony Fiducia | Columbia-Greene Media

grade.

tudents at Columbia-Greene Community College have the opportunity to pursue careers in local businesses beyond the average liberal arts degree.

The college offers several technical education programs through Questar III BOCES, which has an educational center in Hudson, off Route 66, that serves both Columbia and Greene counties.

In order for students to receive college credits for the courses they take at Questar III BOCES, they must meet certain criteria, such as grades or exam scores, to articulate into college credits, Doerfer said. The student must also get accepted by the local community college.

The programs help high school students get a foot in the door to specified fields of work they may be interested in. Information technology, auto technology, cosmetology and criminal justice are the four CTE programs available at C-GCC.

Faculty in specific programs review the program curriculum at Questar III BOCES and speak with instructors there to determine how the course translates into possible college credits and set up the criteria students have to meet to receive them, Doerfer said.

“Particularly, criminal justice and computer science seem to be most popular,” she said.

Questar III BOCES and the college have an “articulation agreement” — a formal pact in which both institutions document the transfer policies for a specific academic program or degree in general.

Columbia-Greene Community College is always trying to implement programs into its curriculum that can work with Questar III BOCES, said College President James Campion.

“It’s very important for us to work with Questar,” said Carol Doerfer, assistant dean of academic affairs. “It offers students in both counties an opportunity to translate those classes into college credit.

“Another one we’re looking at is construction technology,” he said. “At this point, the college has not received approval necessary to begin the program. We’re excited about that program.”

“That’s important for us to maintain — students to get a head-start into a certain program of interest.”

The classes are available to high school students in the 11th and 12th

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CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

At Questar III BOCES, the number of college credits students can earn vary depending on the program they choose to take courses. For the local community college, in criminal justice, students can earn nine college

credits; auto, four credits; computer science, nine credits; and in cosmetology, students can earn three credits toward a business elective.

The teachers at Questar III BOCES have industry experience, but also teach technical aspects, Communications Director Dan Sherman said.

“For example, a criminal justice teacher would have experience in law enforcement,” he said. “It gives students a chance to see if this is something for them.”

When a student has finished the program, they will have the skills and knowledge to begin working in the trade right away, Sherman said. Some students choose to go right to work, but others decide to continue their education in college.

“It varies greatly,” Sherman said, adding some students open their own business, including a recent cosmetology student who opened one in Valatie.

Articulation credits have many benefits, said Career and Technical Education Director Danielle Bouton-Wales.

“It’s an excellent way for students to not only get skills, content knowledge and training in that career, but to get that experience without a college bill to see if it’s a field they really want to go in,” Bouton-Wales said. “It makes 11th and 12th grade more relevant to them.”

Students earn academic credits they need for their high school diploma while studying in their desired career field.

In addition to being mentored by industry professionals, 12th-grade students have the privilege of doing internships.

“They get an intensive 30 to 40 hours of internship experience,” Bouton-Wales said.

Kevin Haberland attended Questar III BOCES and, today, owns his own construction business.

Haberland, 29, of Stuyvesant went to Ichabod Crane High School and studied construction at Questar.

Students at Columbia-Greene Community College have the opportunity to pursue careers in local businesses beyond the average liberal arts degree.

The programs help high school students get a foot in the door to specified fields of work they may be interested in. Information technology, auto technology, cosmetology and criminal justice are the four CTE programs available at C-GCC.

“All around, it’s a great benefit,” he said. “Even if you don’t pursue a career [in that trade] — you still learn the skills.”

Questar III BOCES doesn’t just offer trade and educational skills, the instructors there teach life skills as well, Haberland said.

“It helps you be independent,” he said. “It teaches you to think ahead — to pay attention to detail and time management.”

Haberland attended Hudson Valley Community College after Questar for construction project managing and stays connected with Questar by assistant teaching at the Hudson facility.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s awesome to teach these kids some useful skills that can help them throughout their life — it’s pretty rewarding.”

Haberland strongly believes in the importance of teaching trades, but believes they’re starting to become lost. He completed his program 11 years ago.

With a business of his own and a family with two children, Haberland offered advice for potential Questar III BOCES students: “Pay attention, soak it in,” he said. “This stuff will matter.”

FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

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EcONOmic iNDicatOrS – FOr c ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

Average Upstate New York price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

5.8%

Real estate Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors single-family home sales

Temporary Assistance 304 cases, 544 individuals Medicaid 3,515 cases, 3,723 individuals Number of Cases Food Stamps 2,856 cases, 4,827 individuals

-11.9%

8.1%

121, median price $242,500 in June 2017 106, median price $230,000 in July 2017 119, median price $219,000 in July 2016 Source: Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors Inc.

*Note: Most of the Medicaid caseload has been transitioned to the state, thus, not a real decrease in the area Source: Greene County Department of Social Services

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Average New York surrogate price for on-highway diesel

-10.9% Sales

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.

5% Price

dollaR eXchange

Rvw BRidge

6.8%

2%

Source: NYS Department of Labor

July 2017

Average Middle Hudson Region price for gallon of residential propane

$2.70 in June 2017 $2.68 in July 2017 $2.51 in July 2016

15,700 in June 2017 15,500 in July 2017 15,200 in July 2016

Temporary Assistance 310 cases, 576 individuals Medicaid 3,558 cases, 3,840 individuals Food Stamps 2,872 cases, 4,903 individuals

1.8%

0%

Nonagriculture jobs in Greene County, not including military positions

June 2017

Average Upper Hudson Valley price for gallon of home heating oil

$2.41 in June 2017 $2.41 in July 2017 $2.23 in July 2016

22,500 in June 2017 22,500 in July 2017 22,500 in July 2016

Temporary Assistance 352 cases, 648 individuals Medicaid 4,811 cases, 6,429 individuals Food Stamps 3,087 cases, 5,312 individuals

eneRgy

$2.41 in June 2017 $2.38 in July 2017 $2.25 in July 2016

Nonagriculture jobs in Columbia County, not including military positions

Open welfare cases in Greene County June 2016

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

$2.37 in June 2017 $2.32 in July 2017 $2.28 in July 2016

JoBs

pUBlic assistance

Vehicles crossing the Rip Van Winkle Bridge

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

523,026 In June 2017 547,462 in July 2017 537,378 in July 2016

$1.33 in June 2017 $1.27 in July 2017 $1.30 in July 2016

2.9%

2.3%

Source: Bank of Canada

Source: New York State Bridge Authority

ny Unemployment Rates

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

4.6% July 2017

5.1%

4.5% June 2017

July 2016

5% July 2016

4.5% June 2017

4.9%

4.7% July 2016

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

14 |

United States

July 2017

4.9%

New York State

July 2017

3.6% July 2016

4.6%

3.6% July 2017

Greene County

June 2017

3.5% June 2017

Columbia County

COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

DBAs (doing business under an assumed name) DBA certificates filed Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 2017.

Aug. 1:

E. Gambino, 57 Hickory Hollow Drive, Palenville

Chi to Import Export, 12079 Route 9W, West Coxsackie; Hotalou J. Goldberg, 35 Cole Lane West Coxsackie n The Duplex At 511, 511 Warren St., Hudson; CND Properties LLC n Third Ward Hudson, 426 Warren St., Hudson; Nathaniel Brooks

n Elite Lawn Service, 1803 Route 9, Germantown; Travis L. Sterritt, 1803 Route 9, Germantown

Aug. 2:

Aug. 18:

n

North Dynamic Systems, 147B Parker Hill Road, Niverville; Seth A. Rinto

n

Aug. 3:

n Custom Print, 20 Columbia St., Hudson; Nur Hossain n Vital Being, 6648 Chester Ave., Stottville; Ellen Boyce

Aug. 4:

n Purdy Damn Good, 1299 Jackson Corners Road, Red Hook; Karyn Purdy, 1299 Jackson Corners Road, Red Hook

Aug. 7:

n Festy Threads, 126 Route 39, Round Top; Stephanie Aprea, 126 Route 39 Round Top n M&M Auto Services, 3742 County Route 21, Schodack Landing; Michael Steven Miller

Aug. 9:

9Round Catskill, 210 W. Bridge St., Catskill; Clark McKinnon, 51B N. St., Catskill n Metal Art by Jinkx, 174 Flinn Road, Cornwallville; Jeremy T. Uhll, 174 Flinn Road, Cornwallville n

Aug. 10:

Medusa’s Garden, 2896 Old King’s Road, Catskill; Patricia Giordano, 2896 Old King’s Road, Catskill n A House at a Time Cleaning Service, 739 Union St., Hudson; Pamela J. Murdie, 739 Union St., Hudson n Chris Freeman Studio, 530 Columbia St., Hudson; Chris Freeman, 530 Columbia St., Hudson n

