Business Quarterly Winter 2018 by Columbia-Greene Media

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

Philanthropy

The Spirit of Giving during the December holidays

WINTER 2018

STICKY Dutchess Tourism wins International Marketing Awards — Dutchess Tourism Inc. and

their agency BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations have recently been recognized for a number of international marketing awards. Dutchess Tourism’s 2018 Integrated Campaign Promotional/Branding received a Silver Davey Award from The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA). The Davey Awards honor outstanding creative from the best small agencies and companies worldwide. According to AIVA: “David defeated the mighty Goliath with a big idea and a little rock. That is the sort of thing small firms do every day. The Davey Awards honors the achievement of the ‘creative David’s’ where strength comes from ideas, intelligence and out-of-the-box thinking, not a ‘Giant’s’ bankroll.” The organization honors print ads, commercials, videos, websites, online marketing, TV, multimedia, and radio promotions, and the professionals who create them. There were 3,000 entries this year.

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Dutchess Tourism has also won the Gold MarCom Award in the Tourism Website category. Since its inception in 2004, MarCom has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions in the world. Each year about 6,000 print and digital entries are submitted from dozens of countries. DutchessTourism.com provides dynamic content and features listings, spotlights, top 10 lists, suggested itineraries, a trip planner, videos, an event calendar and more. Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Mary Kay Vrba said, “It’s an honor to have our work recognized; our dedicated team of professionals is diligent and passionate about promoting the tourism assets of Dutchess County to support the hundreds of county businesses that rely on visitor spending to survive and thrive.”

Notes

According to a study conducted by Oxford Economics, tourism supports 11,239 jobs in Dutchess with a total income of $332.3 million. That same survey also showed that visitor spending in Dutchess increased 25 percent over the last five years to $601.5 million in 2017. Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “Our region has so much to offer, from historic sites and award-winning parks to top-notch dining and shopping options. Through their innovation, dedication, and creativity, the team at Dutchess Tourism, Inc., led by president & CEO Mary Kay Vrba, consistently draws new businesses, visitors, and residents to see what makes us Distinctly Dutchess. Congratulations on this international recognition of your tireless efforts to set the bar higher on what it means to promote tourism.”

Groden elected president of County Administrators Association — Greene County Adminis-

trator Shaun Groden has been elected to serve as president of the New York State Association of County Administrators and Managers. Groden has served Greene County since 2011. “I look forward to leading the county administrators and managers of New York State,” Groden said. “Our association provides an important venue for us to share best practices and voice the concerns of our counties and communities.” Prior to his service in Greene County, Groden was the county administrator and county controller for St. Clair County, Michigan. For 10 years, from 1987-1997, he served as the director of finance for the town of Greece. Groden holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York, Brockport. “Mr. Groden is a trusted and experienced

county administrator, and he will bring critical leadership to this group of county officials from across upstate New York,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties.

Uber to begin service at Albany International Airport — Rev. Ken-

neth Doyle, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority, announced Uber has entered into an Albany County Airport Authority Operating Permit and began serving travelers at Albany International Airport on Nov. 5. Uber’s operating permit will enable drivers to drop off passengers curbside in front of the terminal and pick up passengers curbside near the terminal’s baggage claim exit. Uber drivers and their vehicles will be able to wait on airport property in close proximity to the terminal. “The addition of Uber will provide new transportation options to and from the airport for the nearly 3 million travelers that pass through Albany International Airport each year,” Doyle said. “We are glad that riders in the Capital Region will now be able to use our app to access convenient and reliable transportation at Albany International Airport, and we look forward to working with Rev. Doyle and the airport staff,” said Brian Hughes, general manager for Uber in New York. Uber passengers may secure a ride by using the company’s app on their smartphone. Their fares are automatically calculated and charged to the payment method linked to their Uber account. Under terms of Uber’s Airport Operating Permit, the airport will receive $2 each time an Uber driver drops off passengers at the airport and $2 each time an Uber driver picks up passengers at the airport. In addition, similar to other Albany County Airport Authority ridesharing Operating Permits, Uber has agreed to third-party monitoring of its airport operations.

Local funeral home names new general manager Richards Funeral Home, of the Mid-Hudson Valley Inc., with locations in Cairo and Athens, along with the W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. in Coxsackie, owned by Richard Vigilo and Lillian Valenti, recently named New York State licensed Funeral Director Vincent J. Perniciaro, as their new general manager. Perniciaro, 27, is a 2009 graduate of La Salle Institute in Troy and a 2014 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Hudson Valley Community

College. He has been with the firm for the past five years and carries on five generations of funeral directing in his family. He also served six years in the United States Army Military Police Corp. “I couldn’t be more appreciative to Richard and Lillian for giving me this opportunity to help lead the company as we continue to serve and care for the families of Greene County in their time of need.”

Vincent Perniciaro

WINTER 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

Contents

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

Editor’s letter

WINTER 2018

In your hands, you are holding the final Columbia-Greene Business Quarterly magazine for 2018. In this issue, which focuses on philanthropy and nonprofits in the Twin Counties, you’ll see features spotlighting the region’s many ways of charitable giving. You’ll read about: • Nonprofits that benefit the area’s veterans to serve those who have given the ultimate sacrifice • Organizations that help those in need in the name of the spirit of giving • Hudson’s Winter Walk — The city’s largest event of the year that spreads holiday cheer to residents and visitors of all ages You’ll also find a profile on Metzwood Insurance — a local business that knows the economic value of supporting nonprofit organizations. The many ways Twin County residents, consumers and entrepreneurs strive to give back to the community are inspiring. Those who are selfless during the holiday season and throughout the year know the spirit of giving brings one of life’s greatest gifts: Joy. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about how we can improve, don’t hesitate to reach me at mdempsey@registerstar.com. Thank you and enjoy the winter edition of Columbia-Greene Media’s Business Quarterly!

