THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES SPRING 2017
Progress Outlook &
HUDSON
HOME SHOW PRESENTED BY COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA
Saturday-Sunday APRIL 1&2 Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 9am-3pm held at Columbia-Greene Community College Hudson, NY
www.hudsonhomeshow.com
2|
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
3
CGBusinessQuarterlyMarch2017.qxp_Layout 1 3/7/17 4:32 PM Page 1
STICKY
Notes
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
ON THE MOVE
Susan G. Baer, CPA, PC has a new location and purchased a professional building at 60 Garage Place Rd. in Ghent. The turn for Garage Place is off Route 66 at the Ghent Town Hall.
Kinderhook resident Gary March has been named the assistant administrator at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Guilderland, a 127bed nursing facility that provides rehabilitation and nursing services to patients who require either shortor long-term nursing care following hospitalization. In his new position, March will assist in the direction, supervision, compliance and maintenance of the facility’s day-to-day operations, as well as its adherence to federal, state and local laws and regulations. He will also ensure the highest level of quality care for residents. March has more than 13 years of experience in the health care and insurance industry and previously worked as regional census director for the company. Prior to that, he spent five years as marketing supervisor at Fidelis Care.
Hunt Real Estate (established in 1911) has come to Columbia County and recently celebrated their new office location at 438 Warren Street in Hudson with a ribbon cutting. KC Communications has opened for business and is providing experienced public/media relations and communications services to regional businesses, institutions, and organizations throughout Greene, Columbia, Ulster counties and beyond. CEO Ken Goldfarb said his new business “boasts decades of experience”and has more than 26 years of professional public relations/communications experience. The business is based in Catskill, NY.
Paul E. Haering has been appointed Senior Vice
President of Engineering and System Operations for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. Haering will have executive responsibility for electric and natural gas engineering functions including system planning and design, substation and hydroelectric plant operations, project management and System Operations, and will maintain oversight of the energy company’s annual capital budget of approximately $200 million. Haering joined the Company as a Junior Engineer in Substation Design in 1986. His career within Central Hudson included service in Operations Services, Electric System Protection, Distribution Engineering and Electric Transmission and Distribution Engineering. Haering serves as a board member for Walkway Over the Hudson and is a board member and past chair of Poughkeepsie-based Family Services.
A DOOR CLOSES Publisher Lissa Harris of the Watershed Post announced the site will become a more scaled-back version of the current role it plays in the Catskills. The website will still be running and will run stories occasionally but without daily or weekly content according to the post. The Watershed Post is a news and information website serving the Catskills, Delaware, Ulster, Greene, Sullivan and Schoharie Counties.
WYBN TV-14, the Catskill’s only locally owned and operated television station, celebrated its fifth birthday this past fall with its first set of reportable ratings. Owned by Cable Ad Net New York Inc. of Red Hook, the station signed on the air in October, 2011 broadcasting from 3200 feet atop Windham Mountain. The 15-kw station was the area’s first multi-format digital facility, offering eight sub-channels of programming on channels 14.1 through 14.8. TV-14 is available over the air to households in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene, Schoharie, Delaware and adjacent counties, reaching a population of approximately 829,000 people including 45,425 Hispanic households. It resides on the most popular part of the TV dial, right after CBS, ABC, and NBC, and right before PBS and FOX. The WYBN networks also are carried on Mid-Hudson Cable on digital channels 144 through 147. TV-14 found success by targeting a range of viewers, including Hispanics, men, car enthusiasts, old movie buffs and children. In the Fall 2016 Media Audit report, the station broke through with impressive viewership figures. With all adults aged 18 and over, it had a past-week cume rating of 66.4, with 59,472 unique individuals tuning in. By comparison, Time Warner Cable’s 18-plus cume rating, which is split over hundreds of channels, was 48.6 for the same period. During prime time, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., TV-14 had a 5.4 cume rating among adults 18 and over, putting it seventh among area broadcast stations. Its cost per thousand is in line For mor with those of the local NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates. “We are extremely gratified that so many people in the Albanye Schenectady-Troy region have made TV-14 their viewing choice,” said Dan Viles, President and General Manager of informa tion WYBN. The current line-up includes Buzzr TV, which airs classic game shows; The Family Channel (FAM TV); Tuff w y b n t v14.com TV, which offers male-oriented programming; world news channel France 24 News; Rev’N TV, which airs automotive shows; Retro TV, offering the best in classic television; Hispanic music and entertainment network LATV; and This TV, the home of MGM movies.
4|
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Make your move TO KINDERHOOK BANK
Albany 39 North Pearl St 518.512.5699 Chatham 5 Depot Square 518.392.7400 Delmar 180 Delaware Ave 518.472.0340 East Greenbush 567 Columbia Tpke 518.477.2652 Greenport 96 Union Tpke 518.828.1112 Kinderhook 1 Hudson St 518.758.7101 Latham 782 Troy-Schen. Rd 518.213.8033 Valatie 2967 Route 9 518.758.7111
and see how we’ve been welcoming businesses and real people like you from our community since 1853.
GET TO KNOW US
R E A L FACT Even U.S. Presidents hang out in Kinderhook.
Come on over › kinderhookbank.com
pet-friendly
people-friendly
Martin VanBuren 8th President of U.S. Born in Kinderhook, NY
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
5
Contents
THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES
27
g er stron n of anoth io The endyear for our reg seller’s
13
Columbia county got its first brewery 10 years ago
“The Plus Makes All The Difference” County Sales Tax Collections
Bedrooms | Living Room | Dining Room Office | Accent Pieces | Youth | Mattresses
329 Fairview Ave., Hudson, NY 12534
518-828-3683
Store Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10-6, Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Closed Sunday
Free Local Delivery | Layaway & Financing Available 6
Browse on-line www.furnitureplushudson.com
| CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
10
17
A true, brick and mortar, mom and pop shop
An annual report released by the New York State Comptroller ON THE COVER The Wick Hotel at 41 Cross St., Hudson is scheduled for completion in early 2017. The former soap and candle factory development project was approved by the city’s IDA for a 10-year payment, in lieu of taxes agreement, June of 2016, with the condition that the county IDA agree to administer it. The agency approved a county sales tax exemption, and a mortgage sales tax exemption in an effort to save a historic building, return the property to the tax rolls, and create a step in the revitalization of Hudson’s waterfront.
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
7
Contents
14 COLUMBIA COUNTY
New to this job, but not to the business, Chamber President Jeff Hunt shares his vision for the year
20 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A road map to successfully navigating commerce and community development according to the CEDC
18 SERVICE 22 ADVERTISING Just the service and nothing Getting to the basics of but the service, customer care is still number one at Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy
Digital Marketing 101
30 NETWORKING Plan your meet and greets to build and grow your business
29
Jim Calvin makes leadership and service “convenient”
Reach Us Write to us Business Quarterly Magazine, c/o CGM, 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.