Aug. 11:

n Columns Condominium Board of Managers, 394 State Route 296, Hensonville; Jay Kallman, 398 State Route 296, Hensonville n Bullseye Sportsman Center, 50 Maple Ave., Acra; Doris Gottlieb, 117 Gypsy Point Road, Catskill

Aug. 14:

n TJH Electric, 252 Half Moon Drive, Cairo; Timothy J. Hoovler, 252 Half

Moon Drive, Cairo T&C Designs, 252 Half Moon Drive, Cairo; Timothy J. Hoovler, 252 Half Moon Drive, Cairo n Karyn Quilts, 86 Center St., Chatham; Karyn Dornemann, 86 Center St., Chatham n

Aug. 15:

Stella’s Pizzeria II, 65 Water St., Athens; Misael Urrutia, 39 Columbia Ave., Philmont n Amely Taxi, 334 State St., Hudson; Dohnson LaPointe, 334 State St., Hudson n

Aug. 16:

n The Character Closet, 57 Hickory Hollow Drive, Palenville; Courtney

Aug. 17:

Lou’s Tree Service, 240 Five Mile Woods Road, Catskill; Louis A. Vespucci, 240 Five Mile Woods Road, Catskill n West New York Properties, 160 Fairview Ave. Suite 812 No. 182, Hudson; Lee Bradshaw, 41 N. Second St. No. 910, Hudson n

Aug. 22:

n Marybeth’s Monograms & More, 540 Joslen Blvd. Apt. 213, Hudson; Marybeth Diego, 540 Joslen Blvd. Apt. 213, Hudson

Aug. 23:

Tin Can Juicery, 434 Warren St. Apt. 4, Hudson; Kelly Leonardo, 434 Warren St. Apt. 4, Hudson n Pink Ribbon Massage Therapy, 7 Regal Road, Stuyvesant; Karen Elting, 7 Regal Road, Stuyvesant n

Aug. 24:

n W A Construction, 330 Lake Mills Road, Freehold; Anson Pierce, 330 Lake Mills Road, Freehold n Nick Paints, 253 Huntersfield Road, Prattsville; Nickolas Smith, 253 Huntersfield Road, Prattsville n Deke’s Heating & Cooling, 2060 State Route 82, Ancram; David A. Handlowich Jr., 2060 State Route 82, Ancram n PHR, 2060 State Route 82, Ancram; David A. Handlowich Jr., 2060 State Route 82, Ancram n Hudson Auto Sales, 363 Fairview Ave., Hudson; Manuel J. Plaza, 319 State. St., Hudson n Hudson Valley Herbal Homestead, 74 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson; Nicole M. Burdick Schmitt, 74 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson

Aug. 25:

All Season Home Cleaning and Auto Detailing 3085 Sleepy Hollow Road, Athens; Coree Ward, 464 Route 45, Earlton n Elizabeth Bucci NYS Licensed Aesthetician, 396 State Route B, Hudson; Elizabeth Bucci, 29 Fabiano Blvd., Hudson n Pookystudio, 13 Jenkins Parkway, Hudson; PookyMedia LLC and Verona, 13 Jenkins Parkway, Hudson n

Aug. 28:

Boydsong, 1-3 Main St., Third Floor, Hudson; Amanda Boyd, 181 State Farm Road, Valatie n Rose Ridge Farm, 175 Cemetery Road, Germantown; Christie Hegarty, 175 Cemetery Road, Germantown n

Aug. 29:

n Hidalgo Landscaping, 15 Union St., Athens; Alfredo Martinez Chavez,

15 Union St., Athens

n Mill at Green Hole, 2136 County Route 11, Hillsdale; Stephen F. Form-

el, 2136 County Route 11, Hillsdale

n Fab Home and Beauty, 26 Middle Road, Hudson; April Marie Fabiano,

26 Middle Road, Hudson

Aug. 31:

n What the Fluff, 99 Justy Drive, Palenville; Jessica Benjamin, 99 Justy Drive, Palenville

FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

15

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES

10 YEARS OF BUSTLIN

Port, industrial park host Cus

Dozens turned out at Coeymans Landing in August to watch a historic, 8-million-poun The port is also the site where the replacement for the Tappan Zee Bridge Tourgoers expressed admiration for the bustling activity at b One said she was happy the site is being used for its current purpose and not the location

Components of the 8-million pound generator that wa

16 |

CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

FEATURE

NG BUSINESS

ustomer Appreciation Day

By Melanie Lekocevic Columbia-Greene Media

O trial park.

nce home to businesses as varied as a mushroom factory and a brickyard, the spaces near the river are now a bustling port and indus-

The community turned out Aug. 20 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of both the Port of Coeymans and the Coeymans Industrial Park.