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

12 Economic Indicators 16 Business Profile Metzwood Insurance

CG Business Quarterly | WINTER 2018

22 Networking

14 FEATURES

FOR ADVERTISING RATES

Jeff Friedman, president/executive director, Greene County Chamber of Commerce

ABOUT THE COVER

Mary Dempsey, Executive Editor Columbia-Greene Media

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

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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3 Sticky Notes 4 Editor’s Letter 10 Columbia County

6 Serving those who gave the ultimate sacrifice 14 Local nonprofits spread joy, generosity to those in need 18 The magic of Winter Walk: holiday cheer for everyone

A skiing highlight from last winter’s annual Wounded Warrior Snowfest at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Massachusetts. (Contributed by STRIDE Adaptive Sports Foundation)

facebook.com/cgbusinessquarterly

WINTER 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

COVER STORY

STRIDE Adaptive Sports, based in West Sand Lake in Rensselaer County, offers many programs for injured veterans, including a special annual camping weekend each summer at SCORE Campground in Chatham. all over.” The Warriors in Motion events give veterans opportunities to try a new sport after an injury, Lynch said.

Serving those who gave the

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

By Logan Weiss | Columbia-Greene Media

Pillar Twin County nonprofits work hard to give back to the servicemen and women who have given so much and prevent local veterans from slipping through the cracks. Two nonprofit organizations in Columbia and Greene counties serve veterans of all ages and abilities and help them get moving. The Adaptive Sports Foundation and its Warriors in Motion military pro6

| CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018

grams opened in 2005 with the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Windham Mountain. The facility serves veterans and individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports. “We offer sports and recreational opportunities for our disabled veterans,” Adaptive Sports Foundation Program Administrator Caroline Lynch said. “We try to work with a lot of local veterans, but we work with them from

“We try to encourage them to continue the sport after the clinics,” she added. The foundation’s clinics for veterans tend to be three days long and usually take place mid-week. “We do a lot in the summer and in the winter we do a little less,” Lynch said. The foundation teaches a range of sports for all abilities, including golf, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. Contributed by STRIDE Adaptive Sports Foundation

above, the veterans, or warriors, strike a pose during wounded warrior snowfest last winter. top right, a group of veterans and campers at striDe adaptive sports foundation’s annual warrior boot camp weekend in august enjoying archery at chatham’s score campground.

Each clinic hosts between eight to 11 veterans. About 100 veterans participated in clinics during 2017, with 375 participants overall. Many who attended the foundation’s clinics were repeat participants, Lynch said. “We get a lot of them wanting to bond with other veterans there,” she explained. “They enjoy getting outdoors and learning new sports with people who have been through similar experiences.” Some veterans who have participated in the foun-

dation’s Warriors in Motion and other events now work as volunteers for the Adaptive Sports Foundation. “I have been involved since 2015 when I first moved here, for golf lessons,” volunteer and U.S. Army veteran, Kevin Hicks said. As a past participant and now volunteer, Hicks enjoys the friends he has met through the foundation’s programs. “I just love getting out and hanging with the other guys,” he said. “It’s really easy to talk about your experiences with the guys.” Hicks cannot speak high enough about the work that the Adaptive Sports Foundation does to help men, women and the community. STRIDE Adaptive Sports, based in West Sand Lake in Rensselaer County, offers many programs for injured veterans, including a special annual camping weekend each summer at SCORE Campground in Chatham. “Once I started in 2006, we started working with veterans,” STRIDE Adaptive Sports CEO and Founder Mary Ellen Whitney said. “We realized that there are medically retired veterans who can WINTER 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

COVER STORY board weekend for veterans and their families at Jiminy Peak Mountain resort in Hancock, Massachusetts. Snowfest lasts four days and allows participants to enjoy the outdoors and learn challenges through adaptive sports. “We invite 15 new STRIDE veterans to be part of this with their family,” Whitney said. “We rent the families a condo, we pay for their meals, supply ski gear and get them involved in the sport.” In the Twin Counties, giving back to veterans doesn’t stop there. The Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530 holds multiple events for the area’s older veterans. “There is a saying with the Elks: ‘As long as there is a veteran, the Elks will not forget them,’” said Tom Miglio, chairman of the Kinderhook Elks’ Veterans Committee. “The Elks would always support a veteran and bend over backward for them.”

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The local Elks chapter organizes several events with veterans from the Albany Stratton Veteran Association medical hospital in Albany. During the summer, two buses of veterans come down and the Elks treat them to two fishing trips and a daytime baseball game at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, Exalted Ruler John Piddock said.

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The Tri-City ValleyCats, a minor league baseball team in Troy, honored the veterans during the seventh-inning stretch of a game this summer, Piddock said.

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Most of these trips end with some kind of dinner, lunch or barbecue with the veterans, Miglio said.

88 Years and Four Generations of Superior Service

“When they are fishing, we can either take them [veterans] back to the lodge for hot dogs and burgers, or we can do pizza and wings out by the pond so they can keep fishing,” Miglio said with a laugh.