Publisher’sletter You are holding in your hands (or reading on your devices), the latest issue of our revised Business Quarterly magazine for the first quarter of 2017. We take pride in the new design, layout and features that it brings and I hope you find it enlightening, entertaining and informative. In this edition, we focus on progress in the region. As the calendar turns on the early portion of 2017, I find myself marveling at the amount of change occurring in our area and in the nation. As planned, by this time next year, much more of the region will be wired for broadband connectivity as part of the New York state “Broadband for All” initiative. This program is being rolled out rapidly, with a goal of nearly all of state residents having at least basic high-speed digital communications by the end of next year. Locally, this should help bolster existing business and attract new business and residents who know that this technology isn’t a luxury today—it’s a business necessity. Any look at progress locally will include tourism. This segment of our economy continues to play a vital role as both an economic driver and population-growth engine. Starting as the point of entry for many, Hudson is the state’s third-busiest Amtrak station. The number of development projects that touch on tourism are vast and include The Wick hotel project, which will be a LEED certified, state-of-the-art establishment offering luxury accommodations in Hudson. In Greene County, the Lumberyard Contemporary Performing Arts in Catskill will bring a worldrenowned performance institute to the area, while the Greene County IDA is hard at work on redeveloping the former hotel at New York State Thruway exit 21 into a much-needed hotel/ convention center. The Hudson River Skywalk, modeled after the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, being built to connect the Olana NY State Historic Site and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, which will link these two sites, as well as both counties’ tourism. After strolling the bridge, visitors have many options for how to spend their time and money with a number of awardwinning establishments in the area continuing to progress—from Hudson-Chatham Winery (recently honored by Wine Enthusiast magazine) to William Farmer and Sons (voted top 3 inns in the USA) to the Chatham Brewing Company (celebrating its 10th anniversary of producing a variety of awarded brews). It’s not just tourism that drives the area’s engines. The Columbia Memorial Health system, the Twin Counties’ largest employer, has expanded its services, in part, through its partnership with Albany Medical Center. And Columbia-Greene Community College, celebrating its 50th anniversary during the 2016-17 school year, is adapting and increasing its offerings with a newly developed five-year plan serving as a guidepost for growth. C-GCC is dealing with changing student needs from distance learning to increasing enrollment of nontraditional students. In the end, one definition of progress, according to Merriam-Webster, is “gradual betterment” and “a forward or onward movement.” Here in our region, the arc of change is clearly tilting toward progress and we are happy to chronicle some of it in our pages. We hope you enjoy this deeper dive in the following pages.
FOLLOW US ON
We’re Freshening Up for You! Very soon your on-line news will be in a fresh new environment! Receive updates, a sneak-peek, announcements and
Enter to Win a $50 Gift Card! Sign up online at www.columbiagreenemedia.com/sneakpeek
Columbia-Greene Media Register-Star • The Daily Mail • Ravena News-Herald Windham Journal • Chatham Courier
For advertising rates
Call (518)828-1616 ext. 2463 The Columbia Greene Business Quarterly is produced by Columbia Greene Media, a division of the Johnson Newspaper Corporation and may not be reproduced or copied without the express written consent of the publisher.
8|
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Mark Vinciguerra, Publisher Columbia-Greene Media facebook.com/cgbusinessquarterly
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
9
SPOTLIGHT ON
TAX COLLECTIONS
County Sales Tax Collections
In 2016, collections grew in 39 of the 57 counties outside of New York City, compared to 27 in 2015. Two fo the the counties with the strongest growth were Chautauqua (12.7 percent) and Jefferson (6.0 persent) counties, both of which had sales tax rate increases effective December 1, 2015. Other counties with strong growth were Putnam (9.5 percent), Sullivan (7.5 percent) and Delaware (7.0 percent). Each of these had significant corrections that boosted their numbers in 2016. The largest declines in sales tax collections were in Herkimer County (4.9 percent), Cattaraugus County (3.9 percent) and Washington County (3.6 percent). While there were some distribution adjustment impacts in Herkimer and Cattaraugus counties, the Washington County decline appears to be due to a true decline in current collections.
Comptroller report shows growth in local sales tax collections in the Twin Counties Columbia increases 3.7%, Greene up 1.5%
By Victoria Addison
| Columbia-Greene Media
An annual report released Monday by the New York State COMPTROLLER shows an increase in local sales tax collections for the Twin Counties in 2016. According to the report from Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, total local sales tax collections grew across the state by 2.3 percent, or about $357 million, in 2016. Collections grew in 39 of the 57 counties outside New York City in 2016, compared to 27 counties in 2015, according to the report. Two of the counties with the strongest growth percentages, Chautauqua with 12.7 percent and Jefferson with 6 percent, increased their sales tax rate as of Dec. 1, 2015. Other counties that showed strong growth were Putnam with 9.5 percent, Sullivan with 7.5 percent and Delaware with 7 percent. As for declines, Herkimer County showed one of the largest declines with 4.9 percent, while Cattaraugus County showed a decrease of 3.9 percent and Washington County of 3.6 percent. “Sales tax collections are a crucial, yet unstable source of revenue for local governments,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “The impact of little to no growth is felt in several regions across the state, especially in counties and municipalities that may already be struggling financially. As the year progresses, local officials will need to closely monitor their budgets should these collections slip.” In Columbia County, annual local sales tax collections increased by 3.7 percent, with collections totaling $37,056,951 in 2016 compared to $35,731,051 in 2015. Greene County also saw an increase of 1.5 percent with collections totaling $30,096,608 in 2016 compared to $29,639,490 in 2015. The chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors said last year’s sales tax projection was $36.5 million, which is less than the $37,056,951 reported. “It’s more than what we projected, and more than the previous year,” Stockport Supervisor Matt Murell said. Murell cited Love’s Travel Stop, located at 12845 New York 22 in Canaan, as a potential reason for the growth in sales tax collections. “It’s a large rest stop for trucks that just opened this past year,” Murell said. “It’s a pit stop that gets a lot of traffic. They [drivers] are purchasing fuel, food and other items. It’s a fairly busy place.” He also named tourism as a possible factor in the increase.
A report issued from the state comptroller’s office showed local sales tax collections grew in the Twin Counties in 2016.
10 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Contributed photo
“Tourism is up in Columbia County as a whole,” he said. “There are a lot of people from out of the area coming to the county, whether it’s the county itself or the city of Hudson.” Please see SALES TAX, page 12
SPRING 2016 | CG Business Quarterly |
11
ENTREPRENEURS
SALES TAX, from page 11
The Columbia County Tourism Department focused on three campaigns, one centered on artisan beverages, another on Hudson, and the third on the county’s dining options, in 2016, Ann Cooper, the administrator for the department, said. “All in all the county’s tourism industry is continuing to grow and that helps sales tax receipts,” Cooper said. “The county has so much to offer — it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s happening, but clearly the tourism industry is alive and well and growing in the county.” Cooper said the county’s artisan beverage scene is one of the biggest draws for tourists. “I do believe the artisan beverage makers are bringing people in and they are shopping and eating and doing other things,” she said. “We developed a brochure for the artisan beverage makers and they flew out of the office and off the racks. It’s a very, very popular industry at the moment — not just in Columbia County, but anywhere.” As for Greene County, the collection amount reported, which was $30,096,608, is down from what the county anticipated, County Administrator Shaun Groden said. “We were hoping for about $31 million,” Groden said. “Sales tax is our single biggest revenue so it’s a very important part of our operations.” Groden suggested a decline in gas prices as a cause of the difference in the reported number versus what the county expected. “Gasoline taxes represent about 10 to 15 percent of our total sales tax receipts so gas is down basically a dollar per gallon from where it was a year ago, so that’s part of the explanation,” he said. “But the consumer has had the advantage, which is great.”