“We would like to thank the local community and its residents for their support over the past 10 years, as the Port of Coeymans and the Coeymans Industrial Park have matured and developed, bringing hundreds of new jobs and business opportunities to the region,” owner Carver Laraway said. “We look forward to building upon this relationship and continuing to be a good neighbor.”

Hosted by Carver Companies, which owns both sites, the Customer Appreciation Day included tours of the sites — by both bus and hayride — food, children’s activities, music and more.

“We want the community to know we appreciate their support,” said Jan Laraway. “They encourage us, support us, watch our growth and we feel they are very warm and accepting of us as a business.”

The industrial park and port are home to several businesses, and the port is involved in shipping products worldwide. Since opening 10 years ago, both sites have employed hundreds of workers.

“We are 60 percent union, 40 percent nonunion — about 450 people working here total — with 20 different companies that we serve,” Carver Laraway said. “We have eight tugboats and about 40 barges.”

The company continues to invest in its resources. According to Matthew Hofmann, vice president of Coeymans Marine Towing, the company recently purchased two new cranes — at a price tag of around $2 million apiece.

pound generator leave port for New Jersey. dge in Tarrytown is being built. at both facilities. ation of a trash dump that was once proposed.

Hofmann took guests on a hayride tour of both the port and the industrial park, pointing out sites of interest along the way, such as an enormous vessel that is shipping stone to Hunts Point in the Bronx, one of the largest food distribution facilities in the world.

“The port ships a lot of stone down to New York City — a lot of it comes from local quarries,” Hofmann said as he pointed to a ship.

Melanie Lekocevic/Columbia-Greene Media

hat was shipped to New Jersey in August. Plans are in the works to assemble a second generator for the same power plant.

The port was also the site of the recent assembly and shipment of an 8-million-pound generator that was sailed downriver on a barge to FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

17

a power plant in New Jersey. One tour guest asked why it wasn’t built onsite instead.

ties. One said she was happy the site is being used for its current purpose — and not the location of a trash dump that was once proposed.

“The issue was labor, and they didn’t “We would like to thank the local commu“I am in awe at the fact that this is not have the space to build it,” Hofmann nity and its residents for their support over the dump they wanted to put here years said. “They shipped all the components here and then assembled it here.” the past 10 years, as the Port of Coeymans ago,” said Judy Jeune. “It’s a clean and the Coeymans Industrial Park have ma- business, a good business that brings a Dozens turned out at Coeymans Landto our town. We should encourage tured and developed, bringing hundreds of lot ing in August to watch the generator Mr. Laraway and others to bring more slowly make its way toward its destinew jobs and business opportunities to the businesses like this to our community.” nation. region. We look forward to building upon Carver Laraway said the addition of the Hofmann said a second similar generathis relationship and continuing to be a good port and industrial park in the commutor is expected to begin assembly at the neighbor.” nity has meant new jobs for people who Port of Coeymans in the next couple of needed them.

— CARVER LARAWAY, OWNER months.

“This puts a lot of people back to work The port is also the site where the re— a lot of blue collar work has been placement for the Tappan Zee Bridge in Tarrytown is being built. lost in this area, and we mostly employee blue collar workers,” Laraway Tourgoers expressed admiration for the bustling activity at both facili- said.

18 |

CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

Melanie Lekocevic/Columbia-Greene Media

Above, visitors line up to board a bus for a tour of the facilities during the customer appreciation event.

Right top, guests enjoy a hay ride that will take them for a tour of the port and industrial park.

Right middle, a ship at the Port of Coeymans where scrap is being loaded before being transported down the river.

Right bottom, visitors gather information during the 10-year anniversary open house at the Port of Coeymans and Coeymans Industrial Park on Aug. 20.

FALL 2017 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

19

BUSINESS

The importance of eating and drinking local

ebrates and promotes the fine beverages the area produces and also your neighbors is the hottest culinary trend in the country today. serves to promote all of the fine food options available along the way.