A pair of warriors on skis smile during last year’s Snowfest at Jiminy Peak.

have a lot of time on their hands.” Whitney wanted to get veterans involved in the community again, volunteer with kids and participate more in athletics, she said. Two of STRIDE’s events take place 3 miles outside of Main Street in the village of Chatham: Wounded Warrior Weekend and Warrior Boot Camp. Both programs allow veterans to enjoy the SCORE Campground on Route 203. STRIDE Adaptive Sports leases the campground for camping and its special event weekends. The Wounded Warrior Weekend allows disabled veterans and their families to enjoy the outdoors 8|

CG Business Quarterly | WINTER 2018

Contributed by STRIDE Adaptive Sports Foundation

with hiking, horseback riding, archery, yoga and disc golf, as well as a visit to Chatham Brewing, at 59 Main St., in the village. The Warrior Bootcamp is a program where veteran volunteers serve as a mentor to athletes in a one-on-one setting. The veterans and youth participants engage in activities’ like command etiquette, paintball, archery and an obstacle course experience. “We had about 40 people involved this year — 15 veterans and between 15 to 19 kids,” Whitney said. The veterans upcoming event is the 14th annual Wounded Warrior Snowfest — a long ski/snow-

The local Elks chapter has had a positive effect on not just veterans from in the community, but other veterans who are involved with the Elks. “Many times, we bring them back to the lodge or pavilion outback and have a cookout for them,” Kindehrook Elks member and Army veteran Joel Duislin said. Duislin enjoys seeing the veterans enjoying a barbecue event at the lodge. “They thoroughly enjoy the cookout and the music — many of them try and get up to dance,” he said. Duislin is proud of his time serving with the U.S. Army and the service he does with the Kinderhook Elks Lodge. “The Elks are all about giving,” Duislin said. “The efforts we make are to help the lives of veterans and other people in the community.”

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In economic development, we recognize the important role that the not-for-profit cording to the 2017 study. Like Columbia County, the Capital Region has priorisector plays in sustaining a thriving economy. tized nonprofits as part of its economic strategy. As we approach year-end and the holiday season, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worthwhile to reflect how The important role of nonprofit organizations is referenced repeatedly throughout our arts, cultural, educational, health care, social service orthe Capital Region Economic Development Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 ganizations and other nonprofits add to the value of our comUpstate Revitalization Initiative Plan and the Regional Ecomunity. nomic Development Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strategic Plan. These plans also include improving workforce development with our eduNonprofit organizations have been central to the resurgence cation and health care-related industries as a primary focus. of the city of Hudson and Columbia County in recent years. Major private and public investments in cultural organizations Health care and education were found to be, by far, the two top like Basilica Hudson and Hudson Hall have brought numerareas of employment in the Capital Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nonprofit sector ous new visitors into our community, who then support small in the 2017 study. The importance of these sectors is similarly businesses. The Hudson River Skywalk project is anchored by critical to Columbia Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic future as we prepare the Olana Historic Site in Columbia County, which will bring the workforce for the future and aspire for a strong and afnew recreational tourists into the area. These projects add to fordable health care system that removes barriers to quality the vibrant culture of Columbia County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making it a more atof life. The services provided by institutions in these sectors tractive destination for businesses to locate and people to live. are fundamental to a prosperous economy and bright future. The role of nonprofits in our local economic development is As the country takes time to recognize and value the not-fornot an accident. It has been increasingly recognized that this profit sector this time of year, it is important for all of us to sector needs to be at the table as a full partner in developing economic strategy, and Columbia Economic Development F. Michael Tucker, president and CEO, remember to continue to stay committed to the mission of Columbia Economic Development these organizations through volunteer service and financial Corporation has worked to implement this best practice. Corporation contributions. The non-profit sector contributed nearly $900 CEDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 Strategic Plan includes nonprofits as a key area billion to the United States economy in 2012, or over 5 percent of Gross Domestic of economic activity and their success is critical to the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quality of Life pillar. Product, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. A 2017 study conducted on the Capital Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nonprofit sector found Columbia County nonprofits have combined revenues of over $300 million a year, assets of Millions of people are served, supported, employed and inspired by these orgaover $420 million and employ nearly 4,000 people, as of 2013. The study found nizations. 24.5 percent of Columbia Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce was employed in the nonprofit sec- The CEDC is a nonprofit and proud of our mission to generate economic activity, tor. These staggering numbers illustrate the massive impact these organizations create jobs and raise the tax base for the public good of Columbia County. We are have on our community. fortunate to work alongside so many other great nonprofit organizations that help The Capital Region as a whole has a thriving nonprofit sector with over 20 percent move our community toward more opportunities for people to have a good job of workers employed in the sector and nonprofit revenues topping $9 billion, ac- and high-quality of life, which is what economic development is all about.

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WINTER 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

DBas (doing business under an assumed name)

- FOR COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

eNeRGY

JOBs

NY DaIRY FaRMeRs

Average Middle Hudson Region price for gallon of residential propane

New York’s average conventional whole milk price

$2.887 in September 2018 $2.948 in October 2018 $2.625 in October 2017

September 2018: $2.84 per gallon October 2018: $2.84 per gallon October 2017: $2.56 per gallon

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

12.3%

10.9%

BRIDGe TRaFFIc cOUNT

$3.40 in September 2018 $3.51 in October 2018 $2.92 in October 2017

Rip Van Winkle Bridge traffic count

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

521,144 in September 2018 537,740 in October 2018 547,428 in October 2017

20.1%

-1.8%

*Fourth-quarter statistics for the month of November were unavailable at press time

New York State

12015; Jacob Szafran, 20 N. Franklin St., Athens, 12015 NOV. 9

 Natural Country Living, 9 Rothermel Lane Ext., Kin-

derhook, 12106; Scott Haigh and Terri Plass, 9 Rothermel Lane Ext., Kinderhook, 12106  LikeMindedObjects, 2 Park Place, Hudson, 12534; Elise McMahon, 14 Lake St., Hudson, 12534 NOV. 13  Between the Lines, 437-441 Columbia St., Hudson, 12534; Scott Hapeman, 437-441 Columbia St., Hudson, 12534