Greene County’s sales tax is also driven by tourism, Groden said. “We have not had a drop in our tourism status, which drives part of our sales tax,” he said. “When people come to town they are going to go to lunch or dinner and buy things, so every time they spend money in the county that’s driving the sales tax.” Greene County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning Department Director Warren Hart said the county’s economy is significantly impacted by tourism. “We have done an economic impact analysis and roughly 20 percent of the revenue in sales tax can be attributed to the tourism sector industry,” Hart said. “The tourism industry is a conglomeration of different tourism-related businesses like food and dining, transportation, lodging and all of the other attractions visitors see while they are in the county.” Hart also mentioned the impact of second homes, or vacation homes, on the economy. The department just concluded an economic impact analysis of the county’s second home market and found 27 percent of homes in Greene County are second homes. “This has quite an impact on the property tax and sales tax revenue that comes as a result of our tourism economy,” Hart said. “We have to conclude there’s a strong correlation between tourism spending in the county,” he said. “We are a tourism-driven economy.” To reach reporter Victoria Addison, call 828-1616, ext. 2418, email vaddison@registerstar.com or follow her on Twitter @VAddison_CGM.
VOTE! Best selection of rare and hard to find whiskey around. Everyday Deal:
10% OFF 15% OFF 6 bottles
County’s first brewery turns 10
Greene County has seen sales tax increases since 2010, Hart said.
12 bottles
Stop in today.
By Karrie Allen
12 |
CONTACT
HOURS
Fairview Plaza 160 Fairview Ave. Suite 114 Hudson, NY 12534
Telephone: (518) 828 0934 Fax: (518) 828 7200 fairviewine160@gmail.com
Monday – Thursday, 9:30-8:00 Friday & Saturday, 9:30-9:00 Sunday, 12:00-7:00
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Coming April 2017 www.columbiacountybest.com
FIRST BEER: Spike Devil Porter, which they still sell today. MOST POPULAR BEER: Farmer’s Daughter described by Crowell as a “nicely blended, drinkable beer” that has a “full body and uses local rye” FIRST SOLD BEER AT: Peint O Gwrw. The brewery now has 200 accounts on both sides of the Hudson River, from Saratoga County to Westchester County. IT’S NEWEST BEER: Toasted Citracot IPA, first introduced at The People’s Pub down the street at 36 Main St. HOPS AND RYE: Hop Crop IPA is made with hops from the brewery’s own hop yard in East Chatham and Spring Hill Hops in New Lebanon. The brewery also uses rye grain grown in Ancram. WINNING BEERS: Spike Devil Porter, O.C. Blonde, Oktoberfest and Bock&Bock Doppelbock have all won individual awards. STAFF: The brewery employees two additional brewers, four sales people and five bartenders. ON THE TRAIL: Chatham Brewing is part of the Capital Craft Beverage Trail.
| Columbia-Greene Media
COLUMBIA COUNTY GOT ITS FIRST BREWERY 10 YEARS AGO AND TO celebrate, Chatham Brewing founders Tom Crowell and Jake Cunningham, with head brewer Matt Perry, held a VIP party at the brewery on 59 Main St., Chatham. The event included tastings of 10 unique beers made just for the event. Soon after winning the coveted Matthew Vassar Cup for ‘Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley’ in April of 2012, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation allowing craft breweries to increase retail, sell related products and open tasting rooms. The brewery started bottling its beer. By 2013, Chatham Brewing had outgrown the space in the alley. The new legislation allowed Crowell and Cunningham to move operations up the street and occupy a new space, about 6,500 square feet which houses 11 fermenters. In March of 2014, they won the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s final Crystal Apple Award. In October of that year, the owners and brewer started canning and distributing their beer in Price Chopper and Whole Foods markets. Chatham Brewing is looking at adding to its production capacity and expanding into New York City and the Berkshires, Crowell said. To learn more, go to www.chathambrewing.com or follow the brewery on Facebook @ chathambrewingcompany.
Brewery opens in a 450-sf room, in a garage, in the alley next to the former Ralph’s Pretty Good Cafe
LOCATION
Just the facts:
2007
2013
2009 Perry starts brewing part time
2014
2012
2008
Chatham Brewery wins the coveted Matthew Vassar Cup as ‘Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley’
10 years!
Chatham Brewing winsthe Matthew Vassar Cup again
Brewery moves up the street into a 6,500 sq.feet space
Perry is brewing full time
2016 2015
Addition of a food cart, working with local food sources
2017 The brewery hosts its first Ocktoberfest
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
13
BUSINESS
A forward thinking approach for growth and prosperity
In my first six months as Columbia County Chamber Executive, I’ve listened to the concerns of the business and greater community. My focus included: strategies to retain and grow our membership, tweaking and creating new events to attract more attendees and rebooting several Columbia County Chamber of Commerce (CCC) committees, dormant for a while: Propel Columbia, a young professionals group; the Business Referral Group, a collective of lead generating members and the launch of the Columbia Greene Leadership program are among some of our early successes.
scheduled to begin this summer with Berkshire Taconic Foundation. The County has challengesrelated to transportation, getting employees to and from places of employment. While there are independent efforts attempting to address transportation needs there is no comprehensive plan in place. The CCC supports collaboration and strategic partnerships in this effort. Business can only locate, expand and grow in areas where there are roads, bridges, water and sewer, broadband and other utilities. Infrastructure is critical to the growth of our As we look to the future we have much more to accomcounty. The CCC has established a transportation and inplish. In recent days, we have convened a group of the frastructure committee to specifically address these issues. county’s top non-profit CEO’s and Executive Directors to A healthy workforce is the most productive workforce and form the steering committee for our Non-Profit Business the CCC is looking to implement wellness programs and Council and the CCC will work to roll out new committees challenges for member businesses, employers and the comevery month. munity at large. Look for us to roll out programs like these To be true to our mission, we must do more in order to this summer. show the CCC is concerned with Economic Development Tourism and visitor experience is a big part of the economy (“lifting of all boats”) and is thinking of ways to improve here in Columbia County. We will continuje to support efthe entire county. forts to bring more and more people to the area. The train How do we do that? There is no simple answer, however, station in Hudson is the third most popular stop in New by listening I believe that there is critical work ahead that Jeffrey C. Hunt, CCE, President and York and more people, from around the country, have viswill accelerate the economic growth of the county and im- CEO, Columbia County a of Commerce ited our area recently. Since the CCC office also serves as prove the business climate. the Visitor and Information Center, our proximity Members join the Chamber to increase their bottom line and there are others to the Amtrak station makes our location perfect for the influx of visitors. We who want to accomplish something with the CCC. As we continue to grow, are working on ways to capture data from those who visit our office to share we have an eye on becoming a catalyst for reform and change. with the Columbia County Tourism Department and destination attractions There are head winds facing our beloved county--workforce preparedness, like Olana, Catamount, Craft Beverage venues, the Martin Van Buren Muaging infrastructure and population, and workforce transportation, to name a seum, Hawthorne Valley Farm, Art Omi, the Opera House, just to name a few. few. The CCC is working with the Berkshire Taconic Foundation, Columbia Hunt has a 20 year career in Chamber leadership experiences and holds a County Economic Development Corporation and Columbia Greene Commu- BA in Economics from Howard University. He oversees the Columbia County nity College on internships and a pilot program for high school students, to Chamber operation, working closely with the Board of Directors and Chammatch the industries in our county. Components of the program include soft ber staff, to provide members with a return on their investment. Reach him skills and “hands-on” skill sets required by employers. The pilot program is directly at jhunt@columbiachamber-ny.com
PROGRESS The northern most part of the Catskills, Greene County, offers the best of all things Main Street to tourism to beautiful mountain views and greenery. Small business is a vital part of the area's economy and vitality. Here are just a few of their stories.