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce and the Catskills BeverGreene County and the entire region as a whole have age Trail have come together to celebrate these great experienced an explosion of growth in locally sourced foods and beverages with the presentation of the upand produced foods and craft beverages. This growth coming Catskills Beverage Trail Festival on Nov. 4 in a segment of our agriculture industry has helped to at Windham Mountain Resort. This event will celexpand the local economy and attract new entrepreebrate the specially crafted beverages and foods our neurs and opportunities for success in our area. region boasts.

Locally grown produce and locally raised foods are The economic contribution of these entrepreneurs now available nearly everywhere in the area. From and their products cannot be understated. They use the everyday products we are accustomed to eating the latest technology and lots of old-school techto new and more exotic items, we now have local niques in creating their products and thus, generate choices that weren’t available a short time ago. new business for local craftsmen and suppliers.

This availability comes with the added benefit of disTheir production generates jobs for our communities covering and enjoying new and innovative foods that, to help create these culinary masterpieces. Lastly, in the past, only real gourmets and foodies had acthese products draw visitors to our area who come cess to. From exotic potatoes to new twists on sauces, marinades, jams, pickles, cheeses and so much more, Jeff Friedman, President/Executive to explore and discover the wonders of what our area Greene County Chamber of creates. our local producers are opening up a new world of Director, Commerce tastes and pleasures to our communities.

These are truly special people who make very exThis innovation doesn’t stop at just food. Greene County now boasts traordinary products we can all be proud of. These products are often a wide variety of breweries as well as wineries. More and more en- described as being artisanal. The ideas, creativity and love that goes trepreneurs are exploring opening distilleries and cideries in the area, into these locally produced edibles truly make them works of art. too.

Be sure to explore the bounty of wonderful food and drink offered in The quality of the finely crafted local beer, wine, whiskey or cider is your backyard. You will be supporting a neighbor’s business and even on a par with any glass of these drinks you can find anywhere. The more likely, you will be treated to some of the best tastes you have artistry and craftsmanship of our local beverage producers is awe- ever experienced. inspiring and can be tasted in every sip of these creative products.

For more information on the Catskills Beverage Trail Festival, visit Greene County now boasts the Catskills Beverage Trail, which cel- catskillstrailfestival.com.

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FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

21

SUSTAINING

LOCAL FARMING

IN THE DIGITAL AGE

T

22

By Kate Seckinger | Columbia-Greene Media

PUTTING FARMS ON THE MAP

echnology has changed the way we do business, think and communicate. It has changed the way we live, including something we do to survive: Eat. Food has become modeled after society’s need for convenience. Technology inspired the demand for ease and speed, but is also being used to sustain local agriculture.

FarmOn! Foundation — a nonprofit based out of the historic, 200acre Empire Farm in Copake — is dedicated to preserving family farming in the United States and inspiring youth to pursue successful careers in agriculture.

The foundation recently partnered with tech giant Google to launch a campaign to “put farms on the map” — literally.

It started when Tessa Edick, the founder and executive director of FarmOn! at Empire Farm, had an idea.

“You can go on Google [Maps] and get a hotel or restaurant... why can’t you go on there and find out where your food comes from?”

Edick said. “I said [to Google], ‘Why can’t you help me put farms on the map and help me bring awareness so people can nominate the real stars in their food?’”

And that’s exactly what Google decided to do.

Google Maps, a mobile and desktop app powered by the leading search engine, provides real-time GPS navigation, traffic information, details about millions of places and more, according to the website.

| CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

Over 1 billion monthly users visit Google Maps and put in keywords like “gas” or “hotel” to get an endless list of local results. FarmOn! and Google are working together so the same limitless possibilities will appear when a user types in “farm.”

“Buying fresh food not only provides better nutrition, but will jump-start local economic development. Every dollar spent at family farms will multiply.”

— TESSA EDICK, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FARMON! AT EMPIRE FARM

The technological boost for family farms will increase where people can get local, fresh food, Edick said, adding she hopes it will encourage them to skip the supermarket.

“FarmOn! Foundation is putting farm stands or markets, or anywhere

FEATURE

Contributed photos

Left, Dr. Sam Simon, founder of Hudson Valley Fresh, with the heifers at Plankenhorn Farm in August.

Above, FarmOn! Foundation at Empire Farm invites youth and the community to experience the business of good on an organic, working 220-acre farm in Copake.