12529; Gerard Meenagh, 116 Anthony St., Hillsdale, 12529  Elegant Floral Creations by Amy, 211 Empire Road, Copake, 12516; Amy Bosco, 211 Empire Road, Copake, 12516  Discontinuance: Banner Clothing House, 19 Main St., Chatham, 12037; Lorelei A. Hammell, 19 Main St., Chatham, 12037

150 Cortland Drive, Valatie, 12184 NOV. 16

3.9%

 Preferred Painting & House Repairs, 3510 Route 9G,

Germantown, 12526; Williams Jeremiah, 407 Lasher Road, Tivoli, 12583

GREENE COUNTY DBAs NOV. 1

Oct 2017

3.5% Oct 2018

Sept 2018

4.4%

3.7%

-0.4%

Oct 2017

3.6% Oct 2018

4.1%

United States

NOV. 2

 Davis Auto Sales, 2580 Route 236, South Cairo, 12482; Willie B. Davis, 518 Cairo Junction Road, Catskill, 12414  Home Town Hauler, 188 Stony Brook Road, Palenville, 12463; Larry Covan, 188 Stony Brook Road, Palenville, 12463

 Mountain Valley Disposal,188 Stony Brook Road, Palenville, 12463; Larry Covan, 188 Stony Brook Road, Palenville, 12463 NOV. 7

NOV. 7

 Iron Cross Fabrication, 20 N. Franklin St., Athens,

NOV. 15

Sept 2018

4.7%

Mary-Katherine Rodrigues, 2028 Route 23B, South Cairo, 12482

 Nail Spa, 2827 Route 9, Valatie, 12184; Anna Le Nguyen,

-0.8%

Oct 2017

3.5% Oct 2018

Sept 2018

3.5% Oct 2017

2.7% Oct 2018

2.8%

3.7%

25.5%

22.9%

Sept 2018

Greene County

Catskill, 12414

NOV. 5

NOV. 14

NY UNeMPLOYMeNT RaTes Columbia County

NOV. 1  Double G Home Improvements, 826 Route 295, East Chatham, 12060; Zachary Grybas-Goldstein, 826 Route 295, East Chatham, 12060  KyTa Custom Furniture, 544 county Route 16, Craryville, 12521; Kirk Johnson, 544 county Route 16, Craryville

 Meen Street Marketing, 116 Anthony St., Hillsdale,

0.7%

Source: NYS Department of Labor

COLUMBIA COUNTY DBAs

 MKS Crafts and Decor 90 Green St., Hudson, 12534;

Average New York surrogate price for on-highway diesel

Nonagriculture jobs in Columbia County, not including military positions

Price

Sales

23.9%

3.17%

2.9%

-19.5%

$3.150 in September 2018 $3.272 in October 2018 $2.640 in October 2017

$1.29 in September 2018 $1.30 in October 2018 $1.26 in October 2017

15,400 in September 2018 15,200 in October 2018 15,100 in October 2017

Source: Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors Inc.

Average Upper Hudson Valley price for gallon of home heating oil

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

22,300 in September 2018 22,200 in October 2018 22,200 in October 2017

Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors single-family home sales 128 sales, median price $247,500 in Sep 2018 120 sales, median price $211,000 in Oct 2018 149 sales, median price $205,000 in Oct 2017

12.8%

DOLLaR eXchaNGe

Source: Bank of Canada

ReaL esTaTe

*Including taxes

Average Upstate New York price for gallon of regular unleaded gas $2.922 in September 2018 $2.918 in October 2018 $2.588 in October 2017

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

The following are DBAs in the Twin Counties from Nov. 1 through Nov. 16, 2018.

 JSO Contracting, 207 Wildwing Park Lane, Catskill,

12414; Joshua S. O’Halloran, 207 Wildwing Park Lane,

 MMP Consulting, 118 Second St., Athens, 12015; Richard J. Goddeau, 118 Second St., Athens, 12015 NOV. 8

 Social Sara, 55 Park Ave., Leeds, 12451; Sara Verdon, 55 Park Ave. Leeds, 12451 NOV. 9

 Fuentes Home Repair, 71 Kings Road, Coxsackie, 12051; Javier Fuentes, 71 Kings Road, Coxsackie, 12051  EZ Home Repair, 78 Bross St. Cairo, 12413; Edward J. Sapunarich, Jr., 549 Flats Road, Athens, 12015  Fidelis Dental Laboratory, 1262 Schoharie Turnpike, Catskill, 12414; Anthony Sangi, 1262 Schoharie Turnpike, Catskill, 12414 NOV. 13

 Northeast Elite Hereford Sale, 83 Howard Hall Road, Catskill, 12414; Henry John Wagner, 83 Howard Hall Road, Catskill, 12414  Allissa’s Pro Styles, 2770 county Route 26, Climax, 12042; Allissa Lembke, 2770 county Route 26, Climax, 12042 NOV. 14

 Face Painting By Crystal, 10 Easy St., East Catskill, 12414; Crystal DiRaﬀaele, 10 Easy St., Catskill, 12414  Beaver Creek Vintiques, 13645 Route 9W, Hannacroix, 12087; Jessica E. Sickles, 7 Schuyler Ave., Ravena, 12143 NOV. 15

 She Plays With Dirt, 56 DeNicola Road, Halcott Center, 12430; Noel Logan, 56 DeNicola Road, Halcott Center, 12430  EZ Home Repair, 78 Bross St. Cairo, 12413; Edward J. Sapunarich, Jr., 549 Flats Road, Athens, 12015  Willow Graphics, 309 Stonitch Road, East Durham, 12423; Janice L. Jarvis, 309 Stonitch Road, East Durham, 12423

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

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CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018

WINTER 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

FEATURE

LOCAL NONPROFITS

SPREAD JOY, GENEROSITY TO THOSE IN NEED

food and volunteers with Our Community Cares organized a raffle, face painting, a magician and a watermelon-eating contest for the benefit, which raised $3,400 for Johnson’s medical expenses.

said. “Knowing someone cares about them, it brightens up their entire day.”