we’re stronger together become a chamber
member SUPPORT and advocacy NETWORK and connect PROMOTIONAL opportunities and COST SAVINGS programs
www.columbiachamber-ny.com • (518) 828-4417 • mail@columbiachamber-ny.com 14 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
15
BUSINESS PROFILE
BUSINESS PROFILE
Kurt Froehlich, DDS Coxsackie Dental Arts 12077 State Rt. 9W West Coxsackie, NY WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS AND WHY DENTISTRY? I have been a practicing Dentist in Greene
County since 1990 after graduating from the NYU College of Dentistry in 1988. I worked for two years in a busy Manhattan practice when my wife Vicky and I decided to move upstate to pursue a better, less hectic quality of life. In 2002, we purchased the parcel on route 9W and built the beautiful state of the art Dental Practice, Coxsackie Dental Arts. Through the years I have honed my skills as a top rated Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist. I've traveled all over the country to learn from the very best dentists in the field and have built a practice that addresses the patients holistically while offering our patients complete dental solutions.
WHAT IS REALLY UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE? What makes us different is the quality of our dental team. Everyone is completely committed to making our patients feel comfortable and supported in our office. Patients coming to see us for the first time will see that we are a safe environment and as a result we are very successful in encouraging our patients back into regular dental care. Last year we were proud to announce the addition of Dr. Bruce Trott, a Board Certified Orthodontist to our practice. He sees both children and adults weekly and provides a full spectrum of care from "Invisalign" to more conventional orthodontic care.
TELL ME, WHAT KEEPS YOU ON YOUR TOES IN YOUR BUSINESS? Helping our patients understand the serious nature of dental disease. Broken and missing teeth, gum disease, crooked teeth and cavities are all signs and symptoms of a more severe health condition. Even today many people still do not realize how poor dental health can affect their overall health. At Coxsackie Dental Arts we are committed to explaining this linkage and helping our patients avoid pain and suffering often caused by severe neglect. The best way to avoid a crisis is a proactive plan involving regular dental visits and check ups.
A new patient to our practice will notice the level of personal attention and care they receive. Our process is to listen carefully to their concerns and expectations, then perform a thorough and complete examination. We discuss the very best treatment options for the patient's health, accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial arrangements for any out of pocket costs.
Open Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm 16 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Coxsackiedentist.com
(518) 731-8008
Shane Pilato Country Armory 10680 State Route 9W Suite 4 Coxsackie, NY 12051 WHAT YEAR DID YOU START IN BUSINESS? We added the gun shop to our existing landscape and outdoor supply store in May of 2016.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PATH AS AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I've always been a firearms enthusiast. Plus, it was a fit for our retail space and the area. I've been working with firearms for decades learning and providing hands on experience. We've been licensed for a few years and just decided to jump in last season. Our trainers at Double Eagle have decades of experience and are some of the best in the industry.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS DISTINCT AND UNIQUE TO YOUR BUSINESS? I'd say our niche is the fact that we're a true, brick and mortar, mom and pop shop. We have just one store, so we focus on our customer service. Offering training and education is certainly a huge plus.
HOW WOULD YOUR FAVORITE CUSTOMER DESCRIBE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU PERSONALLY? Probably
as a comedy show... we have a lot of fun at the shop... lots of candor! Bring your boots, lol.
WHAT HAS CHANGED THE MOST IN YOUR INDUSTRY SINCE YOU'VE OPENED SHOP? Certainly the tide has flowed in favor of the firearms owners with the change in Washington. There's a lot of hope that we can protect our rights, while focusing on responsible ownership. The focus needs to shift to criminals, not those who already respect the laws.
The idea that firearms cause crime, in my opinion, is simply wrong and causes a divide between pro and anti-gun folks. This perspective dims the truth that the shooting sports are as American as baseball and apple pie. We're (gun owners)...Americans! We support the NRA, Pink Pistols and are working with Blazing swords to become an LGBTQ friendly training facility.
HOW DO YOU STAY FRESH AND COMPETITIVE? Our
inventory is always changing, almost weekly and we anticipate trends and seasons and try to stock accordingly. We also work our distribution through the ringer to get the hard to find stuff. We are not allowed to advertise on Facebook but depend on our customers to share our stuff.
Open Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm
CountryArmory.com
(518) 731-7610
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly | 17
BUSINESS PROFILE
Srinivas Velesetty Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy 159 Jefferson Heights Catskill, NY 12414 YOU HAVE A VERY INTERESTING BACKGROUND AS A PHARMACIST. WILL YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT? I started my journey as a pharmacist in India, then Jamaica and now in here U.S.A I've worked in Minnesota, Michigan, New Mmexico, New Jersey and New York and with corporate companies, like CVS pharmacy, Albertsons, etc. I never had a chance to interact closely with customers, I was confined to a certain area with corporations so I started my own independent pharmacy in 2012. I have 15 years of experience as a pharmacist and I did my Masters in Pharmaceutics. I've even worked for the manufacturing industry teaching and as a pharmacist.
usiness B n I DR. KURT FROEHLICH & BRUCE TROTT, DDS “I travel a bit of a distance just to receive treatment at Coxsackie Dental Arts, that in itself speaks volumes to how much I appreciate their care and attention to details.” - Leslie A.
HOW WOULD YOUR FAVORITE CUSTOMER DESCRIBE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU PERSONALLY?
My customers love the way I take care of them. I always make sure to reduce the wait time of my customer and provide charge accounts if they want to pay their bills once a month. We never send a single customer back saying “ drug is not in stock".
WHAT HAS CHANGED THE MOST IN YOUR INDUSTRY SINCE YOU'VE OPENED SHOP? We had a drastic drop on
reimbursement amounts from insurance companies and they are asking patients to participate in mandatory mail order fulfillment.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am - 2pm 18 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
GreeneMedicalArtsRX.com
(518) 943-1715
Your B
s s e u si n
(518) 943-4222 327 Main St., P.O. Box 248 Catskill, NY 12414
Online Scheduling Available
www.coxsackiedentist.com
greenecountychamber.com
12077 State Rt. 9W • West Coxsackie, NY • (518) 731-8008
Bringing you the convenience of door to door prescription delivery.
WHAT DO YOU THINK PEOPLE STILL DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? We are much more than just a pharmacy! We have DME supplies (Durable Medical Equipment), we offer 24/7 services to nursing homes and HOSPICE, we even give 10% off on over the counter medications for senior citizens. Our deliveries are free, we pick up prescriptions on demand, we offer blister packs for patients to keep them from getting confused about their meds and we help with online discount coupons to save out of pocket costs for our customers.
F or
FREE
From our door to yours.
· Free Daily Blister Packs for Seniors · Free Fax and Copy Service · Stationary Supplies · Mastectomy Supplies · Easy Prescription Transfer
DELIVERY & PICK-UP
“Delivering what big box stores can’t.”
YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR FIREARMS AND AMMO SALES Local and knowledgeable source that prides itself on customer satisfaciton. Be sure to check out our competitive pricing and large supply of used firearms.
FEATURED BRANDS
PRICE MATCH GUARANTEED! Free Delivery within 25 mile radius daily
Greene Medical Arts
PHARMACY 518-943-1715
159 Jefferson Heights, Suite D102 • Catskill, NY 12414
FIRE ARMS TRAINING
by
Double Eagle Tactical Individual & Group Training Available
Country Armory, LLC 10680 State Route 9W, Suite 4 Coxsackie, New York 12051 (518) 731-7610 SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
19
48
$2,821,238
IN 2016, CEDC PROVIDED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO 48 SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES.
IN 2016, COLUMBIA COUNTY RECEIVED $2,821,238 IN CFA STATE FUNDING FOR 17 PROJECTS:
Economic Development - The Power of Collaboration CEDC hits its stride in 2016, looks to ambitious year ahead
CITY OF HUDSON HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TRAIL ASSOCIATION HAWTHORNE VALLEY ASSOCIATION, INC. HISTORIC HUDSON, INC. HUDSON DEVELOPMENT CORP. HUDSON OPERA HOUSE SHAKER MUSEUM THE MILLAY COLONY FOR THE ARTS, INC. THE OLANA PARTNERSHIP, INC. THE WATERSHED GROUP TOWN OF CLAVERACK TOWN OF CLAVERACK TOWN OF COPAKE TROUT UNLIMITED, INC. TROUT UNLIMITED, INC. VILLAGE OF PHILMONT COLUMBIA-GREENE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
$ 45,000 $285,000 $600,000 $487,500 $ 14,000 $ 49,500 $ 41,500 $ 75,000 $197,878 $200,000 $170,000 $ 25,000 $ 40,000 $287,280 $ 69,700 $191,250 $ 42,630
$277,209
14
IN 2016, CEDC GRADUATED 14 ENTREPRENEURS IN ITS MICROBUSINESS SEMINAR SERIES. KATE ARDING MARGARET BOWER AVENIA CHRIS BILLINGHAM KAREN BLAKE-KITTLE JUSTIN BURKE SEAN CASEY ANNA DAWSON MATTHEW HALSTEAD JEANETTE NESEL ERIN ROBERTSON TIMOTHY SCHRODER SEUNG SUH DOUGLAS THORSEY FAHARI WAMBURA
TALBOTT AND ARDING CHEESE & PROVISIONS COLUMBIA COUNTY REAL ESTATE CHRISTOPHER BILLINGHAM, ARCHITECT OMI LAVENDER HOME GOODS STORE ALULA WOODWORKS HOMETOWN FOODS LLC STUDIO 428 GERMANTOWN BEER FARM ERIN ROBERTSON LANDSCAPE DESIGN ENGINUITY ENGINEERING & DESIGN PLLC SPECIALTY FOOD STORE WINE BAR & CAFE FAHARI BAZAAR/FAHARI TOTES
IN 2016, CEDC CLOSED ON 5 SBA MICROLOANS AND 2 CEDC LOANS TOTALLING
TESTIMONIALS A Message from President and CEO Michael Tucker
It’s an exciting time for economic development in Columbia County, with a fresh outlook and renewed energy focused on business growth and expansion opportunities. CEDC’s Board and professional staff are working with community partners to seize immediate opportunities and planning for long-term success with the bold, new strategic initiatives. Last year, CEDC undertook a strategic planning process which involved extensive community engagement and resulted in a comprehensive plan that focuses on four pillars: Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Quality of Life & Sustainability and Workforce and Education. In 2017, CEDC will continue to assist businesses and organizations with proposed economic development projects, along with small business loans and federal and state grant funding. CEDC is also focused on expanding county-wide broadband and other important infrastructure and will work to integrate “smart” economic development projects throughout the county. CEDC will identify “shovel ready” sites and work with local planning and zoning officials to model a pre-approval process for desired business activities. CEDC will also focus on a workforce and education initiative designed to insure a pipeline of qualified workers for new and existing businesses. The year ahead looks bright for Columbia County as CEDC moves ahead with promising projects that will help retain and expand existing business, attract new investments, and improve the overall quality of life in Columbia County. CEDC looks forward to continuing to work with businesses and residents of Columbia County; seeking new ideas, partners and approaches to our work- while maintaining its longstanding commitment to CEDC’s mission of maximizing the County’s economic prosperity. We sincerely thank you for your support and look forward to working with you in 2017.
F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO Columbia Economic Development Corporation
20 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
BASILICA INDUSTRIES - SBA OLD PIZZARIA NAPOLETANA - SBA TALBOTT & ARDING - SBA EZ FOODS OF THE NORTHEAST - SBA EAST CHATHAM FOOD CO. - SBA EAST CHATHAM FOOD CO. - CEDC THE POND - CEDC
$ 45,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 9,000 $ 20,000 $ 15,000 $148,209
“Chatham Brewing benefited from an SBA microloan from CEDC
when we were just getting started. A second loan from CEDC allowed us to expand into our current location. Today, our beers are sold in stores and restaurants from Saratoga to New York City. Visit our tasting room on Main Street next time you’re in Chatham.”
$383,462
TOM CROWELL AND JAKE CUNNINGHAM CHATHAM BREWING, 59 MAIN ST., CHATHAM, NY 12037
CEDC ASSISTS NEW, EXPANDING AND RELOCATING BUSINESSES THROUGH A WIDE ARRAY OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, INCLUDING: lSBA MICROLOANS lTECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
lRELOCATION ASSISTANCE
lSMALL BUSINESS TRAINING
lCEDC REVOLVING LOAN FUND
IN 2016, CEDC WENT THROUGH A STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS WHICH INVOLVED EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RESULTED IN A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THAT FOCUSES ON FOUR PILLARS:
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
$752,253
“When my small engine repair business began to take off, I needed a loan
to expand the shop. It can be hard to find a loan for a startup business, but CEDC approved my loan, and they have been easy to work with. I recommend CEDC for small business loans.”
lFEDERAL & STATE GRANT ASSISTANCE
INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY OF LIFE & SUSTAINABILITY WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
JAMES SWARTZ JIM’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS, 4 SOLLER HEIGHTS RD., GHENT, NY 12075 AAA “It took a lot of planning to get our wood-fired restaurant ready
to open. Working with our bank and CEDC, we were able to make it happen. The technical assistance offered by CEDC has helped tremendously. We are happy to be back in Joey’s hometown, and invite you to try our Neapolitan pizza, fine wines, and small plates featuring locally-sourced ingredients.” JoJOEY ALVAREZ AND JULIANA SANTOS OAK PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA, 523 WARREN ST., HUDSON, NY 12534 “
76
TOP 2017 GOALS
IN 2016, CEDC STAFF CONDUCTED 76 ONSITE BUSINESS VISITS.