Below, Vanessa Bazalgette, of Google Farm to Table Chapter, launches FarmOn! #STARMER campaign at Empire Farm’s annual HOOT! event July 29.

you can go buy your food from, on the map with Google,” Edick said. “It will [provide] awareness for which farms sell what food when.

“Family farms are going to be extinct if we don’t start spending our dollars there,” she continued. “When I put ‘farm’ in Google Maps and 10 slots [results] come up, I know there’s 10,000... In 5 miles [in Copake], we have 50 family farms.”

Buying fresh food not only provides better nutrition, but will jump-start local economic development, Edick said. Every dollar spent at family farms will multiply.

“That creates jobs, that creates commerce, which creates tax revenue and creates better opportunities,” she said. “That’s how you prolong succession in farming... the goal is, if we can have some success bringing awareness to where you spend money on food, we can rebuild local economies in rural America.”

FarmOn!’s partnership with Google sheds a light on the importance of technology and farming. The news was announced at the foundation’s seventh annual Hootenanny farm-fresh dinner July 29.

Two workshops will be held this fall for farmers to learn how Google can help bring commerce to their business. The first will be held at Google in New York City on Oct. 19, and the other will be held Nov. 4 at Empire Farm in Copake.

Even if you aren’t a farmer, you can help by recognizing the stars of your food, or the “starmers” in your area, to get them on the map, Edick said.

“Go into Google and sign up your favorite farm or farm camp,” she said. “If we start here and get people to put the farms on the map and celebrate our farmers, or our ‘starmers,’ we can move it across the country state by state. We can go global.”

FALL 2017 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

23

what you sell listed as a place to visit on the map,’” Edick said.

Google started the Put Farms on the Map campaign by aggregating a list of 300 farms in the state Edick compiled to be placed on the map. After Google verifies the farm’s location and desire to be involved, it will be placed on Google Maps.

It doesn’t cost the farmer a penny.

“If I buy my food local, it tastes better, it’s cheaper, it’s fresher, it’s more nutritious and I help someone — just by eating,” Edick said. “Why wouldn’t I do that?

“Take action and get involved with nominating your farmer so we know what your favorites are and we can start supporting them.”

For more information about nominating “starmers” and bringing business to local agriculture, visit farmonfoundation.org.

FROM COW TO CONSUMER IN RECORD TIME Technology can help people find the best food options available, but also helps cut down on the time it takes to produce and sell a product.

Hudson Valley Fresh, a company made up of 10 dairy farmers located in Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties, produces a variety of premium-quality dairy products including heavy cream, yogurt and ice cream. The company is best known for its efficiency and speed of producing superior-quality milk.

Since 2005, owners and farmers with Hudson Valley Fresh have made a name for themselves by getting supreme-quality milk to the consumer within 36 hours.

Cows are milked early in the morning and the milk is shipped to the processing plant where it arrives a few hours later and is bottled the same day.

“It’s pretty simple,” said Jerry Simonetty, managing partner with Hudson Valley Fresh. “We have an agreement with our trucking company - they pick the milk up every day at our farm and we have a dedicated logistics process. On a daily basis, we know how much the cows are producing and how much we need for consumption.”

Of the 10 dairy farmers that make up Hudson Valley Fresh, five are located in Dutchess County, one in Ulster and four in Columbia County. The farmers in Columbia County include: Walt’s Dairy LLC in Copake, Tollgate Farm in Ancramdale, Triple Creek Farm in Taghkanic and Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing.

“If you buy commercial milk off the shelves in the grocery store, like Hood or Garelick, the amount of Contributed photos Thea Varvatos, 9, is a lover of food, farming and animals because of frequent farm visits and experiences at time from when the cow is milked to when it gets to you is five or six, maybe eight days,” Simonetty said.

Empire Farm in Copake.

Hudson Valley Fresh has a dedicated tanker that reTHE WAY IT WORKS ports the milk and is picked up at the farms every morning to be transTo nominate a farm to be put on Google Maps, visit farmonfoundation. ported to the company’s processing plant, Boice Brothers Dairy in org and submit the address and appropriate contact information.

Kingston. The farms are within 30 miles of the plant, which allows for “Google will then contact the farm saying, ‘Someone has cared about fast transport. you as a starmer, and we’re going to help get your photos, your hours and Hudson Valley Fresh has automatic equipment, Simonetty explained, 24 |

CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

adding the tanker comes in loads with the stainless steel silo.