“I have heard about them before, I knew they did things like that, but I never knew how amazing they were till I needed their help,” Johnson said.

“We wanted to provide some kind of community TV for them,” Brooks said.

This holiday season, Our Community Cares is looking to work with several families in need by completing holiday wish lists for them. “We have a few families that we are working with from the past couple of years,” Steward said. The nonprofit will host an open house at the Chatham Winter Walk on Dec. 8, with a pet photo opportunity with Santa Claus from noon to 2 p.m. at their office, 25 Hudson Ave., Chatham. In Greene County, several charity organizations also work to help those in need — for the holiday season and year-round. Since 1998, nonprofit Senior Angels works to give gifts and donations to senior citizens who have no family members. The organization is run by the Greene County Aging Department staff. “We have been doing this for 20 years,” said Ken Brooks, business manager for the county Department of Aging. “We solicit money from residents of Greene County, [and] whatever is raised we use it to buy needs for the needy.”

This year, the Senior Angles presented the Pines with a 65inch, flat screen TV to benefit every senior resident.

Both Brooks and Steward each credit the fellow members of their organizations and others who give them the drive to continue to work to help those in need. Steward draws inspiration from the love and support of her family and loved ones, who came together to raise money for her sister who had breast cancer in 2011, she said. Volunteers with Senior Angels remember former staff member Sheila Benjamin-Ormerod, who enjoyed working for the program and spreading a generous spirit of giving, Brooks said. As residents help each other, charity and selflessness continues in the Twin Counties, and will continue through the holiday season and all year long. For more information about Our Community Cares or to get involved, visit ourcommunitycarescc.org. To find out more about Senior Angels, contact the Greene County Department of Aging at 518-719-3555 or email aging@discovergreene.com

Senior Angels’ motto is “Spreading cheer 365 days a year.” Volunteers with the organization work throughout the year to raise funds for the group. The nonprofit does more than just donate gifts, and helps seniors with any difficult financial situation. Senior Angels hosts events year-round. On Oct. 26, the group hosted a Halloween-themed bake sale to raise money. “In four hours, we raised $800,” Brooks said with pride. Another popular fundraiser is the Senior Angels’ annual Thanksgiving dinner. By Logan Weiss | Columbia-Greene Media

As the holiday season closes in, many are filled with the spirit of giving to those less fortunate. People and nonprofit organizations alike spend time and money giving and serving the community. Several nonprofit organizations in Columbia and Greene work to help the region’s sick and needy. Members of these special nonprofit organizations have generosity abound, and work to help local people any way they can. Our Community Cares, a nonprofit organization based in Chatham, works to help Columbia County families facing hardship. “We are a volunteer group that helps people in Columbia County,” said Dawn Steward, director of Our Community Cares. “Whether it be referrals to other agencies, plan fundraisers, work with families that are going through crisis or a veterans program, we basically take an application from anyone.” The organization started with Columbia County residents who stepped up to help those in need, including those who lost their home to fire, suffered from an illness, accidents or other financial hardships. 14 |

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018

“This year is our third,” Brooks said. “Last year, we had 79 people show up.”

In its fifth year, the organization has a review system, which determines the appropriate level of support to provide on a case by case basis.

As of Nov. 13, 67 people had signed up for this year’s Thanksgiving meal.

“We never say no,” Steward said. Since its inception, Our Community Cares has helped people in the face of adversity, including a man who had no transportation, has donated and helped a family whose father had Hodgkin’s lymphoma and has provided comfort bags for patients at New York Oncology Hematology. “We have a program where people donate items and send them down [to New York Oncology Hematology],” Steward said. In July, OCC hosted a fundraiser for a Ghent woman receiving intensive chemo to deal with laryngeal and lung cancers. “I was going to need radiation, chemo and lung surgery,” said Tina Johnson, who received her cancer diagnoses in February. Our Community Cares hosted a carnival-style fundraiser for Johnson on July 29 at the Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars on Route 66. “I was in tears,” Johnson said when she pulled up to the fundraiser. “I couldn’t believe everything they have done.” The Ghent Fire Department donated a dunk tank, the Polish club cooked

hotos contributed

above left, the our community cares table at the ghent bicentennial celebration earlier this year. above right, supporters at tina Johnson’s fundraiser at the ghent vfw on July 29. attendees enjoyed many activites at the benefit, organized by Our community cares, including a watermelon-eating contest.

If you speak with anyone on staff at the Pines in Catskill — a nursing home and rehabilitation center in Jefferson Heights — they will tell you about the good work the nonprofit does for the seniors at their facility. “In the past years, the Senior Angels have provided Christmas gifts for our residents who don’t have any family,” the Pines Activities Director Laurie Harp said. “They provide gifts for 20 residents who don’t have family.” The process starts two months before the Christmas holiday season, Harp said. When Brooks reaches out to the Pines, Harp and her team collect “wish lists” from eligible seniors at the facility and give the holiday wishes to the Senior Angels. “They do all the shopping and [gift] wrapping,” Harp said, adding once the gifts are delivered, staff at the Pines deliver the gifts. “Oh, they are so happy, no matter if it’s the whole group getting something or just one [person] getting something,” Harp WINTER 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

BUSINESS PROFILE Print & Digital

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Columbia-Greene Media Cares

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www.hudsonvalley360.com/cgmcares To submit your request visit www.hudsonvalley360.com/cgmcares or email cgmcares@columbiagreenemedia.com Substitutions, adjustments, trade, and sponsorship opportunities are available if your organization does not fit into one of these categories. Please contact cgmcares@ columbiagreenemedia.com with your request.