1. Improve Broadband access throughout the County; 2. Institute a Workforce Development Program targeting Columbia County high schools students; 3. Advance funding of Commerce Park Sewer Line; 4. Define an initiative related to affordable workforce housing;
COLUMBIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
5. Identify “shovel-ready” sites.
4303 ROUTE 9, HUDSON, NY 12534 T: 518-828-4718 | F: 518-828-0901 | www.columbiaedc.com
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
21
TECHNOLOGY
Digital Marketing 101
In 2014, Google first reported that mobile searches had surpassed desktop searches. With the almost ubiquitous use of smartphones, this means potential customers could be looking for you any time, anywhere. There’s a good chance that your potential customer’s first interaction with your business is digital. When they arrive, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready engage your audience. Research, planning and preparation are essential to the success of your online strategy. It’s a mobile-first world—get yourself ready for it with some Digital Marketing 101. Are you really web-ready? Do you have a website? It’s not enough anymore just to be online. Two years ago, Google began prioritizing mobile-friendly websites in its search rankings. This means that it’s essential for your website to be built using mobile responsive design. A responsive website’s layout will adjust depending on your screen size (desktop, tablet, mobile). This creates an improved experience for the user, who can easily read and navigate your site from the smallest to largest screen. Another critical piece to your website is your utilization of content and keyword placement. Google and other search engines are constantly upgrading and using more refined tools to help users find what they’re looking for. They use cookies, location and other parameters to deliver highly tailored results for each query. Therefore, it’s not only important to know what you do, it’s important to say it clearly throughout your website content. Social media—a conversation you should join? In addition to desktop devices, most social media platforms can be accessed via mobile devices through apps. Each social media platform offers its own way for you to connect with your customers, and each has its own merits and benefits. But tread lightly: when it
on your website, Facebook page or your brick-andmortar location.
THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES
Many kinds of content can be appropriate and engaging, as long as it ties back to who you are and what you do. For example, a bead-making business might create a video or infographic about their creative design process. Or a local sandwich shop might post a shout-out to their employees who participate in volunteer opportunities for the community they serve. Source: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/social-business/new-report-shows-social-media-preferences-andhabits-among-generations
comes to getting social, one of the biggest missteps you can take is trying to do it all. The solution is to carefully select 1-3 platforms where your brand and message can shine. Don’t assume your audience is there—create some accounts and do your research. Social media provides a unique opportunity to foster very personal relationships with your customers. You can respond to them in real-time and deliver content that is highly relevant. Create a call-to-action by running promotions, special offers or encouraging users to sign up for your monthly newsletter. Hashtags provide yet another method to be found by anyone taking an interest in your message or brand. They can be particularly effective when running a campaign and should be a regular feature on your posts. For example, you can find a wealth of information by searching #marketingtips. Make your content personable, relevant and onbrand Regardless of where you choose to say it, make sure you’re always in line with the feeling your brand gives to your customers. Audiences today are looking for an authentic experience, whether they visit you
Movers and shakers read the Business Quarterly: a full-color, glossy magazine serving as THE premier source for business coverage in Columbia, Greene, Northern Dutchess and Southern Albany counties.
The good news is that it’s incredibly easy to share content right from your smartphone, which is always in hand. You can even schedule posts in advance using an app like Hootsuite or Buffer.
Partnering with the BQ gives you the opportunity to reach entrepreneurs, small business leaders and local government officials in an impactful way. Reach those who have the authority to drive business and are committed to the quality of work and commerce in our region.
And just as important as the type of content you share, it needs to be readily accessible and easy to find. When building out your website, think carefully about the way the information is organized. Make your sitemap streamlined, giving users the quickest avenue to your message. On social media, choose a handle that is as close as possible to your brand name. Sometimes an outside perspective can be essential for this piece of your marketing. Like many others, you could choose to partner with an outside firm who understands your business and your vision. Or, you might designate someone on your staff to craft your message. With these tips you can have an online presence in this digital world that will allow you to connect with your customers in a meaningful way. Contributor Kim Hickok is a highly experienced marketing professional and principal of Marketing Kangaroo. The firm offers creative marketing solutions with the right mix of traditional and digital marketing, brand and social media strategies to tell YOUR story.
• Special features on the current B2B and B2C trends • Columns from local leaders in business • Profiles on area entrepreneurs and professionals • Networking opportunities and special events • B2B promotions
20F% F
Oer members
to Chamb anding, in good st imum (4) issue minse purcha
Your Complete Industrial Port. The Port of Coeymans has become a leader in providing innovative solutions to the Construction, Maritime, and Supply Logistics Industries on the Eastern Seaboard. Our surging growth has created hundreds of jobs over the past few years, and we are always looking for motivated individuals to join our team! Download our app at: www.portofcoeymans.com
Phone: 518.756.2164 Fax: 518.756.2022 info@pmterminal.com
2170 River Road P.O. BOX 890 Coeymans, NY, 12045
The BQ is mailed to the entire membership of the Columbia and Greene County Chambers, is available at both Chamber offices and found in high-traffic locations throughout the area at hospitals, medical offices, retail businesses, economic development offices and tourism agencies. The magazine is even delivered to Register Star and Daily Mail newspaper subscribers, trusted local news media over hundreds of years old.
Circulation: 10,000 Editorial Calendar: March - Outlook & Progress • June - Tourism September - Education & Technology • December - Mix, Mingle & Jingle
Premium Placements
Feature Business
Theme Profiles
Anchor Content Sponsor
(1) One feature business each edition includes cover photo, three and a half pages of editorial content and a half page ad in all four editions. Must qualify per magazine theme.
(3) Three theme profiles each edition includes full page Q & A with photo and quarter page ads in all four editions. Must qualify per magazine theme.
(1) One sponsor per content category. Choose from Real Estate, Technology or Networking Events Calendar for your third page ad to appear in all four editions.
To advertise call (518) 828-1616 or email advertising@columbiagreenemedia.com Want your business added to the list of locations receiving the Business Quarterly? Contact Subscriber Services (518) 828-1616 ext. 2411 or email subscribe@columbiagreenemedia.com
22 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Columbia-Greene Media • One Hudson City Centre • Suite 202 • Hudson, NY 12534 • (518) 828-1616
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
23
The content below features excerpts from the full 2016 report presented by the Cornell University Cornell Cooperative Extension Columbia & Greene Counties. To view the complete document and annual reports from years past, visit http://www.ccecolumbiagreene.org/about/annual-reports.html
The Mission of CCE is to put “knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in a rapidly changing world.” The Vision Statement of CCE is that “we are a natural leader in creating positive change on behalf of families and communities through rigorously-tested extension programs. We create measurable change in five priority areas by aligning local needs with the resources and priorities of the land grant system and its state and federal partners.” With the support of individuals, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, the Greene County Legislature, state and federal agencies, and our volunteers, the staff of CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties continued to provide and expend upon high quality programs in 2016. In our full report, you will find information highlighting some of the many successes of our program areas including:
4-H Youth Development Environment and Natural Resources Community Health and Wellness Agriculture and Food Services Community and Economic Vitality
Looking to 2017, we will be celebrating 100 years of CCE’s presence in both Columbia and Greene Counties as well as the 10th Year Anniversary of the Suislaw Model Forest and five years since the two associations consolidated. We have a number of special events planneed to celebrate the relevancy and contributions of your local CCE in our communities. The events are listed on our website. We hope you will join us!
Nutrition, Food Safety, and Security CCE operated two nutrition programs in 2016. The Hudson River Fish Advisory program is funded through a contract with CCE Dutchess and allowed CCE to present a free nutrition education program at community organizations. In addition to the lesson, participants also received information on which fish are safe to eat from the Hudson River and its estuaries. The program is funded through June, 2017. CCE has contracted with St. Peter’s Health Partners on the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program. Under the contract, CCE is coordinating the community effort for the Hudson City School District with a goal of improving the health of community members.