“It’s like a huge thermos and is automatically piped to a bottling line,” Simonetty said of the process at the factory.

The empty bottles are filled up before going to a large cooler where they are assigned various trucks for distribution in the mid-Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Hudson Valley Fresh’s business has expanded over the last 12 years from 300 cases of milk produced per week in 2009 to 7,000 cases a week today, Simonetty said.

Even so, the company’s mission is to protect local family farms and keep them in business. When Hudson Valley Fresh milk is purchased, the proceeds go directly to the family farms.

“We’re in a New York metropolitan market, so there’s a big demand for fresh, local high-quality food,” Simonetty said. “People in the Hudson Valley area will pay a little bit more for it.”

QUALITY ABOVE THE REST

Simon said.

The milk is also 3.9 percent butterfat, which provides a richer taste, according to hudsonvalleyfresh.com.

The quality of Hudson Valley Fresh’s milk comes from attention to detail, Simon said, from superior cleanliness of the farms and plant, which leads to healthier cows, udders and better milk.

Hudson Valley Fresh farms maintain low-stress environments with the help of technology, including fans in the summer to keep barns cool, good air circulation in the winter, a balanced diet of alfalfa, oats, barley, soybeans, corn silage and lots of hay and exercise, comfortable bedding for the heifers and more.

“The farms have computers that track the milking and production of the cow,” Simon said, adding the cows have chips in their ears to monitor them and their exercise.

Technology has changed the way we do business, think and communicate. It has changed the way we live, including something we do to survive: EAT.

Dr. Sam Simon, of Plankenhorn Farms, is the founder of Hudson Valley Fresh and brainchild behind its quality products, efficient process and success.

The machines at the company’s factory are stainless steel with an enclosed system like at other dairy plants, but the difference is the capacity of efficiency, Simon said.

Hudson Valley Fresh’s milk is delivered and processed at a rapid pace, but its quality is what truly makes it stand out. Hudson Valley Fresh cows are sampled twice a month for their somatic cell count as part of a national registry.

Quality milk is measured as having under 200,000 somatic cells per milliliter, which is similar to the white blood cell count in humans that measures stress and infection, Simon said.

“A cow’s milk is a reflection of their circulatory system,” Simon said.

“It’s medical, so we know immediately if the cow is under stress for whatever reason. Cows that are not under stress produce more omega 3, better-tasting quality milk.”

Hudson Valley Fresh milk has an average range of 45,000 to 160,000 somatic cells per milliliter, which is unheard of in the dairy industry,

Hudson Valley Fresh’s success has grown over the years, but the process to get the highest quality milk from the cow to the consumer in less than two days has remained the same.

Three million pounds of milk go through the plant and 1 million units of different milk products are produced by Hudson Valley Fresh each month.

“I call it magic,” Simon said. “...The purpose was how can you demand a better price for your finished product. All milk’s not created equal. You can’t fake it. There are very good salesmen out there selling a package, we’re selling what’s in a bottle. That’s what’s unique.”

In Columbia County, Hudson Valley Fresh dairy products are sold at Hannaford Supermarket, Kinderhook; Hannaford Supermarket, Livingston; Samascott Garden Market, Chatham; Bruno’s, Hudson; Cross Roads Food Shop, Hillsdale; Otto’s Market, Germantown; Church St. Deli, Copake; Copake Front Porch Market, Copake; and Herondale Farm, Ancramdale.

Hudson Valley Fresh milk is also served at Ichabod Crane and Taconic Hills central school districts.

For more information about Hudson Valley Fresh products and where to find them, visit hudsonvalleyfresh.com.

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FALL 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Columbia-Greene Community College

4400 NY-23 | Hudson, NY 12534

By Lori Anander | For Columbia-Greene Media

ONE OF thE BESt

While New York State has no shortage of institutions of higher learning, it may come as a pleasant surprise to many that one of the best in the nation – not just the state – is right here in our own backyard.

Personal finance research and review company WalletHub, located in Washington, D.C., has determined that Columbia-Greene Community College achieved the rank of 27 out of a field of 728 colleges in the nation, and is second in New York state.

Using a variety of means to evaluate each school, including costs and education outcomes, WalletHub collected information for the National Center for Education Statistics, as well as the Council for Community and Economic Research and College Measures.

OPPOrtUNitY aND SUccESS

Calling it proof of the college’s longstanding mission to provide programs and services most needed by the surrounding communities, C-GCC President James R. Campion said the college has always been focused on student opportunity and success.