Jonathan Ment For Columbia-Greene Media

“A policy of doing more” is far more than a slogan to the partners at MetzWood Insurance. It’s a way of life. They know that when their neighbors do well, everyone benefits. This helps explain why community involvement above and beyond insurance is ingrained in the culture here. The story of Matthew Wood’s family does too. “Community is very much at the center of what we do,” says Wood, now company president, whose great-grandfather George Metz founded the firm in 1913. Metz also donated Chatham’s Jones Avenue tennis court for community use, in a spirit of giving that has continued ever since. Wood’s grandfather, Marcus, joined the firm after serving in World War II where he met and married his grandmother - who served in the women’s auxiliary. Wood’s father, Scott, also honed his sense of community in the Army before joining the firm following a cross-country bicycle ride from San Francisco to Chatham in 1976. “We’re very much a community-based busi-

ness from the companies we support through proper insurance and risk management to those we support through donations and volunteerism,” says Wood, adding “We’re positively aligned and make community involvement part of what we do as a community-based organization.” Every six months MetzWood selects a notfor-profit organization to support through its “Help Our Community” referral program. MetzWood donates $10 for every person who calls to review their insurance needs, “whether we sell a policy or not,” says Wood. The company even donates a dollar for each new “Like” on their Facebook page. The team at MetzWood also gives of itself through a multitude of independent volunteer efforts and as a whole through company volunteer days. One recent outing was the Friday afternoon in October when the staff helped paint fences and handle other tasks at Equine Advocates, the referral program recipient for the second half of 2018. “It was a very good day,” says Wood. “People who have been aware of the referral program, if they’re a non-profit organization, will ask to be considered,” he says, adding, “As the current recipient is about to expire we

choose the next one going forward.” Wood says the people at those organizations appreciate the support, while MetzWood’s clients and customers appreciate that dollars spent on insurance programs go back into the community “almost to the effect of a community dividend.”

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018

Just because they purchased an item via a mobile device, doesn’t mean the mobile device sold them on that purchase.

“When you spend your insurance dollars with a big company with no local footprint those dollars are gone,” he says, adding, “Throughout the year we support a lot of charity events for nonprofits as they come up looking for … sponsorships, donations or for auction items.”

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“We try to take a broad approach to our philanthropy. There are a lot of worthy organizations locally,” he says, adding, “Local hospitals, arts organizations, childhood sports, military and veterans groups, educational opportunities from the local community college to libraries and more all benefit.”

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And the giving doesn’t stop there. Some years ago the staff at MetzWood even made the decision to forgo their annual holiday parties in favor of supporting local food pantries. While the annual event eventually returned, the food pantries are now also regular beneficiaries of the company’s support.

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FEATURE

The magic of Winter Walk:

“[Winter Walk] is great for us, socially,” Grande said. “That is what helps us in the long run.”

HOLIDAY CHEER FOR EVERYONE

In the past, Hudson River Tattoo hosted a band in the shop during Winter Walk for people to come and enjoy. Each year, Winter Walk holds a window-decorating contest. Participating businesses are judged based on creativity, style and holiday flair. “We have two anonymous judges who go out on Friday,” Dillon said. “They see the ones they like and give out awards how they see fit.”

in 2017, hudson police calculated more than 20,000 people attended the 21st annual winter walk on warren street.

Christmas lights decorate the windows, Santa Claus plays music on a saxophone and people crowd the streets to see each other or visit dozens of local shops. These are some of the sights and sounds of Hudson’s Winter Walk — an annual street festival that takes over Warren Street the first Saturday of December. The city’s holiday tradition is put on by Hudson Hall at the Historic Hudson Opera House, which promotes the arts, as well as economic and cultural advancements in the region. This year, the 22nd annual walk took place from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, starting with Santa greeting hundreds of children at Hudson Hall. Winter Walk allows local businesses to open their doors, decorate their shops, host music and display their operations. “Shopkeepers say it is the busiest night of the year,” Hudson Hall Executive Director Tambra Dillon said. Hudson Hall is located at Hudson’s former City Hall at 327 Warren St. The building hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including theatrical performances, concerts, exhibitions, talks and community events. But, Winter Walk is the organization’s largest community draw. “The first Winter Walk was in 1997,” Dillon said. “At the time, it was only two blocks long and limited to the sidewalk; it was an absolute success.”

the whole of length Warren Street is shut down and is strictly for pedestrians to walk, browse and admire the stores. “Every shop is allowed to participate in the event,” Dillon said. “Even shops are allowed to do as they please. They are given a lot of free range.” Last year, more than 20,000 people attended for Winter Walk’s 21st anniversary. Over 100 artists participated in this year’s walk from performing at Hudson Hall, on the streets and inside the shops. Kasuri, a clothing store on Warren Street, had a sound artist, ‘Lavender,’ said director Jonathan Osofsky. “The opportunity worked out where she was available on Winter Walk,” he said. “We are excited to collaborate.” Kasuri is a high-end boutique shop located at 1 Warren St. at the corner of Warren and South Front streets.