4-H Youth Development Forestry programming engaged several groups of youth through interagency partnerships, including the Catskill Community Center and The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site to train students in map, compass and GPS navigation. Youth were provided a hands-on forest engagement in the Siuslaw Model Forest in Acra, NY
Community & Economic Vitality (CEV) Thanks to a $6500 Lifespan of Greater Rochester Grant, two ‘Preventing Elder Financial Abuse’ educational displays were created and reached over 24,300 consumers via the Greene County Youth Fair, Roeliff-Jansen Community Library, Columbia County Fair, National Bank of Coxsackie, Senator Marchione’s Golden Gathering and the Catskill Community Center. As a result of CCE’s involvement in the effort, CEV Resource Educator Theresa Mayhew has been invited to join the Columbia County Office of Aging Safe at Home Committee and the newly formed Elder Abuse Prevention Task Force Committee, organized by Common Ground.
Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) CCE ENR received 18 grants and contracts totaling nearly $250,000, many of which are multiyear. As a result, over 50 programs were held with more than 1,700 participants. Funded by the NYS Workforce Development Institute, CCE organized and hosted a “Healthy Veterans, Healthy Forests” feasibility meeting, to investigate the opportunity for veterans to be involved in the logging profession. A report was generated with plans for 2017.
Thank you for your continued support.
Donate Chuck Brooks, Executive Director
24 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Support the programs of CCE Columbia and Greene Counties by making your tax-deductible donation via PayPal.
Questions? Call 518-622-9820 x21. Thank you!
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
25
Thank You
...all 90,000 of you in the Capital District and the Catskills for your loyal viewership.
LET’S PLAY
THE MEDIA AUDIT • RANKER REPORT
Cume Ratings
WYBN-TV NET 8-11PM
Base Population: 1,101,407 Target Persons: 1,101,407
C14 WYBN BUZR TOTAL
RANK C14 WYBN BUZR 7 3-8P
C14 WYBN BUZR 8-11PM
C14 WYBN BUZR 7-7 3P
C14 WYBN BUZR 6-7PM
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
MEDIA
CUME PERSONS
% In Target: 100.0%
CUME RATINGS
1 WYBN-TY NET 8-11PM
59,472
5.4
2 C14 WYBN BUZR TOTAL
16,493
1.5
3 C14 WYBN BUZR 7 3-8P
11,223
1.0
4 C14 WYBN BUZR 8-11PM
11,223
1.0
5 C14 WYBN BUZR 7-7 3P
9,088
0.8
6 C14 WYBN BUZR 6-7PM
7,654
0.7
Report Market: Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Report Period:
Relase: Fall 2016
Report Base:
Target:
Adults Age 18+
Adults Age 18+
Copyrighted. Reproduction with written permission of WYBN TV 14 & The Media Audit.
To advertise on any of our local channels call (518) 772-4414 or email cannytv@gmail.com
www.wybntv14.com
IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
Realtors®’ Housing Expectations for 2017 WITH THE END OF ANOTHER STRONG SELLER’S YEAR FOR OUR REGION’S sale is insufficient, and new home construction is not meeting demand. The housing market in 2016, it’s now time to examine the housing outlook and number of homes for sale has dropped 19% year over year, and the monthly expectations for the new year. supply is currently at 11 months. More buyers are competing for a fewer Existing-home sales are forecast to muster only a small gain in 2017 because number of affordable homes than a year ago, which will likely continue in of rising mortgage rates and shrinking consumer confidence about whether 2017. now is a good time to buy a home, according to new consumer survey findings and a 2017 housing forecast from Increasing home prices. With demand rising and listings the National Association of Realtors®. scarce in many markets, increasing home prices are expected in 2017. The tighter the supply the higher the cost. NAR’s Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey, which asked respondents about their Rising mortgage rates. The recent rise in mortgage rates confidence in the U.S. economy and housing expectations will likely continue in 2017 with additional increases. for 2017, recently found that just 68 percent of homeowners think now is a good time to make a home purchase “With inventory tight and prices already rising far above compared to 82 percent in December 2015. incomes in some areas, the unwelcoming sign of higher borrowing costs only adds to the difficult barrier of entry Despite a slump in confidence, however, our region’s real estate sales remained robust in the January 2016-January for many prospective buyers,” said Caplan. 2017 time frame. Closings during this 12-month stretch Waning consumer confidence. Declining affordability in were 4.2 percent higher than 2015, above the national 3.3 percent. The median sale price for a home during that many parts of the country has been weakening consumer period was $205,000, up 0.5 percent over the prior year. morale; it remains to be seen whether our region will face And buyers paid 94 percent of properties’ list price in that a similar drop in confidence. Fortunately in our area, the 12-month period, slightly up from the prior year. affordability Index has increased by 3.4%. An example of What’s driving the confidence slump? In part, mortgage Ronald Caplan, 2017 Columbia-Greene the affordability index is that the number means that the rates: by the end of this year, mortgage rates are expected Board of REALTORS® president median household income is that % of what is necessary to reach around 4.6 percent. to qualify for the median-priced home under prevailing interest rates. The “Existing-home sales are expected to see little expansion in 2017 because of affordability tensions from rising mortgage rates and home prices continu- higher the number the better. ing to outpace income growth,” said Ronald Caplan, 2017 Columbia-Greene Buying a home can sometimes be a challenging process, but with a little work Board of REALTORS® president. “Ultimately, the market needs to see a and a Realtor® — a member of the National Association of Realtors® — at growth in sale inventory, otherwise the low homeownership rate will struggle your side, 2017 may be a good time to start looking. to rise in 2017.” Here are a few of the trends and predictions the Columbia-Greene Board of Author Ronald “Ron” Caplan is the President of the Columbia Greene Board REALTORS expects to see play out in the new year. of Realtors (CGBRE) and an active community volunteer. CGBRE was estabTight inventory conditions will continue. Recent data from the Columbia lished in 1931 and, since 2011, owns the Columbia Greene Northern Dutchess Greene Northern Dutchess MLS shows that the supply of existing homes for Multiple Listing System, a subsidiary.
Looking for a New Home? Local Open Houses • Local Agents Local Searchable Listings
www.hvpropertysearch.com
Broadcasting Over-The-Air on channels 14.1 through 14.8, networks on the station include Buzzr TV, Family, Tuff TV, France 24, Rev'n, LATV, Retro TV, and THIS TV (guide channel). Mid-Hudson Cable also carries WYBN on their Digital and Digital Basic packages. You can find Buzzr TV, Family, Tuff TV, and France 24 on channels 144 through 147 on Digital.
26 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
27
Let Solar Pay the Electric Bill for Your Home or Business! Up and down the Hudson Valley, Lotus Solar builds the highest quality installations that save money and give excellent payback and IRR. Dear Jeevan, Ann and I want to thank you and your team for the excellent work at our home in Columbia County. We could not be more pleased with the SunPower energy system you installed on our property. We appreciate that you were focused on designing a system for our particular needs and the unusual conditions at our site, and that your approach with us was extremely collaborative. This Installation went perfectly and finished ahead of schedule. We particularly like the ability to track our electrical usage and solar power generation online, and that capability is helping us save more energy. You have a can-do attitude and offer a great service. We would happily work with you and Lotus Energy again, or recommend your company and services to others. Sincerely, — Paul Sagan
RUB ELBOWS WITH...