“This ranking is great news for us, because it proves on many levels that we are achieving our goals. At the same time, it offers us some actionable data points to make further improvements to the campus and its programs,” he said.

artS, SciENcE, aPPLiED SciENcE, aND OccUPatiONaL StUDiES

C-GCC is a comprehensive two-year college offering a variety of transfer and career programs leading to associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and Occupational Studies. There are also one-year certificate programs and both credit- and noncredit courses geared toward community interest.

Approximately 80 percent of entering students receive some form of financial aid, and those who transfer from C-GCC to a fouryear college save up to 40 percent on the overall cost-per-year of their education.

Columbia-Greene Community College | www.sunycgcc.edu | 518-828-4181 26 |

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

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What is a smart home?

Refrigerators that inform their owners when it’s time to buy more eggs and thermostats that learn homeowners’ heating and cooling preferences may once have seemed like futuristic ideas straight out of a sci-fi movie. However, such products are no longer a dream but a reality.

The term ‘smart home’ refers to a residence that has appliances, HVAC, lighting, entertainment systems, security, and many more devices that communicate with one another. Such devices can be controlled remotely, according to SmartHomeUSA, an automation product retailer. Proponents of smart home technology say features can help people save money on utilities and conserve natural resources, all the while providing peace of mind to homeowners.

testing the waters may want to start with the following household items.

n SMART BULBS: Manufacturers offer various types of smart light bulbs. Some are color-changing, others react to doorbells or alarms, and others can simulate typical lighting patterns when homeowners are away. Integrated apps enable remote access to scheduling so people can arrive home to a well-lit house.

In 2016, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide. That marks a 64-percent increase from 2015, according to the research data firm IHS Markit. The smart home trend is only expected to grow in coming years.

In 2016, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide. That marks a 64 -percent increase from 2015, according to the research data firm IHS Markit. The smart home trend is only expected to grow in coming years.

Although there’s interest in smart home technology, the industry remains fragmented. Consumers are trying to figure out which devices are simply fun and which provide practical benefits. Furthermore, the range of smart devices is expanding rapidly, making potential compatability issues a concern. Companies that plan to educate consumers further about the advantages of smart home features and are open to standardization may have the best chances of survival.

Those interested in dabbling in some smart home technology and 28 |

CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

while out with smart cameras.

n HOME SECURITY: WiFi enabled doorbells with video capabilities allow residents to see who is at the door without having to open it. Cameras can even be accessed remotely, simulating that someone is at home at all times. Never wonder if youÕve locked the door again with smart locks that can be engaged via a smartphone.

Make sure that homes are secured or that pets are behaving

n FLOOD SENSOR: Get peace of mind against damaging floods with Wi-Fi flood sensors. n APPLIANCES: A new breed of smart appliances can make it possible for users to turn on the washing machine while out of the house, close refrigerator doors from afar or even start their vacuum cleaners remotely.

Smart technology is taking over and is likely to continue changing the way people live and work.

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NETWORKING

Flach Gymnastics opens in a new location Contributed photo

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon -cutting ceremony for Flach Gymnastics to celebrate their relocation and the grand opening of their brand new 7,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility, located at 488 Joslen Blvd. in Greenport. Pictured with scissors is Owner/Director Jamie Flach who is joined by her husband Mark, family, friends, Greenport Town Supervisor Ed Nabozny, a representative from Senator Kathleen Marchione’s office, Chamber representatives and of course, some very talented students. Visit www.flachgym.com to learn more and view class schedules.

Main Street Barber Shop opens in Catskill

Winkle’s Bakery and Cafe opens with a ribbon cutting

Contributed photo

Contributed photo

A ribbon-cutting was held recently for the opening of the Main Street Barber Shop in Catskill. Owner Lisa Agate was joined by Greene County Community Development Specialist Karl Heck, Greene County Business Marketing Coordinator Teri Weiss, family and friends.

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CG Business Quarterly | Fall 2017

Michele Delage, owner of Winkle’s Bakery and Cafe in Catskill, opened recently with a ribbon-cutting. Joining here were Village of Catskill Trustee Joe Kozloski, Village of Catskill President Vincent Seeley, Thomas Cole House Board of Trustee Member Hudson Talbott, Greene County Chamber of Commerce Board member Nancy Richards and Village of Catskill Planning Board Member Joe Stefko.

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