“I’m hoping to see — at least what I have been seeing — is more diversity,” Osofsky said, adding how Warren Street shops tend to serve a certain demographic.

“It is never our busiest day businesswise,” Osofsky said. “But, it does allow a person to come in and experience our store though — that’s what we like.”

Starting from small beginnings in the late ‘90s, Winter Walk takes over the entirely of Warren Street. From the corner of Front Street to Prospect Avenue,

Pam Grande, co-owner of the Hudson River Tattoo at 724 Warren St., said Winter Walk isn’t about sales as much as the community.

CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018

Hauptmann decorated the restaurant in a Russian tea room theme for 2017’s Winter Walk. Each year, her decorations are a well-kept secret until the popular holiday gathering.

Osofsky takes pride in being part of the walk every year, but for him, it’s more about the community than anything else.

“Warren Street wasn’t seen as a place to walk around at that time,” Dillon explained. “We wanted to change that.”

18 |

a much smaller scale at the time, and like the way the town is going, it’s gentrifying.”

“The Winter Walk is one of the most special days in Hudson,” Osofsky said. “I love how the town is transformed and how it is closed off.”

Winter Walk allows more people to see Warren Street who may not usually walk it, he said, and allows people to see shops like Kasuri who may have never been there before.

More than 100 sponsors participated in Winter Walk this year. Hudson Hall started several great activities at this year’s festival, including a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and his elves. “...Children will be here [at the Hudson Hall front steps] to welcome Santa for the festival,” Dillon said. When Santa Claus arrived at Hudson Hall at this year’s Winter Walk, he was welcomed by the young Harmony Project Hudson chorusers. Attendees also enjoyed visits to Santa’s Village, located at Seventh Street Park.

Awards during the 2017 Contributed by Juan Madrid Winter Walk included Best Window Display, Best In- a young girl admires a local store window during the 21st winter walk, Dec. 2, 2017. awards are terior, Technical Wizardry, given out every year to the best or most uniquely Santa met as many children as he could and gave out a Best Newcomer, Best Tra- decorated business. free, gift-wrapped book to ditional Holiday and other more exotic awards like Best ‘Ale’ not in a bar, each child who visited him. which Kasuri won last year. Hudson Hall will also hosted a local show, “Rip In 2017, Hudson River Tattoo received the acco- the Nut,” the night of Dec. 1 in the performance lade of “Most Kinetic.” room on the second floor of the historic Hudson “We put some kites our friends made us in the win- Opera House, which was a mash-up of the legend dow with lights all around it,” Grande said. “We of “Rip Van Winkle” with the music from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” also had eggnog and cookies last year. “I was thinking about starting a ‘Nutcracker’ here “It’s always a good social event.” — I wanted to involve as much folklore as posRestaurants tend to be some of Winter Walk’s bus- sible,” ‘Rip the Nut’ creator and performer Adam iest shops, and Red Dot Restaurant & Bar at 321 Weinert said. Warren St. is no exception. When Weinert moved to the community five years The popular Hudson restaurant is known for its ago, he had the idea of having a Nutcracker Suite decorative spirit inside and received the “Best Inperformance in the community, but to combine it terior” award during the 2017 Winter Walk. with local customs and culture. “It is more than just doing business,” Red Dot The show premiered last year; this year, the dance owner and operator Alana Hauptmann said. “It’s really been, all these years, a thing for the com- show ran on a three-narrative loop. “We have had people stay for the whole three-plus munity to come together. “I first participated 19 years ago,” she said. “It was hours last year,” Weinert said.

C-GM ﬁle photo

Winter Walk originated as an idea to support local shops starting to appear along Warren Street, Dillon said.

ily [and] to promote the arts,” Dillon said.

Winter Walk is one of the busiest business days of the year for Hauptmann, she said, adding she is extremely grateful to Hudson Hall for the opportunity to be part of it. “I give a sizable check to the opera house and I hope other people do as well,” Hauptmann said. Contributed by JD Urban

above, saxaphone santa, a winter walk celebrity plays music for the people in the streets in 2017.

Hudson Hall accepts sponsorships from businesses that would like to give. “The money goes to subsidize it [the events] heav-

Winter Walk had no shortage of events for all ages, as well as performances, food trucks, street vendors and shopping, with almost all Warren Street shops open to the public. The evening ended with fireworks from Promenade Hill Park at the end of Warren Street.

“This year, there is nothing very new to what we are doing, but we are working on getting the younger community involved and coming up with plans for that,” Dillon said. Winter Walk is already a wonderful, popular event, she said, adding she wants to “keep it fresh” and involve as many young, new faces as possible. “At Winter Walk, there’s something for everyone,” Dillon said. WINTER 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |

BUSINESS

Local nonprofit service organizations are vital to our economy various aspects of the fabric of our communities. They range from beautification and development, the arts, education, seniors, youth and children’s programs from groups like the Catskill Community Center, the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Cairo Development Foundation, Hunter Foundation and so many more that deserve mention, but this space is not large enough to recognize. Most importantly, nonprofit organizations help to provide The Greene County Chamber of Commerce plays an aca place where people from all walks of life can meet and tive role in supporting and promoting these local nonprofit interact. They provide opportunities for everyone to conorganizations. The chamber does this because, without the tribute in helping others. contributions of these dedicated groups, the community would suffer. Without strong communities and community The unfortunate part in all this is that most of these orgamembers, there cannot be a strong economy. nizations struggle to have enough funding and volunteers to do the great work that they do. It is a constant challenge When we speak of these nonprofits, many people do not to keep bringing in the necessary resources and one that know who they are or what they are. Organizations like everyone in the community should do their best to help Community Action of Greene County and Catholic Charialleviate through greater support. ties of Columbia and Greene counties provide a wide range of services that include food pantries, family counseling, The money, goods and services that these organizations domestic violence support, crime victim advocacy, housing Jeff Friedman, president/executive provide all contribute to a better local economy and comand job assistance, income tax filing assistance, emergency director, Greene County Chamber of munity. Without them, we would live in a much more disassistance, WIC (women, infant, children) programs and Commerce mal place. Nonprofits are the building blocks for so much so much more. of the good we see every day where we live and the people who do the work Other organizations like the Greene County Rural Health Network and the each day to fulfill their various missions are truly heroes in our communities. United Way Columbia-Greene counties provide funding and support for The Greene County Chamber of Commerce salutes these organizations and health and healthy initiative programs, support for community organizations will continue to work to assist them in making the towns and villages of the that provide for the well-being of community members, education programs county better each day. Their success is our community’s success and enriches and so much more. everyone who resides in it. Additionally, there are so many other organizations that nurture and support Support them – you won’t regret it. When most think of the business community or their local economy, they never consider the impact that nonprofit organizations play in the success of these sectors. Nonprofit organizations provide services, products and opportunities to many different members of the community – providing them the tools to continue to meet the needs in their life. This all contributes to the health of the community and as a byproduct of a stronger local economy.

Contributed by JD Urban

Many stores that participate in Hudson Hall’s Winter Walk have an open-door policy where attendees can walk in and enjoy the atmosphere of the shop in a casual manner.

20 |

CG Business Quarterly | WINTER 2018

Our Business Supports Our Community Our Staff Are Active Community Volunteers

Your Business With Us Helps Support These Local Organizations

Insuring our neighbors since 1913 518.392.5161 | metzwood.com

WINTER 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

NETWORKING

Central Hudson’s electric vehicle summit drives electric transportation

Serenity Wellness Medical Laser Spa ribbon-cutting

Local municipalities, fleet owners and organizations learned of advances in electric transportation during Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s inaugural Electric Vehicle Summit, held at the utility’s Ulster County office recently. The Summit presented an overview of the many environmental and economic benefits of electric cars and trucks, expanding options in electric transportation and incentives offered for electric vehicle ownership. “Electric vehicles offer cleaner and lower-cost transportation,” said Charles A. Freni, President and C.E.O. of Central Hudson. “With more options than ever, electric cars and trucks today can fill the needs of many fleets and drivers. We’re proud to advance clean transportation technologies that benefit our customers and the environment.” Presenters at the summit included the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the New York Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Ulster County, Sustainable Hudson Valley, charging and vehicle manufacturers, local vehicle dealers and fleet evaluation services. Attendees learned of programs and incentives offered by New York State, local and national efforts to advance electric transportation and the wide variety of electric vehicles available today.

Charming Village Shops from the Mountain Tops to the River (and in between)

Contributed photo

The Columbia County Chamber recently celebrated the addition of laser therapy and a fine-tuning of their name, for Serenity Wellness Medical Laser Spa located at 968 Columbia St in Hudson. Co-founders Joseph Mannino (with scissors) and Dr. Tanya Mays (pictured right with ribbon) along with the friendly compassionate well-trained laser technicians Maggie (also with scissors) and Victoria (to Maggie’s right) are helping solve the problems that so many men and women of different skin types have suffered with for so long, such as unwanted hair, wrinkles, age spots, spider veins and more. This top notch 21st Century Excel HR Laser is the most powerful laser in the area!! Call 518-671-6700 to learn more and learn about holiday specials. Gift Certificates available.

Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci CPAs move to new office

Emissions from electric cars are, on average, 60 percent less than those of gasoline-powered vehicles, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy; and in New York State, emissions are 85 percent lower due to the higher proportion of cleaner sources used in electricity production. Electric vehicles are also more energy efficient, and cost 50 to 70 percent less per mile than gasoline- powered cars.

BuyInGreene.com

New York offers a rebate of up to $2,000 toward the purchase of electric cars, depending on the vehicle’s range, and up to $7,500 in federal tax credits are also available. To learn more about electric vehicles, visit www. CentralHudson.com/ElectricVehicles. For information on New York State rebates, visit www.nyserda. ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate/ About-Electric-Cars; and to view videos produced by New York State on driving electric cars, click on Behind the Wheel of an Electric Car - Performance and Behind the Wheel of an Electric Car - Lifestyle. For more on NYPA’s EVolve NY initiative, visit www.nypa.gov/innovation/programs/evolveny. 22 |

CG Business Quarterly | WINTER 2018

Visit BuyInGreene.com

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FIND THE PERFECT GIFT Unique. Boutique. Magnifique! Discover Great Gifts throughout our Greene County Towns & Villages. Check out our online Holiday Shopping Guide right from your phone for that perfect gift for that special someone.

Contributed photo

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently helped celebrate the move of Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci CPAs PC to their beautiful new offices at One Hudson City Centre, Suite 203, in Hudson. A ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off a well attended business after hours event. Pictured from the left are Jeffrey C. Hunt, chamber president & CEO; Richard Koskey CPA, shareholder; Ned Howe CPA, shareholder; Nancy Patzwahl CPA, shareholder; Jean Howe Lossi, EA; A. Michael Bucci CPA, managing shareholder (with scissors); Suzanne Muldoon CPA, shareholder; Bradley W. Cummings CPA, CVA, shareholder; N. Therese Wolfe CPA, shareholder; Matthew VanDerbeck CPA, shareholder and Gary F. Newkirk CPA, shareholder.

WINTER 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |

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