Your convenience is his service Store Association? The most frustrating part is lobbying, because you can lose even when you know you’re right. The best part is the people in our industry – successful, colorful, can-do entrepreneurs of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
Please tell us your professional titles including current job and board status: Current - Board of Directors, Columbia County Agricultural Society Board of Directors, Columbia Economic Development Corp.
Farming is such a major force in Columbia County. How do you think agriculture is faring these days? Soso. Farm families face enormous challenges. The investment required versus the return can be daunting. Labor supply and labor cost issues are hindering progress. But the locavore movement has created new opportunities and renewed spirit. Only if agriculture is healthy can Columbia County sustain its economic vitality and rural charm.
Past - Managing Editor, The Register Star Assistant General Manager, Peterson Petroleum/Cobble Pond Farms Executive Director, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director, Hudson City Savings Institution Chairman, Empire State Society of Association Executives
We hear this is your last year of service on the Columbia County Fair Board. What will you miss the most? It’s the hardest working team of volunteers I’ve ever been associated with. Most people go to the fair once a year, but these guys live it year-round. I’ll miss being part of that collective, behind-the-scenes effort.
Education? Utica College, BA in Journalism
Back in the ‘80s, you were a reporter and editor with the local newspaper. Do you ever draw upon that experience? Every day. I went to college, but my real education was working for the Register Star. You learn so much about how a community functions, gathering information, sifting out what’s important, getting it right, human nature, and working under deadline pressure. These experiences served me well in subsequent legs of my career.
Lotus Solar 98 Green Street Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-3105 LotusSolar.com info@LotusSolar.com 28 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
Call today about special rebates and savings, now in effect for a limited time. You Only Do Solar Once. Do It Right!
What’s new in the convenience store business? Expanded foodservice offerings, such as Stewart’s pizza program. Consolidation, evidenced by the conversion of Hess locations to Speedway. Greater focus on loyalty programs, like Cumberland Farms’ “SmartPay.” New cashless payment methods. “Functional” snacks and beverages. Stop in and see! Once a day is all we ask. What are the best and worst parts of your role with the Convenience
Have a favorite sports team? The Red Sox. My Dad’s from Sanford, Maine, and when I was young we’d go up there every summer. I’d play sandlot baseball with the neighborhood kids, who were all “Sawx” fans, and it rubbed off. Fenway Park is such a magical place. Anybody got tickets? President, New York Association of Convenience Stores What else do you do Age? 62 in your spare time? I’m the curtain puller Where are you from? Grew up in for the Faxon School Philmont, currently reside outside of Valatie. of Dance recital in Family members? Wife Jean, Chatham every Mea teacher at Ichabod Crane Primary School, morial Day weekend. and daughter Amanda, I have so perfected the a junior at Ichabod Crane craft that they’ve doubled High School. my salary every year.
JIM CALVIN
SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
29
NETWORKING PRIVATE TRAINING
Columbia-Greene Community College, Student Center 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Hosted by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. Event offers county legislators an opportunity to outline their plans for 2017 to the business community. $25 for breakfast, reservations are required by Apr. 3, call 828-4417
SEMI-PRIVATE TRAINING
SPIN
NEW MEMBERSHIP WELCOME PROGRAM oto
Contributed ph
Purling, NY. Bavarian Manor, sday, Jan. 26 at the tor at Thomas Cole Historic ur Th on ld he er Jacks, Direc Business Dinn gher, amber Women in Staging and Betsy Photography and MaryEllen Galla Green County Ch y of Gwen Seeley ens ele ew Se Ch en ica Gw ron is t Ve . Pictured on the lef On the right is Veronica Chewens of cratic Committee Site. eene County Demo member of the Gr
BUY 5 CLASSES GET 1 FREE AND 1 FREE RX PROTEIN BAR Kylah Campeta ATC Owner lyffit@gmail.com 209 Warren Street, Hudson, NY
Thursday, April 13: Women in Business Gracie’s Luncheonette, 969 Main St, Leeds 5 - 8 p.m. Hosted by the Greene County Chamber Reservations to liz@greenecountychamber.com
Instagram: @lyf_fitness
Tuesday, April 18: Spring Tourism Seminar & Business After Hours Windham Mountain Resort, 19 Resort Drive, Windham 3 to 7 p.m. Hosted by the Greene County Chamber Reservations to liz@greenecountychamber.com
Hometown People. Hometown Service.
SPORTS MEDICINE TRAINING
FITNESS
Wednesday, April 12: Business After Hours Oak Pizzeria Napoletana, 523 Warren St., Hudson 5 to 7 p.m. Hosted by the Columbia County Chamber Excellent networking opportunity. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. FREE event, to reserve, call 828-4417
Shook-Porto Insurance Agenc y
CLASSES
Friday, April 7: Annual Legislative Breakfast
Contributed photo
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to the area. The LLS is known as “the voice for all blood cancer patients and works to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients”. Pictured center (L-R) is LLS team members Karen Patterson, Christine Krenzer (with scisssors) and Susanne Keller. Columbia County Chamber President Jeff C. Hunt is far left.
Lebanon Valley Heritage Center GRAND RE-OPENING
Personal • Business • Life Insurance
Call for a Free Quote
(518) 943-3980
Scheduling, pricing and payment information available on our website
www.LYFfit.com
Facebook: LYF Fitness
Twitter: @lyffitness
www.CatskillInsurance.com
Catering & Holiday Parties Banquets up to 200 people
In its visitor information role, the Center offers the ‘Historic New Lebanon Map & Guide’. Thousands of copies have been distributed in 200 locations throughout Columbia, Berkshire, and Albany Counties.
30 |
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2017
For more information, lvheritagecenter.org.
“The Best Chauffeured Ride is Countryside!”
RIDE WITH US!
Celebrate at an open house on Saturday, March 25 at NOON, Valley Plaza Mall, New Lebanon. The Lebanon Valley Heritage Center’s mission: to showcase the rich 250-year history of the Town of New Lebanon and serve as a local tourist information bureau. A year ago, the Heritage Center lost its lease and was forced to close. Since then, the Center has secured a larger space and has an expanded collection using hundreds of donated or loaned photographs, books, periodicals, pamphlets, artifacts, maps, furniture and other antiques--with permanent, rotating, or topical displays. The Center acquaints residents and visitors with Mount Lebanon Shaker Society, the first and most important Shaker community in the United States; Lebanon Springs, the world-famous warm water spa that was frequented by presidents, kings, tycoons, and celebrities; Samuel J. Tilden, a Lebanon citizen and Governor of New York State who won the popular vote for the Presidency in 1876 but lost the election by a corrupt single vote in the Electoral College.
332 Main Street • Catskill
Does your car need TLC?
WE DETAIL VEHICLES For More Info Call 518-794-7373 3rd Generation Owned & Operated
Open 7 Days A Week 646 Albany Turnpike, Old Chatham, NY (518) 794-7373 est.1943
Weekend Specials posted to our Facebook Page
Specializing in
Wedding & Airport Transportation Countryside Car Service 518-325-3505 1-877-211-0833 www.countrysidecarservice.com countrysidecarservice@gmail.com SPRING 2017 | CG Business Quarterly |
31
YOUR
INTERNET
JUST GOT...
FASTER!
800.342.5400 www.mhcable.com